Living Life As...

Christmas 2009

2009-12-27T16:27:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful Christmas we have had! We have been able to do all of the wonderful things things that we have planned to do and more! The kids are doing great. They are enjoying every minute of their vacation (and so am I). I wish everyone a wonderful, safe, and blessed New Year!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-01T15:03:00.000-08:00

Rhys 10
Braeden 3
Riley 6
Waverly 6
Daddy 30
Mommy 33

Hello, everyone~

2009-07-10T16:18:00.000-07:00

Life moves so quickly for the Simmons family these days. I have completely stopped blogging because I feel like we have moved on to a new chapter. I still check in and read about the happenings of good friends that we made along the way when I have a free moment. It is incredible to me that the kids have been home for over a year. It seems like they have always been here but in other ways it seems like the trip was just yesterday. Everyone is doing great. The one thing that I will tell you is that adopting the kids has not been without its struggles. You have three little people with very defined personalities. Braeden was such a different story because he was my little baby from day one. I have to say that he still is. He is like my shadow. He very often will choose not to play becuause "I want to stay with Mama." Waverly, Riley, and Rhys have grown so much this past year but it has been ALOT of work. It seems like we have been through many struggles to get them where they are today but we are really happy and love them so much.

Waverly and Riley could not be more opposite. Waverly is a sassy little girl with major attitude and an infectious laugh. She is too funny and is the apple of Shawn's eye. SHe is short and stocky and absolutely precious. Riley is our little mother hen. She loves to help me with everything and loves to tell on everyone. It has been a balancing act trying to keep her from being the 'tattle tale.' She is stunningly beautiful and is definitely going to break hearts. Wow...she really is gorgeous. Rhys is nine and has never been wrong a day in his life. Just ask him. He is fun and energetic but he can definitely test your patience. We have worked with him so much this past year and he is doing good.

Shawn and I are doing well. We leave for the shore on Sunday. Camp starts when we return. Basically we are moving along with life. One day at a time.

Easter Pictures

2009-04-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

Pre-Easter

2009-04-11T16:36:00.000-07:00

We had a pre-Easter celebration at my Mom's house on Friday night. It was fun because we celebrated Jill, Mike and Bob's birthdays. My kids are ALWAYS up for a birthday party and are OBSESSED with Mike so it was the best of both worlds for them. We had an Easter Egg hunt that was fun. The kids had practice because they had competed in our community's Easter Egg hunt on Thursday. By the time tomorrow comes, they will have all officially turned PRO.

It is hard to believe that Spring Break is almost over. I had a wonderful time. I got the best of all worlds...I got to spend time with my kids, work on my house, and do some really fun things! This even included going to get pedicures with Jen, Jill, and Erin. We always talk about doing things like this but never actually do it so this was great! Tomorrow we are celebrating Easter with Shawn's parents. I will post pics of the kids all dressed up in their Easter finest!

The long and the short of it

2009-03-22T05:31:00.001-07:00

Hello!
I haven't been posting because we have been so busy. I wish that I had more time to get more pictures. I will have the best of intentions and then life will get in the way.
Everyone is doing well after a few tough weeks.
1. Braeden kept getting sick and I was getting more and more worried. We took him to the doctor's on Wednesday and found out he has pneumonia. He is now on antibiotics and is feeling much better but they have some yucky side effects which make me feel so badly for him. I just can't wait for the little guy to be all better. He is talking up a storm and has so much personality. He continues to be my littlest best friend.
2. Riley is now a full fledged mother hen. She is too cute. She looks after Braeden and worries about EVERYTHING. She is my little helper and has such a sweet, nurturing side.
3. Waverly had a boo boo on her chin which she proceeded to scratch and scratch until it became infected. SO...we were off to the doctor for her and now she has creams and ointments to control her infection. She is obsessd with not wearing a bandage. I am obsessed with her wearing a bandage. It is fun. (Not really) She is my feisty one. She is too cute but a handful.
4. Rhys goes from being my buddy to pointing out everything Shawn and I do wrong. It is tough to go to a nine year old so fast. We are all adjusting, though, but it is one step at a time.
I will post pics when I get a chance!

Snow pictures

2009-03-09T09:07:00.000-07:00

These are from last weekend. THIS weekend it was close to 70 degrees!!
We went from snow men to basketball in six days!

Date Day

2009-03-01T05:36:00.001-08:00

Yesterday the little girls went out with Shawn to see Beauty and the Beast. They got all dolled up for their date with Daddy. Shawn said they loved the play and they got these adorable light up flowers to bring the Beast back to life. Last night, they told me the play starred the Beast and 'Belt'. Adorable!

The boys and I went shopping. We are re-doing the kids' rooms so we went shopping for curtains and rugs. We had a really good time. It was nice to spend some time with just my boys.

P.s. Don't think I left Rhys out! He stood there the whole time with us but REFUSED to have his picture taken!

Longwood Gardens

2009-02-04T05:47:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful day on Saturday when we went to Longwood Gardens for their kid fest. All of the kids were so good and loved looking at all of the beautiful flowers and touring the indoor gardens. We then went to a children's concert which was really cute. We finished the day off with dinner at Friendly's! It was a great day (just don't ask about Rhys dunking his head in the fountain at Longwood Gardens).

We have been battling a NASTY virus with Braeden. He has been so sick and it just breaks my heart. I think we are headed to the doctor's today. I just want him to feel better. Everytime we think it is finally behind us, he starts to throw up again.

To be cute or not to be cute...

2009-01-26T16:52:00.000-08:00

That is the question. The little girls are obsessed with being cute. They got pretty new bangs. They primp and primp all the time. Rhys on the other hand is obsessed with NOT being cute. He prefers to be cool. Braeden says NO to cute and YES, YES, YES to kook. (O.k. Waverly seems to like to be this, too.) Tonight she was acting like a vampire and biting our necks. I'm not kidding. Question...how does she even know what a vampire is ????? Also, check out her boo boo under eye.
She came home with it on Friday and Mommy almost had a HEART ATTACK!

Birthdays, Bowling and the BIG MOVE!

2009-01-19T16:46:00.000-08:00

The boys bowling

Waverly

We are now almost all settled into our new home. It is much bigger and we really love it. We of course have some work to do with painting, new curtains, etc. but we are very excited to have a house that actually fits our family.

The kids are all doing well. Waverly, Riley, and Rhys started at their new school. They like it so far but really miss McKinley.

We had a great weekend this weekend. Two birthday parties! Happy birthday, Uncle Doug and Elisa! We love you guys!

P.s. As you can see from the pictures, we live in Eagles country. Tough weekend for the birds and for the fans :(

The Power of Prayer and People

2009-01-13T16:58:00.001-08:00

With all that I am, I am praying for Abby. This family who has given so much to others needs others to stand by their side now. For every Mom that has held her little one, say a prayer for Abby. For every Daddy that has heard the gleeful giggles as you swing your child in your arms, say a prayer for Abby.

Pray.

www.riggsfamilyblog.com

2008-12-26T17:06:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Christmas Eve 2008

2008-12-25T03:38:00.000-08:00

It is early Christmas morning and all of the family is still sound asleep. I am still a kid at heart so I am WIDE awake waiting to hear the pattering of little feet so I can say, "Hey, Shawn, the kids are up. You HAVE to wake up."

Last night we celebrated Christmas Eve. It was such a wonderful time. I cannot believe all of the toys the kids got. We almost could not fit in the car as we were leaving Grandmom's house! The little girls were too cute all night. Riley kept running around saying, "I'm FAAAN_CY" because she was wearing her beautiful fancy Christmas dress. They looked so beautiful. Braeden got a Thomas the Train Tricycle and could not figure out the peddles so Rhys pushed him around all night. He is such a good big brother. He just kept saying, "O.k. Come on Baby Brodder" (that is what Rhys calls Braeden)

When we got home, things took a turn when the kids when to bed and it became SHAWN vs. the KITCHEN SET. Now, this kitchen set was a great deal and I was thrilled when I saw it in Toys R Us. I did not realize that it would be in 5,000 pieces. SO, Shawn tackled it for about two hours. But, now it is all put together for the kiddos. I can't wait to see their faces. IF they ever wake up. Come on, people, IT'S CHRISTMAS!

Zach's birthday and Gearing up for the BIG day!

2008-12-23T15:45:00.001-08:00

We have been so busy. The kids are READY for Christmas. They are so excited that I feel like they are going to burst if it doesn't come soon. It is so sweet to see them celebrate their first Christmas home.

We are also gearing up to move right after the holidays. Our house has become MUCH smaller than it has ever been so we need a place to stretch our legs. We are moving to a very nice house with a big yard and I am really happy. It is so hectic this time of year but HEY, when Shawn and Megan do something, they do it big.
Here are some fun pics from cousin Zach's party and some shots that I took of the kids. The next posts will be THE CHRISTMAS POSTS!

2008-12-09T16:57:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Giving thanks

2008-12-02T16:42:00.000-08:00

I am a mother of four children under the age of ten. I am a career woman who leads a school of 500. I am a wife who has so much less time than I once had. I am a realist. I have spent so much of this year in turmoil, in disappointment, in fear, in doctor's offices, completing paperwork, changing diapers, giving baths, correcting children (mine and not mine).

But I look at my life with hollaring children, deadlines, schedules, appointments, and I think...Thanks be to God. Thank you for all you have given me. Thank you for allowing me to learn through these children. Thank you for letting me keep my humor. I think I am the only school administrator who regularly dances and sings in her office. I work in a HIGH SCHOOL so this is NOT considered cool. Thank you for movie time, tiny kisses, big eyes, great accents, incredible responsibility and such a sense of purpose. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Four years...

2008-11-11T17:11:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

My boys...a nine year old and a (gulp) THREE year old

2008-11-11T16:49:00.000-08:00

We had the boys' party on Saturday. We had a wonderful time. Rhys was so excited. He kept saying, "Eight...no birthday, Seven...no birthday...Six...no birthday...NINE...BIRTHDAY!!"

I am so in love with these guys!!

Rhys is NINE!

2008-11-07T15:08:00.000-08:00

Rhys is mature, sweet, funny, bossy and kind. He loves his little brother, fights incessantly with Waverly, plays well with Waverly, loves all things sports, Phillies and Eagles. He talks about Ethiopia and I find his stories fascinating. He worked as a sheep herder when he was four. He has seen more in nine short years than most ever will.
I am the only one who calls him Rhyssie. He is my big boy! I am proud to be his cool Mom!

Halloween 2008

2008-11-03T15:54:00.001-08:00

How bout them Phils...

2008-11-01T16:09:00.000-07:00

I don't claim to be the biggest sports fan in the world. Believe me. But if you grow up in Philadelphia, sports gets in the blood. It is at the heart of Thanksgivings, Sundays, morning coffees, late nights, work small talk. One thing ALL Philadelphians share is that we are joined by a common bond. We love sports. AND we are cursed.

Well, not anymore. They did it. The Philadelphia Phillies pulled it out and brought millions of Philadelphians to their feet. Call it luck, skill, fate, about time. They did it. We closed schools, bought t-shirts, hugged, cried, cheered, and joined together. Joined by a common bond. We are NOT cursed (at least not today).

(Check out AWESOME photos on this site: www.anerinooriginals.blogspot.com) He has tremendous talent.

School and the Simmons Kids

2008-10-24T16:15:00.000-07:00

The kids really like school. They are doing better and better with their English and we are really proud of them. One thing that the Simmons kids have not mastered...recess.
Now, as most of you know I am a high school assistant principal. Imagine being in my office and getting THREE calls in THREE weeks that my kids have been hurt at recess. Rhys ran into another kid playing football and had a HUGE egg on his head. Riley fell and got a bloody nose. Today Waverly climbed to the TOP of the jungle gym and fell from the top. Can you say CRAZY woman mommy??!?!
SO... we had a talk with the kids which will be followed by a talk with the school so we can keep our guys happy and lump free!

Getting back to photography

2008-10-19T16:55:00.000-07:00

I have fallen off on my photography so much in the last few months. I have BEAUTIFUL subjects but find myself more and more without my camera. I am vowing to get back into it. Here are some nice shots.

My neice, Erin. Very cool to shoot because she's got great eyes for photography.

My little sister, Jill...this was supposed to be just fun and silly but turned out very pretty.

This shot is cool.

I love this because I want to use it in a cool collage picture that I am making.

People who know Shawn, know he is an artist. This is supposed to be edgy.

This is my sister, Jill, again, and her husband, Mike

In the Name of the Father

2008-09-27T16:36:00.001-07:00

Today I felt overtaken by sadness. I was reading about the struggles of a family that I am so proud to know, the Riggs. Michelle was SUCH a comfort to me during my wait for Rhys, Waverly, and Riley. I was struck by how wonderful she was then. I just instantly loved her.

I related to her little ones because we shared the common beautiful thread of Guatemala. When Abby got sick, I knew instantly how she felt because of the many overwhelmingly frightening moments I have had with Braeden and his medical issues. Now I just feel so scared for them. I found myself crying when I hugged my Brae and then again as my little ones sang "Twinkle, Twinkle" in car on the way to get Halloween decorations.

I know many can't understand how we can impact eachother's lives so completely by our bonds of adoption, but I feel the need to say thank you. To Michelle. To Toni, Kevin, Kristen, Sandra, Amy and Matt, Candy, Shay, Mike and Michelle, Julie B, Jodi, Traci, Jen, Heather, and everyone else who has taken the journey and crossed paths with me on mine. I am thankful that I know you.
Megan

We're Baaa-aaack!

2008-09-25T16:14:00.000-07:00

Hello, everyone!
Well, we have gotten TONS of e-mails and comments asking for a much needed update! All is going well at Casa Simmons. The kids are in Back to School routines. Waverly and Riley are in Kindergarten. Rhys is in second grade and Braeden is back at Aunt Elsie's house. The transition to school was pretty smooth. We had some crying the first week but the kids REALLY like school. They are very enthusiastic and love their teachers and classmates.
Shawn and I are back to work in full swing. We are VERY busy and spend our nights exhausted after running from school, to bus stops, to soccer, to shopping, etc. etc.
We will get to spend some time together one of these days.
We are gearing up for fall and would LOVE to put our tiny house on the market but don't know if this is the time. We would love it but the market does not seem to love anyone right now.
Here are some miscellaneous photos of the last month: We hope all are well and I have been reading your posts and praying for courts to open speedily for many more babies to come home SOON!!!!!!

Waverly in the tub

First day of school!!

The girls' Birthday Party!! FIVE YEARS OLD...sniffle, sniffle!

Three months home

2008-08-10T16:44:00.000-07:00

Summer is fleeting

2008-08-10T16:43:00.000-07:00

Imagination

2008-08-10T16:42:00.001-07:00

Beautiful...

2008-08-10T16:42:00.000-07:00

Daddy and Rhys

2008-08-10T16:41:00.000-07:00

My girls...

2008-08-10T16:40:00.000-07:00

Has this ever happened to you??

2008-07-25T15:32:00.000-07:00

You're playing with a couple of hot chicks.

O.k. they're your sisters, but hey, they're still pretty cute.

One of them says, "Hey, let's play a game."

Next thing you know...you're wearing a tutu and your Mommy is snapping PICTURES of you.

It ain't easy being two.

Say a prayer

2008-07-19T13:46:00.000-07:00

My friend, Michelle, who is a wonderful mother and was so good to me as we waited for the kids got very difficult news about her daughter, Abby.

Abby, who is three and adopted from Guatemala, was diagnosed with leukemia. She is doing well and going through treatments but this family needs your prayers and support.

Please say a prayer for them and keep them in your thoughts.
www.riggsbunch.blogspot.com
Thanks!

Family Pictures

2008-07-15T16:13:00.000-07:00

We finally had our portraits done over this weekend! Here are a few of our different poses!

God Bless America!

2008-07-08T15:55:00.001-07:00

My Home Sweet Home!

Giggles and Grins!

2008-06-29T17:09:00.000-07:00

We had such a wonderful weekend!

We headed off to the Giggleberry Fair on Friday. It is basically a giant KID LAND with games, a carousel, and little rides. The kids had a great time! Braeden was in his glory...he rode every ride and played every game. (SHHH...Don't tell him none of the games were actually ON.) We actually did this trick with the girls, too. Give a kid a steering wheel and they are good to go! We stopped at None Such Farm on the way home for treats and BANANA BREAD (which I have eaten almost completely myself.)

On Saturday, Grandmom and Grandpop came over and the kids ate a HUGE pretzel tray. Literally, they inhaled this tray of soft pretzels! They then went off to dream land and we got to spend some time with ADULTS!!! Yippee!

Today we went to Alverthorpe Park where the kids played for HOURS. It was really fun. We then went home and stopped at our neighborhood block party before filling up the water table in the yard for the kids. It is STEAMING hot here now!

DISCLAIMER---This may happen to YOUR baby after a weekend like this...check out the cookie crumbs on the sides of his mouth.

School, twins, and television!

2008-06-24T16:49:00.000-07:00

We have been so busy. Going from a Mom and Dad of one FIESTY little Guatemalan to FOUR FIERY children has made for some ups and downs.
Here are some updates:
1. Rhys started summer school on Friday. He seems to really like it and we are hoping it will help him with his English. He really wants to learn but is having a hard time. He is in first grade in the program and has pull-out for ESL which is wonderful. He has become OBSESSED with t.v. so it is a good thing to get him on to better and brighter things! He continues to be a wonderful kid who we are very proud of!
2. MAJOR DEAL - Since the kids have been home, we have definitely had our doubts about the girls being twins. Riley seems so much older in how she looks, acts, etc. Well, we were sitting down to dinner one night and OUT comes Riley's tooth. RED FLAG! She has beautiful teeth so there is no decay that would make it fall out. We decided to get up the courage and ask Rhys. He very sadly told us that the girls are NOT twins. Riley is 5/6 and Waverly is 4. Needless to say, it threw us through a loop only because here we are treating our girls as twins and they are NOT. We are rolling with the punches but it is kind of weird.
3. Braeden has been really good. He tries really hard to play with the kids but they seem annoyed by him. He is the little brother that is following along with the "big" kids. For those who know about his therapies, he is KICKING BUTT! He is talking much more and really cooperates so much better!
4. Megan is starting back to work on July 1st. I am actually o.k. with it but just hope Shawn won't jump off a bridge! Haha!
5. Which leads us to SHAWN, who is OFF for the summer. He is doing great. He keeps wowing us with better dinners every night. We have some lucky kids to have a Dad who is such a great cook.
So that is us for June 24, 2008.

Pool Fun!

2008-06-20T16:49:00.000-07:00

I am going to post more this weekend because we have been VERY busy but I thought I would share a few pictures of the kids first time in the pool.
Waverly did GREAT! She loved it and will probably be swimming by the end of the summer.
Braeden LOVES the pool but of course had to HOARD all of the toys. It was pretty silly.
Riley is like MOMMY! She gets cold very easily!
Rhys was HYSTERICAL. He could not figure out the pool. He kept turning his body and couldn't figure the whole thing out. Maybe next time!

Ethiopia and SPIDER MAN??

2008-06-13T18:30:00.000-07:00

O.k. So I know that many of us who are home with our kiddos have experienced THIS phenomenon. In fact, Heather N. just posted on the listserv about it today. OUR KIDS THINK THEY ARE SPIDER MAN.

We have begun to call the kids by their American names. They are doing GREAT.
Rhys proudly says..."My name is Rhys Tewodros SoMONS"

Riley says..."My name is Wiley."

When we ask, Waverly, "What is your name?"

We get...SPIDER.
O.k. So we say "Hi, Spider." She laughs. We ask what is your FULL name?

She says, "SPIDER WOBBLY (I'm NOT kidding) Simmons."
Does it get any cuter? I LOVE to call her Wobbly. It melts my heart.

Taeden...NO!

2008-06-07T11:49:00.000-07:00

O.k. For some reason, Yitayish calls Braeden TAEDEN. We tell her his name is Braeden. Seble and Teddy call him Braeden. Yitayish says TAEDEN. She also tells him NO all the time.
"Taeden, NO!" These are two words that Braeden is unfamiliar with. FIrst, he's like, "Who is Taeden??" Second, he is like, "No? What is No?" Haha.

The kids are doing well. They are a HANDFUL. The pediatrician told us that they need to be in a structured activity this summer because they "lack structure." Overall, we are all enjoying our time, going crazy sometimes, and loving being a family.

This is I call, SECURITY. Braeden will cuddle up with us ALOT lately. I think he needs this.

Seble, Yitayish, and Taeden....sorry, Braeden

So cute

Tewodros...Hanging out!

Beauty in Family

2008-06-01T18:33:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I LOVE photography! Some of my most prized possessions are my most beautiful shots of Braeden!
This week THE SIMMONS SIX have really started to grow as a family. We are becoming more and more comfortable around eachother.
Through silliness, laughter, tears, patience, and frustration, I have truly seen the beauty in my family.

The first 13 days...the good, the bad, and the ugly

2008-05-29T18:26:00.000-07:00

Silly faces!

Mommy and her girls

All my kiddos!

So...the kids have been home for almost two weeks! In some ways, it seems much shorter (like we were JUST in Ethiopia) and in some ways it seems like they've been with us much longer.
Overall, we are doing well. We are having our share of adjustments. I can honestly say that NOTHING could have prepared me for becoming a Mommy of one to a Mommy of four overnight. At times, it is incredibly overwhelming. It seems like SOMEONE is always acting up, pouting, crying, or into SOMETHING. Here are my general observations:
1. Tewodros is doing very well. He is definitely missing Hannah's Hope and FRIENDS. He spends most of his day with four year olds, a two year old, and a 31 year old. I think he is DYING to just PLAY with an eight year old boy. He will be starting ESL summer school on June 20th and he REALLY needs it.
He loves Braeden. He loves to play soccer. He is trying to learn English but is not as interested as I would have hoped. He seems bored ALOT. I find myself always looking to please him which I know is probably unrealistic. He LIKES to holler at the girls ALOT. This is something we are working on!

2. Yitayish (a.k.a. Waverly) is doing great! She is sweet, has an infectious laugh, and is VERY mischievous. She seems to be adjusting GREAT. I think she is very happy and content. She likes to fight with Braeden. They have made me nervous with each other because they will go into COMBAT with eachother. She will repeat English words but that is about it for now. Her hair is my PROJECT. She is beautiful, sweet, and for now pretty easy.

3. Seble (a.k.a. Riley) is my little drama queen. She is MOODY, MOODY, MOODY. She sulks ALOT. She smiles the rest of the time! She loves to play with Yitayish (who SOMETIMES chooses to play with her.) She listens very well. She LOVES to tattle. She tattles ALL day long. I have NO idea what she is saying but she is tattling...believe me. She LOVES to eat. She will not be my skinny minny for long! Haha! She repeats..."I love you So much."

4. Braeden is happy when he has Mommy's attention. He follows me EVERYWHERE. He doesn't like to share toys, LOVES to wake up and see the kids, and LOVES to sit on, jump on, and ROUGH HOUSE with the girls. We are working on this! He is more of a big boy everyday. I look at him and think..."Oh, my baby. Where are you going to."

Did I mention that the girls LOVE to fold wash! I'm NOT kidding!!

Daddy's girl

Sweetie pies

Yitayish in the tent

My Teddy

Braeden's method for keeping his toys...hiding BOWLING pins in this shirt...Also check out that he is wearing a GIRLS hat!

The long road to good bye...our FINAL day in Ethiopia

2008-05-27T18:23:00.000-07:00

Our final day of Ethiopia was one filled with tremendous emotions.

We awoke to MORE cold showers but piping hot coffee! We then travelled as a group to Enat Elam. We left the children behind as we were going to the Mother Theresa house afterward.

Enat Elam was a very important experience for me and Shawn. Our children spent six long months there and I needed to see it for myself and for them. The children were beautiful. We gave out candy, stickers, little cars, and balls. I wanted to cry the entire time. I didn't feel happy or blessed...I felt helpless and sad. These children need SO much. It left me aching inside. I held Shawn's hand as we left and kept telling myself that I had to be strong because I was MEANT to experience this day.

We then went to the Mother Theresa House. As we toured, I felt overcome by emotion and fear. I again felt so small and powerless. As I looked around at death, illness, poverty, disease, I sang in my head OVER and OVER...
"Be not afraid...I go before you always. Come. Fall me and I will give you rest."
It just came into my head and I could not stop singing it to myself. At the last leg of the tour, I walked back to van where Kristin was and just started to cry. It was too much for me.

We then returned to the hotel to shower and change and all I could think about was my kids. We returned to Hannah's Hope and got ready for one last shopping trip. We again boarded the vans and spent a few hours shopping and relaxing. I got some beautiful treasures and it felt good to relax. I saw a little boy that I had seen at the shops on Tuesday. He began to beg and I again began to feel overwhelmed. I waited until we were walking back to the van and I gave him food and money. I just didn't want to turn my back anymore.

When we finally returned to Hannah's Hope for the LAST time, we said our good byes. It was hard for Tewodros. It broke my heart for him. We then returned to the hotel and busily packed, ate dinner, and prepared to travel home. The kids kept screaing, America, and I felt giddy. America, yes, America!

We boarded the vans for the last time at 6 pm and said our good byes to Almaz. What a women...there are NO words.
I felt tired, excited, and overwhelmed. We settled into the airport terminal and waited for our flight. All of the families seemed tired but ready for the new journey in their lives.

As many of you know, the flight brought the emergence of CHICKEN POX all over my little Seble. I initially thought it was hives from stress. But, Oh, NO, Chicken Pox which would become my arch nemesis for the next ten days.

We landed in D.C. FINALLY after a LONG trip from Ethiopia with many trips to bathroom. Yitayish LOVES to pee. Haha.

America...we're here, guys. Mommy and Daddy will be your tour guides. I hope we do a good job.

Day 4...Highs and Lows

2008-05-22T16:02:00.000-07:00

Travel buddies at the golf course!

Travel buddies at the golf course!

Yitayish at the golf course

Today began as our other days in Ethiopia began. We had a nice breakfast and savored EVERY moment of the Ethiopian coffee. The cups are so little but the coffee is STRONG.

Shawn and I had very heavy hearts as we prepared for the birth mother meeting. I was filled with so many worries and fears, some rational and some completely irrational. Our meeting was not until 12:30 pm and I can honestly say that this was one of the longest mornings that I have ever experienced. We sat in the hotel lobby trying to look at peace but in truth, I was anything but at peace. The kids became bored and fidgety but there was little to do but wait.

At 12:10, we began the walk to Hannah's Hope. Tewodros had wanted the kids to wear their traditional Ethiopian outfits. When we opened the gate, we saw that she was there waiting for us. I won't share details. This is for the kids to do if and when they decide to. I can tell you that for ME, a birth mother meeting with older children is difficult...point blank. I wonder if it creates more uncertainty and insecurity in little fragile heads. I felt sad for Tewodros.

After our meeting, we lightened the mood by having lunch at a BEAUTIFUL golf course. The food was good, the conversation was good, and it was exactly what I needed.

Later that night, we ventured out AGAIN for a traditional Ethiopian meal. There was incredible music and DANCING that was WONDERFUL! Seble was so tired from the day that she spent most of the night in my lap asleep. Yitayish and Tewodros FEASTED and their little bellies paid for it later. Of course, the highlight for all of us was Abraham Gresham dancing and grooving to the music. That man can get DOWN!

We returned to our hotel late at night and I can honestly say that I actually fell right to sleep.

Day 3...Shopping and becoming a family

2008-05-20T15:41:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was a great day for us in Ethiopia. We began the day with breakfast as a family. The kids all played at the Union and it was so nice to all be together. We then headed over to Hannah's Hope and ENJOYED the kids so much!

We then left the little girls at Hannah's Hope for naps and lunch and took Tewodros shopping. He carefully picked out Ethiopian outfits for him and the girls. He was so serious in this task and it was soo sweet. We got some great keepsakes and were really happy with them. We then went out to a really nice lunch. It was at this cool restaurant that had beautiful art pieces. I wanted one so badly and now regret not getting one. (Word of caution...if you see something you like, BUY IT! It is an opportunity you will never get back again!)

When we returned, we had what my travel buddies will affectionately remember as "BUBBLE GATE". Many of us had brought bubbles and we gave them to all of the kids at HH. They had a BLAST but it began to rain so they went under the car port. Big mistake. The painted cement became an ICE SKATING rink and here we are grown adults with 25 kids slipping and sliding EVERYWHERE! We got water, brooms (no hoses at HH) and got the kids out of dodge. (I have GREAT pics of Bubble gate and wish sooo badly that I could show them!)

The rest of the day was spent as a family coloring (which we did MUCH of in Ethiopia...who knew it would be such a hit for all of us including me and Shawn). I did feel home sick at night on Tuesday. I cried a bit after the kids went home for Braeden. I think this trip made me feel even closer to Braeden. He is just the sweetest little man in the world.

Overall, this was a day of peace and grace.

My kids in their Ethiopian outfits

P.s. Heather Rae, I keep e-mailing you and it kicks my e-mails out. Let's try for a get together this weekend!

Day 2...The Meeting

2008-05-19T07:41:00.000-07:00

Yitayish swinging on the swings at Hannah's Hope

Seble running at Hannah's Hope

After a very restless night sleep, we awoke excited and nervous. We got a nice hot shower (we didn't know this would be our ONLY hot shower of the trip...Haha). We then all met downstairs for breakfast and awaited Almaz. I spotted her walking up the stairs and we all ran to the window. It was so cute. We filled out our paperwork for about an hour and she then said, "O.k. let's go meet you kids!" I almost had a heart attack.
Walking to Hannah's Hope, I felt so scared. When we came to the gate, I could hardly breathe. We walked in and the people adopting infants went right over to them. I watched and cried. I then looked for our kids but didn't see them. I felt anxious and nervous and then heard, "Mommy". Standing in the distance was Yitayish. She looked EXACTLY as I imagined she would...from size, to movement, to voice. I had dreamt of her. I then saw Seble and Tewodros and ran right to them. Shawn followed behind. It was amazing.
We played at Hannah's Hope for about an hour. Seble struggled. She cried and seemed very unsure. Yitayish and Tewodros took it all in stride. I was very calm for the kids and felt so at peace.
At lunch, we left the older kids at Hannah's Hope (including our guys) so they could have lunch and get ready. We got ready at the hotel and then went for our embassy appointment. The appointment was perfect. The embassy worker said "Congratulations" and I cried. We then went backt to the hotel WITH our kids for a quiet night of dinner and relaxation.

First pictures and Day 1

2008-05-17T18:09:00.000-07:00

Sweet baby girl...Yitayish Waverly

Tewodros cuddling in his bunk at Hannah's Hope

Seble Riley in her Ethiopian dress

May 10th...We boarded the plane for D.C. with nervous anticipation. The ride was quick and we then waited in the D.C. airport for five hours. We met our travel companions and liked them instantly. Then came flight # 2. The ride to Ethiopia is looooooooong. It seems infinite. We tried so hard to sleep but it is just so difficult. EVERYONE who travels will relate to the "airshow" that shows how close you are to Addis. I stared at it for hours!

We finally arrived...tired and nervous. We spent about 1 1/2 hours in Immigration getting visas and then we met up with Danny and Johannes, who are WONDERFUL! They tied a RIDICULOUS amount of luggage to the roof rack of one of our vans. It astounds me that it stayed up but it did. We were delivered to our hotel and then we attempted to get some sleep. I think I slept for about two hours. My mind was filled with fear, nerves, hope, and my ears were filled with the howling of dogs and strange sounds of chanting. Ahh, Ethiopia.

Home~!!

2008-05-17T03:59:00.000-07:00

Well, after a 27 hour trip we made it home safe last night. Everyone did very well! I could not have been more happy and relieved to be home and to hold Braeden! Seble, Yitayish, and Tewodros are doing great. They are fitting right in. Seble is not feeling well and I think has the chicken pox. Oh, no!!

The airlines lost our luggage with ALL my clothes and gifts so I am not too happy about it. BUT I feel tremendously blessed!

I am going to chronicle our entire trip in the next week. It was such a life changing experience.

For all the people I travelled with (Toni, Kevin, Kristin, Tom, Amanda, Phil, Sandra, Ingrid, Curt, Stephanie, Paola, Joe), I cannot tell you how special these people are. We will have a bond FOREVER! As Yitayish would say, "Danny, In the name of Christ, GO FASTER!!" (private travel buddy joke)

For all those waiting, your children are BEAUTIFUL! I have FABULOUS pictures from my Canon which I will be delivering soon. Michelle, the picture of R and S are INCREDIBLE. DeeDee, S is a little man! He's got such a major 'tude!

Love, peace, and finally HOME!

Prayers, peace, and God' speed

2008-05-08T05:43:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Braeden!

Daddy and Braeden...waiting for three more EAGLES fans!!!

Please pray for us as we become the SIMMONS SIX.
In particular, please pray:
1. For Megan to have peace away from Braeden
2. Pray for Braeden's protection while his Mommy and Daddy are away
3. For safe travels for Shawn, Megan, Riley, Waverly, and T
4. For peace and comfort for Riley, Waverly, and T
5. For a joyful homecoming on Friday, May 16th
Thank you all for you love and support.

A Break in the Action (of Packing)

2008-05-06T12:42:00.001-07:00

Braeden watching the animals!

My new pet...I loved her!

Erin the beautiful

The TIGERS...ROOOOOAAAAAAAAAR!!!!!!!!!!!!

We had a wonderful time today at the Philadelphia Zoo. I wanted to just take a nice outing and ENJOY!! It was just what the doctor ordered! Braeden was so incredibly cute. He loved the zoo! He really liked the tigers and outside exhibits. I think he was afraid in the reptile house. Grandpop and Erin came with us! They were a BIG help to me because Braeden decided that he did not want to be in his stroller and was going to RUN through the zoo. He looked like he got out of his cage!! Haha!!

I kept looking at the other kids and felt so excited. I will be taking my FOUR kids to the zoo again this summer. This was a wonderful day for me. I was so at peace that I came home and took a nap! Wow...this is the life! I have to get them in now because I will NOT be napping soon enough.

Attack of the Worries!

2008-05-04T16:58:00.001-07:00

From the time I was very little, I have always been a terrible worrier. I worry about everything...the big to the small. I have gotten better at times in my life and other times have let worrying really get the best of me. Unfortunately, I have really become overcome by worrying in the last week. I am incredibly anxious and worried. I do feel tremendously blessed and excited, but it is in this excitement that my worry comes. I am often a person who is 'waiting for the other shoe to fall.' I am so worried that with all of my dreams about to be realized, something will happen to take it all away.

I am trying very hard to work through this so I can enjoy every moment of my upcoming trip and just pray with all that I am that I can find peace in knowing that my family will be protected during this time. I don't want to waste a moment with worry but sometimes it seems like it is bigger than me.

Girl Dreams Realized x 2

2008-04-29T12:18:00.001-07:00

I have two sisters and we are all very close with our Mom. I have always wanted to have a daughter and now I have two!! AND they are twins! This is almost hard for me to comprehend. I feel like an expert Mom to boys...I can play ball, cars, monsters, running around like loonie tunes, giggling over weird noises. I've GOT the Mom of boys thing! Now, I think to myself...I will get to have tea parties, play Barbies, play dress up, and doll house! When we go into stores to get ready for the kids, I look at dresses and little scooters (adorable skirts with bloomer pants!) and I think I CAN BUY THESE! I have daughters!
I think what I am trying to say is I am so filled with excitement and joy! I cannot wait to have boys AND girls and an expert player of all things little!!!!

Tagged!

2008-04-26T15:36:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged by Amylynn! http://amylynn3-thegoldsteins.blogspot.com/

i am : excited and nervous to go to Ethiopia in TWO weeks!

i think: CONSTANTLY...I have a hard time turning my 'brain off' and just relaxing

i know: love

i want: to live happily ever after

i have : FOUR KIDS!!!!!!!

i wish: weekends were longer

i hate: Monday mornings

i miss: Braeden when I am at work

i fear: the unknown

i feel: anxious, excited, happy, blessed

I hear : Braeden playing with his cars

i smell: cut grass

i crave: ice water

i search: blogs for updates on friends' adoptions

i wonder: what the future will hold

i regret: NOTHING! My experiences have made me who I am

i love: Shawn and my kids

i ache: for those children in Guatemala who cannot be placed

i care: deeply

i always : tell Braeden I love him

i am not: soft spoken

i believe: in miracles

i dance: with my little boy and at work when I am happy!

i sing: LOUDLY and often

i cry: rarely

i don’t always: remember where my keys are

i fight: for what I believe in

i write: lists obsessively

i win: political debates

i lose: my keys ALOT

i never: forget how much I love my family

i confuse: a clean house with utopia!

i listen: to my Mom

i can usually be found: in my living room / kitchen

i am scared: in the middle of the night sometimes

i need: support

i am happy about: who I am

i think : this was fun!

Tickets booked!

2008-04-22T16:14:00.000-07:00

Today I concentrated on booking our tickets! I had called yesterday and gotten our travel itinerary cleared with Julie so I knew I was good to go. It was so incredible to see the kids' names (with OUR last name) on the travel itineraries! I was beaming with pride!
It feels official now. What a Mother's Day weekend!! We feel so incredibly blessed.

I am starting to feel a little pang of nervousness with Braeden but I am going to try to keep it together. I know he will be fine and we will all be together soon enough.

I have also been able to 'talk' to many of the families we will be travelling with and I love them already! I just love adoption so much that everyone's story makes me cry. I keep telling Shawn, "Oh, you will just love this family!" Adoption is just such a miracle to me on so many levels. I feel like the luckiest mother in the world that I have been chosen to mother my four angels!!

FINALLY!!!

2008-04-21T13:09:00.000-07:00

FINALLY...We have our official travel dates!!!! We have been on such a roller coaster of emotions. We were told two weeks ago that we would be in the next travel group and have been hanging out waiting until today. We are so filled with joy and happiness. I just wish that someone who I have grown to care about so much could come, too. Rest assured...I will take tons of pictures and give a full update.

So I will post more later but I know that so many have been praying for us. It's a good day for us. A very good day.

God bless!!

Knock, knock...almost there.

2008-04-13T16:55:00.000-07:00

So, I have it on pretty good authority that we will be getting our travel dates VERY soon...Yippee!! Due to this, I have been finishing EVERY last minute thing that I can think of.
My house is now completely finished EXCEPT I would like to have the landscaping done.
We took our boston terrier to the beauty salon. SO...she is ready to go.
Braeden is an angel as always. He LOVES his brother's bed in the "BOYS" room but of course thinks ALL of the beds are his. He looks at me with this face that says, "Thanks, Mommy! ANOTHER new bed!" Oh, we are going to be in for some fun when that little man has to share Mommy!
I still have MUCH clothes shopping to do for the kiddos but I have to wait on sizes. I have some really cute outfits but not enough.

I have decided when THE DATES do come, I am going to try to write as much as I can a step by step of travel call to departure. I know how much I like to read those details. SO I am going to try to do the same.

O.k. GOOD THOUGHTS!!! Hopefully, next post will be THE ONE!!

Oh, What a Night!!

2008-04-06T10:54:00.000-07:00

Last night we had a wonderful dinner for our family, friends and co-workers. We had raffles throughout the evening that included Philly Sport tickets, furniture, portrait packages, antiques, and Autograph memorabilia (Yay, Eagles and Flyers!)

We were completely moved by the outpouring of love and support! It truly warmed our souls! We cannot thank everyone enough.
From the yummy food, to the music, to the raffles, to the kiddos zooming around in little cars, it was the best night and we REALLY needed it!

The one thing that I failed at was pictures! Here are a few that I managed to get:

This is the cake with the Ethiopian flag!

These are my girlfriends from work, Eileen and Connie and Eileen's son Shane!

This is Braeden in his car. He rode in this most of the night.

This was our BIG raffle prize. It was a beautiful foyer bench. Look at how LITTLE Braeden looks.

This is my Mommy at the end of the night with Braeden. Can you tell he was tired??

Coffee anyone??

2008-03-31T16:04:00.001-07:00

So, I went downstairs to check my e-mail tonight and my computer was scrolling through our pictures. This picture was up on the screen...does it get any cuter?? This is in Guatemala when I discovered the BEST coffee EVER! Now, I hear the best coffee may just have a rival in ETHIOPIA~!!
Yippee~!!

I DO believe...I DO believe!!

2008-03-30T15:32:00.000-07:00

Well, as we begin a new week, I fill with renewed hope. I pray for the travel call this week. I am thankful that I always seem to find more hope. I think I get it from holding my little boy. I give him a hug or a smooch, my eyes fill up for just a minute, and I whisper, "I think we are going to get good news SOON about your brother and sisters." I DO believe. I Do believe.

See...Hope. I have it again.

Easter is LOVE!!

2008-03-24T18:30:00.000-07:00

Spring Break!!

2008-03-19T04:38:00.000-07:00

I have off this whole week because we are closed for Spring Break! It is wonderful! I thought for sure I would get a call saying, "Hey, can you come in for an afternoon?" But, so far, so good!!
Braeden and I have been having so much fun! We completely rearranged his room which will be T. and Braeden's room. It looks great! It's a good mix of big boy and little boy (still my baby boy).
I also completely cleaned out our basement and changed it to a playroom. Four kids will cause the need for this!
Today we are going shopping and to visit the bunny. Braeden did NOT like the bunny last year so we shall see.

I am doing well waiting. I wish we would get a call this week but know (hope) it will be soon so I am feeling good. I am planning for the middle of April!

Hi, I'm Megan, and I'm a...

2008-03-16T15:24:00.000-07:00

Blogaholic. I just keep finding more blogs! I check them in the morning, when Braeden goes down for a nap, after dinner, before bed. I need a sponsor.

See you in School!

2008-03-13T11:35:00.000-07:00

I thought I would post that our son is back to school! He must be feeling better because he is once again back to his studies at beautiful Hannah's Hope!!! I love my little man!
I cannot wait to go!!!!

2008-03-11T15:31:00.000-07:00

In anticipation of our upcoming trip, I have been thinking back alot to our trip to pick up Braeden. I cannot believe that he will be home TWO YEARS on August 29th. In some ways, it seems like it was yesterday. I thought I would share a few pictures of our very first meeting of Braeden on March 3, 2006.

Can you tell I was excited??

Look at how tiny he was...at three and a half months old he was so small!

I LOVE this picture because we took it ourselves. We were so proud of our new family!!!

2008-03-07T17:44:00.000-08:00

So...I have been down a lot lately but I am trying my hardest to stay positive. I listened to a song today that kind of summed up how I am feeling:

"It's my resolution...I'm letting go"

This is how I feel. I have to let go and try my hardest to have faith that all will work out. For those who have asked, we believe that our son is doing better! Praise God!

We are also happy to report that FIVE families will be travelling very soon including, the WONDERFUL NEEDLES FAMILY, and the SWEETEST FRIEND, MICHELLE (who I never met but just adore). So I will rejoice with them and trust they will give my kiddos much love.

PLUS, Miss Julie will be in the air in no time and I know she is giving my kiddos love!

Lastly, we got TONS of pics tonight from our agency and our children are just gorgeous. They were holding the dolls and football we got them which of course started me tearing up but in a GOOD way.

So, it's my resolution, I'm letting go. All I need to learn is along this road.

I think I've heard this song before...

2008-03-06T13:10:00.000-08:00

Yes, I remember it well. It is the song where we get bad news after more bad news and I have the perpetual lump in my throat. It is the song where I dread people walking into my office with the obligatory, "So...when are they coming home?" Lump comes back again.
It is the song where I feel tired at 5 pm. I wish I was stronger so I could ignore my hurt better. It is the song where I type a line and the lump comes back.

Dum dee Dum...Moving right along...

2008-03-02T12:34:00.000-08:00

As many of you know this has been a tough week for us. We are putting Faith in our Lord and know it will all work out.

SO what is a worried Mom to do! We got things ready for the kiddos!!

First, we got the girls' furniture. I will post a pic of the furniture we got. This is not the ACTUAL furniture because I don't want to post room pics until it is completely done!
Second, we re-organized the basement. It is becoming a kiddo paradise. (Sorry, Shawn. He once had dreams of a MAN room.)
Third, we sent out our last invites for our party / benefit that we are hosting. It is going to be a wonderful time!
Fourth, we enjoyed time with my sister and brother-in-law, Jill and Mike! It was fun to have fun!
PRAYING for a good week with good news!

We picked this because I was afraid of bunk beds and I thought the girls could still be close to eachother. The trundle bed pulls out. Braeden thinks it is his already. The girls may be getting a sleep over guest!

Ramblings from a Mom of Four...

2008-02-23T17:06:00.000-08:00

O.k. First I have to say a HUGE thank you to Tracie who just brought home her STUNNING baby boy, Abel. She took BEAUTIFUL pictures of the kids and I can't stop looking at them. They are too beautiful. I can't believe how lucky we are.

Next, I want to talk about some feelings I have been having lately. I have been having a hard time. I want so badly for the kiddos to come home. It makes me feel sad and anxious alot. I am really praying to God for patience. I know how very blessed I am every time I look at my adorable little boy. He is getting bigger everyday and I am just in awe of him sometimes. He has become his own little man with SO much personality. I am thankful for him and for my husband. I am thankful for my Mom, who is always so excited and supportive. I am thankful for all of these amazing women that I am meeting through the miracle of adoption. They are each touching my life and for that I am grateful.

I am thankful for so many things and pray for peace in my heart during this time. I pray that my children are happy and loved (I know they are). I pray that my arms will be fuller very soon.

Hooray!

2008-02-20T10:31:00.000-08:00

Four special families from our agency were notified that they will be travelling very soon! I am so very happy for them, especially Julie B!!

I have to say that I am really missing my kids today, though. It just seems like it is getting too long. I want to hold my kids.

A Ride Fit for the Simmons Six!

2008-02-16T16:04:00.000-08:00

Today was a big day! We got our NEW car that will snuggly fit all members of the Simmons Six! It is a MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER!
Shawn's brother, Kerry, helped us SOOO much with this and we cannot thank him enough!
The dealership (well, Kerry!) even gave us booster seats for the little girls. I looked at them in the back of the new car and my eyes filled with tears! I CANNOT wait for them to come home!!
I will post pictures tomorrow!
Tomorrow we are ALSO painting our little girls' room. We will then just have to buy T's bed and Braeden's NEW TODDLER bed and we will be ready to go!!

Tagged!

2008-02-06T16:51:00.001-08:00

O.k. I admit it...I have been seeing these tags on people's blogs and I thought...No one has tagged me...Sad and silly, I know.

Well, Guess what!! I got tagged by the wonderful, Amylynn!!
http://amylynn3-thegoldsteins.blogspot.com/
Who, has the FUNNIEST video of her son who happens to have the greatest name in the world!!

So here goes:

Seven STRANGE things about me:
1. I sing ALOT! I cannot sing, but I still do...ALOT.
2. I like to clean..ALOT. I will find ANY crumb in my house and clean it. I will make my bed while my husband is in it. I will close his closet door before he finishes getting his clothes out.
3. I panic but you would never know it. I have spoken publicly since I was little and people always think I am NEVER nervous, but secretly I AM!!
4. I wear a Halloween t-shirt and socks to bed (that match)at least once a week because they are cozy.
5. I LOVE ice water. I must have it AT LEAST four times a day or I have serious withdrawal. In Guatemala, I risked serious tummy issues for MY ICE!
6. I listen to Laurie Berkner (from Noggin) when Braeden is not in the car. And sing. See above.
7. I open my e-mail in two windows in case one fails to pick up a new message. Yes, only during the adoption process.

Seven things I am passionate about:
1. Adoption. I am IN LOVE with building families through adoption.
2. Family...it is EVERYTHING to me.
3. Loyalty
4. Guatemala and Ethiopia!! I love these places!!
5. Education...two teachers, need I say more.
6. Pretty fragrances...I am obsessed with smelling pretty!
7. Chex Mix...seriously.

Last link in our paperwork chain!!

2008-02-06T15:46:00.001-08:00

Well, I have been stressing because we had still been waiting for our FDL! I of course wanted it BADLY because all of our paperwork is arriving in Ethiopia this week and I didn't want any delay!
Praise God!! Today it is here!!! Approval to adopt three beautiful little ones!

Now, REALLY, onto court!!!

Off to Ethiopia!!

2008-02-04T11:27:00.000-08:00

We just received an e-mail that our dossier is back from D.C. and is off to Ethiopia with our photo albums and gifts for our children!

I feel so excited and humbled. In a short time, my beautiful children will see pictures of their Mommy, Daddy, and baby brother for the first time. I can't explain how blessed I feel. I dream of holding them almost every night and can't even imagine how I will feel when I am finally in front of them. Adoption is such a wonderful thing!!

Come on court dates!!

Thanks!

2008-01-30T15:06:00.000-08:00

A special thanks goes out to our friends for their support this week!

The Curtin Family
Abington Senior High Team A
Abington Senior High Special Education Dept.
The Flynn Family (best of luck with the new addition!)
The Simmons Family

Photo albums!!

2008-01-27T16:21:00.000-08:00

Shawn and I had a wonderful time making the kids' photo albums this weekend. We decorated the girls' albums with ribbons and flowers and T's with sports stickers. We were also able to get little fairy dolls for the girls and an Eagles football and a stuffed tiger for T. We also got them each a guardian angel pin with their birth stones and a little rosary.

We are going to mail them this week so they can go to Ethiopia with our dossier! Our next step is the re-decorating the rooms!! Braeden will get a toddler bed and the kiddos will get bunk beds!

Here are a few pictures of how they turned out:

This is how the girls' albums looked.

This is how I decorated their albums.

This is T's album.

Off to authentication!!

2008-01-24T16:33:00.000-08:00

Our dossier is off to be authenticated today!! It should take about a week and then it will go to Ethiopia so our case can begin!! We are so very excited and happy!!

This weekend we will make photo albums for our angels!!!!

Amesegënallô

2008-01-20T16:15:00.000-08:00

A special thank you for all of your support this week!!

The Curtin Family !!

The Schmitt Family!!

We are going to have some beautifully dressed kids!!

Crystal Sheppard!!

Nancy Swain!!

A good friend in Blue Bell!!

Kind Words...

2008-01-18T14:56:00.000-08:00

Megan and I would like to thank Dr. Robert Burt, principal of Abington Senior High, for his kind words in his recent Principal’s Newsletter dated 1/18.

A Heartwarming Story
There is nothing better, in this age of uncertainty and conflict, than a good story that speaks directly to an act of great humanity. As teachers and administrators, we are frequently given the opportunity to serve as audience to some incredible kindness or of some overwhelming challenge that has been overcome. Occasionally the story will be so completely captivating in its scope that it is impossible not to feel diminished in the presence of such great people.

A story of this magnitude unfolded today before school in the English Department office as several of us were trying to revive ourselves on mega doses of caffeine contained in Mr. Kelly’s freshly brewed coffee. Mr. Shawn Simmons, English teacher, turned to the group and announced that the formal application that he and his wife filed for adoption of a child had been approved. The group instantly cheered and applauded this magnificent announcement. But that was only the edge of the story. As Mr. Simmons spoke, we learned that he and his wife are going to adopt an Ethopian family consisting of two twin girls and one boy. This will bring his family to a total of four children.

A silence—which believe me is not characteristic of the English Department office—fell over the room as we attempted to absorb the enormity of this decision. But the silence did not last long as the questions began to be fired in rapid order. We learned that Mr. and Mrs. Simmons will be traveling to Ethiopia this summer to meet their children and to bring them home to meet their new brother Braeden.

I have spent the entire day today in awe that our world contains people who are willing to give so much to humanity. The fact that our little Abington world is privileged to be the site of this event makes it all the more special.

I wish to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Simmons on the occasion of the growth of their family. My hope is that our Abington family will be a central part in supporting this extraordinary decision. The support that we will provide for the Simmons family will be a small way of sharing in the joy of this moment.

Paperwork check!

2008-01-16T15:25:00.001-08:00

We completed all of the paperwork we needed for the OFFICIAL referral acceptance!! Yippee!!! We are on our way!

And so it begins...

2008-01-12T18:33:00.000-08:00

When I think of family, I remember a day back when I wasn’t much older than 5. It snowed in Philly, schools closed and the energy in the household electric with vigorous play. My brother set up those flimsy blue matchbox racetracks and we each selected from his assortment of hot rods. We released the cars down the tracks draped on the sofa. We watched each racer careen down the track thumping into parked cars; giggling at the splash of metal. Mom made us hot chocolate while Dad officiated our contest. Family.

A connection between a series of individuals linking them as similar, as together, as one. Family holds core values together. It shares, grows and accepts. It loves.

Megan and I began our family with a couple of rings and a Boston Terrier back in 2005. Raised in Northeast Philadelphia, we both believed in the value of commitment and the value of unconditional family love. Aspen (the terrier) gave us the ability to begin our family. A love that accepts newness and evolves into a new being, stronger and with more love to give.

When little Braeden Pablo’s spiky disheveled head popped up on our computer screen, our family evolved through the marvel of adoption. A little Guatemalan bundle of blessings found his way from Chiquimula into our world in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Every roadblock that came through that adoption process could not deter the magnetic value of family. Braeden was our spiky haired son from the first moment his little 4x6 picture popped up on the screen. Braeden came home later that year and was showered with love from Grandmoms and Granpops. Aunts and Uncles, cousins, friends and mommy and daddy all showered the new family member with the unconditional love of family. We evolved.

Over the last year or so since Braeden has been home, we have had our triumphs and moments of weakness like any family. We are all part of the human family and to be human is to struggle at some point. We have had more ups than downs. We have had more joys than pains and in the end, love always gets you through the hard times. Family.

The time has come for us to grow. We choose Ethiopia. The children choose us. When we set out to find a little girl, fate set out to bring us a pair of twin girls and a little boy. When we saw the 4 x 6 pictures of these three pairs of wide eyed, silly smiles we knew that family was about evolving. Fate doesn’t often give you choices, just feelings. Trust me when I tell you that this feels right. On January 3, 2008, Megan and I agreed to let fate bring her beautiful bounty into our home. We accepted the referral for these three angels.

We hope you will follow our journey to becoming a family of SIX!!