SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL

Blogging issues!

2012-01-19T14:38:00.001-08:00

Ugh. Don't know why but my blog is having issues and as you'll notice by my recent birthday tribute to my sweet 16 year old, the font layout is wierding out!!!

16 years ago...

2012-01-19T14:19:00.000-08:00

There was no snow on the ground but weather people were predicting it was coming. I was 39 weeks pregnant & scheduled for a routine exam by my amazingOB, Dr. Nakamura.

My mom and I headed into town for my exam. On the way, it started snowing. During my appointment, it snowed so much that Dr. Nakamura decided to admit me into the hospital because he didn't want us to venture home in that weather. Besides, that little baby in my tummy was trying to come out 10 days early!

After being admitted, Drs. orders were to WALK, WALK and then WALK some more. Throughout the course of the day, my mom and I had discovered every inch of that hospital as well as the mall across the street, which had access to the hospital via a winding tunnel. By late afternoon when Andrew could get off work, I was so through (!!) with walking and just wanted to sleep. That sweet little girl nestled inside of me was also worn out and wasn't moving much, but enough so that I was dilated to 8.

During the course of my day, I made plans to meet up with my best friend and her husband for ice cream. It sounded like a great idea at the time...But good thing my smart Doctor kept me at the hospital. I was dilating and effacing all over the place and doing all that gobbily gook that you do when about to give birth to something that should not come out of such a small space. Just before my BFF walked through the door, the nurse had broken my water. In walks BFF and hubby as I stood up...and KERSPLATTTT!!! There went this massive flood, all over the floor.

I truly almost barfed from embarrassment. What was this new and fairly horrifying experience? I'd heard once that if you are in a supermarket and your water breaks, grab a jar of pickles and throw on the floor. Nobody will know it was you. *(Except they'll all wonder why you pee'd your pants, too!!)

The Epidural was an EPIC FAIL and the anesthesiologist decided to go home and not tell anyone he had a patient in active labor (how did he get away with that??). My memory gets foggy after that. I think the pain was so unbearable & I vaguely recall the Dr. saying that “everyone poops during delivery, even if they swear they did not”.

Finally the time came to get that kid outta there! After what seemed like forever (and a TON of pain), a tiny, very blue, goopy baby arrived! Dr. Nakamura told my husband, "If you're going to cut the umbilical cord, DO IT NOW!!" He pulled the cord gently and quickly from around her little neck so she could breathe easier. Her daddy cut the cord and was surprised at how difficult and strangely rope like it really was. The nurse rushed that baby girl away and helped to get her coloring a bit better (spanked her?? LOL j/k). Apgar was a 2, then jumped miraculously up to an 8. It was only then that they told me her cord had been wrapped around her neck twice!

When we got to hold that precious baby girl, her daddy took one look at her and said "Yes, She is Our Chloe Drew!!" (He had been against that name for months but agreed it was better than Ann Drew, which my sister had suggested!). God gave us the most miraculous and wonderful first baby we could have ever asked for. She is a joy and I can see great things in her future. Happy 16th Birthday to our first born. She makes us very proud. ~The End...or...is it just the beginning?

Girls with Curls site.

2012-01-18T22:34:00.000-08:00

Found this awesome site dedicated to styling black curls on little girls. I loved it so much I wanted to share. I am lazy when it comes to styling my Miss Ruby's hair. I'm so thankful that her hair is easy and beautiful already.

http://www.happygirlhair.com/

New Year. New Focus.

2012-01-14T23:54:00.000-08:00

Blogging occasionally crosses my mind and I think about writing again. But seriously, who has the time? Who really reads this stuff?! I got a beautiful comment the other day by "anonymous". It simply said "Maybe the Ferguson's could find time to give an annual update? ;)" that made my day. It also made me cringe just a bit because it reminded me that someone was actually reading and wanting more. Soooo. Here I am.

My focus is going to change. I will not be dedicating this blog to the sole upkeep and parenting of my children. My.Adopted.Children. Specifically. In fact, I would like to remove the "A" word (Adoption) almost completely from my vocabulary. It doesn't really serve much purpose, other than to describe how our little family became complete (if it is?). And, using that word isn't very useful in every day conversation unless it's educating in a positive manner and helping someone else in their journey to expanding their lives through "a..." The main reason I hope to use the word a lot less is so that members of my family don't feel exclusive in one manner or another. We are all ONE. Team Ferguson. That's our goal. Work together, Play together, Irritate, Aggravate, Make Up, Love and Enjoy Life To The Fullest. There are already so many things to take away from these beautiful things. Oh, be sure, I will have healthy doses of toddler moments. Teen troubles and possibly even spousal debates! ;) All of which, I hope to add some humor and remind others that being human can totally suck but with a positive attitude, there is always a brighter side. (And if I can't find the sunshine, I will still be brutally honest).

So, with very little adieu, Cheers to my 'new' blog focusing on my utterly boring life and how I cope. Mom to 2 of the hardest age groups. Two teens & Two toddlers. Can you say "Yikes!" with me? Oh. And if that wasn't enough...I've been married to my VERY type A handsome hubby for almost 21 years.

Fantabulously Yours,

Red(hotmama)

Ruby's 3rd Birthday...

2011-03-11T16:18:00.000-08:00

March has entered with quite a few surprises. We've had an amazing amount of snowfall, school closures because of it and several birthdays...not to mention Andrew and I will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary this coming week! Whew.

My beautiful mother turns 75 tomorrow. She doesn't act or look a day over 60. She is a true inspiration. Always active and still walks about 5 miles every day...even in the 10 below weather of South Dakota! I wish she was here so I could help her celebrate...but she would say that I should be there instead because she was here last! That's my mom!

Our precious Ruby Kalkidan turned a big 3 years old yesterday! My what a grown up little person she thinks she is! Only with a lack for words when she's in public, our little dynamo had the whole birthday thing figured out. She asked all week when she would get her birthday cake and she asked for candy for her special supper. We had gone to a birthday party earlier in the week and she asked why everyone hadn't sung Happy Birthday to her instead! She even said that the gift we were taking to that birthday boy was hers and he was going to give it to her at the party! When March 10 finally arrived, she knew she was 3 years old and that she would get presents, cake and she was really hoping for candy. That last thing really cracks me up considering she doesn't even really like sweets! It's the whole glorious idea of it, I think. All the pretty colors, shapes and mystery of it all!

GrandmaRee sent her a wonderful little tea set, exactly what she wanted! Daddy got her a kite...again, something she's been begging for! I got her a couple of things she can take apart and put back together. She loves her toy drill and the tools it comes with. She also likes her toy cash register and money. But we have to keep the money away from Roman or else he will destroy it or put the coins in his mouth! Still working on that one!

Ruby also got herself something! She is almost done with diapers! YAY! A few accidents here and there but basically only wearing diapers at nap and bedtimes.

I'm getting payback big time...My 2 1/2 and 3 year olds still in diapers! ICK...when my older two were little, I so prided myself (and yes, gloated) over the fact that my kids had been PT'ed since they were under 2 years old. Heck, they were easy little trainers! I probably didn't hardly contribute to it. They just didn't want to be in diapers anymore...but the second time around?! NOPE! Ruby and Roman both have been pretty content to potty in their diapers and not tell a soul.

Roman is finally saying a lot. He tells me to 'sit down', 'what happened?!', 'what are you doing?', 'Where are you going?', etc. Most of what he says is still intelligible but he's making huge strides. Of course, his favorite word is "NO!" But he is the most polite little person I've ever known. He also will say (appropriately and after each time he gets something) "Thank you" and usually ends it with that person's name..."Thank you, Mom!" "Thank you, Dad", etc...He also says "Your welcome" and a favorite around here "I love you!" He is totally MY boy. I always tell him there's nothing wrong with being a mommy's boy! I am loving it!

To celebrate (and just get a break!) our glorious 20th anniversary will be spent in (sunny??) Southern California at Disneyland without kids! I think we are going to totally rock the park for 2 days! We'll have a romantic dinner and just relax and enjoy the time...but it will feel strange!

I have to say though, I've totally been needing a break. Having 4 kids, feeling like I'm being stretched in every direction but my scenery never changes is weighing on me! Honestly, my very precious toddlers are definitely acting 2 & 3 and giving me wrinkles! My teenagers are causing my hair to turn grayer with each passing moment. If I had to list each individual thing that my 12 year old says he "hates", it would take all night to type this! Thank goodness he has the ability (and uses it!) to change his attitude rather quickly! Just the thought that my 15 year old will soon be driving, dating and leaving the house sooner than I can blink just gives me slight panic attacks. I got married at age 20. That is just five years older than she is. WOW. I've been married now for half my life! My daughter says that is "just weird!"

SO, yes...I need a little break from mommy-hood and am gladly going on a Disneyland trip with my honey minus the kids!

Keeping up with this blog is almost useless! I wish I was more diligent. I feel like there is so much to share but when I sit down to type, the words are just not there...or they don't come out as eloquently as I'd like.

I guess it's just a heart weary week...The Ministry Of Womens Affairs in Ethiopia has decided to only process 5 adoption cases per week and this will sadly ensure that orphans and institutionalized children will stay in orphanages years longer than what they would have under the old plan. Some site that the work load was too great so they made this change...others say that this will help cut back on anything unethical. I just know it will hurt waiting families and hinder the cases already pending. Families will not be able to bring home their children that they already have seen pictures of and even possibly held tight in their arms. This will not allow children to find their forever homes, whether in America, France or elsewhere.

In a perfect world, each child would be raised by their own loving biological family...when that isn't the case, government officials need to create a healthy balance of what is BEST...and making these children wait in orphan care, without loving parents, proper clothing, basic necessities and food is a shame. I believe that Ethiopia has made some wise choices in the past for the parentless children of their country. I pray that they will review the decisions they have made this week and over turn them. I believe that Ethiopian orphanages for the most part are some of the most caring in the world. In general, they love the children and only want what is best. They nurture the children as best as they can and try to provide some form of education and work ethic. None of these things can compare to a family that they can call their own, though!

Japan had a massive earthquake, followed by an almost instantaneous tsunami which has most certainly killed thousands. Putting myself in that situation...thinking of the terror...is unimaginable. Just breaks my heart. I am broken, yet why?! I should be rejoicing that I am so very, very blessed. I have my family, my health, financials in decent order and a very comfortable life...

I am comforted by the beautiful text out of the Bible. John 14: 1-4 says:

¹ “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God^{a]" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em; ">[a]}; believe also in me. ² My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. ⁴ You know the way to the place where I am going.” AMEN!

2011-01-25T13:11:00.001-08:00

Photo of Andrew and I after counting the donations! See below for full text.

2011-01-25T13:04:00.000-08:00

My 40th Birthday Bash!!

2011-01-25T12:54:00.000-08:00

My 40^th Birthday/Fundraiser for Ethiopian Orphan Relief

After my husband, Andrew, informed me that I would indeed have a 40^th Birthday party against my wishes, my controlling side took over and tried to accept it.

Informing him right back that the idea of a surprise party absolutely made me cringe and the thought of a kazillion gag gifts was an even worse thought, he “allowed” me (tongue in cheek) to plan and direct my own party. Recalling the huge gift bag of black and white ‘over the hill’ gifts we still had from his 40^th last year, I knew my party had to be different. The waste of money going into such things just disgusted me…and yes, I planned his surprise party.

Recently, we were delighted and surprised with pictures in an email of our daughter, Ruby’s birth mom. Something we did not know existed! This really touched my heart in ways I cannot describe. Looking into the face of a woman who selflessly gave up her infant child so they both could have a better life, made my heart ache in good and bad ways. I knew we have to be more than just parents to Ruby and Roman. We have to be accountable to the children still there. The faces that may never see a forever family. (“Whether You Turn To The Right Or To The Left, Your Ears Will Hear A Voice Behind You Saying ~ This Is The Way, Walk In It”. Isaiah 30:21)

I did think of several ways to usher in my big 4-0. Just nothing really interested me. I even considered a rousing Bunko night but something just didn’t really click. After reading about my favorite charity, Ethiopian Orphan Relief (EOR), holding their annual auction in May, I knew what my party would be about. Now, just convincing my friends and family to join in! I started by creating an open event on Facebook and inviting pretty much everyone on my friends list to my birthday party/fundraiser for EOR. I had a goal of $440 that I hoped to reach in donations. A lot of people who RSVP’d said “no” and there were a lot who didn’t even respond. I was really dismayed and prayerfully took it to God, asking Him to show up to the party and bless the attendee’s and the donation pot. At this point, I didn’t even have a place to hold the party. Not knowing how many people to expect was difficult to plan for. My very dear childhood friend offered to have it at her home and this was the first blessing of many to come.

Andrew planned a raffle, selling tickets for $1 each. The prizes were $100 certificate to Galeotti’s Restaurant in Battle Ground, $50 gift card for Barnes and Noble book store and $30 to Bernie’s Southern Bistro in Portland. These items were all graciously donated. Another blessing!

The night of the party, I was still pretty much in the dark about how many people would show up. We provided appetizers, beverages and birthday cake, of course. We hired a wonderful young pianist who goes to school with my daughter, Cody Shearer to play piano as our live entertainment and everything had come together just beautifully. Friends started showing up here and there until the house was full. I was just overwhelmed with joy and the outpouring of love from everyone. The raffle bag was filling up with tickets and the donation jar was getting more and more green stuff and checks with each family. It was truly a birthday celebration I will never forget…the best one ever. Not just because people gave money but because they cared enough to support an idea. Did my friends need to donate in order to attend? NO, but anything helped and YES, we did accept pennies, dimes and nickels. At the end of the night, not only did God show up, but He had brought a flock of Angels with Him! When Andrew counted the donations there was $702 in the jar! I had passed my goal by $262.00! I was overcome with emotion and cried in sheer joy. I really was speechless and those who know me know that doesn’t happen often!

Throughout the following week, donations continued to come in either online or by people stopping me in the parking lot when I’d drop my 7^th grader off for school.

At this writing, we have over $1100 in donations and another $100 pledged. The company my father in law works for has agreed to match a portion of the donations, bringing another $700 to the pot! God Is Good All The Time!!

The donations will go to a program EOR partners with called Children’s Heaven. Children’s Heaven is dedicated to improving the lives of orphaned girls who have lost one or both parents to the AIDS epidemic. It gives the girls a safe environment, meals, education, basic needs, and spiritual guidance, among many other things. You may read more at www.childrensheaven.org.

If you would like to support Ethiopian Orphan Relief, please donate online at www.ethiopianorphanrelief.org . They have an excellent site where you can get a tax deductible receipt and designate what program you want your dollars to go in to.

YES! Happy Birthday To Me! 40 is an excellent age and I can only imagine what the next decade holds. Bring it on! I can't wait to see what God has planned!

Fall Pictures

2010-09-13T15:27:00.000-07:00

Autumn

2010-09-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

Around here, one can tell it is Fall because the Ferguson's have started storing away firewood for the winter. Like old times (pre-Ruby and Roman), we have finally gotten back to "normalcy" and have been able to either start new projects or finish them...as well as cut one Alder tree down in our pasture (Limbed, cut and stacked the whole tree! Now just the leaves and small branches need to be burned. There are three nice piles ready for a fall bonfire! I can almost smell it now!) Yesterday was simply gorgeous here in the Pacific NW and perfect weather for doing physical labor outside. Since I'm the type of person who would rather do anything outside (mowing the lawn, chopping & stacking wood, weeding, etc.) than anything inside (laundry, mopping, washing dishes), it was a wonderful day! I was reflecting on this yesterday, about how we weren't able to fill our woodshed last fall...there were two main reasons. One, we were still getting used to our new lives with two babies. They had only been walking a short while and were not very steady. Taking them outdoors in the rain was not easy because half the time we were picking them up from falling over. They had to be watched continuously and Roman was still putting everything in his mouth. The second reason was because we had SO MUCH rain! Buying a couple chords of wood just seemed easier, even though we broke the bank just to have enough to get through our cold, drizzly downpour of a season. Bleck!!!!
19 months later after bringing Ruby and Roman home, we are happily back to full blown "normal" and do everything pretty much the way we used to when we were just a family of four. We all have our role, our routine and it's wonderful that there really are no surprises. Because everything is routine, I have to stop and make myself acknowledge how perfect our family is. Please don't think I am being boastful...that's not my intention whatsoever. Merely, I am just in awe at how our God brought this family together in such a magnificent way. His timing, planning and love for us shows in the very children he brought into our lives (all four of them)...Timing truly can be everything!

I also want to talk specifically about my beautiful 14 year old. Our Chloe is a freshman this year! So hard to think about sometimes. Already in her three short weeks of school, she has a full schedule. She plays on the JV Volleyball team with practices every night after school, not to mention when she has games...her day is at least 10 hours long! We drop her off at 8am and pick her up at 6pm. Whew...She plays percussion in the school band and just attended her first Girls Club camp out in central Oregon. Every day she tells me delightful stories about school that day...her group of friends are uplifting, supportive and they all love being together. She has a healthy view about dating and boys and although she tells me that she 'thinks' one boy has a crush on her, she is not ready to date. I love that she has a healthy environment in which to thrive in high school! Attending the same school, 21 years ago (yikes...but it only feels like 5!), I always hoped that my children would find the same encouragement and 'fit'. In a nutshell, this year is off to a fabulous start for this new high schooler!
Knowing how fast the next four years will fly makes me quite melancholy. I am a very upbeat person, usually looking at things positively, even when they seem bleak. But seriously, thinking about my children growing up, making life changing choices and being safe really makes that little gray cloud of doom hover just a bit over my head. I want them to grow up, be happy and make good choices. But that little doom cloud reminds me that this won't always be the case. There will be times they mess up, make choices that I cannot fix and sometimes won't even be able to relate to whatsoever. Ugh. This has weighed on my mind a lot lately. Not because anything has happened to indicate so, but because I know it's inevitable because I've been there. All the nurturing, love and healthy support my mom gave me still did not 'save' me from making my own naive choices. Don't get me wrong, I didn't do drugs whatsoever, have only been flat out drunk once in my whole life and was actually a 'good' kid. But I had no clue how to handle my finances and there were many times I was completely broke, or worse...negative balance. My mom was there to talk to, but she also was a firm believer of not giving handouts. I had made my bed so to speak, so I needed to sleep in it. It always seemed so easy for her to be hard nosed, but now, being a similar type of mom, I know she was doing me a favor and not enabling me...and it was probably very difficult for her to stand by and let me fall. Lessons are hard to learn sometimes, but I am grateful. In 4 years, I will have an 18 year old and I am just a bit blue over that. So much can happen in four years. Weird to think that I was 20 years old when I got married and that is only 5 1/2 years older than Chloe is now. OK!!! With that, it's time to sign off now! Ruby and Roman are napping and there are more chores to do outside...or should I nap, too?!

Elmo vs. Barney

2010-09-08T23:45:00.000-07:00

Holy Granoli! I can't believe it's been so long since I've blogged on here! Any computer time seems to be facebooking (yes, I'm addicted...it's so...what's the right word...instant!) or searching for library books.
My babies are growing way too fast. We've crossed a milestone. Several of them, actually. They are both now two years old and even though at times they are light years away from each other, there are moments when they seem exactly like twins.
Ruby's favorite things are being very bossy to everyone. We often hear her saying "NO! Don't Touch!!" or "Stop It!!" or "Go Away!" or "No, I don't Want It!"...my favorite is when she tells on daddy for something he's done to her. Oh my...the child is controlling and absolutely beautiful all at once. She continues to mesmerize me and I am in awe of this incredible creature that is my daughter. Ruby also loves anything pink, purple or green. She will point and tell me "That one!" to the pink or purple bowl, sippy cup or utensil. She can count to 10 easily, knows several of her colors and can say many of the alphabet. The girl can also sing just about any tune after hearing it only once or twice. She is a lover of music and like postings before this one, she can still dance up a storm!!
Her favorite character is Barney and she sings the theme song with gusto and soul. Today she said "No more Elmo, mommy...we play Barney again?!"

Roman is so full of energy that I barely know what to do some days. He wakes up incredibly happy and full of character each and every morning. I do not think he has ever awoken on the wrong side of the bed. He's just naturally a "glass half full" type of little guy! Of course, this also leads to him doing a lot of head butting because he thinks that is just part of being full of life! The kids head is made out of concrete, I swear. So, in the morning, when he is showing how awake and happy he is, he does this by crawling over and bonking his head on part of mommy's body...usually my face. I've learned to cover my head with my arms! There is no reasoning with him, he just laughs. Hardly anything makes him cry. Unless it's not getting his mama! Yes, mama's boy he is...and I'm perfectly happy with that, too.
Romy talks all day long. We do not know 99% of what he's saying, but he's chattering away just the same. He can say about 5-8 actual words, although no sentences. I am not concerned yet...well, maybe just a teensy bit...but his pediatrician doesn't seem concerned since Romy is blabbering so much. His hearing is great and normal, so we'll just give him some more time. After all, my mom said I did the same thing until I was 3 1/2 and all of a sudden one day I exclaimed "Whoooo Whooo, look at that cute boy!" (For those who know me well, this should come as no surprise!)
Elmo is Roman's very favorite thing in the whole world, next to mama! He lives, eats and breathes Elmo...that is, if he could. He will communicate that he wants to watch Elmo or Sesame Street by saying "Elmo-mo, Elmo-mo??!!" and pushing me towards the TV. If he does not get his way, he will get cranky and throw a bit of a tantrum. But it never lasts long. There is something about that little red monster that he just LOVES. So, now you can understand why Ruby is sick of red furry monsters and prefers purple dinosaurs!!

The summer simply flew by and we are officially into fall since both older kids have started school. I have a 7th grader who is enjoying his classes, but still prefers to be home and playing on the computer or his Nintendo DS. I also have a freshman!!! Wow...she totally loves her 9th grade year so far and for the first time in her life adores PE! She is on the JV volleyball team and will have her first game soon. I am so excited for her! Both kids have fabulous teachers and I'm looking forward to a happy year.

Andrew is working on an assignment in sunny Southern California. What I wouldn't give to be there, too. I wish we were on vacation to Disneyland...I truly believe it is one of the happiest places on earth. He recently quit his job at Oracle and started working for Optimum Solutions, based out of the Bay area. He is really excited to be starting somewhere else after being in his old position for 10 years. It's a great change, plus better income. Providing for a family of six gets pretty tight...

We have taken the kids off of dairy milk (not cheese or ice cream or yogurts) and switched to Almond milk. It's a delicious and healthier alternative. I've noticed a big change in Ruby's regularity and the shelf life is amazing. Sippy cups no longer go 'bad' in the car all day. Literally! I haven't had a rotten 'milk' cup in months. Just my little .02 cents.

Well, I have so many things I could go on about but it's late and recently Roman has been waking up at 4:30am and thinking it's time to start his day. BLAH!!! To be the best mama I can be, I should go to sleep...NOW!

Not making any promises to write more often, but I SO appreciate those of you who have emailed and wondered where I've been! My kids are all doing great and we are just living life to the fullest every day. Praise God for His many blessings!

Drubek

Our latest family photo session!

2010-03-16T23:14:00.000-07:00

New Family Pics

2010-03-16T22:27:00.000-07:00

We recently had more family photo's taken. We are very impressed with our local Yuen Liu. For being a studio that doesn't really have a lot of diversity, the price is good and the prints are quality. We were very happy with the results and could barely choose from all the truly good ones that were taken! I hope you all enjoy them!

Ruby is really interested in cows. She thinks all living, breathing, furry creatures bigger than a dog is a cow. Horses are not horses, goats moo, giraffe's must too. Yesterday we had a deer family stop in our pasture and graze. Ruby yelled excitedly to me from the living room "MOM!!! MOM!!! COW! MOM, MAMA, MOM, MAMA, COW!!!! COW!!!" I ran in to see if the neighbors herd had gotten loose (which has never happened)...Ruby is pointing out the front window and exclaiming that there are cows out there! I said "No, those are deer". Ruby answered very sweetly "No Mama, COW!"

Ruby still only has a few teeth. Late bloomer for sure. She turned 2 on the 10th of this month, yet, she only has six teeth. I can feel that her gums are very hard but those teeth can't be seen yet. Preparing foods that she can truly chew is still an ongoing endeavor. That girl will eat cheese for every meal...all cheeses! Just like her big sister, Chloe! If anyone reading this has some recipe's they'd like to share with me, please pass them along. Ruby is picky (except for cheese!) and I'm having a hard time getting her to try things. She will not eat banana's, apples, eggs, cooked carrots, oatmeal (any hot cereals) or potatoes (in any form) to name a few. I'm happy to say she will eat avocado!

Potty training is going really great. Ruby goes pee pee every time she tells us (3-4 x's per day). She does not like to go poop on the toilet yet though. She has twice, but she appears a bit scared when doing so. I believe she would be even further along, but in my old age...being a "been there, done that" mama, I'm not as on the ball as I once was. Chloe was potty trained at 16 months and Elliot was at 2. Roman will not even be ready for a long time. He is just discovering he has something dangly down there! :) Hee hee. But BOY! Does he enjoy running around naked. What boy doesn't?

Ruby's vocabulary is exploding. She will say just about anything after she hears it. Her newest words are Pizza, Miss you!, See You!, Ciao, I love you (but she only whispers this for some reason), Down Kitty kitty!, Daddy bye bye, Daddy work, Chloe, Elliot, cold, hot, balloon, coffee (she can recognize a Starbucks a block away & all mugs are "coffee"!) etc....every day she is saying something new or a new *almost* sentence. She had an entire conversation with my friend Jennifer last night. She told her that "Daddy bye bye, work, Daddy, car". She is putting wooden puzzles together well and she enjoys playing make believe. She will have conversations on anything that she can pretend is a phone and she even holds whatever object of choice on her shoulder while she "multi tasks" on the phone. Another fun thing she likes to do is pretend she is sleeping...snoring and all. Ruby and Roman LOVE playing with pillows from the bed and jumping on them, covering themselves up in them, wrestling on them, etc. These are their newest toys!
For her birthday, she got a toy guitar. Oh, what fun! Ruby loves the guitars from Rock Band, so her daddy got her one of her very own (Fisher Price style). But OH MY, the fighting between her and Roman!!! He wants one, too! They are a very typical brother/sister! Ruby is the most musical toddler I've ever seen. She loves to sing, dance and keep the beat. She can keep the rhythm better than most adults. She will sing and keep rhythm by smacking her leg to whatever she is singing. I'm truly amazed. And DANCE. That girl can dance. She's got moves like crazy.

Roman is my precious little monster. He is not yet taking off in the vocabulary department. He can say Bye Bye, Hello (and he holds his hand up to his ear while doing this usually), bath, dad, daddy, mom, mama, kitty, all done...He still knows what he wants and goes after it, unyielding. Lover of books, he enjoys playing with all of his toys, but books are his favorite. He will sit down next to the basket and "read" all by himself for long periods of time. He also loves the cat. Sometimes he gets the wrong end, but he kisses and hugs that poor cat to death. We always cringe when we see him at the tail end and he's attempting to give kisses. Ugh...at least he is a gentle little guy with critters. He also loves our little dog, Sammy. Romy actually loves the outside dogs, too, but he hasn't been able to play with them yet.

Bath time is really a monsoon in our home with the two little ones taking a bath at the same time. I cover our floor in towels and let them have fun for the most part. They still have to be reminded constantly to sit down...you know...standing in the bath is so much more fun/dangerous. But the splash fest is unbelievable!! I also have to remove all the soaps and shampoo's. Otherwise they would be pumping them into their hands and throwing them out onto the floor! Ruby and Roman both know how to pump the lotion and think they have to be a part of slathering after bath time! I always give them a little bit to rub on their tummies and they think this is THE BEST. Romy does still try to lick it, though. Something about the smell of that cucumber melon baby lotion, I guess! :)

As I write this, it is pushing 11pm and I need my beauty sleep! No kidding! The gray hair is getting thicker and the red is turning apricot. Good thing being a mommy is so grand. I truly have THE BEST job in the world. Andrew and I had our 19th wedding anniversary today...but we actually celebrated on Saturday night. I planned a date to the local roller derby! What a hoot! It was so much fun. Then dinner at one of our favorite places afterwords. It was wonderful to be out on a date...we don't do it enough...but when I'm back to the daily routine, the reality is no employer, no co-workers, no employees could ever be better than what I get to do every single day with my family! I thank God that He blesses us with a life that I am able to do this and be home with my children.

Drubek

Chaotic January - Already Busy February

2010-02-08T10:41:00.000-08:00

One year ago this month, we arrived back on American soil with Ruby Kalkidan and Roman Abinet Ferguson. It was an amazing journey that will last our life times. We are so over joyed that we heeded the call from God to expand our family through adoption.

January flew past with celebrating three birthdays...Andrew's, mine and then Chloe's. My grandmother passed away on my birthday, she was 99. A couple of weeks before that, my uncle passed away after a long battle with a brain tumor and then on the 16th, my other uncle passed on from a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Our family had the services for all three on the same weekend in Eastern Washington. Whew. What a weekend...celebrating three wonderful and amazing lives as well as connecting to family that we haven't seen in years, even decades. My grandmother was the epitome of the Christ centered life and she was faithful and obedient to the end. Always cheerful and full of spunk! She was a very funny lady who enjoyed making the grandchildren laugh at her silly faces!

I threw Andrew a surprise 40th party at a local retirement home (Whaaaa Ha Ha Haaaa!) and it was a great turn out. We are blessed with many friends, most of whom we do not get to spend enough time with!

My oldest turned 14 (!!!) on the 19th and we had seven teen girls here for a slumber/X-box rock band party. There was colored hair spray glitter all over the bathroom and girls camped all over the living room floor. It was a huge hit. Having a small house, we weren't sure how that would work out, but the next day all the girls were raving about the fun they had. Chloe was concerned that the babies would wake up while the girls were all rocking out. We told her that it was ok. Be as noisy as they wanted...it was her party and she was only 14 once (it's not like we have this many teens here very often and if we want them to keep coming back, they need to feel comfortable). Besides, Ruby and Roman can sleep through just about anything...And, they did! It is evident we have a teenager. She is going more places and occupying her time with her friends and school functions. It makes me sad...and proud. Next year she will be in high school. Sigh.

Ruby has consistently been going pee pee on the big potty about once per day. We do the potty dance and really whoop it up. She is very proud.

This morning, as the house was quite cold, Ruby pointed to her toes and said "Mom, cold!!" I asked her if she needed some socks on and she nodded her head "yes" and said "Shocks!" She also is saying more and more two and three work sentences. When we get in the truck to leave somewhere, she will ask "Go home?" Or, to pick up the older kids at school she will say "Go Elliot?" She does not say "Chloe" very much, but she can say it.

Roman is just starting to say more words. He now says "Hello" and will say a few other words once or twice before keeping silent again. But his own language prevails. He can carry on a conversation but we don't know what he's saying! :) We'll get there.

Roman runs everywhere. I'm not sure he knows what walking it. He also has discovered climbing and so we've had to baby proof even more than before. I've also noticed he is getting more "snuggly". I am delighted. Usually, he is very happy to play, read and run around like a crazy man and not have too much holding time. So our hugs and cuddles are very precious.

Next week is Valentines...may your heart be filled to the brim with love and kindness.

drubek

Life Goes Too Fast!

2010-02-03T23:02:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's been so long since an update. Just shows how busy and full life is. For Christmas, all six of us took a wonderful trip back east. We visited Philadelphia and all it's historical glory. Then off to Washington DC for almost a week. It was really cool to show the kids our nations capitol and the sites. From there we spent our last week in New York City. There is so much to see in each of these cities that two weeks wasn't possibly enough. For Chloe and I, seeing Ellis Island was a highlight. We walked everywhere each day as much as we could to experience the cities. The subway was a new experience and thanks to my husband, the walking GPS navigator, was also a fairly easy way to get around NYC. We'd love to go back when we can spend more time. Plenty we missed, that's for sure!

It's amazing how quickly life speeds by. Ruby will be 2 in March with Roman following closely in July. They are daily doing and saying new things. Ruby can say two and three word sentences and will surprise us with something she's heard and just say it appropriately! Today I handed her cup to her and she said "Thank you" without any prompting whatsoever. She is fascinated with "Pee Pee" and will point to hers and everyone elses! I bought her pull ups so we can start getting serious about the potty department!
Roman says a few new words each week. He is catching up, but slowly. I would not say he is delayed, but he likes to jibber jabber and doesn't really see the need to actually talk. He runs everywhere and rarely walks. This little boy is already fast and has some serious football skills with his zigging and zagging! He has discovered the joys of climbing and is fearless...you all know what that means. I constantly am taking him down from somewhere he's gotten himself into!

What a joy they both are. It never ceases to amaze me at how joyful, energetic and full of mischief they can be. It keeps me on my toes. Daily I feel ganged up on but wouldn't change it because it's usually full of hilarity, too! They both make me laugh more than anything else. I wish Andrew was home more so he could enjoy the daily life before they grow up. It's happening too fast.

Another thing happening too fast is a 14 year old in the house. Thank goodness she is such a great kid...she'll graduate from 8th grade in June and then next year off to high school. Sigh. She's beautiful and has her head on straight. She is a joy, most of the time...but definitely starting to spread her wings. She hopes to find out this week if she was voted class president. She is still in percussion in band and also continues the piano. Through the winter sports program at school, this is her third year taking snowboarding. She completely loves it!

Elliot is doing a fantastic job in 6th grade. He continues playing the upright bass and piano. He recently scored in the 87th percentile of all 6th graders nationwide in the Iowa Basic tests. He loves to read and snowboard. He is an attentive big brother and is always willing to care and play with his baby brother and sister.

Andrew is still on an assignment in Omaha, Nebraska. We are grateful that he has a job but like I mentioned earlier, it would be nice if he was closer to home now more than ever. Life is changing fast around the Ferguson home.

The question we've been asked a lot (so I'll address it now) is if we have considered adopting from Haiti...I think anyone with a heart probably has considered this since the massive earthquake doubled the orphan population. We pray daily for their safety and peace for this country. If the Lord has more children in mind for us, then it will happen. We will know if this is the case because He will impress it upon our hearts. He will also provide the room we need to bring home more children since the house we live in could not accommodate more now. I don't need to be concerned with that though.

I hope everyone is having a fabulous February so far. It seems like it should be the middle of the month already and not the beginning, though! I guess some things aren't going too fast!

♥drubek

Toddler Party of 8...

2009-11-25T19:21:00.000-08:00

Toukoul Babies Unite!
The first ever playdate with hopes of many more to come. Anyone who would like to join us is welcome. Future dates to be announced.

Thankful...so very thankful!!!

2009-11-25T18:56:00.001-08:00

I have a beautiful story to share. Several months ago on a Saturday afternoon, our family was having lunch at our favorite steak place. Just before we were leaving, we noticed another family (a mom and baby daughter) a few tables away. Feeling pretty sure that the baby was Ethiopian, we stopped by and said hello and commented on how precious this little one was. We exchanged greetings, briefly talked about our adoptions and confirmed with each other that our babies were indeed Ethiopian...but not only that, we also were thrilled at the fact that all three (hers and mine) were from the same orphanage! Imagine that! All three babies were within a few months of each other and had probably been together at the same time in their homeland.

We left feeling wonderful to have spoken to each other and that was that. Fast forward a few months and my dear friend, Tania, (who also brought her little toddler home from ET last December) mentioned her friend Kathrine and daughter Allegra. We put two and two together and realized this was the same mother/daughter we had met at the steak restaurant! Small world!!! Tania and Kathrine had met because they used the same agency, were single moms and had so much in common...an instant friendship developed.

Recently, several of us "Toukoul Orphanage" adoptive parents and our children met in Portland for lunch and to get all of our babies together. Eight babies all together under the age of 2!! That was an active place!!! The staff at the restaurant were gracious and we all had a wonderful time visiting and trading toddler stories. Even though we had only met once before, I was thrilled that Kathrine and Allegra came with Tania and Sabah, too.

Now for the REALLY, REALLY, REALLY cool part...Kathrine has a picture of Allegra, Azazu (a care-giver at the orphanage) and a mystery child when she was in Ethiopia bringing home Allegra. She inquired about this other little girl and wondered if she was going to be adopted. Azazu reassured Kathrine that this little girl did and would soon be going home with her new family.
After meeting us all again the second time, Kathrine was sure this mystery baby was Ruby. I got the picture in an email and without a doubt, this is my little girl! We actually have a referral picture of Ruby in the same dress she is wearing in the picture, too. No doubt.
It really shows what a very, very small world we live in! Here these two babies shared a room, cribs next to each other for several months and then coming home forever to the Pacific NW...literally to grow up just a few miles from each other. Gives me tingly chills just thinking about it.

I will now end with a quote that really makes me think about what else I can be doing in this world...

"Sometimes I’d like to ask God why He allows poverty, famine and injustice in the world when He could do something about it...... But I’m afraid God might ask me the same question."

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone...I hope it is a truly blessed day for you all.

Pee Pee, Poo Poo and lots of drool

2009-10-27T14:08:00.000-07:00

I've unofficially~officially started potty training Ruby. She is 19 months old and has actually gone pee pee on the potty once. It was probably a fluke, but since she was able to do this and has since told me that she has the urge, I think she's ready to start slowly.
She also will indicate that she is poopy. We started waving our hand in front of our noses to show her she stunk when messy and now she will do the same to tell us to change her diaper. Today, she woke up and grabbed her diaper area. I asked her if she needed to go potty on the toilet and she nodded her head "yes". I put her on it and ~Nothing~. But, no biggy. She'll do it when she's ready. For now, we're making it fun and interesting so that when she is ready, it's not scary or intimidating.
She did go poo poo in her diaper about an hour later and she told me by plugging her nose and saying "Woooooo EEEeeeeee!" Then waving her little hand past her nose! LOL!!!

Roman is getting his first molars still so there is a lot of drool coming from his mouth...constantly! He tried to wipe his own mouth yesterday as it was bothering him like crazy. At first I thought he had a long hair in his mouth but realized it was just his slime. He is almost walking. He will stand a lone for brief periods of time and has taken 2-3 extremely small baby steps. He's coming a long, though. For the rough start he had, we are amazed at his tenacity!

We have stayed well and none of us have gotten any form of the flu. I am successfully fighting off a cold but I don't think it's going to come on full force. We have had so many friends get sick. H1N1 or whatever. I've pretty much been hibernating my family except for taking Chloe and Elliot to school and picking them up. Doing grocery shopping requires me to really wipe down the shopping cart. Thank goodness where I shop they have the Clorox wipes to clean everything right there by the carts! The babies really enjoy riding in the little car carts w/ steering wheels, too! Who knows what runny nosed, coughing child rode there last, so I wipe them down extra well! This, coming from a mom who is so totally not paranoid.
I just don't want to get sick! For me to be sick would be really bad. Since Andrew is gone all week, it's up to me to keep the family on track and everything here at home running smoothly.

Well, it's almost time to boogy into town to pick up C&E. They are having a great year so far. Chloe will be running for either Class President or Spiritual VP. She is already on the social committee in charge of planning the rest of the year activities. 8th grade! Where has the time gone? Wasn't she just in kindergarten? Blink, blink!!
And Elliot has started up orchestra again. His humor and nurturing always amazes me. You'd think his sole purpose on earth was to entertain and adore Ruby and Roman. He is the most caring and loving 11 year old brother I've ever seen.

I am SO proud of my children.

drubek

Recent picture of the kids!

2009-09-20T10:59:00.000-07:00

More Pics

2009-09-17T21:56:00.001-07:00

SHEESH!!!

2009-09-17T21:09:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it's been so long since our blog was last updated. That's what joining Facebook will do to a person! LOL.
This is a true statement. I get on there and keep up with everybody and forget what I did before joining...obviously my poor little blog has been completely abandoned!

But besides that, I recently lost my oldest sister, Julie, to cancer. She passed away Sept. 5 at 11:46pm. She was 52. The blessing is that each one of us were able to say goodbye and tell her we love her. We are confident that we will see her again in the clouds of glory when Jesus comes to take us all home. She is a peace now.

Well...let's see...updates, updates, updates. Ruby is 18 months now. Running all over the place and helping with everything she can. She is such a little mommy. She is quick to tattle on anyone, including the pets. "MOM! Uh OH!!!, MOM!!!" and she will take her little finger and point to the culprit. She also loves throwing things into the trash can. Thank goodness she has a good eye for what is garbage. Never one to put things in her mouth, she is good at throwing away gum wrappers, tags from clothing and lint. Ruby folds her hands to pray and says "Pay, Mom, Pay!" She loves to pray and we often find ourselves folding our hands and bowing our heads many, many times per day. Not as verbal as I would think she should be, Ruby does say a few words as mentioned in other posts. She says "Baby, kitty, hot, Delta" (one of our dogs), and several others. Ruby enjoys doing "big girl" things. And, often times, she amazes us on how grown up she really is. Ruby eats with a baby fork, blows on her food, wipes her face with a napkin, tries to comb her hair and loves rubbing lotion on her tummy and face.
Bath time is a favorite with both babies. Ruby loves to "wash" Roman. I can't say he likes it, but she tries her best to wash his back and face with the wash cloth. Ruby still only has four teeth! Sheesh!

Roman is 13 months old and doing the power crawl. He has a very lean but super strong physique. He is a go getter and has no problem going after what he wants. Trying to take something away from him usually ends in a struggle and whoever is quicker wins. Being a biter, a head butter and a hair puller gets Roman a lot of attention. But that ever beautiful, ornery smile and vivacious personality wins over every time.
Roman folds his hands to pray and says "Deedus" (Jesus). He also has said "gramma", "Hi", "Bye" and a few others. He hasn't said a lot of words yet either, but he is very verbal. He loves to scream and talk in his own jibber jabber.
Roman loves the dogs and cats. He will spend endless amounts of time chasing them. One cat will play back and delights in hiding in high places, ready to pounce on top of this determined little baby!
Roman has seven teeth and the 8th is trying hard to come through.
Roman loves people and flirts with everyone. He is quite the charmer and I'm thinking I'll have to watch that cutie pie as he gets into his teen years! LIKE A HAWK!!!

Ruby and Roman's favorite toys are their little piano and other musical instruments. Both LOVE standing at our family piano and will play there as long as I let them. This is usually a lock out zone for them as it's an entry way into a whole lot of baby trouble...cat litter, bathrooms, etc. So, standing at the piano is quite a privilege!

Well, for now I need to sign off. I have some writing to do for my sisters service on Saturday. I'm supposed to be writing a life sketch. I've read back over this blog (what I've just written) and it's clear to me that I'm in no mood for writing. I'm just not "ON"... ;)

Here are some pictures though! We've been taking them like crazy. Our family is growing up way too quickly! Enjoy!

Happy Birthday To Our Little Miracle!!

2009-07-26T23:52:00.000-07:00

Frankly, I don't want to be blogging. It's been since June 5 (!!!) that I've updated, and I am still not really in the mood. I know, it is awful. I'm hot, tired and just want to facebook or watch TV or...I'm 100% being lazy. There is a part of me, or rather, us, that is totally used to the daily goings on of two babies added to our family. We have adapted well and it's not like we are still pinching ourselves every morning, yet, on some levels, it is hard to blog daily or weekly like I used to. Maybe it's just the summertime way of taking it easy. I hope others out there can relate...and for those of you still in the waiting process, I hope you will understand once your precious wee ones arrive home! But, it would practically be criminal not to blog and document such a wonderful occasion.

SO, I have titled this post with a happy birthday wish for Roman! Yikes, Yes!!! He is ONE YEARS OLD today!!!

I can't really believe it myself. He is so small, yet so feisty and energetic. This boy is all muscles and sturdy as all get out. He started sitting several weeks ago and then just took off. He crawls all over the entire house and licks the floors...yes, he is building his immune system! I'm pretty sure he ate a small clump of cat litter this morning. BLETCH!!!! I was sweeping near the litter box and Roman rounded the corner and scooped something up before I could stop him. I dug around for it, but between his tightly clamped mouth and quick swallowing, I didn't find a thing. I'm sure he will also find the cricket that escaped while I was trying to feed the lizard.

In the 5 1/2 months that I've known this beautiful little guy, it's like I've known him forever. He is a miracle to us. I can only imagine that his first mama is somewhere in the Amhara region, thinking about the baby boy she gave up in order that he may live. It's been a year ago to her...just a few months for me. I can only imagine...

So, the stats are: Roman is in the 10th percentile for weight, the 50th percentile for height and is waving, says "HI" once in awhile, says "Ma ma", "Da Da", "Dad", has said "Kitty", and his favorite, "Uh OH!!!!!" Ruby taught him that one! Although not quite pulling himself up yet, he is trying. He is still not real steady on all fours, but he's a little moose in his own right. This kid is very strong. I swear, when I'm diapering him, he sometimes seems stronger than I am!

Roman is extremely ticklish! I think every part of his body has a tickle spot. He loves to bite and I have the bruises to prove it. He is a hair puller and giggles with glee when told "NO!!!" It's great fun for him to get attention in this manner. OY! Are we in for it! What a stinker...Sometimes we can almost see the little horns growing out of his curly little head! LOL.

Romy was circumcised a few weeks ago. It went well and except for being one pissed off little dude when he was in recovery, he did great. He now has a normal Ferguson penis! Hee hee.

We are so much in love with this lil guy. He is cherished by his sisters and brother. His mama and daddy think the sun rises and sets on him. And yes, for all his orneriness, he can do no wrong in our eyes! :)

Let me switch gears now and concentrate on Ruby. What an angelic little girl! She is so gentle and kind. She loves giving kisses, saying and waving Bye Bye. Saying "HI!" to everyone and flashing those big dark eyes in flirtatious ways at the grocery store. Ruby and Roman are both huge flirts!! Ruby also says "Night Night", "Kitty", "Mom", "Dad", "I did it!!!", "What's This??", "baby", "Sammy" (who is our indoor dog), "Elliot", "I love you", "Hey baby!!!" (when talking on the phone), "NO NO" (which actually sounds like "Whoa, Whoa!" and also says in disgust "HEY!!!!" When something isn't going quite right for her. She never calls me Mama...it's always "MOM" very matter of fact. I couldn't figure out why she didn't call me Mama or Mommy until Chloe mentioned that Ruby hears her and Elliot reference me as Mom all day long, so why would she call me anything else! DUH.
Her favorite toy is a small plastic pitcher that goes to her kitchen set and also her toy broom. She loves the ride-on airplane which she actually just pushes around the house.

Ruby is caring and affectionate to us all. She loves giving kisses and will pucker up and give them over just about anytime, but esp. at nap times. She loves her baby brother and will often times kiss and hug him. She plays well with him and allows him to take her toys away from her. I tell her to get them back, but she usually just lets him get away with it. I will intervene at times and show her it's ok to not allow that!
Ruby eats with a fork and bowl at mealtimes and is very efficient. She also is only walking and practically running now. She never crawls. She gets around very well and FAST. She adores getting into my kitchen drawers and usually will put things back away when she is done exploring. I find her to be quite conscientious!

Ruby is still very bonded with big brother, Elliot. This afternoon she snuggled up next to him on the couch and they watched TV together. She also rested her head on his chest and started to nap. It was so beautiful.

Elliot went to Big Lake Youth Camp last week and almost made it the whole time. We were called and told he was pretty sick and needed to drive down and get him. Ugh...poor guy! He's had a temp of 102 consistently for six days now. I'm calling the Dr. tomorrow!

Chloe is at camp there this week. Both of my older kids are an amazing help to me and having one gone will be tough...not to mention how much we will miss her! Hopefully she stays well!

Andrew flew out today for a new assignment in Omaha, NE. He, too, was starting to feel flu symptoms. Praying that he gets better and Elliot also kicks this bug FAST. Not really wanting to think the words "swine flu"...

Well, I'm pooped and heading for bed. I still can't believe I have a one year old now! My heart is joyful and sad. Time goes too quickly.

Drubek

Firsts

2009-06-05T21:09:00.000-07:00

Some firsts to document! Ruby has taken her very first unassisted steps! She took a few the other day in order to yank on the cats tail and when he bit her, she tried to go back and swat at him again! But he was too quick for her baby steps! Then today, Chloe told me that Ruby took another four or five steps! Yippeee. (I think! I may regret those words!) Ruby is almost 15 months old.
Roman has officially sat up by himself today! At 10 months, I was beginning to wonder if the lil guy even had a spine...I've been calling him noodleback! No crawling yet. He just figures that he can roll everywhere, so why should he learn crawling? :D
Summer has officially started in our home. The 2008/09 school year ended today and I now have an 8th grader and a 6th grader! I'm not looking forward to a summer filled with "I'm bored" and "What's there to eat?"...But I am looking forward to fun in the sun, at the river, at the coast, a trip to eastern WA & OR to visit friends and some annual camping trips. We also will have our annual Fireworks party again this year. We were debating on it and Andrew just can't stand the thought of no party to set off his homemade smoke bombs and his magnificent displays!

And more...

2009-06-05T21:04:00.000-07:00

New Pictures!

2009-06-05T20:41:00.000-07:00

Concert in the park (actually, Elliot playing for us in the yard!)
Pluck that upright, boy!!

Chloe's baptism by Pastor Aaron! It was a beautiful day!

Ruby w/ Whoville hair!
Wondering what it's like to be the dog and then later, jamming on the keys! Ruby loves the piano!

I just got my finepix to work and saw there are 97 pictures to upload! I'm sure every single one is of a baby or at least a baby in the background somewhere! I'll try to show the very cutest ones (t-heee!) and not overwhelm everyone. (I've got my work cut out for me!)

PS: Judi M...if you are reading this...these are for YOU! I hope you are enjoying retirement and having a wonderful early summer! If you see anyone from the state offices, tell them hello for us!

2009-06-05T20:27:00.000-07:00

On a rather warm day, I laid Romy down for a nap in just his diaper...when he awoke, he had discovered how to remove it!

Sweet Sisters!

These Incredible Babies!

2009-05-21T21:50:00.000-07:00

So we've been home with Ruby and Roman for almost 16 weeks!!!! That is FOUR MONTHS!!!! The time has absolutely flown by and it's like these children have always been ours. Well, spiritually speaking, they have. I truly believe that.

Since this is my blog, I will brag about my children for you all to read!!!
(I'd post some recent pics, but my finepix keeps freezing up and won't allow it right now! Bummer!)
Roman has 5 teeth and is working on the 6th. They all popped out in JUST the last month! Whew! He was a busy boy! He is rolling from tummy to back and sometimes visa versa. He doesn't like to stay on his tummy, and therefore is not attempting to crawl yet, either. Always happy, this beautiful child is saying "Da Da Da" and will grin from ear to ear and even giggle when I say "MAMA!!!!" He thinks that is great fun. He loves attention and can be quite loud when he's not getting it. Roman is eating finger foods with a passion. It's like he's a little robot when I put food on his tray...he is very coordinated and even grabs up the morsels that drop down into his clothing! This boy has come so far, even in just the last month! He is really starting to act like a 10 month old. He's gained weight and is totally on target in every way except crawling...but his legs are very, very strong. I'm sure he'll attempt walking before crawling.

Ruby is an incredible little girl. In so many ways, she is way ahead of a lot of 14 month olds. She is the queen of mimic! She is studious and will 'count' how many times you clap your hands and then she will copy you. We first discovered this a few nights ago. My mom is here visiting (and meeting the babies for the first time) and patted her hands together once. Ruby did the same. My mom did it twice, Ruby did the same. Then three times, four and then five. Ruby could not keep up at six. We were amazed.
Ruby is a great little "mommy". She pats Roman on the back and says "Baby!!" She also is a great kisser, keeping her lips all puckered up and dry...not slobbery at all. She is quick to wave bye bye when we get in the car as well as say "Bye" with a wave when she thinks somebody is leaving. She also waves and says "Hi" when we see friends or she she's her big brother and sister after school. Her favorite word is "Uh Ooooh!" And uses it appropriately when she drops a toy or spoon, etc. She's also been known to use it when she thinks someone else did something 'wrong'.
Ruby is very good at telling the dog to go "OUT!!". Recently, she kept telling my parents poodle OUT when it jumped on Papa's lap. She did not like that at all!
A very happy baby, Ruby has started getting an attitude. When told "no", she will point her finger at me and say "Whoa!! Whoa!!" (I'm sure her version of "No"). She then will get a very mischievous grin and keep doing what she's not supposed to! She will also tell us off in her own gibberish when she doesn't like something. You can see it all on her face, too! She has already gotten scolded for not talking nice. I'm not sure what she's saying, but the tone is enough to know it wasn't nice! This girl is already one step ahead of her old parents so I'm sure she'll either age us quickly or keep us young.

Chloe continues to adore and love her baby siblings. She is an awesome sitter when I need it, although she still has yet to change a diaper. She will, however, get the babies undressed and ready for bath time and bring them in to me to bathe. Chloe is almost an 8th grader! In another week, she will be out of school and enjoying the summer.

Elliot is just as wonderful and enjoys playing "kitchen" with Ruby. He has taught her how to open all the drawers on her little kitchen set and also how to pour pretend juice from the pitcher! He is a good dancer and daily holds her hands while they slow dance around the living room. Elliot is also looking forward to summer and then starting next year as a sixth grader. He will have the same teacher, as she teaches 5/6. She's been great for him this year and he enjoys her humor, too.

Well, I have a movie that I've been trying to watch all week...Babes are all sleeping so it's mommy time!

Drubek

Chapter Six: Coming Home

2009-05-07T22:45:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Frankfurt, Germany. In our sleep deprived and spit up covered states, we managed to pass the hour or so we had there before boarding the next flight to Chicago. We were very thankful for our status with United and were able to relax in the Red Carpet Club. We quenched our thirst and fed and changed the babies before heading to the gate.
When we arrived at our gate, there was already a long line forming. Chaos was abundant and it seemed that most people there wanted to be the first to board.
Chloe had still been very sick throughout our flights and she basically collapsed on the floor, about ready to throw up at any moment. I got her out a gallon sized ziplock bag as it was the only thing I had for her. She promptly used it. None of us cared anymore...we were exhausted. I was holding Ruby and Andrew was at the counter, holding Roman. He seemed to be taking so long. Too long. I kept looking over, trying to get an indication of what was the hold up. Finally he motioned me over, a very worried, tense look on his face.
When I stepped up, he explained that the ticket agent was not going to let us on because we had used points for our first class tickets and the babies needed to sit in coach. Well, that is certainly absurd!!! We explained our entire process, how we had these tickets fair and square like anyone else, but this cranky, irrational agent would not budge!!! The plane started filling...soon we were the very last passengers at the gate. This woman was beyond belief. She said that passengers "pay good money to sit in first class and they don't want to be bothered by crying babies"!!! No matter what we said, she kept to her opinion. But, we had our tickets so WHAT WAS HER PROBLEM!!!????
She finally said she would allow us on, but if "those babies" cry once, we would have to take them to coach! AMAZING!!! She then make us wait some more, went down and got the head honcho guy from the plane and brought him back to talk to us. He was very nice. He did not have a problem with us in first class. He said he loved children and hoped to have his own some day.
Meanwhile, Chloe is throwing up again. The agent then looked at her and asked what was wrong with "Her!!" I quickly motioned to my low stomach and mouthed the words "female issues" so they would think my 13 year old was having her time of the month. At that point, I didn't care if I lied. We had to get on that plane!! I probably would have said just about anything!
We were the very last ones on, but we made it. I can only hope that the ticket agent there will someday understand others better and have some kind of revelation to change her attitude.
We were so happy to land at O'Hare...although, it being a strange city, it still seemed like a foreign land. We had a two hour lay over, again, taking advantage of the Red Carpet Club. We met a wonderful woman there who works in the club. I don't remember her name now, but Andrew has since flown through several times and has stopped in and said hello to her. She enjoyed seeing the babies and hearing our story of adoption so much. We also met another lady who was on her way to a funeral. Her flight had been cancelled so she gave us the very delicious cookies she made. None of us were really interested in eating, but we brought them a long and nibbled a bit on them anyway.
We had called ahead and Stan, Andy's dad, was bringing us groceries, building a cozy fire in the stove and getting the house ready a bit for us to come home. At that point, nothing sounded better to us than grilled cheese sandwiches and Campbell's tomato soup!!! Even by then, Chloe thought this sounded like food straight from heaven! And pickles, we were craving pickles! Here we were in Chicago and deep dish didn't even sound good!
Stan even brought us potato chips and dip. Yummmy! We were having some serious food craving issues by this time! LOL!
We boarded our Portland flight with no hassles whatsoever. We were headed HOME. Our babies were almost done being juggled back and forth between mommy and daddy. Our arms were tired, our brains were exhausted, we were drained...but we were so close. The flight seemed endless...
As the plane neared the ground, I got more and more emotional. I looked like hell, was a mess. Spit up was on my clothing, on Andy's too. Chloe had barf in her hair and I'm sure Elliot wasn't smelling like roses, either! On our descent, Roman had one of his many, many blowouts!!! I couldn't get up as we were in the process of landing. So, I changed him right on my lap...poo was everywhere...his neck, his feet...and now on me. Oh well. We were HOME!!!

As we carried our new little angels for the first time on Pacific NW soil, my emotions overcame me and I couldn't stop crying. Part joy, part exhaustion and a whole lot of gratitude to the amazing group of friends we found welcoming us home. Friends and family cried with us and delighted in seeing our whole family for the first time, all together!

With help from many friends, we got our luggage, piled everything into our truck and came home. The dogs were so excited to see us. The cats were nonchalant, as usual. The potato chips were wonderful and we were too tired to make grilled cheese sandwiches!
That first night, Ruby slept peacefully...as she's done every single night since. She knows she is HOME. Roman has had a few more complicated nights, but he is four months younger...much more of a baby, too. Roman has popped four teeth through in the last four weeks...Ruby has just gotten her two bottom teeth through today.

At this writing, Ruby can say Mama, Daddy, Bye, Hi, I love you (in her own version, but we know that's what it is), kitty, Uh Oh!!!, and something that sounds a lot like "Bye Bye Brother" while waving. Hmmmm. She waves, blows kisses, puckers up and gives beautiful, dry kisses, giggles loudly, shrugs her shoulders when asking a Ruby question...like the other day she looked at daddy's side of the bed and she said (while shrugging her shoulders and holding her palms up) "Daddy????" She was asking where he was. She's a climber, crawler, cruiser...she's a bit deviant and a whole lotta wonderment!!! She rarely cries, often disobeys and always, always has a big smile and amazing personality!

Roman, at this writing, is saying Da da da da da, making all sorts of other sounds, giggling, shrieking in delight, especially when he's talked to, and just starting to roll from back to tummy. He loves his excersaucer, especially to bounce. In fact, this boy cannot get enough of bouncing!!! Roman goes to bed with a smile and wakes up with a smile. He has started wanting whatever you have in your hand...the phone, the remote, a pen, etc. He is intrigued with earrings and bluetoothes. He will take his little hands and turn my face this way and that, searching for earrings. He will notice my bluetooth and turn my head to see if the other ear has one, too! All the while, a look of wonder on his face. He looks at us as if he's saying we are the most amazing people on earth. He truly has come so far from the little featherless sparrow in our first referral photos!
Each and every day I am in awe of these incredible blessings from God. Each of us could not love these babies more. It would be impossible.

So, where do I go from here? Well, I will continue to update as often as possible our lives now. The dear people of Ethiopia will be forever in our hearts. Someday we will return. We have learned so much...we will continue to learn and teach Ruby and Roman about their first country and the first mama's that loved them so much that they allowed a second mama and daddy to love them, too.

Blessings!!
Drubek

2009-04-22T11:57:00.000-07:00

Chapter Five (I'm starting to forget things! Oh NO!!!)

2009-04-22T11:07:00.001-07:00

Chapter Five: Our trip to the monastery was on the next to the last day we were in Addis. This was a bittersweet time for our family. We were sad that we did not get to see and do more and So relieved to be coming home shortly.

Thursday evening the chef at the guest house prepared some traditional Ethiopian food. It was wonderful. So much better than the food we have had at home. The injera was good, a food I don't usually care for. The beef (or was it lamb?) was tender and delicious. I was impressed. Ethiopian food is usually something I can take or leave. I ♥ ethnic foods, but usually my palate prefers Thai, Persian or something more savory like that. Making the injera with actual Tef does make a difference it appears! ;)

On Friday, Feb. 6, we woke and prepared to pick up Ruby and Roman for the final time. This was to be the very last time they would wake up in an orphanage. The last time they would be fed, diapered and caressed by their nannies. The last time they would smell the delicious Wot cooking for the older children and the last time they would see *true* sunshine for several more weeks! At home in Washington State, it would be raining and possibly snowing for awhile still.

If I did not feel too teary when I first met my baby girl and infant son, this was to be the day I would. The feelings of emotion that came over me, realizing that these two perfect little souls were now free from poverty and orphan life overcame me in a way I cannot begin to describe. They were truly all ours & we were heading home. Not knowing if we would ever return, but hopeful we will. After being home now for these past 11 weeks, the urge to return is great and the love for Ethiopia has only grown stronger.

I cried when the nannies turned Ruby & Roman over to us for the last time. These women did this act practically every day. To them, it was part of their job. I believe it is a very sad event and brings them also a bittersweet feeling to release the children they have cared for so diligently. I gave each of them a hug and tried to express my gratitude. I wondered which gifts they had each taken of the items we brought for them. I wondered if they were thinking about the babies waiting for them to care for upstairs or if they were thinking of Ruby and Romans future in a western land. None of this is relevant except for I cannot imagine doing this job and having to let go of a child I have cared for, for so long. Much like foster care here. Selfishly, I could never do it.

We packed our many, many suitcases full of souvenirs and clothing and Wendi drove us to the very crowded airport that evening. It was so strange to see how busy it was. When we had arrived at 3:30am nine days prior, the airport had been dead. Now, throngs of people, all seeming to be going the same place as we were congested the parking lot and terminal. Wendi took us as far as he could go and we all tearfully said our goodbyes. He will never be forgotten. Andrew gave him the flashlight and money that we had saved for him. We promised to keep in touch and assured him that the special package w/ spices and a Valentines ring for his girlfriend would safely make it to Seattle.

Customs was actually a breeze and after filling out more paperwork for our visa's, we were on our way to the gate.

Our first stop was to be in Khartoum, Sudan. We would not be getting off, but others would and new passengers would come aboard. I have to admit that after hearing all the media coverage of things that happen in this place, it was hard not to have some fears.

Ruby and Roman slept peacefully, as they were still on their regular schedule and it was nighttime. I was not feeling well by this time and I could only stomach hot tea. Ruby, when she was awake, only wanted my tea and showed her very stubborn side, demonstrating that she was not going to mind her new mommy and keep her hands OFF. Finally, as a last resort, I firmly, but gently, smacked her hand and said "NO!" She immediately smacked me right back...Showing mommy that this was not going to be the best form of correction. She continues to be a very smart and stubborn little girl, wise beyond her years and definitely a child we have to stay one step ahead of at all times. A marvelous child though, indeed. I wouldn't have her any other way.

Roman was having a very difficult time with his upper respiratory infection. It caused him a lot of pain, especially taking off and landing. The poor little guy would spit up all his formula and cry his little heart out. He just needed to get home and see his new doctor pronto!! We realized that he could only stomach about 1-3oz. at a time and then he'd need to be burped. Not quite up to par for a 7 month old!

But we were on our way home & that was all that mattered!

I am currently typing w/ one hand and feeding Roman with the other arm so will sign off for now.

Next chapter will explain our new found disgust for the United ticket counter in Frankfurt and be the close of our Ethiopian journey. I hope to actually finish this portion this week! Fingers crossed! Leave me a message if you are so moved to! ;)

Peace,

drubek

Chapter Four continued briefly! (Silly Me!)

2009-03-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

I was having a mental lapse last night when I typed the last blog entry. When I talked about the second crater, I said we didn't stay as long there...not as pretty, blah blah blah...Well, that is because I honestly couldn't remember it being that great. BUT SILLY ME! I don't know why I forgot about the fruit juice!

When we went to the second crater, we sat at a restaurant and had the MOST wonderful fresh juice. The kids and I had mango guava, and Andy and Wendi had mango pineapple. Very fresh, very safe to drink. YUM~YUM!

Drubek

Chapter Four (finally! =)

2009-03-23T21:02:00.000-07:00

Life is certainly busy with two little ones, so close together. Plus, having a 13 and 10 year old with their own busy itinerary, I haven't had a lot of time to blog. But here I am...

Where did I leave off last?

Oh yes...We were indeed able to make two day trips outside of Addis. The next day, after Elliot's eucalyptus forest event (the cipro worked wonders!!!) we went out of town to see two craters. The drive was very bumpy, a lot of road construction that never seems to get finished. The route we took involved a lot of heavy trucks, apparently the main road to Sudan, I believe...my memory being fuzzy now. But anyway, it was a main thoroughfare into other parts of Africa. And I think I've mentioned it before, but with very heavy, black exhaust emitting from each vehicle, it was hard to breathe at times. Wendi, our driver, was fantastic about passing these other trucks, cars and buses. Often times at the cost of our being fearful for our lives! These Ethiopians!!! They drive like maniacs! But we love them!

The first crater we stopped at was deserted except for us. There were two young men, early 20's I'd guess, who came over to take our entrance fee and write a receipt...good thing we had pens =). I was surprised we had to pay to see the crater since things like this are free in America. It was very beautiful, though. Across the lake was a couple of large resort looking buildings which Wendi said was the compound for the Protestants. This lake had very leaky looking boats that we could pay extra to be taken out in. The crater looked deep and the boats looked too rickety so we decided not to this time. We posed for a few pictures and then headed back up to the Range Rover.

The next crater was not as pretty and we stayed an even shorter time there. It truly was more exciting to be driving along, taking in all the sights on the way. Seeing the people, the countryside and how everyone lived outside of Addis was so fascinating! Plus, I just loved handing out the pens and paper to the students and children we would encounter. That was a highlight. Not because I felt like such a grand person for 'doing that' but because we got to interact with these joyful people. Have I said how beautiful in spirit they all are? They are amazing.

The next day we finally got to head back up the eucalyptus forest hillside and experience that trip. And my, what beauty. I fell in love with that drive. One I will never forget. Lovely. The air smells fresh and minty...eucalyptussy...ok, not a real word, but you get the whiff...=) The donkeys heading into town with their heavy burdens, the women and men who chase after them, the women carrying their own heavy loads to sell in town. As I mentioned before, the athletes training up and down the hillside, so full of energy and vitality. People always on the go to somewhere...town, home, chasing goats and sheep. They are always busy but not too much to look the way of a Range Rover coming down the road...big waves and huge smiles welcomed us wherever we went. SO wish our camera had not run out of batteries. We did get much more video footage and some day will upload some of it to here.

We drove to the largest christian orthodox monastery there, with it's huge domed ceiling. First, we had to read a sign and attest that we had not had sexual intercourse with each other for 48 hours and I also had to attest that I was not on my period...that being said, we were then able to take the monastery tour. Our guide, a very knowledgeable and delightful priest, started the tour by having us remove our shoes before entering. It was built in the 1960's, and not being that old, I was quite surprised by how musty it smelled inside. It was fairly dark, no lighting except for the sunshine in through the beautiful stained glass windows. We were not able to photograph using flash, so we just got video inside. There were murals depicting the last supper, the trinity and Mary and Jesus. Jesus on the cross and other disciples. The stained glass was spectacular. Each one showing different Bible characters. Daniel in the lions den, Abraham, Noah and the ark, Jonah and the whale, and many others. The opposite set of glass had the disciples. After the tour, our guide/priest gave us a miniature sermon...which was really, really awesome!!! He told of the importance of bringing up the children in the church, teaching them to love their Lord and Savior. Teaching them stories straight from the Bible, God's word. To show the example of what we would like them to be and being consistent. It was really neat. My family talked later about how our denomination, Seventh Day Adventists, was so much like what this priest was talking about.

After the tour, we were invited to go on the hike up the mountain side to the sacred cave. Where the holy water flows from the ceiling of the rocky crevices, healing all Orthodox Christians of their ailments. This was a lovely hike. At one point, the trail opens up to this plateau that could be taken straight out of a Robin Hood movie or like a forbidden forest. I can't even explain it...except mysterious and lovely.

At the cave opening, we went through a small gate. Priests were sweeping the entrance, even though it was a dirt and rock floor. We took our shoes off and went inside. It was damp and musty. The interior was about 20X20. The priest told of how the founder of this cave prayed for over 20 years and walked with the Lord. At the end of his meditating and communing with the Lord, this saint lost one of his legs from being on his knees so long in prayer. Again, some of my recollection may be off as there has been a lot happened since hearing the story and visiting the cave...But, it was very interesting.

Well, my 13 year old is home from visiting a friends for almost two days and I'm going to hear about her time there. I will try to write more soon!

Drubek

Chapter Three

2009-02-25T12:11:00.000-08:00

Chapter Three: When I last left off (If I can type for very long before Ruby wakes up from her nap!) I was going to tell about how Andrew and Chloe were on the mend. They had been sick for about three days and I was feeling like a woman without a country! Elliot and I had been caring for the babies each day (what a trooper that ten year old of mine! He was my right arm!!). I think I mentioned this already. He would hold Ruby in the back seat and I would have Roman and we would transport them back and forth from the orphanage to the guesthouse each day.

Well, when the sickies in our family were up to it, we finally were able to consider a day trip out of the city. (We had already given up on the idea of our trip to Awassa...a two day trip). We headed towards this lovely mountain filled with eucalyptus trees. About 5 minutes into our drive, Elliot suddenly says he doesn't feel well. He initially thinks it's because he didn't eat enough breakfast. So I gave him a fruit leather. Almost immediately upon eating that, he asks for a bag! Producing a gallon size zip lock, he empties his stomach into it. Wendi, our courageous driver pulls over and without a question, takes the barf bag to a dumpster...which I have to say is kinda funny considering there is garbage all over the streets anyway, yet the dumpsters are always full, too!
We continue our drive. Wendi points out that the athletes train on this mountain, which is about 8000 feet. Which is why they come to America and whup our butts!! We see numerous runners training, having no problem breathing at all and running full speed up or down the mountain! On the side of the hill, there are beautiful carvings of the Lion of Judah, a church in Lalibela (known for their amazing stone churches), other animals and Haile Selassie, the king of Ethiopia.
Elliot suddenly clutches his side and basically screams in pain...apparently Montezuma's Revenge was in full force. Wendi pulled over along the road, about a 1/4 of the way up the mountain and I dug out some TP for my anguished son. Andrew and Elliot were quite the site, running into the eucalyptus forest! Twenty minutes later (and seeing numerous donkeys and women with bundles of eucalyptus branches on their backs coming down into town w/ their loads), Elliot emerged, glad to be rid of his load!! (Ok, that was bad...) Apparently, it was pretty bad!! The great thing is we had a prescription for Cipro which helped him tremendously.
Needless to say, we turned around and headed back to the guesthouse so Elliot could recover fully. We actually made the trip the next day and it was a great success...more on that in Chap. Four...

Ru just woke up so I need to continue this again later. Hopefully sooner than later, anyway. I'll also try to get Andrew to upload a video of this beautiful eucalyptus mountain side. It was so lovely. One of my highlights of the trip (minus the sick kid!)...

Drubek

Video of us meeting the babies for the first time.

2009-02-22T13:10:00.000-08:00

New pics before we get too far along! =)

2009-02-20T22:04:00.000-08:00

Ok, I promise to finish the saga of our trip, but here are a few pics for you to enjoy! Everything is beautiful and going well in our family. We couldn't ask for a smoother process in bonding!

2009-02-13T12:55:00.000-08:00

Chapter Two

2009-02-13T01:43:00.000-08:00

Chapter Two: First of all, I should mention that Yes, I did change my page to a prettier design thanks to Aqua Poppy Designs (free blog designs!! Yay!) and another blog I follow "Life in the Bend" who pointed me in their direction. I love this design, but it was difficult to choose because the designer has so many pretty choices!

So, on to chapter two of our Ethiopian trip! In chapter one, I noticed a lot of typo's (which I deplore!) but since I am typing this usually in the middle of the night, I will excuse myself a bit and realize that sometime grammatical errors will occur! (Esp. for mama's of virtual twins!)

Day two arrived in Addis and our 13 year old daughter started having a sore throat and muscle aches. Her head started hurting and then came the deep chesty coughing. By that evening she was bed bound with a temp. of 103.5 and refusing any solids. With the lethargy and no interest in food, we tried to keep as many liquids in her system as possible. Wendi, the guesthouse chef (not to be confused with Wendi our driver) concocted wonderful soups each evening, but this turned Chloe's stomach as well. Thank goodness they had fresh squeezed OJ and bottled water. I think we pretty much used up their entire water ration for the week. We were constantly asking for more. I'm pretty sure it was a little joke with the staff about how much water the Ferguson's drank as we each had probably two or three bottles of Highland each day!

Day three arrived and Andrew started feeling low. A sore throat, fever, aches, headache...coughing...Sound familiar? By that evening, his temperature had soared to 104! He too went to bed. At this point I HAVE to mention that a few weeks before leaving on our trip, Andrew got into one of his fatherly tirades about "staying well" and making sure to "take our vitamins"..."load up on zinc, Vit. C, magnesium, etc. etc. etc."...by the time we actually left town, we all had heard enough about supplemental intake!

So now with two down...Elliot and I were holding down the fort. I must say that my 10 year old was such a great help to me. He would go to the orphanage each day and hold Ruby on his lap while we drove back to the orphanage. They became great buddies! Very few people can make Ruby laugh like her big brother! I know at this point therapists will say that Ruby should only have bonded in this way (the way that she bonded with Elliot) with her daddy and mama, but we had to do what we had to do. I held Roman on my lap and off we went. In Ethiopia, seatbelts are optional and there are no child car seats. A crazy notion if you were to see how people drive there! Yikes! A car horn in Ethiopia is not only for letting people know you are irritated with them but also to let pedestrians & other drivers know you are within inches of running their heels over!

Saturday evening comes around and I've still got two very sick family members. I felt like I'd been carrying a family of six on my shoulders in a third world country. With Elliot and I the only two visible Ferguson's, I'm sure the guesthouse staff thought Andrew and Chloe were dead. That night Andrew took Nyquil. He also requested the sleeping pill, Ambien. I told him "No!!" because you're not supposed to take it with alcohol. We all went to bed. At some point a few hours later, Andrew awoke, feeling terrible, and found his coveted Ambien. The next morning, I realized that Andrew was sleeping much deeper than normal. He also was incoherent. He mumbled and slurred his speech. He usually wouldn't answer when I asked him questions or he would babble strange things. For instance, he started saying things about "there are flying batteries in the room! Get them down, get them down!" and "Catch the big fish! The big fish are the meanest, so get them first!!!" At one point he made mention to our Ethiopian attorney, Sintayehu and one of the drivers, Solomon. "Sinty called Solomon and said to come get us! Solomon, Solomon, where are you? Come get us!!!"...Although a little funny at first, I soon realized that my husband was not being his normal self. Then, he continued to ask for more Ambien!! At one point he attempted to get out of bed to go to the bathroom. As he was crashing into the walls and door jams, I knew I needed to help him. There is nothing scarier than taking your 200 lb., incoherent, babbling, hallucinating husband to go potty!!!
Elliot and I had to go and get the babies again so I woke Chloe up. I told her she needed to go in and sleep next to Daddy and babysit him. Since she wasn't hallucinating, she was clearly more capable of monitoring her father than he was of himself! But her temperature was still near 104 for the third day. I also told her that I had hidden all meds from her dad and if she had any problems with him acting weird than she would need to get up and go tell Muli or Wendi in the kitchen. The staff were wonderful and we are indebted to them for their hospitality. They cared for us so well.
We were quickly using up any meds we had taken with us, and with the only antibiotics on hand being the Malaria meds, I was trying to think rationally about what to do...as well as doing A LOT of praying!
By Monday midmorning, Andrew was starting to feel slightly better. The hallucinations had stopped (although I did resort to asking him who our President was, the names of our children as well as what day of the week it was, to which he was able to answer correctly the names, but got the date wrong.) He still slept most of that day and emerged a better feeling man on Tuesday. During this time, Chloe still was sleeping a minimum of 10 hours per day and still not eating a thing. She ended up losing enough weight (not sure of the poundage) for it to be noticeable. And this is a girl who can't afford to lose any in the first place!
Well, I guess I should stop there...for those of you who are still hanging in there and reading...please know how grateful I am!!! forget! This blog is not only to share our experiences but also to serve as a journal for us so we can remember our trip and all the interesting things surrounding it! We are blessed to have our health...to live in the USA where medicine is easily accessible!
In my next chapter, people get well...well, at least Andrew does. Chloe starts feeling better for a few days anyway & Elliot has a jaunt into the Eucalyptus Forest he will never forget!
Drubek

A New Chapter ~ How To Begin To Describe This Wonderful New Book?

2009-02-11T00:05:00.000-08:00

CHAPTER ONE: We arrived back home Saturday evening, Feb. 7th to a wonderful crowd of friends waiting at the Portland Airport. It was very emotional for me. We had just spend the past 32+ hours on flights that took us from Addis Ababa to Khartoum to Frankfurt to Chicago and then finally (FINALLY) home to PDX. Getting my feet planted back on American soil was wonderful at O'Hare, but being HOME was an truly safe feeling.

Our trip was amazing. That word, "amazing" can have so many different meanings to me. Not always positive, not always in the way most people think. When I say amazing, most people assume it was ALL wonderful and joyous. And, this is the word I use when I do not have the time or the energy to describe in full how it exactly was. Our trip was full of adventure that is for sure.

This may have to be continued unto another posting, but I will start with the day we left and journal the trip from there. I feel that each person's journey will hold something different for them and that they should not take my experience was one they will also have.

Monday, Jan.26 we arrived at PDX and headed out for destination Addis at approx. 1:30pm. Our flights there (PDX to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to Istanbul, Istanbul to Addis Ababa) were uneventful and seemingly fast. We were blessed enough to fly business class and therefore we were also able to take advantage of the different clubs in each airport. Landing in Istanbul, Turkey was an experience. Never before have I felt so much like the "Ugly American". I found the people in the airport to be arrogant and rude. I was, not once, greeted with a smile or any form of hospitality. We had a six hour layover to which we were very glad to get back on a plane! Then on to Addis, about a six hour flight.

Arriving in Addis, we made our way to customs, but because we decided to ride the 'lift' (elevator), we went down too many floors and got lost. After about a 1/2 hour (or so it seemed), we found our correct way (Thanks to the very friendly soldiers who directed us). By now the line was very long at customs and we waited there. Quite some time later, we found our many bags and suitcases full of formula and donations and had them scanned one final time. The security personnel were alarmed by the amount of formula and were very hesitant to let us through. After several explanations from me that it was going to the Toukoul Orphanage for the BABIES, they allowed us through.

We then waited in the airport for our driver to show up. Since our friend Tania had traveled just a month before, we knew that waiting for our ride was a possibility. We waited...and waited. Finally a nice young woman came over and asked if she could call someone for us. We gave her the numbers for our attorney (who our agency said to call first in such an event). Sintayehu arrived about an hour later in a very small car. Realizing our luggage would never fit, he then called Solomon who arrived in a mini van! =) Needless to say, we were loaded to the hilt!

At this point, we were all feeling great and full of anticipation. We knew we would meet our babies that morning as well as have our US Embassy appointment in a few hours. A very full day. We were supposed to have the Embassy appointment the next day, but due to an In Service Day, they bumped it up.

After a breakfast of nearly fried eggs, freshly squeezed OJ and Ethiopian coffee, we were headed out to meet Ruby Kalkidan and Roman Abinet.

The drive to the orphanage confirmed our earlier ride from the airport. People lined the streets, walking to wherever they were going, or usually running. They would dart in and out of traffic with reckless abandon. Young children were no exception. The exhaust from vehicles choked us and the sites amazed us. Everywhere we looked, it was a completely new experience. Men and women in authentic Ethiopian garb, priests in Orthodox Christian shawls and of course, mostly western attire. Some women walking down the dirty, uneven road wearing high heels and dresses. Appearing to be going to the office...men in three piece suits coming out of a tin shack, on their way to work. The smells were interesting and usually wonderful due to the strong scent of burberry hanging in the air.

A short drive to the orphanage, along the way passing a few meat stores...small shacks with fresh (?) meat hanging on the walls. By small I mean like an 8X8 area. No refrigeration whatsoever. We arrived at Toukoul within 10 minutes and met Melat, the orphanage secretary. Wendi, our new driver introduced us and Melat made a phone call alerting the staff the Kalkidan and Abinet needed to be readied!!! We filled out paperwork and told Melat of our donations. Within moments, two nannies arrived outside the window carrying two lovely children! Our children!!! For the past year, I thought I would cry when first meeting my new babies. But in that moment it was just 'awe'. It literally happened so fast, I don't even know what video we have. Ruby stared at us with those big eyes of hers, really not sure what she was getting herself into! Roman greeted us with a huge smile and lit up the entire area! What a charmer that one!

We spend the rest of the morning in the visiting room there at the orphanage, bonding. Ruby fell asleep on daddy's chest. The room is fairly small and spending it with four other new parents was quite an endeavor. The other parents were all from France, so communication was also limited.

This will conclude 'chapter one' since I really need to be sleeping! Roman has had his nighttime bottle and Ruby should stay asleep the rest of the night (fingers crossed). I am battling a bad cold (nasty chest cough!!) It's 12:40am and I have several hours of sleep I could be taking advantage of!

Drubek

Packed and ready!!

2009-01-25T23:10:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to post pictures of the donations we'll be taking to the orphanages in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A huge part of this was generous donations from friends and family. We asked for donations of formula, A&D ointment, underwear, socks and crib sheets! You all delivered and we are so grateful! Many of you gave freely of monetary donations. That was very helpful because we were able to provide the exact items needed.

We are also taking paddle balls, plastic horses and safari animals and ball point pens for the children. Pens are coveted items, we hear. Pens mean children can write! =)

5 pkgs. Girls underwear
3 pkgs. Boys underwear
2 pkgs. Boys socks
3 pkgs. Girls socks
$1500 worth of formula
17 pkgs. Notebook paper
8 crib sheets
30 cartons of A&D Ointment
10 School folders
13 K-2 School Workbooks
8 pr. flip flops
120 paddle balls
100 plastic toy animals (4" size)
Over 150 ball point pens

All packed into one rubbermaid bin (Thank you T!!) five checked suitcases and eight carry ons! WHEW. I'm glad we're all packed!

Thank you EVERYONE for your generosity and love. Drubek

Introducing Two Of The Most Beautiful Children Ever!!!

2009-01-24T23:47:00.000-08:00

And presenting, for the first time ever on "SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL"...The entire reason that "Something Beautiful" was even created...
Our AMAZING children, Roman Abinet & Ruby Kalkidan Ferguson!!! We will meet them on Wednesday, January 28, 2008 for the very first time!!
Mama, Dada, big sister Chloe and big brother Elliot are SO excited!!!

Drubek

I've been tagged!

2009-01-20T12:54:00.000-08:00

I think the rules are to go into my photo files and choose the fourth picture in my fourth file. So here ya go, Andrew and baby Sabah!!! Sabah is the beautiful daughter of my friend T, who brought her home in early December. She is a wonderful child and we've enjoyed meeting her. Sabah is also Ruby's BFF! We can't wait to reunite them in a couple of weeks!

Parents to a teen now!

2009-01-19T22:58:00.001-08:00

Well, it's official. Chloe is a teenager!!! She's had tendencies towards teenager ism for awhile, at times, but now, it's here to stay. She's such a lovely girl. Sweet and helpful most of the time. But there can be that naughty side that comes out every once in awhile! At times she just knows everything. Or, when asked to do something (at times) she "already was going to do it!!!" So there!!! I keep saying "At times" because there are the majority of times when she is amazing and we are so blessed to have this wonderful eldest child.
I know she will be a marvelous big sister (again) and continue to be a huge helper.
I took Chloe and her BFF to the mall for some girl time today. We had fun shopping and getting our nails and toes done. The girls were treated to dinner at the Olive Garden. It was a very nice day.
Elliot got to enjoy his day with our dear friends, the Boldens. He loves spending time there...I joked that they probably changed his name and were keeping him now!

I want to post pictures of the babies so bad. Six days until we leave to go to Addis Ababa. Eight days until we actually meet Roman and Ruby!!! It might be presumptuous, but we're gonna try to blog a bit while in country...stay tuned to see if this is possible!

drubek

Still Nesting!

2009-01-05T13:14:00.000-08:00

Here is Roman's crib. I love the color green and the brown is so precious with it! True to my new found 'modern' phase, his bedding had to be in geometric shapes. Someday I will have my dream house and it won't be so 'country-ish'! So, I am living vicariously through my children!! My two favorite rooms in the house both contain my babies cribs! You'll notice that the pictures only show Roman's stuff...the rest of my bedroom wasn't tidy enough to show it off. Maybe next month! Oh wait, I'll be too busy bonding with babies to clean! =)
Here is a pic of some of the diaper supply. The rest are under Roman's crib. Four cases will probably go pretty fast!
Roman's crib, supplies and blankets for the babies.

Where tiny baby boy will sleep!

Love the design!!!

Drubek

Nesting

2009-01-05T12:57:00.000-08:00

Chloe and Ruby's bedroom! Chloe helped pick out the bedding for the crib so it would match her personal style that she had already created. I think it works really well!
Here is a cool mirror we found at IKEA. Chloe and Ruby's room is bubble gum pink, raspberry pink, turquoise and lime green. Accents are round mirrors and circles! One wall is diagonally painted w/ the bubble gum pink and turquoise.

We had to figure out a way to store Chloe's drum set because of space, so we were able to fit most of it under Ruby's crib. The bass drum is being used (carefully) as a bedside table. Chloe reads her Bible each night, so it is a great spot for that. Let's just hope nobody sits on it! =)

We've been very busy nesting around our house! The whole family has joined in. It helps pass the time until we travel on Jan. 26. So much to do though, still!

I'm posting Roman's crib next! It's just as darling!!! He has to share crib space in our room for awhile...then he'll move into big brother Elliot's room! But that project will have to wait until another day.

Drubek

WE PASSED COURT!!!

2008-12-29T13:42:00.000-08:00

We passed court!!! We passed court!!! What an amazing journey this entire experience has been. We are SO grateful for all the prayers and best wishes you all have extended to us.
Right now there really aren't words to express how we are feeling...disbelief is one because we have had such a wonderful adoption experience and the thought that something could go wrong at any time is always there. Pure elation is probably the best word, though.

I know we will catch flack from everyone (esp. those of you who have not been able to see the babies pictures yet) but our agency has still requested that we not post public pictures until the babies are physically in our arms. This is not for us, but for all the other pending international adoptions out there...the parents who are still waiting to pass court. Right now international adoptions are very volatile. Posting pictures of children who are not physically in their new parents care can hamper adoption relations for others. It's a sticky thing...So, we want to do everything we can to help others attain the same joy at being new parents as we can. If you would like to see Ruby and Roman, please email me or post your email and we will send you private pictures. Thank you so much for understanding!!!

Love and Best wishes for a wonderful New Year!!!

Drubek

Inspired to Pray

2008-12-19T01:10:00.001-08:00

I've really been inspired to pray earnestly about our babies upcoming court date on Dec. 29th.
After hearing about numerous failed court dates by other prospective adoptive parents (PAP's) due to missing documents or the biological parent not showing up in court (as with relinquished children), I am starting to have fear and doubt. I know this IS NOT an emotion coming from God. So, I am praying for a flawless and smooth, successful passing of our court documents and that on Dec. 29, Ruby and Roman will officially be ours.
Will you join me in prayer?
Please ask God for His divine will be done above all else. (Yes, I guess this even means if we fail court on the 29th...He is in charge and He knows what He's doing).
Please pray for the judge that he finds clarity in the paperwork. Please pray for the Ministry of Women's Affairs that they find favor with the babies joining our family. A positive recommendation from MOWA is needed to pass court.
Please pray for Ruby's first mama. Pray that she has peace and hope. Prayers that she will have the strength she needs to come to court if summoned. Prayers for a healthy body, that she may be able to make a better life for herself. I feel a closeness to this woman who nurtured our baby girl for almost 7 months. We are family, even though we will probably never meet here on earth.
Prayer for Roman's first family. It must have taken such sacrifice to give up this tiny baby. Prayer that Roman's first mama is strong and healthy and that she may someday make a difference in her community. I know nothing about this woman. I do not know her age nor her name. But I know she gave birth to a son we will always share. I will never forget her and will always keep her near to my heart. I hope we will get to meet both of these woman in Heaven someday soon. I hope they know in their hearts that the babies they parted with are loved and cherished, even before they come into our home.
And of course, pray for Ruby and Roman that they will be healthy and happy. That their transition will be smooth when we finally meet.
Thank you for praying with our family and for our family.

Time Flies

2008-12-09T21:06:00.001-08:00

It was this time last year when I was attending Chloe and Elliot's Christmas programs at school. Since one was in elementary and the other in middle school, the programs were held on different nights. I recall saying to several friends "Whew, this will be the last year I have to go to TWO different programs!" Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!!! Little did I really know that God had SUCH big plans for our family!!!
It doesn't seem possible that a year has flown by! We were also planning our trip to S. Dakota to see my parents...and that was also when my mother uttered those unforgettable words "I think you should adopt"...
Fast forward to now, Dec. 9, 2008. We are staring at two of Ethiopia's most beautiful children through pictures my friend "T" took while at the Toukoul Orphanage last week. Roman has changed 100% since his first referral picture, showing a severely underweight and gaunt preemie! He is now chubby, full of beautiful color and has the most adorable face!
Ruby is a stunning child. Full of health and vitality from the first picture, we knew she had been loved and nurtured from the start by her first mama. We are so grateful for the start she gave her precious baby girl.
We are forever grateful to both our babies first mama's. They gave life to these precious children! We'll never fully know the pain and heartache they have endured in order for their children to have a better life.
In a few years, I will once again be attending separate Christmas programs for all of my children. By the time Ruby and Roman are in school, Chloe will be graduated and heading to college. Elliot will be in high school. As I write this, I feel a great sadness. Our first babies are growing way too fast. Our second babies are not even in our arms. But, in my sadness, I am also filled with gratitude for a truly remarkable life. I am very blessed.

Drubek

Baby Showers Galore!

2008-12-01T11:05:00.001-08:00

I apologize to everyone who planned my baby shower on Nov. 23. I should have posted something about it already. With Thanksgiving and the update on the babies happening the day before, I guess I just had an oversight!
So, my sister Cindy, my oldest friend Jennifer and my husband all collaborated on throwing me a surprise baby shower a few weeks ago. And, although all of these people SHOULD KNOW how much I hate surprises, they went and did it anyway! It was a LOVELY turn out. I am very blessed by all the friends I have. I was feelin the love as they went around the room and told how they know me and the friendship we share. Andrew hosted some very fun games and hopefully educated some of the attendee's on Ethiopian culture. He outdid himself and I think all those ladies were quite impressed with his game throwing talents!
In the middle of the room (THANK YOU DANA, for hosting!!!) was a huge stack of gifts. Ruby and Roman got more clothes than they possibly can wear and we also got a wonderful supply of books!!! A very dear friend got us the much needed high chair that attaches to a regular chair and we also got some toys. I would take pics but I'm heading out to Costco and the doctor's office. But, I will do this soon...
Again, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for such a wonderful shower. Good thing it wasn't a complete surprise, otherwise ya'll would have been in BIG trouble! =)
I love you!

drubek

Thanksgiving Updates on Ruby & Roman

2008-11-26T11:56:00.000-08:00

What a blessing to log on today and see that Tami from our agency had sent us updates on Roman and Ruby!!! Roman is no longer the teensy weensie little peanut that he's shown in the past two updates! His cheeks are pudgy and fat, well rounded and his little wrists are chunky with rings around where the fat meets his hand! I am so thrilled about this! His medical report says that he anticipates eating and smiles at his caregivers. They also say he is an active and healthy child! Yeah!!!
Ruby is CRAWLING! I am so sad we are missing this, but so happy that she is healthy and active and motivated!!! I think I can anticipate a strong willed child??? She also seems very serious in all the pictures and her medical report does not indicate that she smiles, but I'm sure she does. And, I must mention that she has quite the baby 'fro going on!!! Her little head is covered in what seems to be tight little curls! So, I will definitely be purchasing a lot of ribbons and bows, beads and bands! =)
Both children have had several tests and all are negative. Neither have teethed, contrary to an initial update saying that Roman had two teeth already. Whew!

For my OKC pals, Andrew will have pictures to show off next week! You won't believe the difference in these kids! Especially Roman!

May you all have a beautiful Thanksgiving Holiday. We have SO MUCH to praise God for!

drubek

WE HAVE A COURT DATE!!!!!!

2008-11-17T14:13:00.000-08:00

YIPPPPPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Right now my heels are clicking and I'm jumping up and down in excitement!!!! It's quite a picture, if only you could see me!
December 29 is our family's lucky day! A favorable letter from MOWA (Ministry of Women's Affairs) is our key to bringing home babies and we're set after that to make travel plans.

I called Andrew at work in Oklahoma City to tell him the awesome news! He didn't answer his cell so I just took it upon myself to call his office line (hee hee)...ends up that he accidently left his cell in the hotel!

Did anyone notice that I inadvertently put Dec. 29th as one of my poll dates? How amazing is that! Yes, I'll take that as another GOD sign! You can take it anyway you want but I do not believe in just routine coincidences. So, for those of you who voted Dec. 29, I'm pretty sure that it was a sweet angel who guided your hand to that button! =) Can't you just imagine that picture? I can. It might not really mean anything but to me it makes an awesome story!

Drubek

Baby(s) Shower!

2008-11-16T20:22:00.000-08:00

Last week I went to Oklahoma City for a few days to see where Andrew works and has spent each work week for the past (almost) six years. I met lots of wonderful people (Hi Judy, Jeanie, April, Pat...I'm sure I'm missing someone! =) and noticed that Oklahomans are very friendly everywhere we went. Even though I was only there a short time, the office staff threw together a lovely shower for us. They totally spoiled us and the babies, giving us clothing, blankets and gift cards! Even though it was the first time they had met me, they treated me like an old friend. I was very touched that so many of Andrew's co-workers made me aware of how much they think of my husband. I am a very blessed wife. I am proud that so many people think so highly of Andrew's work ethic. Yes, he is stubborn and bull headed...or as I like to call him, a "silver back gorilla". But, a lovable gorilla!

Anyway, I will post some pictures of some of the gifts we received when I get batteries for my camera.

And yes, we're still waiting on a court date for Ruby and Roman! Please keep those prayers going...and vote at my poll if you haven't already!

Drubek

Praying for a court date

2008-11-10T14:36:00.001-08:00

I'm posting less and less lately because I hate to keep writing "We're waiting on this, or that, or nothing new to report!"
But here it is..."We're waiting on a court date...still!" I spoke with our agency director and she said court dates are coming in through mid December. She was not very optimistic that we would get a December court date, but possibly early January and then we will travel in February. Ugh. We really NEED to travel in January due to the rates for airfare going up after then. Since we have been saving to fly exclusively by United points, we really would like to be able to do this and not have to pay a huge sum of money on top of the points. Right now we have enough points for all of us to fly business class to Ethiopia...after the end of January, not so likely. We may be spoiled, but on a 19+ hour flight, we'd really like to stay in business class, all together, too.

Anyway, enough whining...I am adding another poll! Since the last one was SO successful (hee hee) I'm hoping this one will bring us good luck, too!
Please vote for which date you think we'll get our court date on!

And please, keep our court date and travel plans in your prayers. Right now that is the best thing you all can do to help us out. We love you!

Drubek

Time To Start Shopping!

2008-10-28T20:54:00.000-07:00

After receiving our referral, I've still held off shopping but it's been really hard. Being a semi pro at shopping (and getting decent deals, too), I have bought only four little ol' items for Ruby and Roman...well, one for Roman and three for Ruby. Little girl clothes are so precious. Little boy clothes can be too, but harder to find. Recently at Costco, I found these four little gems...and at a great cost, too! I just had to share pics of them. I'm not sure if these look small or big for the babies!

This little dress is actually a vibrant spring green color with sweet little bling bling all over it. My picture does not do it justice.

I am having a hard time visualizing the babies HERE and getting into the groove of things. On one hand, it's been so long since we've had a baby around. On the other hand, there is NOTHING I love more than a baby and can barely wait to get these little guys home.
Adoptive parents will always tell you, there is always something we're waiting on...so, now we're waiting to hear when our babies have their court day in Ethiopia.

Drubek

I've Been Tagged

2008-10-21T12:41:00.000-07:00

I believe I've been tagged before by my long time friend, Mom Of Boys!! But I couldn't figure out what I was supposed to do at that time. Drrrrrrrrr.
So, My Sproutling friend has done it again...here goes:

7 Random Things About Rebecca:

1) I totally, completely detest back tracking. If I can do all errands in one trip, it'll be done. Otherwise we'll just come home. Once I'm home, I'm there to stay.

2) I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE ethnic foods (Esp. Persian and Thai)

3) Last Wednesday I had RNY (you can http://www.goodsearch.com/ it)

4) I had a crush on my sexy husband for almost four years before we started dating

5) Ice Hockey & Barrel Racing are my favorite sports to watch

6) I love a clean, streamlined home...but I've somehow never achieved this

7) I adore nail polish. Any color! Green, black, pink...I'm pretty sure others would say I have a collection of the stuff. My personal fave? Pompeii Purple by OPI

Announcing!!!!!!...............................

2008-10-17T18:49:00.000-07:00

I don't even know how to begin this post, we're a little in shock right now...but here goes!
Last Tuesday I posted two polls for our readers to guess when we'd get our referral as well as any guess at which child will be older...or possibly twins.
I keep saying that our God has an awesome sense of humor because He chose that very night for our agency to call us with our referral!!!!!! Plus, with me going into surgery, it calmed our fears of anything 'bad' happening to me. I feel that this was God's message that He won't let anything happen because I have an expanding family to care for!

YES, We now know who our babies are! Ruby Kalkidan is our precious 7 month old baby daughter, and Roman Abinet is our sweet baby son, 11 weeks old. Kalkidan and Abinet are their Ethiopian names and we will keep them as their middle names.I will not be able to post photo's of them here until we bring them home. It is a strict policy to not put children online unless they have passed through courts and legally become ours.
I apologize for not updating our blog until now. This week has been a bit crazy (I had surgery on Wednesday and am still in the hospital).
So, now the really exciting stuff comes! Shopping for another crib, baby clothes, diapers, formula, wipes, the list goes on!!!
We are over the moon! Now we just have to wait for a court date and travel arrangements will have to be made.
Please continue to keep our family in your prayers. For me to have a quick recovery as for Ruby and Roman to be healthy and happy children.

Drubek

Go To The Polls

2008-10-14T14:32:00.000-07:00

I've added two polls! Please vote for when you think we will receive our referral! My friend Tania thinks we'll get it Nov. 24!!! What do you think??? Also, vote on which gender will be older or if you think both children will be the same age! Please vote, even if it's just for our entertainment! We could use something to divert our attention from just waiting! =)

Drubek

Dossier to ET = 6 weeks!

2008-10-13T19:08:00.000-07:00

What more can I say? Dossier to Ethiopia has been six weeks! Almost two months! We'd still like to be able to travel in February so I guess I shouldn't get to impatient yet.
I sent an email to Dove asking if referrals have been coming in regularly. The answer was that after the backlog from the courts re-opening clears, the match process should start being more regular and consistant. Kind of a 'pat' answer, but I'm satisfied with it. It does make sense. And since we haven't been waiting t h a t long, I guess I have nothing to complain about.

Drubek

The Letter

2008-10-09T09:26:00.000-07:00

I wrote you a letter

Things could be better

Full of promises, every hope and dream

Did you get it

Have you read it

Talks about you and me

And the future, you see

Something no one can do

Is take the place of you

Can't you see you’re....one of a kind

CHILD, YOU'RE LIKE A STAR

SET APART

SET APART FROM THE START OF THE WORLD

THIS IS YOUR TIME

RISE AND SHINE CHILD,

YOU’RE ONE OF A KIND

Sometimes

every thing’s too much

Like the deepest cut

You hurt to be touched

When you hear it

If you feel it

Don't let it have its way

I'm writing to say

Something no one can do

Is take the place of you

Oh can't you see you’re...one of a kind

I know it's hard to hear promises

When the blue has turned to grey

Nobody said it was easy

But I know you'll find your way

~NEWSBOYS

One complete month!

2008-10-01T21:52:00.000-07:00

Well, today marks one full, entire month that our dossier has been in Addis Ababa. If you're counting from the first to the first of each month...otherwise, it has been in country for 4.5 weeks. I'm ready for our referral!!! In case anybody wondered...=)

Drubek

Tony Starlight's Supper Club

2008-09-29T22:44:00.000-07:00

Andrew and I went on a wonderful date Saturday night. First off, we dropped our munchkins off at our dear friends house and then we went up to the Rose Gardens for a romantic dusk stroll. Since this is where Andrew proposed to me, it holds a very special spot in both of our hearts. Even though it wasn't our anniversary, we still marvelled that it's been over 18 years ago that we stood in that spot and said we would cherish and love each other forever.
Then we ate dinner at our favorite place, The Green Onion...a Persian place near PSU. Susan's ghormeh sabzi and the kabob is amazing. YUM! At eight we had reservations for Tony Starlight's Supper Club show. It was very good...a Neil Diamond impersonation night. Tony did a good job of sounding like Neil as well as keeping the crowd entertained! Afterwards, we tried to crash my sisters house but nobody was home...then we drove around town acting silly and playing 'slug bug'. My husband is my best friend. Yeah, we have some interesting disagreements, but when we are together, we are a riot! And we love being together.
We got home around 1am, giddy like teens without a curfew! Since our kids were spending the night elsewhere, we didn't have to pick them up until the next afternoon.
I highly recommend taking your sweety out...it should be a regular event. We both agreed that we needed to do that more often. And, since we are expanding to being parents of four, not just two, we will need those dates even more! But of course, only after we are all settled in and comfortable with this idea. I am not one to leave my kids often or with just anyone, so it'll be awhile before we go out after the babies are home...which leads me to...there is no word yet on our referral...
Dossier has been in country for one full month. No word at all...I am being patient and my nails are still intact.

Drubek

New well pump, dryer and paint!

2008-09-29T22:25:00.000-07:00

When it rains, it pours sometimes. Lately we've been having a few things go 'bad' here and there. A few weeks ago we started having extremely low water pressure. It got to the point that we couldn't run the dishwasher or washing machine because with these new fangled appliances, the pressure was to low to start them! Taking showers was a joke for several days, all my flowers outside died because I couldn't water them. We called the repairmen out and they replaced the expensive pump to our well. Voila! All is back to normal.
Next, my clothes dryer stopped producing heat. Andrew, "Mr. Fix It" said, "No problem...I can replace the thermostat, I've done it before! No Problem!"...Did I say he said "No Problem"?? (Makes me chuckle because he has to try to fix everything before he'll buy a new one!) After he spent a few minutes practically under the dryer, he called me in to say how lucky (blessed) we are that the house did not catch on fire. A wire connecting to a part that connects to the thermostat was completely charred...like it had been soldered. All the insulation and rubber had fried and it was useless. He decided that whatever made it do that was not worth fixing on a 30+ year old dryer! So, off to Sears we went to buy a new one...which IS NOT in our budget.

On the happy side, we did buy new paint for our living room. After several mixing sessions...the Miller paint people gave up and told us to take our paint and shove....I mean, they said they couldn't put any more white in to lighten up my mistake...so to take it home, pour it into a five gallon bucket & add white until we got the desired color. AND WHAT DO YOU KNOW!!!! The color is exactly what I wanted! It's perfect. Good thing we have so much of it, because there is no way Miller Paint has the mix #'s to do it again!

Drubek

CATE COMES HOME!!!!

2008-09-23T20:52:00.000-07:00

My heart is overjoyed as I've been following Lu Feng Hong's (Cate) journey to her new home and family in America. Cate is "Little Lulu", the little girl who stole Andrew and my heart and led us to this life changing and amazing adoption adventure. If anyone recalls (or has been following our blog that long) you'll remember that we took an interest in Cate (our Lulu) and decided to adopt her, Lord willing. After contacting the agency in charge of her papers, we were informed that there were 12 families ahead of us. Praise God, because this little girl needed a family! We also soon learned that because of how much I weigh, China would not allow me to adopt from this country. (Crazy!!!)
A few months later, I was contacted online by a lady who said she knew who Cate's new mommy and daddy were, that they had a blog and that they were just waiting to be able to bring her home.
WELL, I'm thrilled to announce to my blog followers that CATE IS COMING HOME! Her mommy, Kim, and sister, Sophie, and grandma are all in China and met her today for the first time. What a lovely child! So serene and content! If you get a chance, go to my favorite blogs and click on their site. You will be blessed.
Drubek

More fun from this week!

2008-09-19T21:49:00.000-07:00

Thursday brought cooler weather but that didn't stop KE and her precious family (two of her children, *R* & baby *A* are from Ethiopia and we met online!) from coming out and enjoying a GREAT fall day at DayBreak Park! The Lewis River was on the cooler side, too but not too bad when we were intently searching for crawdad's (crayfish), minnows and snails! Little *A* is a great creek investigator and sidekick! We had a ball turning over rocks and learning about what likes to hide under there! I loved sharing my neck of the woods with my new friends. I'm definetly a country chick (who loves a great pair of shoes) and wouldn't trade the country life for anything. After I picked up Chloe and Elliot from school, we all headed up the hill to our house for some trampoline jumping, goat kissing (ok, that was all me, but the kids thought it was funny!) and little *E* enjoyed Elliot's matchbox car collection. Sweet, mischevious *R* was a complete delight as always and baby *A* just makes me wanna eat him up! These children are such a joy! Can you tell I enjoyed our visit a lot??!!
To KE's dismay, she accidentally left her Ergo...a total necessity, especially with four little ones! We were able to meet up today and return it. Sweet little *A* made my whole week by asking when she could come out again and "live at your house!"
I love company and sharing the great outdoors!
drubek

Dove Events - Children's Museum

2008-09-19T21:34:00.000-07:00

What fun! We went to Dove's planned event at the Children's Museum in Portland. We were there to meet Dove's attorney from Ethiopia, Sintayehu. A soft spoken & friendly man. We hope we will be seeing him soon in Addis in a few more months!
As we pulled up to the parking lot, we saw more mini vans than I've ever seen in my life. All lined up, in various colors and similar shapes, children spilling out from every door. What makes this event different than any other time I've been in similar places is that we were ALL there to fellowship with other families who are or have already adopted from Ethiopia! The little brown babies with bright, expressive eyes, beautiful curls and pudgy little bellies capture your heart as soon as you lay eyes on them. There were children of all ages, glowing with health and happiness.
What an amazing time. We met many families. Some were in the same stage as we are...waiting to be matched. Most had already traveled and we were able to go 'ga-ga' over their precious children. Everyone was so helpful and again, our family is SO, SO blessed that we found Dove!
God is Good!!
drubek

Upright Double Bass = Who Knew???

2008-09-16T22:22:00.000-07:00

What has practically more options, colors and sizes than most automobiles, is as expensive and requires a plane ticket when traveling? If you guessed the Upright Bass, then you've obviously bought one before! Who knew it could be this exhausting to find a 1/4 size bass, let alone figure out what is the best instrument for the buck! To inexperienced buyers like us, we had to wade through figuring out what size, (there was a conflicting opinion from everyone we talked to!) which maker (the ones from China, USA or Germany?), laminated plywood, hand carved from maple...spruce...electric...rockabilly...psychobilly...jazz...orchestra! Yes, that's it...that's the set up we need. "Oooh, the bright green one w/ yellow flames, that is AWESOME!!!" "No, we don't need that one! Can't use that in an orchestra!!!" "Why not???" "I don't want plain old cherry colored varnish! I want a prettier brown or blonde!" "Maybe a little more orange!". "Narrow it down to three and see who has the best customer service!!" "I feel like I researched this *&@!!! bass all day long and didn't come up with a thing!!" "Nothing on craigslist again?" "Nothing within 300 miles?" "Nothing in Denver? You could have a longer layover and pick it up!?" "Oh, there's one in Pleasanton...an Engelhardt!" "Oh, doesn't have an ebony fingerboard?, OK"...

AND this was all AFTER we determined that there are none to rent or own here in our immediate area or on ebay! Yep, ebay. Searching for an upright bass on ebay, of all things!

Why are we buying a bass? Elliot is taking it up in addition to his piano. His school has started an orchestra and he is very excited about learning a new instrument! The bass has always been one of his favorites. For the record, NONE of the above quotes were his. The picky, cranky and irritable conversations were all from his delightful mommy and daddy. Purchasing an upright bass is HARD work! The good news is we have found a company who seems reputable and customer friendly from S. Cal. If everything works out as planned, we'll be able to pick up Elliot's new big, bad, stringed machine this weekend from the Southwest Airlines cargo dock.

Three or four years ago Chloe got her drums. If I recall, it was as simple as Andrew going online, choosing what she needed, picking out a cool turquoise color and BAM! They arrived. Very simple. Maybe we shoulda gotten the green bass with yellow flames! =D

At least this has given us two weeks of something other than biting our nails waiting for a referral! This weekend we are meeting our Ethiopian attorney. He is here visiting our agency, Dove. They have planned several events that sound very fun. One night will be dinner at Dalo's Kitchen to try different Ethiopian foods. Definitely looking forward to that!

drubek

"Our" Awesome River!

2008-09-14T22:26:00.000-07:00

The East Fork of the Lewis River, where we love to play!
Chloe, Sam and Elliot in the river
This water feels GREAT!
1, 2, 3! Everyone under at the same time!

Preparing for toddlers...again!

2008-09-14T22:20:00.001-07:00

Here are the trikes, just waiting to be ridden again!Elliot helping with additions to the play structure
Ell and Daddy working together
The old play structure...improvements coming soon!
Time to play!

Sa'at sintno? Meche?

2008-08-31T12:16:00.000-07:00

Literally meaning "what is the time...how much time?" and "When?" That is the only question we have on our minds right now. This question is due to the fact that OUR PAPERS ARRIVED IN ETHIOPIA AT 2:41AM Pacific Time!!! The question how much time until we receive the match for our next two children.
As we wait, we are thinking of names to add on to their beautiful Ethiopian names.
Today we are filled with gratitude to the proud Ethiopian mothers and fathers who care and love their children with all they have. The people of Ethiopia are gracious. It must be extremely difficult to see so many children leaving to find families in other countries. After reading a post on the blog "With Eyes Like Mine", I am changing my blog view to reflect the positives of Ethiopia. That yes, even though there is famine and drought, there wonderful and blessed things to focus on. This is my children's country. I want them to feel honored by how Ethiopians are viewed and show pride in their enduring heritage.
So, I hope to take comments like "you're being picky by choosing Ethiopia to adopt from" and focus on "God answered our prayers and led us to these two children"....He could have chosen our children from ANYWHERE. Yet, He chose these two from Africa.
Andrew and I do not know them yet...but God sees them each and every day and whispers their names. He cradles them in His love and oversee's each meal, each comforting word from the nannies. He hears them cry. He knows when they have dirty diapers and knows when they are giggling after a little tickle from their caregiver. These children are no different from anyone else. They are loved and soon will have a family forever.

Drubek

Le travail administratif est en France

2008-08-30T07:27:00.000-07:00

Yea! I've been tracking our little package of paperwork across the globe (literally). From NYC it went to Brussels, Belgium and landed for a short stay in Paris.
Andy and I are almost taking bets on where it'll land next. We can't bet though because we both think it's gonna be Sudan...What do you think? Any guesses?
Anyone who get's the first correct guess will win a GREEN banana bunker! =)

Drubek

Dossier to NY

2008-08-29T06:51:00.000-07:00

Update on the paperwork!!! These things travel fast. I LOVE DHL!
Yesterday our dossier was in Salem ready for shipment. Overnight it travelled through Wilmington, OH and this morning it arrived in New York! (I've always wanted to visit NYC so I'll have to live vicariously through my documents =).
At this speed, I anticipate the package reaching Addis by Monday or Tuesday. We shall see...

Drubek

The "8" 's have it!!!

2008-08-28T21:54:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the number 8 is lucky! Never heard of this? Well, let me list a few examples...Elliot was born on 8/18/98. My friend and fellow adoptive mama's dossier arrived in Addis on 8/8/08 (she was matched to her baby girl three days later!!!)...and lo, our dossier was shipped DHL to Addis today: 8/28/08. Eight is Great!

YEP, You read right...our papers are on their way to Toukoul Orphanage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The official email from our agency says "As of today you are officially waiting to be matched. The matching process generally takes between 4 to 6 months, but now that your Dossier has been submitted you could be matched at any time."

Matched at any time...wonderful and scary and joyous and thrilling and worrisome and jittery and intoxicating and exhuberant and exciting....too many emotions to list. I'll be a wreck when we actually get our match! I can barely wait.

Drubek

Getting ready for school mornings!

2008-08-26T14:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the kids' first day back to school. Fifth and Seventh grades turned out to be very pleasant experiences for both of them so far!
This morning as I was blow drying my hair, the thought suddenly hit me (like a ton of bricks) "How am I EVER going to get 4 kids out the door on a school morning?????" We were right on time, but that was with two children. And, those two children can get their own breakfast for the most part, get themselves dressed, brush their own teeth, fix their own hair (well, Chloe does still need some help w/ the blowdryer, too) etc. etc.
I guess we'll just need to get up earlier and Chloe and Elliot will be very sweet and willing helpers for their little siblings, won't they? Yes, that's it.
Oh, and I realize that for a while the younger ones can get out the door in their jammies and eat their breakfast in their car seats =). This will be so wonderful. I truly miss those days. So, I guess I get these little panic attacks for no reason. God always gives me a positive thought just when I feel like we're getting in waaaay over our heads. Thank you God!!!!
Drubek

Article in USA Today

2008-08-21T20:49:00.000-07:00

Very good video...

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-08-17-ethiopia_N.htm

Here is an article that explains some of the "why" we chose Ethiopia. I recently was told that I was being picky by adopting internationally...Everyone has an opinion, don't they? I like to take opinions to heart much like grocery shopping...I take what I need and can use, leaving the rest on the shelf for the next person.

Anyway, as we enjoy our meals, snacks and treats, let's remember what a blessing it truly is to live in our country! A country where food from our dumpsters is more inviting than what most Ethiopians are getting every day.

Drubek

Washington D.C.

2008-08-20T19:57:00.000-07:00

Our documents are on their way to Washington DC to be signed by Condoleezza Rice herself...This should take about a week and a half, then the papers come back to our agency. Next step is the dossier goes on the DHL truck to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia! Total time from today til DTC (Dossier to Country) will be about three weeks!!! Which means we could be sent pictures and paperwork on what children will be ours anytime after three weeks!!! Kari at Dove said that we are right on target to travel in December or January...What a ride!!!! Some people need sky diving or bull riding, being shot out of a canon or fire walking for excitement...Call us crazy all you want, but this is pretty darn exhilarating!!
drubek

Fun at the park before more shots

2008-08-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

Elliot had the last of the shots today...we recently changed pediatricians and so he had his Hep A today. We all will go back for our boosters in 6 mos., but hopefully we'll have traveled by then. Elliot wondered if we would still get our boosters even if we travel before February and I said "Of course, it would be silly to get them 1/2 done and not complete something that could benefit us the rest of our lives"...He still thinks this is ridicules. He's a bit tired of getting shots, I think!

Anyway, we met our new friend K.E. today at the beautiful Laurelhurst Park. She brought her four little ones and we had a wonderful time playing and visiting. Her youngest two are from Ethiopia. The rain stayed away the entire time and we didn't even need to wear coats. The five oldest kids enjoyed playing together while us mommies talked and played with the baby. This gave Chloe and Elliot a great picture of how life will be with their new sister and brother. KE's two youngest are very similar in ages to the ones we'll be bringing home. Her daughter "R" took to both Elliot and Chloe right away and they were ga ga over her. Elliot has said several times, just this afternoon, how cute "R" is. He can barely wait for a little sister. Chloe is a great babysitter and is looking forward to playing and teaching her siblings new things.

Drubek

Bye Bye Paperwork!!

2008-08-11T23:21:00.000-07:00

Even though we had all intentions of mailing Dove our dossier last Friday, *fate* had other idea's and I ended up getting it on the UPS truck today instead...so, we officially have begun waiting for word on WHO our little boy and little girl from Ethiopia are. We could know in as little as two weeks (as our friend Tania knows!) or it could be months. Tania sent off her dossier about two weeks ago, it got to Addis Ababa, ET on 8/8/08 and she received word that she is a new mama to a lovely baby girl just this morning!!! Super fast referral! I'm so excited for her. Every family has their own journey and we could be waiting a long time for our little munchins or it could be super fast. God only knows.

Heres a pic of Chloe and Elliot at the UPS store sending off the documents which will eventually help determine who little sister and brother are!

I just wanted to add that we are so grateful for all your prayers and heartfelt thoughts sent our way. We treasure each one of you!

Drubek

PHOTO SHOT

2008-08-11T23:12:00.000-07:00

Ok, here they are! Pics of us all getting our yellow fever shots!

oh yes...something else {SO COOL!}

2008-08-08T01:41:00.000-07:00

I also DO NOT want to leave out that Andrew and I had our first travel shots last Friday. It wasn't bad at all. Not at all! I got the Yellow Fever vaccine, Tetanus and Hep A. Andrew received the Hep A and Yellow Fever. He is current on the Tetanus.
Anyway, we hadn't really planned on the additional (large) sum of money for all four of us to get the Yellow Fever vaccine (our insurance covers the other shots). I called several clinics and two quoted me $160 per shot and two said they did not carry it. Realizing that we'd probably have to pay the full amt. for all of us, we started to suck it up. Our PCP office does a lot of travel shots but they said they weren't likely to have the Yellow Fever in/most likely would not order. Our kids' pediatrician was very clear to say NADA, "WILL NOT DO IT"... Feeling the crunch, we knew we had no choice but to pay out of pocket.
Friday we arrived at our WONDERFUL doctor's office and had our consultation with Dr. Douglas. Even though we had been told they probably wouldn't have it, nor would they order more, LO and BEHOLD, they just so happened to have FOUR vaccines left. Just the right amount for our family. We only had to do our co-pay! Chloe and Elliot are going in tomorrow to get theirs. (We are so grateful to our doctor!)
My advice to anyone needing this vaccine to travel to pick up your children, would be to ask your doctor if they can order it in...my understanding is that it comes in 5 single doses. This is a very spendy vaccine for your doctor to purchase, but IF you can get FIVE people together (new online aquaintances through adoption groups, family or friends who will be traveling with you, etc) JUST MAYBE your doctor will order the five single doses. That way it won't go to waste on his/her shelf. DEFINETLY WORTH THE TRY! Then most insurances will pay since it is through your PCP.
Anyway, kinda long post, but I feel that this is just one more example of God showing us that this adoption is really what He wants us to be doing.

OH, and we took pics of us getting 'shot'...I'll post them when we have all four finished. The kids got to see us get them last week and could see that it was virtually painless.

drubek

Dossier complete & other fun stuff

2008-08-07T08:55:00.001-07:00

Well, we have our dossier completely finished. The two documents that were authenticated in Olympia arrived earlier this week. Since we took this week "off", we will go through it one last time and then mail it to Dove on Friday. They will go through it and make sure it is complete and then send it on it's way/ultimately to Addis Ababa! Yea!!!!!!!!!!! I have to say that our entire past 7 months have gone quickly and without so much as a major hitch. Yes, this does mean that I've been a little superstitious in thinking that it's the calm before the storm. But since we know that Christ is in charge of our lives, we know we're being taken care of!

On another note, we met our new friend (and adopting mama of a daughter) Tania on Saturday. We went to Burqitu in Portland (great Ethiopian food, wonderful experience) for lunch. The time flew by and before we knew it, we'd been visiting for three hours! Tania began her adoption paper chase the same time we did and so far has had several of her milestones on the same exact day as well! It's very exciting. We may even be traveling at the same time!

As I said earlier, we took this week off. Off from everything pretty much! It's been busy, though. First of all, Monday morning Andrew surprised me by staying home from work all week. I woke up at 5:15 in alarm that he was missing his flight. He rolled over and mischievously said he was on vacation. Those of you who know this man know this is a character trait of his...always trying to surprise me...and always succeeding!
Andrew had planned a fun week of camping up at Cougar Camp (one of our favorite places that is close to home, about a 45 minute drive). We stayed two nights. The weather was awesome, the water was great.
We did come back into town since Elliot had the 3rd/4th grade annual pool party at his teacher's house and both kids had dental cleanings. That was the only appt. we did not cancel. Amazingly enough, we even cancelled the kids' piano lessons! (Shhh, don't tell his teacher that we're just being lazy this week!)
Today we're off to the Clark County Fair..."How the West Was Fun"! We are big fair goers and we went last week, too. Today is the big air motocross, which I LOVE. I pretty much go hoarse with screaming my head off for those guys. (yes, I know who Travis Pastrana is =o).

Well, that's the most of what's going on here lately.
I'll post as soon as I hear our dossier is in Ethiopia! Yea. Should be about two weeks at most. Well, maybe I'll post sooner. Who knows. There is back to school shopping to do for Chloe and Elliot (which I LOVE, too) and I might just take some pics and post them, although that's not my forte'!

Ta ta,
drubek

WE GOT IT

2008-07-23T16:26:00.000-07:00

The "Golden Ticket"...the adoptive parents first proverbial baby kicks...the document we all wait for in this journey to bring home our children from far away...the coveted I171H arrived today in my mailbox! Are we excited? OH WAY YES!!!!!

In my haste to open the envelope, I got the nastiest paper cut ever. I couldn't open it all the way because I was dripping blood all over. Not wanting to mess up our precious piece of paper, I waited until I drove down the driveway and got indoors...put a bandaid on and THEN read the form. Yipppeeeee. This is truly a good day. I just wish Andrew & Chloe were home to enjoy and celebrate with Elliot and I. I'm baking chocolate chip cookies to celebrate...and you all know that for me to bake anything is pretty miraculous. I must be excited!

Drubek

I AM NORMAL (hee hee)

2008-07-20T19:57:00.000-07:00

Update on the head injury: Had a CT scan last week, results: NORMAL. (I swear, that's what the doctor said!) Of course a very bruised head was affirmative and the explanation of the near constant headaches...was also prescribed vicoden for ongoing head and neck pain. The nurse said there is a likely possibility headaches could continue for several weeks until the bruising is completely gone. I am very thankful that my injury is not worse AND that my family was close by and gave me immediate care. They are the BEST!!!
Drubek

DOH!!! (must be the head injury!) =)

2008-07-16T22:38:00.000-07:00

Ok, here's another funny for the week...I said I was a zealous 38 year old in my previous weekly funny. I'm such a dork! I'm only 37. Why am I trying to age myself...I'll blame it on my bruised cranium!
Oh, where is my vicoden?
Drubek

No Golden Ticket

2008-07-15T23:01:00.000-07:00

Just an adoption update since I've been filling this "adoption blog" with everything else BUT news on adoption. (That is our governments fault since they are taking so long on our forms!)

This may be the shortest entry yet. NO NEWS. We're still waiting for our I171H to arrive from Yakima.

Drubek

This week's funny accident

2008-07-15T22:46:00.000-07:00

Hello, well, here I am back from near death...oh, I feel like I can be melodramatic right now. My "funny" involves me. It's actually not really funny, but I'll try to look at it this way. There have been several episodes since my accident happened that really are quite humorous, though.
First off, on Friday we were putting in new goat fencing. The T-post driver/pounder weighs about 25-30 lbs (I really should weigh it cuz I'm sure it's actually 150#s). The ground is very dry and hard. This combination is deadly when a 38 year old overly zealous woman decides to pound with all her might and get that dang post in! Well, instead, I ended up bringing that pounder right down on top of my head. After viewing several stars and falling to the ground, my family raced to my side. I was conscience and was able to talk and answer questions. My husband told my kids to get ice for my head and I said "Have them grab a bag of corn"...thinking of course that this would be quicker than filling a bag of ice. Well, (and I just love this part) my 9 y/o raced to the rescue. He arrived in seconds with a ziplock bag of 4 ears of frozen corn. Even though my head was on fire, I giggled at this sweet little boy running to grab the corn on the cob! My 12 y/o brought a bag of frozen cherries and that worked really well! I suffered a lump that filled the entire palm of my husband's hand. I am still having some side effects and will see the doctor this week. I'm sure it is nothing but I want to take any scary thoughts completely away that have been lurking in the back of my mind.
But I'll tell you, it's sure a GREAT reason any time I mess up on something! Ooops, forget to put the laundry in the dryer? Oh yea, I have a head injury. Broke a dish? Don't forget, I got a head injury! Can't remember which kid you are and I'm calling you by each pet's name? Ooooh, my aching head! (See? Funny stuff). I'll post more on this when I get the all clear from my doc!

Ciao,
Drubek

Busy week

2008-07-08T09:32:00.000-07:00

Well, our annual fireworks show went off successfully! I wish I had pictures to post. It was a fantastic show. Andrew outdid himself. I think maybe he considers the fact that next year we'll have additional mouths to feed and therefore might have less to spend on pyrotechnics! We ended up having a turn out of about 80 people altogether. It sprinkled a little bit but during the show it was nice and dry. Yea!

This week is CRAZY! Both kids are in music camps, we have three birthdays to celebrate, three family members are leaving to go home tomorrow and I have a very lengthy doctors appt. to attend as well. My kids are going to spend the night with some dear friends so I don't have to haul them out in the early a.m. (Thank you Jeanie! =)

Next week is our church campmeeting and we actually reserved a tent site for the very first time. That's what happens when you have a very social 12 y/o who wants to see her friends and go to her meetings. I'm so proud of both my kids. They actually really enjoy attending church functions and being a part of a Christ centered activity. We'll probably only spend the night out there twice but it'll be fun and at least appease the kids a little bit.

I added another blog site that is one of my favorites. With Eyes Like Mine is always very insightful and Valerie always has something great to write about. I hope you'll visit her blog. She recently added a list of common Ethio names. COOL!

Have a sunny week!

Drubek

Weekly Funnies

2008-06-30T22:10:00.000-07:00

I've noticed on other blogs some cute idea's...picture of the week, quote of the week, phrase of the week, etc. I've decided to copy this idea a bit and just add funnies...It could be a photo, quote or whatever.
My funny for the week is from my 9 year old son. We were listening to the radio and I was singing along as usual. E says "Is this song from the 80's?" My reply in surprise, "Yes! It actually is!" E: "I thought so cuz you know all the words!" Ummm. Yeah. Gotta love the 80's!

Anyway, I better update that our fingerprinting went off without a hitch. It is a very smooth process that entails very little...no fanfare, no beating drums, not even a security gate to pass through and empty the contents of my purse for a guard to rummage through! There is a guard type person who does greet at the front and processes the paperwork, gives additional paperwork to complete and then directs you to the people in the back who do the fingerprinting. It's a very small "office". They give you a number and call you one at a time, or two in our case. My husband was #25 and got called back first. Then I, #26, went with a very friendly lady and got complimented on how good my fingers were for printing! I kinda chuckled at this since I've been working outside so much lately...without my gloves...and my hands look like they could belong to a 90 year old farmer! So, now, we continue to wait for our coveted I171h.
Court closes in Addis Ababa on Aug. 6th. They will not see adoption cases for approx. 3 mos. This doesn't concern us since we are most likely at least 3+ months away from even getting a referral. But who really knows???
Drubek

Close call

2008-06-26T23:32:00.001-07:00

As you know, we are going for our fingerprints tomorrow morning at 9am. Since Andrew travels out of state (Oklahoma) each week, there are definetly those times when his flight is delayed or cancelled for whatever reason. Usually it's weather related (tornado's, thunderstorms, etc). His flight connects in Denver so there are times when it's too icy or snowy...usually because his connection has come from further east...Chicago, etc. Then there are times when it's delayed or postphoned due to mechanical issues. It's always an inconveniance for us. We love being together and want our daddy home safely, so delays or changing iteneraries is never fun.
BUT, something as important as FBI fingerprinting for your adoption and then the flights are delayed and ultimatley cancelled, it's down right nerve wracking!

As we watched flight 419 get pushed back later and later (due to the California wild fires), Andrew had the United guy do his "usual" run down on all possible flights back to the Pac NW. Long story short, he was able to get on a flight to Seattle. It just landed a few minutes ago and Andrew rented a car for the 2 + hour drive home. (Flights from SeaTac to PDX don't run after 8pm, I guess).

So, we'll both be getting fingerprinted in the morning afterall...with one very tired hubby! Good thing it's our prints and not some kind of brain scan. (No offense honey!)

Oh, and I just got a United update. Flight 419 is now supposed to depart Denver to Portland at 2:13am. Thank you God for getting Andrew into Seattle. He'll still end up walking through the front door after 2am, but at least he'll be HOME!

Drubek

Honey Do List (not Honeydew)

2008-06-24T23:17:00.000-07:00

For the longest time I couldn't figure out what a "Honeydew list" was. The first time I ever heard it was from our realitor, Massoud. He is persian so I figured it was a cultural thing. I'm sure there is honeydew melon in Iran, right? But I just couldn't figure out what it had to do with errands and chores. Ok, so I'm a little dense at times.

Well, each year Andrew and I have the "Honey Do" list from you know where...it consists of getting our property ready for the main event...our annual fireworks party! We aren't really picky people when it comes to clutter. I mean, c'mon, we live in the sticks. We have a couple of old out buildings (makes for a great dog kennel) and an old barn (that's not old enough to be classic) plus one really old Mercedes collecting rust by the barn. There are stinging nettles and blackberry bushes surrounding the property on all four sides so who needs a nice looking fence?

And, for our friends who come out for this party, they're only here to see one thing and that is Andrew's pyrotechnic display of glowing lights and fire! (Oooh, awwwwe!)

But, for the sake of spring cleaning, here is a run down of some of the chores we hope to accomplish before our more sophisticated friends and family show up:

Clean scum out of koi pond/add UV filter to keep scum away

do a 'dump run' with our utility trailer (not so fondly called the weeble wobble)

put down some bark dust to give a tidy appearance to the weeds poking up through the rose garden

wash windows just in case someone actually comes indoors

mow field (so we can actually see the show!)

put up that lattice thing at the end of the porch so the dogs & coons can't run under and hide no more! (Or so the dog won't chase the raccoons, possums, cats, etc. under there no more...)

Ok, that's 'nuff for now. There is more but I will spare you all. But seriously, I am proud of where I live and who we are. I just like to poke fun at our little piece of heaven here. Really, I do consider myself a hick with style. You can find me outside weed whacking the nettles in a great pair of boots!

Drubek

Our Stories Our Songs by Deborah Ellis

2008-06-24T22:11:00.000-07:00

African Children Talk About Aids (By Deborah Ellis)

Poverty

The 200 richest people in the world have more money than the poorest 582,000,000 people combined.
One-sixth of the people in the world are malnourished.
Between 1985 and 2000, over 7 million African farmers died of AIDS.
Most African countries pay up to three times more on international debt repayment than they do on health care.
Hunger weakens the body, making it vulnerable to illness. This makes it harder to stay strong if someone is HIV positive.
HIV infection rates are rising among African American and Hispanic people living in poverty.
Living in poverty forces people to make unsafe choices in order to survive or feed their children.
Most of the 42 million people with HIV/AIDS live in countries with a lot of poverty, 29 million in Sub-Saharan Africa.
It costs more to care for and bury someone with AIDS than most rural African families make in a year.

WE'RE INVITED!!!!

2008-06-22T13:38:00.000-07:00

We are elated! We have had our FIRST milestone in our adoption journey where the government has made the first step in the paperwork process. We received our "invitations" to get our fingerprinting done. We will be fingerprinted this Friday, June 27 in Portland. Andrew's letter came on Friday and mine came on Saturday. This is so exciting because after our fingerprints are processed, the next document the CIS will issue is our I171h...the Gov. approval to adopt. Then, our dossier can be sent to Wa. DC and Ethiopia!
We really feel a part of this now!
On Sabbath, we had some friends over for lunch and we got to see how busy a toddler can be. He LOVES cabinets and getting into them. Yep, I did...I thought "I'm gonna be SO busy with two little ones!" But the feelings of worry and fear do not out power my excitement and joy at becoming a mommy of babies/toddlers all over again!

Drubek

"Where I'm From"

2008-06-11T00:21:00.000-07:00

I am from fresh mown grass, from QuelQues Fleurs and home town parades.
I am from the old white farmhouse on the small hill overlooking the Territorial Days grounds.
I am from the lilac trees, the alfalfa hay piled high in the barn.
I am from family chores and fun in the outdoors, from Teal and WC and my sisters three.
I am from the crazy and surprising, horseback riding and barrel racing.
From being told I was found in a garbage can and someone had poured catsup on my head to make me have red hair. (The only truth to this is yes, I’m a redhead).
I am from Adventism. A historically rich and fascinating denomination, we believe in the Bible as God’s word to His people.
I'm from Hamilton, MT. with ornery sisters who delighted in torturing me. From wishing I was really an Ingall's with Ma, Pa and Laura. From homemade bread and strawberry rhubarb pie.
From the mother with 13 siblings, who shared a bed with four sisters…some of which pee’d the bed, the father who was the family clown and always has to be right, and the sisters who don’t see each other or spend time together even though they know they should.
From the old hinged box in my living room where the family pictures are so old they have turned yellow. Pictures of those I can't even name. The china hutch that holds the family Bible which dates back to 1863, with locks of ancestor’s hair and pieces of a dress that somebody wore the last time their loved ones saw them. Names like Elliot that I never even knew yet named my son the same. This is where I'm from.

Where are YOU from?? http://www.swva.net/fred1st/wif.htm The template is on this site. It's a fun little poem to write about your history. A great way to take yourself back in time and remember a few things you may have allowed yourself to forget.

2008-06-05T23:17:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the misty morning!

On the jet boat havin fun! Woo Hoo!

I just got these pics to upload. Blogger was giving me a bit of trouble for a few days. But here are some pics from our annual camp out. It was a fun time as usual! Remarkably, we even got a little sunburnt!

Drubek

Annual camping trip

2008-06-02T18:53:00.000-07:00

Over Memorial Day weekend, we spent our annual camping trip down by Bandon, Oregon. The weather was somewhat warm (the air was chilly, though) and we all had a great time. This time we left the tent at home and tested out a yurt. It was GREAT being able to roll in after dark and not worry about setting up a tent! Upon checkout, it was also a treat to break camp and not have a tent to clean out, take down and try to fit back into that bag! (Somehow the tent always seems bigger than the bag!)
We took a jet boat ride on the Rogue, seeing a lot of wildlife (several Bald Eagles, deer, fish, many different types of birds, sea lions, Harbor seals, etc). The kids had some fun play time on the beach and of course, we all enjoyed s'mores around the campfire.

Drubek

HOME STUDY HAS ARRIVED

2008-05-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

YES!!! Our home study has FINALLY arrived in the mail and I will be sending it off to the USCIS Yakima field office in the morning. This document alone feels like I've just given birth! We have waited an unusually long time for it to be completed. WHEW.
So, the REAL waiting begins... =)

Drubek

Homestudy draft

2008-05-14T22:20:00.000-07:00

Well, it's finally ready...the homestudy draft! Mike sent it last night and after I reviewed it, there were a few things that needed revising or just plain changed. But, I was pleased overall. Since I don't know what a homestudy document should look like, it seemed pretty good to me!
Fingers crossed that we'll be able to send it off to USCIS in a week or (all fingers crossed) sooner!

Drubek

My Mothers Day Weekend

2008-05-12T22:13:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share our crazy mothers day weekend with you...
First of all, before I share a few of the gruesome details, I will point out the lovely parts. My precious family treated me to a wonderful brunch, a little shopping trip to pick out new picture frames and wall decor (something I've wanted to do for quite awhile) and dinner. I also recieved a hanging basket with petunia's (one of my favorite flowers) and four other mini pots of petunias to plant in front of the garage.
But now, for the gory details:
1) the drivers side lock broke on my "new" car (new to me, but the dear old soul is 25!) and we ended up driving home from Portland with the key stuck in the door. Friendly people driving past us would courteously point this fact out. (We got the car Sat. night so she is very new to me...and no, she is not converted to run on veggie oil...yet)!
2) Andrew took WD40, lithium grease and a huge pair of pliers (normally used by plumbers!) to get the key out of the lock, which is now definitely broken. (He swears this is not his fault!)
3) Wiping off the WD40 from the lock so it wouldn't drip down the paint, Andrew accidentally dropped the gigantic pliers on to my near perfect 25 y/o car, denting and removing the chrome off a small section of the door.
4)During this time, at some point, Andrew is quite frazzled and loses our only ignition key SOMEWHERE in our driveway. It is now dusk. I'm pretty sure we both were praying quite hard. Ten minutes later he finds it over in front of the garage. WHEW!!!
5)By this time we are quite literally wondering if we should have bought this car. But, I'm going to chalk it up to the devil trying to ruin our mama's day weekend!
6)Andrew left for work at 6am today and I eventually get up and start my morning outside chores. Goats were fed and dogs let out. That's almost the extent of our little farm now. The dogs disappeared down towards the ravine, which is more like a 300 ft. cliff down to the creek. Delta comes back when called but Hugo does not. This is very unusual. (it's usually the other way around).
7)Hugo fel over the cliff and I could not locate him. I loaded the kiddo's up in the truck and head out towards the other side of the creek so I can get a better view of our property from down below. We eventually spot Hugo perched about half way down the cliff side, apparently holding on with both paws for dear life. Whining and barking in confusion.
8)Now, trying to get a 170 lb. dog (who just might be injured) up a the side of a cliff is quite an endeavor, but I'm a big girl and for some, this might just be downright comical. It requires the grace and sheer footing of a mountain goat! Neither of which I am capable of.
9)Well, needless to say, I got within about 30 ft. of Hugo and he was able to come to me. He is sore and limping a little, but otherwise no worse for the wear. Dumb dog! (Some of you may recall a similar situation I was in a few years back...involving our dog, Delilah, who fell into a six foot hole. Yep, I got her out, too. Never mind the fire department! Just call me for all your pet saving needs!
10)Andrew's car has a mouse problem as well as the back brakes are overheating. A pipe on our water heater has a leak and we are still working on getting our floors finished.
All this excitement! What could be better than adding two little faces to the fun?
We are not deterred. The kids made it to school a little late today but I don't think they minded.

I've painted quite the redneck picture for y'all, haven't I? Well, I'm sure it'll only get better. So, from our little redneck backwoods country livin home to yours,
I'm fixin to hit the hay (that's 'go to bed' for you city folk!) I don't know if any of this post makes sense. I'm exhausted and my back aches! (I wonder why! =)
Nightie nite...

=D Drubek

2008-05-07T13:02:00.000-07:00

Well, our dossier is ready except for the HS, which is supposed to be ready for review by the end of this week. Then we will send everything off to Yakima, where the USCIS office is. They take however many months to review and approve and then we're in the lovely wait game.
I'm still remaining optimistic that we'll travel by next February. Reality is that we have no control and we just need to have patience. (Ok, for those of you who know us both, STOP LAUGHTING NOW!)
I am so tired. I'm pretty sure I've begun to nest, too. Ok, well, maybe it is actually lack of sleep (staying up late looking for a more 'fuel efficient, yet roomy" vehicle.) Since I am not quite willing to become a mini-van mama, the search is a little difficult. I think we have narrowed our search and somehow "veggie oil conversion" keeps coming up in Andrew's conversations. Ever the do it yourselfer, this topic has great appeal to him. (Blech! I like burritos but I don't want to smell like one after driving around town all day!)

Drubek

reflections (or venting?) No, not Vente'...

2008-04-30T22:06:00.000-07:00

I've been struggling a lot lately (it seems to be worse at certain times of the month =) with how many older children get 'left behind' in orphanages across the world. Currently I'm reading the phenomenal book "There is No Me Without You" by Melissa Faye Greene. It's my kind of book...tears, joy, deep heartache. I can't put it down, but I want to. In some ways it's so easy to forget how life is for so many others in different countries. In the US, we are so blessed. For the impoverished...there is Welfare, free clinics, shelters, WIC, free education for our children, free clothing, counseling, job assistance...there are JOBS, period. I'm not saying there aren't people in this country that aren't starving. I am saying that unless someone is suffering from severe mental illness and is living on the streets under a bridge, we all are one hundred times better off than the average person in the undeveloping countries. Well, actually, truth be told, even those who are living under bridges in America are better off than the vast majority in other countries. They can have access to some programs and if not anything else, the food found in garbage cans and dumpsters in the US alone would feed entire nations!
Anyway, getting back to the older children that are often times not adopted. I feel a deep guilt that I am not brave enough to be adopting these children. Instead, I am going with my selfish wants. Those wants of 90% of all adoptive parents...we want the adorable infants or young toddlers. I cringe each time I read a post (on a group I belong to on adoption) from someone who writes asking "how long is the wait for an infant" or "What agency has the most babies". If we are so arrogant to insist on only adopting infants, we cannot be angry when we have to wait four, six, twelve, sixteen months + for a referral! When a country shuts it's doors to intercountry adoptions, is it because there are too few babies to meet the demand? When the babies are all gone and the older children are left, what else is there to do? I have so much more to say on this but I won't now.
Each time someone has told Andrew and I that we are "saints" (and yes, this is the actual phrase) for "doing this" I cringe again. I reassure them that "No, we are not". We are selfishly wanting more children and if we were "saints" we would be sponsoring more, adopting the children with HIV/AIDS (we have the life saving medicines here that they may never live to see in their own country), TB, Amputee's, little ones with cleft palates (which we all know is a correctable surgery here in the states), OR, *gasp* eight year old energetic, ornery boys who may never have a family to call his own!

I've been praying that God will give me wisdom as well as peace knowing He is in charge and will direct the orphanage personnel to the children that God has chosen for us.

I should go read my book, huh? As I've said before, blogging is SO therapeutic! (So how come I don't feel any better?) =)

Drubek

Knockin' Em Out

2008-04-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

When I received our dossier packet, I looked at it as a rewarding challenge...as it should be. I knew that the 20 + things on that list were easy and short compared to the life changing experiences that lay ahead. Plus, reading about some adoptive parents struggles w/ their paperwork, I feel blessed that I can pretty much use each day to just knock out the paperwork one by one and get done in record time. (Fingers crossed!)
So, I used today to knock 'em out...This was my day (and it took up the entire 6 hours my kids were in school!) to get as much paperwork (paper chasing) done as possible! Here's what I did:
~Went to the credit union for some papers to be notarized as well as changing some money around.
~Then went to my other bank to have our financial letter typed up. This is a tricky document which a lot of banks don't want to do, esp. since it has to be done on their letterhead. Some sweet talk, a little diplomacy and then some threats that you'll close your account should do the trick. The manager was very helpful and said the documents (3 in all) would be ready by 2pm.
~Went to the local police station to have criminal clearance done...they redirected me to the sheriff's office, 25 minutes away. (Threats do not work well here, though). =D
~Drove to downtown Portland for my kids' birth certificates (I didn't realize I needed theirs too!)
~ Couldn't find parking ANYWHERE for a F350 long bed truck and ended up parking in no mans land.
~Walked (the 50 miles) to the vital record's office only to find out that they only take cash or checks...no debit! Had to walk back to no mans land and get the checkbook. (Glad I actually had it!)
~Went back (the 50 miles) to vital records, stood in line and then got the birth certs.
~From there I went to my "local" sheriff's office for the criminal clearance...But NO, they don't do that in my county...so I had to go to the courthouse...glad it was close by. The lady there was very helpful and I was able to get my six copies (3 sets each, Andrew and I). Here they do not take checks, only debit or cash!
~Returned a swim suit I had bought for Chloe (ok, so that wasn't part of the paper chase), but was a good excuse to go to the mall. Sad, it was a quick job and I did not buy anything!!!
~Went back to BofA to retrieve letters that I had ordered earlier in the day. They were notarized and ready to go! Yea!!!
~2:45pm, just in time to pick up the kids after school.
My life is already starting to change...No restaurant lunch for me! And it was tempting. Andrea had called me in the morning asking what I was up to for the day. I wanted to say "meet me for lunch!"
Did I mention that for the dossier, we need 3 copies of everything...and everything has to be notarized. The notary's commission cannot expire before late 2009 or 2010 (to be safe) and it's imperative before having something notarized that we make sure of this. This is a challenge at times! If the only notary in a particular office commission expires too soon, then you have to go elsewhere. Not good if you're say, like at the doctors office and it's HIS signature that needs notarized! This actually happened to me on Monday. So, fortunately, I have an awesome doctor who is willing to take my documents to his bank to be notarized. Some documents need to be notarized AND authenticated. Don't know yet what the difference is!
Well, if you're still reading, you are one of our very loyal and supportive friends...OR you just have no life whatsoever! =)
Thanks for keeping up with us. As you can see, we are still full steam ahead!

Drubek

Newsboys, Potluck & Babies!

2008-04-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

The Newsboys were amazing as always!!! But more importantly, a new group opened for them by the name of NEWWORLDSON and they were excellent! The boys will always be my fave group but I've been listening to NWS since Friday night NON STOP! A little soul, a little roots...a great band that I hope we'll be seeing more of soon!! I'm hoping to add a couple of their songs to my blog for y'all to listen to soon.

Potluck, such a scary and intriguing idea all at the same time...isn't it? But it was all good on Saturday over in a little town called North Plains...never heard of the town until Saturday, either! Dove's annual potluck was held (indoors, fortunately) and there seemed to be a great turn out. There were little brown babies running all over the place! It was a great time to see children who will look like ours from Ethiopia. I loved seeing how all the children (no matter what age) mixed and enjoyed playing together. One little boy showed Chloe the love. He hugged her and grabbed her hand, leading her all around. He wanted her all to himself! But when it was time to leave, he didn't want anything to do with her. It was like he was saying "Well fine, if you're gonna leave, then get outta here!" He is about 3 I think, and is the son of one of the employees for Dove. Even Elliot, who is normally not much of a joiner was playing with everyone and thoroughly enjoying himself. We all enjoyed it very much. We gained a wealth of knowledge from other parents and are grateful for this community!

Drubek

SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL

Blogging issues!

16 years ago...

Girls with Curls site.

New Year. New Focus.

Ruby's 3rd Birthday...

My 40th Birthday Bash!!

Fall Pictures

Autumn

Elmo vs. Barney

Our latest family photo session!

New Family Pics

Chaotic January - Already Busy February

Life Goes Too Fast!

Toddler Party of 8...

Thankful...so very thankful!!!

"Sometimes I’d like to ask God why He allows poverty, famine and injustice in the world when He could do something about it...... But I’m afraid God might ask me the same question."

Pee Pee, Poo Poo and lots of drool

Recent picture of the kids!

More Pics

SHEESH!!!

Happy Birthday To Our Little Miracle!!

Firsts

And more...

New Pictures!

These Incredible Babies!

Chapter Six: Coming Home

Chapter Five (I'm starting to forget things! Oh NO!!!)

Chapter Four continued briefly! (Silly Me!)

Chapter Four (finally! =)

Chapter Three

Video of us meeting the babies for the first time.

New pics before we get too far along! =)

Chapter Two

A New Chapter ~ How To Begin To Describe This Wonderful New Book?

Packed and ready!!

Introducing Two Of The Most Beautiful Children Ever!!!

I've been tagged!

Parents to a teen now!

Still Nesting!

Nesting

WE PASSED COURT!!!

Inspired to Pray

Time Flies

Baby Showers Galore!

Thanksgiving Updates on Ruby & Roman

WE HAVE A COURT DATE!!!!!!

Baby(s) Shower!

Praying for a court date

Time To Start Shopping!

I've Been Tagged

Announcing!!!!!!...............................

Go To The Polls

Dossier to ET = 6 weeks!

The Letter

One complete month!

Tony Starlight's Supper Club

New well pump, dryer and paint!

CATE COMES HOME!!!!

More fun from this week!

Dove Events - Children's Museum

Upright Double Bass = Who Knew???

"Our" Awesome River!

Preparing for toddlers...again!

Sa'at sintno? Meche?

Le travail administratif est en France

Dossier to NY

The "8" 's have it!!!

Getting ready for school mornings!

Article in USA Today

Washington D.C.

Fun at the park before more shots

Bye Bye Paperwork!!

PHOTO *SHOT*

oh yes...something else {SO COOL!}

Dossier complete & other fun stuff

WE GOT IT

I AM NORMAL (hee hee)

DOH!!! (must be the head injury!) =)

No Golden Ticket

PHOTO SHOT