I love this photo... It was a great afternoon with the kids. This was taken a little before Christmas (Thanks to Tina Larcey) and I remember thinking next year there will be 5 of us.
Needless to say, a few months can make all the difference.
After a lot of prayer, and talks with some of our most valued friends... We signed our "exit" papers out of the adoption process last Monday. The social worker said it could be years from now until we got our child. For us 4 to 7 years is just too long to wait. Along with the time frame came other issues.
We want to be purposeful in our lives. For so long we thought this adoption process was what we were being called to do. And on some level, it was. We learned a lot, we are in a better place, and sometimes there is no price to say "I am better today, than two years ago". Even when that means paying a huge sacrifice along the way. With this season of life ending... we know God will lead us in the direction he has planned for us. It just might take some time in understanding what that is, and time to get there.
The past few months have been filled with confusion, sadness, and disappointment. It is harder than you think to get over the loss of an idea.... For us it was the idea of what we thought our family was going to look like in just a few short months. Again, God is good... and we will continue to listen and follow where he leads.
As hard as it was to come to a final decision... doors have already been opened that are bringing excitement and purpose into our lives. We have a great support of friends and two great kids that have made this just a little easier to go through.
To all of our friends that called, had lunch with me, or sent emails... thanks. Your words were kind, helpful and I was grateful to know we were loved by so many people. I am a person who needs close friends, and I think I have the perfect friends in my life right now. So thank you to so many of you, who have made this decision and process a little easier.
We look forward to these next few months, there is a lot to be thankful for and we are looking forward to so many BIG events soon to come!
As we end this chapter of our lives still as a family of four, we know we are blessed by each other and by those around us. We look forward to what is to come...
One Chapter closes...
March 12, 2011
This past week we had a day that we just couldn't believe was happening. Amazing how one day could change so much.
This week a new law went into effect that Ethiopia is cutting adoptions by 90%. Making the number of adoptions go from about 50 to 5 a day.
Robbie and I have a huge decision lying ahead of us. We are at a unique point to either intercede the paperwork that is in Washington DC now and get some of our money back.... or send the paperwork over and trust this is going to blow over (the ruling will be repealed).
Our hearts are heavy... it's been a long journey. We have invested time, emotions and fiances into this.
It's sad on so many different levels... these kids will not wait years for a good home.
Just pray for us as we have to make a decision in the next two weeks.
We are considering all of our adoptions and have even reached out to a few of you for guidance (which has been SO helpful).
Once we have a decision we will let you know.
It's been a long week, of tears...
Robbie and Alisen
http://adoption.state.gov/news/ethiopia_alert.html
January 24, 2011
I am really excited to write about my next blog... but I have to finish off my "being more simple" topic with our WAGON!
It doesn't get more simple than this...
First, I want to start by saying the simple features of this car remind me of when I was little riding in my grandfather's car. I loved the gear handle and the click it made.... it was like the car was saying "get ready... our journey starts now". I loved the smell of the air fresheners he always had (you know those tree things). Then I loved the click of the seat belt... odd I know!
Guess what... I now have my very own car that has all of these features.
A few years back my father-in-law, brother-in-law and husband all bought a red station wagon (wood grained side). I loved it, and have missed it since my father-in-law sold it. It was great... our whole (and by whole I mean all 9 of us) could go anywhere together in it. Plus... the rear facing window is awesome!
So, about a month ago, we sat at dinner with my husbands parents... talking about a bigger car. Then I said... "what about a wagon?"... got on eBay... found this one... thought that's different, practical, and affordable! Let's get it! So we did!
Most of you know I have a wonderful car now... but the wagon is like driving your couch around. So comfortable! I will miss the auto drive function on my car now... but I will survive!
The kids love it... it has pop doors, DVD player, Flo master exhaust (I have no idea what Flo master exhaust is...?... but this car has it).
I love it when the kids say.. "mom ____ is great". It usually has to do with some old function that they have never seen before. Like the cigarette tray on the doors... ha ha. They think it is a storage cup... good luck fitting anything in it though. I feel like they are getting to experience a piece of history.
Anyways... simple.....loving life for the small things it has to offer....
January 19, 2011
It's hard NOT to desire a more simple life when you see this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BywUvR8YCW4
(This is where we will be traveling late this summer.)
I think about our trips planned for this year.... There will be trips back to the midwest for weddings, a trip to California with our best friends... but the trip that will make the biggest impact in our life this year will be to Ethiopia.
I am exctied about all of our coming travels... A best friend is getting married, it will be a great time to celebrate her new journey in life. It's fun to not just think about her wedding day, but to also to think about all the great things ahead for her: kids, celebrations, ect.
I am excited to spend some time in California with our best friends. I think this is our fourth year vacationing together. I look forward to sitting in the sand watching the kids play... eating ice cream every night... splurging on a fun dinner with probably too much chocolate for desert, and propably talking about a trip to Africa that will be only weeks away...
As we entered into this journey of saying why are we blessed and how do we give back... I have learned far more than I thought I would. It's been hard to let go of material things that I love and to be more needs based. I may have come a long way, but I still have a long ways to go.
As I watch this video, it's hard to believe I need more than water, food, and shelter: yet these kids barely have that.
I listen to many tell me about adoption... Some stories are great and filled with encouragement. Some stories I have to ask if they thought before they talked... but in the end I can only be the hands and feet of Jesus and trust that he will do the rest.
I lost my dad when I was young, and cannot say I have a stable mother. So when I look at the family that Robbie and I have created today, I can only imagine what it would have been like growing up with great parents and my heart truely wants to share that with all kids. Right now we have Maddyn and Brock... we love them more than life... and look forward to sharing our love with kids who might never know what a family is.
So I guess the point is: We are living simple, to adopt and share life with those who might not ever get the chance to know what a family is.
January 18, 2011
It's the simple things in life.
For some of our closest friends you got to see our lives get a lot more simple last year. I have to say sometimes change is hard, but when you look back and see that it's the simple things in life that bring you the most joy.... sometimes simplifying your life can be the best thing you can do.
I am around my kids most of the day, but I love the simple moments with them. Last week I was sitting on the couch with Maddyn. I looked over at her, and I thought "she is beautiful". Although, she is beautiful on the outside... I just love that she just loves people around her for who they are, and loves to be my little helper. I think as a mom it can be scary to watch our kids grow up and it is hard to think that one day they might make a bad choice. So today I am delighted that I have a 6 year old that is simple and brings love and smiles into our home daily!
This week I am looking forward to writing about some of the changes we have made... but to start the week. I just wanted to delight in my 6 year, who can be the most complicated little girl at some points along the way... but lately she has been so simple. And it is in these simple moments her heart shines and you get to see the awesome little person she is!
December 30, 2010
What do you do with all of those Holiday Cards, Birthday Photos, and Photo Cards you get throughout the year???
I hear so many of you talking about what do do with all of your cards you get, especially over the Holidays.
I got this Card holder at Pier 1, a few years ago. They still sell them today! I tell Clients about it all the time... so I thought I would show it to you.
I keep mine hung by our door. It is fun to look at through out the year. Also, with all of our family and so many of our friends being so far away. When they send us a photo card, it is an easy way for our kids to know who they are and talk about them when they look at the photos.
I also keep every card family, friends and clients send to me... it's just nice to look at families grown and remember them everyday!
These are only $10! 
This is the card holder empty. It hangs from two screws: one at the top & one at the bottom.
Cute design, perfect for any home.
It holds a lot of cards!
Great way to remember those adorable photos through out the year!
Happy Holidays!
December 28, 2010
It's been 8 years.... One dog, Two Kids, and Many Moves later ~ I still love him!
Since our anniversary falls at the end of the year, it always seems like it's a good time to relect back on a the year... talk about the highs, the lows, the hard times and just how thankful we are to be where we are at in life with each other.
I also found a few photos :)
A classic photo.... (althought I don't do this pose very often....hahah)
Here are two of the most amazing people you will ever meet! They still look this good, too!
These are two great friends. Nick just got married a few weeks ago, and Barb will get married next year! Congratuations friends!!
After all these years... Robbie and his dad still have the same hair cut!
Best Cake Sharing EVER! Still have yet to see it be done better.... ????
I use to watch this little guy... now he is in his teens. Great family, wish I could see them more often!
Our wedding day was a great day... I am thankful for such a sweet, wonderful husband who does life with me.
Love you Robbie!