Sunday, February 27, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
So Proud I Could Burst
For the past seven years, I've been more than fortunate to work in a job that I love. Every day, I meet with high school and junior high students who are unable to attend school for some reason. I do my best to help them get an education and pray, pray, pray that one day they can go back to school.
I can't share their stories, which is difficult because I adore these kids. I want the world to know about them. What I can tell you is that, if I were hanging out with these kids in high school, my mother might have raised her eyebrows a little bit. My students wear state-issued ankle bracelets, battle devastating illnesses, do NOT "play well with others," and know more about parenting at sixteen than I do at twenty-eight.
It was through this job that I had the privilege of meeting LaShonte. She was a freshman in high school and was my very first student.
I couldn't get her to crack a book - or a smile - for weeks.
But we persevered. We persevered for 18 months. And I can honestly say that she taught me more than I taught her.
Last Wednesday, I witnessed something in.cre.di.ble.
LaShonte GRADUATED from college.
COLLEGE.
I sat though the ceremony and grinned from ear to ear. I was literally so proud and felt like I might just burst open. When she walked up on stage and took hold of that diploma, I had to hold onto my seat to keep from embarrassing both of us by running down the aisle to tackle her.
I won't tell you about all of the obstacles that this young lady has overcome - that is her story to tell. Just know this; this diploma is a VERY.BIG.DEAL. In fact, if you've earned a college diploma, you can bet-your-buttons that this girl worked harder than you.
After the ceremony, we went out to dinner, where I continued to marvel at everything she is still teaching me.
I am thankful for this girl and I am so, so proud of her.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Showered
I've had two baby showers this month and oh.my.goodness. I am still overwhelmed by the love that was POURED out on us and our boy.
I am blessed to have amazing friends (and a super-amazing sister-in-law) who thoughtfully and carefully planned each detail. From over-the-top cupcakes, to Ethiopia-related food and games, to a diaper and formula raffle to help us collect donations, my sweet ladies thought of it all.
I could not be more thankful that God has given me these wonderful women in my life. All of them are mommies already and they may not know it yet (or maybe they can see it comin'), but I'm probably going to be asking for lots of help and advice in the next few months. They are good mommies. I'm luck to get to learn from them.
And the gifts. Holy Cow. The gifts. Outrageous I tell you.
So thoughtful.
So carefully selected.
Each gift said, "I know you'll need this," or "I made this because I love your boy."
We received beautiful handmade hats and blankets, gorgeous art for his room, fun toys and books, things to keep him warm and happy and fed. I look in his little closet now and I just want to shout for joy. Having all of these lovely things in our home makes me all the more excited to get him home.
I was so blessed by each person who attended - many traveling from all over the state - to be there. Your presence was encouraging and uplifting. Seriously. I am so thankful for each.and.every.one.of.you.
Because writing thank you notes might take me a month or two, I'm going to say it here and now; Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for being there, for blessing us, and for your never ending encouragement and support. I know we've been promising you all a new baby to love for a loooong time. He's coming. I promise. Thank you for sticking it out with us.
I even had friends who were willing to take pictures for me (Glory Hallelujah!), so I'll have to wait to share those until I get them.
For now, I'll leave you with one that will make you smile.
My wonderful and lovely grandma got us a card.
And she used her eyebrow pencil
to color in the little baby
so that he would look like our baby.
Hilarious. And so thoughtful. I love it.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
makes me want to boogie
Occasionally, when Mark and I go out, we find that there are some dancers who MUST be videoed. And those videos always get sent to our friend Dave. He gets our humor.
So, when I saw this video on Heather's blog today, I just new I had to share it for Dave.
Please, enjoy every minute.
And be sure to watch for some amazing pyrotechnics.
If you have a minute today, say a prayer for Heather and Rolyn. They met their little guy in Ethiopia and went to court on December 22nd, and currently they are still waiting to get the word that they can go back and bring him home.
focus. focus. foc.......
I feel like there is a giant neon sign on the inside of my brain flashing *BABY* *BABY* *BABY*
Or sometimes it's flashing *WHATINTHEEVERLOVINWORLDAMIDOING*
Either way, it's limiting my ability to think clearly.
I forgot my wallet this week,
twice,
in the same day.
So if I've responded to you lately with a blank stare. I apologize.
It's not because I wasn't interested in what you were saying, but most likely because short-circuted for a moment and am trying to reclaim my thought process.
Please forgive.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
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