Monday, December 31, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
The Latest
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Practicality List
Here's an example of our summer "Practicality List." It is still FAR more than any human being truly needs, and we've had to accomodate extras into the list for barn clothes vs. going to town clothes. We really know how to get clothing dirty here, but critters and farm mud will do that.
Jeans - 2-4 pair
khakis - 1 pair
Capris/shorts - 2-5 combined
socks - 7 pair
undies - 7 pair
T-shirts - 5-7
long sleeve T's - 3
Sweatshirts - 3
Sweaters - 2
skirts - 2 (boys: 0, obviously ;)
dresses - 1-2 (ditto above)
button up shirts - 1-3
tights - 1-2
Shoes: 1 play/barn, 1 mud boots, 1 Sunday, 1 sandals
So now the object of the game is to narrow this list a little further, and adapt it for winter wear. Space is precious!
The fun of making these lists: I almost never buy clothing. Our 'shopping days' consist of great hand-me-over bags! (thanks for the new term, Heather F.! Sounds so much more dignified than 'hand-me-downs.') Sometimes I have to search Goodwill for a particular item. Even more rarely, I head over to Meijer to purchase something new...and then it had better be on sale or clearance priced. Usually, I realize a need for something and just wait a week or two. Often it shows up in a hand-me-over bag... exactly what was needed!
So, God not only provides in big, awesome ways. He faithfully supplies ALL of our needs. We've never gone without what we truly needed.
I used to hoard clothing a bit... feeling that it was a treasure that I might just need for the next child in line. I've learned to be free and generous with hand-me-overs, and avoid stacks of boxes and bags. We still save a few things, but not much! Clutter is a BIG enemy in a large family, and we fight it everyday.
I wonder what the girls will think of all this abundance.
Jeans - 2-4 pair
khakis - 1 pair
Capris/shorts - 2-5 combined
socks - 7 pair
undies - 7 pair
T-shirts - 5-7
long sleeve T's - 3
Sweatshirts - 3
Sweaters - 2
skirts - 2 (boys: 0, obviously ;)
dresses - 1-2 (ditto above)
button up shirts - 1-3
tights - 1-2
Shoes: 1 play/barn, 1 mud boots, 1 Sunday, 1 sandals
So now the object of the game is to narrow this list a little further, and adapt it for winter wear. Space is precious!
The fun of making these lists: I almost never buy clothing. Our 'shopping days' consist of great hand-me-over bags! (thanks for the new term, Heather F.! Sounds so much more dignified than 'hand-me-downs.') Sometimes I have to search Goodwill for a particular item. Even more rarely, I head over to Meijer to purchase something new...and then it had better be on sale or clearance priced. Usually, I realize a need for something and just wait a week or two. Often it shows up in a hand-me-over bag... exactly what was needed!
So, God not only provides in big, awesome ways. He faithfully supplies ALL of our needs. We've never gone without what we truly needed.
I used to hoard clothing a bit... feeling that it was a treasure that I might just need for the next child in line. I've learned to be free and generous with hand-me-overs, and avoid stacks of boxes and bags. We still save a few things, but not much! Clutter is a BIG enemy in a large family, and we fight it everyday.
I wonder what the girls will think of all this abundance.
Dec. 27
I can hardly believe that we're already two days past Christmas! Isn't it still supposed to be September?!?
We have had a lovely week ~ no big outings or parties, except for the Christmas eve service at church. We quietly celebrated Christmas day at home, opening a few presents and the wonderful packages from family in Alberta.
Bereket was simply adorable... SO excited to have presents! His first gift from Alberta was a little photo album from Auntie Floria. He shut the world out as he looked carefully through it. He studied each page over and over while the rest of us continued with gifts. The photos were of the trip Berny and he had taken this past summer to Auntie Bev's wedding. Finally he re-emerged to open another gift, but he really treasures those pictures!
Miriam nearly wept with joy when she opened her gift from her Canadian cousin - THREE 'My Little Pet Shop ' boxes. What happiness!
Isaac is sporting 2 fancy cap guns and a spiffy sherrif badge from us. Funny... I didn't remember those things being quite that loud! [yes, I had one when I was little... but we'll save my tomboy childhood for another writing] Rules are: basement and outside only. He would have slept with the cap guns, except that Bern told him that real cowboys keep their guns hanging on the bedpost.
Ike did have a little trouble understanding the concept of a $15 gift limit ~ that some will get one big present worth about $15 (like the really cool magnetic dinosaur he got from his cousin), and others may get a few smaller gifts totalling about $15. Once we explained it thoroughly, it seemed to take care of his mild jealousy of his little brother's stack of loot.
Ellen set right to work with the craft supplies she was given, and we now have 2 pretty candles on the kitchen table. They provided the atmosphere for our Christmas dinner.
Anna was also excited about her art kit. She's watched Ellen receive similar things, and seemed quite happy that it was her turn for something so creatively inspiring.
Grace was just amazed to get a t-shirt imprinted with "Windriver" ... the mountain range she hiked in this summer with a group from church. She had amazing experiences including worship on the continental divide. The t-shirt will be a great reminder... how ever did that cousin know?...
We all miss our Canadian Slomps very much at this time of year, so the gift exchange with cousins and the extra goodies from Aunties/Uncles and Opa/Oma mean so much.
No word from Ethiopia yet. The agency is closed until Jan. 2, so I'm not expecting any word until after then. How long after, no one knows. We did get the chance to send out some letters with other travelling families with requests that they take photos of the girls. Hopefully the girls will send letters back to the states with the families as they return.
There was an 'incomplete' feeling this holiday. I often looked over the children and pictured three more among them.
The girl's bedroom is slowly coming together. All 7 will be in the same 'dorm room' with bunks. We're hoping to use cabinets instead of dressers to conserve floor space, and will be having a big clothing sort/pack away/give away to reduce the closet space needs of G, E, A, & M. We actually have a summer clothing list, called our "Practicality List" ~ each person is allowed just so many shirts, jeans, sweatshirts, etc. (the only person exempt is Dad) We need to sit down and make one for winter clothing this week.
I am anxious to see the bedroom all done, beds made and cabinets filled for Meron, Edelam, and Lideta. My Mom made new fleece blankets for them (which will travel with us if they fit) and found really cute teddy bears for their beds. Once the bunks are all assembled, I'll make the beds and take pictures to send out to the girls.
We have had a lovely week ~ no big outings or parties, except for the Christmas eve service at church. We quietly celebrated Christmas day at home, opening a few presents and the wonderful packages from family in Alberta.
Bereket was simply adorable... SO excited to have presents! His first gift from Alberta was a little photo album from Auntie Floria. He shut the world out as he looked carefully through it. He studied each page over and over while the rest of us continued with gifts. The photos were of the trip Berny and he had taken this past summer to Auntie Bev's wedding. Finally he re-emerged to open another gift, but he really treasures those pictures!
Miriam nearly wept with joy when she opened her gift from her Canadian cousin - THREE 'My Little Pet Shop ' boxes. What happiness!
Isaac is sporting 2 fancy cap guns and a spiffy sherrif badge from us. Funny... I didn't remember those things being quite that loud! [yes, I had one when I was little... but we'll save my tomboy childhood for another writing] Rules are: basement and outside only. He would have slept with the cap guns, except that Bern told him that real cowboys keep their guns hanging on the bedpost.
Ike did have a little trouble understanding the concept of a $15 gift limit ~ that some will get one big present worth about $15 (like the really cool magnetic dinosaur he got from his cousin), and others may get a few smaller gifts totalling about $15. Once we explained it thoroughly, it seemed to take care of his mild jealousy of his little brother's stack of loot.
Ellen set right to work with the craft supplies she was given, and we now have 2 pretty candles on the kitchen table. They provided the atmosphere for our Christmas dinner.
Anna was also excited about her art kit. She's watched Ellen receive similar things, and seemed quite happy that it was her turn for something so creatively inspiring.
Grace was just amazed to get a t-shirt imprinted with "Windriver" ... the mountain range she hiked in this summer with a group from church. She had amazing experiences including worship on the continental divide. The t-shirt will be a great reminder... how ever did that cousin know?...
We all miss our Canadian Slomps very much at this time of year, so the gift exchange with cousins and the extra goodies from Aunties/Uncles and Opa/Oma mean so much.
No word from Ethiopia yet. The agency is closed until Jan. 2, so I'm not expecting any word until after then. How long after, no one knows. We did get the chance to send out some letters with other travelling families with requests that they take photos of the girls. Hopefully the girls will send letters back to the states with the families as they return.
There was an 'incomplete' feeling this holiday. I often looked over the children and pictured three more among them.
The girl's bedroom is slowly coming together. All 7 will be in the same 'dorm room' with bunks. We're hoping to use cabinets instead of dressers to conserve floor space, and will be having a big clothing sort/pack away/give away to reduce the closet space needs of G, E, A, & M. We actually have a summer clothing list, called our "Practicality List" ~ each person is allowed just so many shirts, jeans, sweatshirts, etc. (the only person exempt is Dad) We need to sit down and make one for winter clothing this week.
I am anxious to see the bedroom all done, beds made and cabinets filled for Meron, Edelam, and Lideta. My Mom made new fleece blankets for them (which will travel with us if they fit) and found really cute teddy bears for their beds. Once the bunks are all assembled, I'll make the beds and take pictures to send out to the girls.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Friends
Thank God for friends! We are once again overwhelmed by His provision through His people!
This week, just when we needed it, we were provided encouragement and cheer.
~A package arrives with a very thoughtful, and unexpected gift.
~Two lovely mattresses are given ... the first bunkbed is officially in use!
~Money is given by those we love... enough to cover the expected plane fare for one of the girls!
~Spoken and written encouragement comes as needed.
~Prayers so faithfully raised..
~The third bunkbed is anonymously given... with mattresses, all spiffy new.
We are so blessed!
This week, just when we needed it, we were provided encouragement and cheer.
~A package arrives with a very thoughtful, and unexpected gift.
~Two lovely mattresses are given ... the first bunkbed is officially in use!
~Money is given by those we love... enough to cover the expected plane fare for one of the girls!
~Spoken and written encouragement comes as needed.
~Prayers so faithfully raised..
~The third bunkbed is anonymously given... with mattresses, all spiffy new.
We are so blessed!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Emotions
What a strange day today. I woke at 7 this morning, crying so hard that I couldn't speak ~ my poor husband trying to comfort me without understanding what in the world was happening. I was just so overwhelmed by sorrow. My dream had been about my Grandparents.
Grandpa was a farmer.
Now, to many, that statement is fairly straightforward and non-descriptive. For me, "Grandpa was a farmer," brings forth so many emotions ~ pride, security, awe, respect, love, endearment ~ and many memories ~ tractors which take on the aura of an old friend, critters and crops, cornfields and hayfields tended by this brilliant man, me as a little girl with my hand in his... walking and absorbing his wonderful world. Grandpa, who would come into Grandma's kitchen for coffee time with his jacket 'mewing,' bearing a stash of just found kittens.
Climbing into Grandpa's truck for trips to his woods in search of fabulous black berries to carry back to Grandma, who would serve them for dinner in pretty dishes with just the right amount of sugar. That truck was the most glorious of all trucks, and those berries where the most delectable of all berries.
Grandpa taught me how to drive a tractor... well, sort of. I'm not sure how old I was; certainly under the age of 5. He set me in front of him on the tractor seat, and allowed me to steer the tractor down the driveway back to the barn. The tracks behind us snaked wildly back and forth, reflecting my young mindset that steering required drastic side to side yanks on the wheel.
Although I was very young at the time, the photos show a younger Grandpa proudly posed with big, white turkeys. Others show him with hunting buddies, or giving a demonstration of harvesting wheat with a scythe. I frequently walked through the pig barns with him, hanging on his every word and action. I remember his 'buddy,' Arnold, an imposing boar, and the excitement of knowing that the boar pen could be a deadly place for a child like me... but I was certain that my near superman Grandpa was invincible.
Grandpa brought new pussy willows to Grandma every spring... (I now treasure a good bouquet of country picked pussy willows far above any pricey flower shop purchase).
I miss Grandpa so powerfully today, even though he has been gone for 15 years. Grandma is sick, and back in the hospital. She's so remarkable and strong ~ has practically bounced back from every major health challenge she's encountered over the years: brain surgery, heart surgery, a broken hip, congestive heart failure. Her nickname (in my opinion) = Energizer Gramma. She just keeps going and going and.. She celebrated her 91st birthday last month! She has long been my idol of beauty, courage, strength, and diligence.
My sorrow of the morning morphed into a bit of self-pity as the day continued on. It's almost Christmas and the list of those I miss dearly was rolling through my memory. Our first Christmas without Aunt Judy ~ Wow, what a painful Christmas card to receive when it contains the signature of Uncle Bob, with an empty space where Aunt Judy's should be.
And to top it off, Our girls are NOT home!
Which moves me into a different mode of thinking. What are these types of days like for Meron? Does her sorrow match, or completely overshadow the sorrow I've felt today? Does Edelam have the same memories of their Ethiopian Mom and Dad, or did she see a different perspective than Meron? Does she desperately miss walking hand in hand with her Mommy or Daddy? Does Lideta remember being rocked on her Mother's chest, or carried in her Father's arms? Do the girls have days when the grief of losing their parents immobilizes them? Have they had the chance to feel the depth and desperation of their emotions in these 5 years of surviving without their parents, wondering about the things their own future holds?
I haven't a clue about sorrow and loss.
Grandpa was a farmer.
Now, to many, that statement is fairly straightforward and non-descriptive. For me, "Grandpa was a farmer," brings forth so many emotions ~ pride, security, awe, respect, love, endearment ~ and many memories ~ tractors which take on the aura of an old friend, critters and crops, cornfields and hayfields tended by this brilliant man, me as a little girl with my hand in his... walking and absorbing his wonderful world. Grandpa, who would come into Grandma's kitchen for coffee time with his jacket 'mewing,' bearing a stash of just found kittens.
Climbing into Grandpa's truck for trips to his woods in search of fabulous black berries to carry back to Grandma, who would serve them for dinner in pretty dishes with just the right amount of sugar. That truck was the most glorious of all trucks, and those berries where the most delectable of all berries.
Grandpa taught me how to drive a tractor... well, sort of. I'm not sure how old I was; certainly under the age of 5. He set me in front of him on the tractor seat, and allowed me to steer the tractor down the driveway back to the barn. The tracks behind us snaked wildly back and forth, reflecting my young mindset that steering required drastic side to side yanks on the wheel.
Although I was very young at the time, the photos show a younger Grandpa proudly posed with big, white turkeys. Others show him with hunting buddies, or giving a demonstration of harvesting wheat with a scythe. I frequently walked through the pig barns with him, hanging on his every word and action. I remember his 'buddy,' Arnold, an imposing boar, and the excitement of knowing that the boar pen could be a deadly place for a child like me... but I was certain that my near superman Grandpa was invincible.
Grandpa brought new pussy willows to Grandma every spring... (I now treasure a good bouquet of country picked pussy willows far above any pricey flower shop purchase).
I miss Grandpa so powerfully today, even though he has been gone for 15 years. Grandma is sick, and back in the hospital. She's so remarkable and strong ~ has practically bounced back from every major health challenge she's encountered over the years: brain surgery, heart surgery, a broken hip, congestive heart failure. Her nickname (in my opinion) = Energizer Gramma. She just keeps going and going and.. She celebrated her 91st birthday last month! She has long been my idol of beauty, courage, strength, and diligence.
My sorrow of the morning morphed into a bit of self-pity as the day continued on. It's almost Christmas and the list of those I miss dearly was rolling through my memory. Our first Christmas without Aunt Judy ~ Wow, what a painful Christmas card to receive when it contains the signature of Uncle Bob, with an empty space where Aunt Judy's should be.
And to top it off, Our girls are NOT home!
Which moves me into a different mode of thinking. What are these types of days like for Meron? Does her sorrow match, or completely overshadow the sorrow I've felt today? Does Edelam have the same memories of their Ethiopian Mom and Dad, or did she see a different perspective than Meron? Does she desperately miss walking hand in hand with her Mommy or Daddy? Does Lideta remember being rocked on her Mother's chest, or carried in her Father's arms? Do the girls have days when the grief of losing their parents immobilizes them? Have they had the chance to feel the depth and desperation of their emotions in these 5 years of surviving without their parents, wondering about the things their own future holds?
I haven't a clue about sorrow and loss.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Winter Fun
This will either be a complete shock to Mo, Ed, and L... or the most fun they've had in their lives! Nothing like a face full of snow from being pulled on a sled behind horses!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
L
[photo removed]
No news today. I keep having this unrealistic hope that I'll get a phone call, which would sound something like this: "Mrs. Slomp? By the way... we forgot to tell you that the court date for the girls was scheduled for this week... and they've already passed court! You have to be there in a couple of weeks for your embassy appointment."
One can dream...
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Timing ~ ?
Many have been asking about the timeline for the girls coming home. Sure wish we had more to say!
Our dossier is in Ethiopia, should be translated by now, and we await a court date. I've noticed that others on our adoption forum have been writing that they have court dates December 31. We have not heard anything, so I'm assuming that we will be waiting for court until January.
Once we pass court, we travel 3-6 weeks later to be there in time for an embassy appointment for the girl's visas. Then we can all come home!
I'm trying to keep my mind on other things... preparing for their arrival, gathering supplies, beds, etc. It would be pretty easy to drive myself crazy during the wait (yes... my brother would say that it's not actually a 'drive,' rather a 'short putt' to crazy for me). I'm working to keep in mind that God will get them here in His perfect timing.
Our dossier is in Ethiopia, should be translated by now, and we await a court date. I've noticed that others on our adoption forum have been writing that they have court dates December 31. We have not heard anything, so I'm assuming that we will be waiting for court until January.
Once we pass court, we travel 3-6 weeks later to be there in time for an embassy appointment for the girl's visas. Then we can all come home!
I'm trying to keep my mind on other things... preparing for their arrival, gathering supplies, beds, etc. It would be pretty easy to drive myself crazy during the wait (yes... my brother would say that it's not actually a 'drive,' rather a 'short putt' to crazy for me). I'm working to keep in mind that God will get them here in His perfect timing.
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