Best Mothers Day EVER!

Yesterday was wonderful.  Drew and the kids really spoiled me all day and I couldn't believe how emotional and weepy I was.  For someone who is extremely emotional anyways, yesterday was such an emotional day!  From thinking about my mom and my grandmas and the example that they have been to me to waking up to the sounds of Drew feeding both kiddos breakfast and their giggles and voices was just extra special yesterday.  And then while sitting in church holding precious little Zoe and remembering what last year's Mothers Day was like was just too much for me and I was a puddle of tears.  I remember last year longing to have BOTH of my babies in my arms, wondering what little Zoe was doing halfway around the world and praying so hard that she would be home soon with her forever family.  I was just so overwhelmed with the thought of how blessed I am that God hand-picked both Evan and Zoe to call ME "mommy" and that I get the honor of raising them and loving them everyday.  But I couldn't help but think all day about 2 very special women in Ethiopia- one who gave birth to sweet Zoe and the other who made the toughest decision ever- to relinquish her to an orphanage.  I can't even imagine such loss and I am forever grateful for the choices they made and that God chose ME to be the one to be Zoe's MOM.  I know I say it all the time- but...  Adoption is SUCH a beautiful thing.  I am reminded everyday when I look into my precious Zoe's face how amazing adoption truly is and how grateful I am that God called us on this journey.  And now...  here are some pictures of our little 18 month old!  Lindsey always does such a great job capturing her personality and these are only a few of my favorites.   ENJOY!

ComeUnity 6K!

Last weekend, our small group had an awesome opportunity to volunteer at the ComeUnity 6K Race again. It was terrible weather (cold and sleet), but there was still a great turnout of people all walking/running to support a clean water project in Ethiopia. The reason for the 6K instead of the typical 5K or 10K races is because 6K is the average distance that women and children in Africa have to walk each and every day to get their water for their families, which is often VERY dirty and makes them VERY sick.  My heart was so full to see these people running and walking in the yucky weather, as the women and children have to walk in terrible weather conditions too.  Evan and a lot of the other kids from our small group ran in the .6K childrens race.  He was sooo excited and it was a great way for us to talk again about how fortunate we are to have clean water and it provided a very tangible way that we could help make a difference.  Here are a few pictures from the day. 

 At one point during the morning, I was overcome with emotion thinking about what this little lady's life could be like had she remained in Ethiopia and about where we were in the adoption process at this time last year.  At the ComeUnity race last year, we had received our referral and were volunteering with this precious little face in our minds, praying and hoping we would have her in our arms soon.  And this year, here she is at the race with us.  Nothing short of a miracle.  

 My 2 littles- all bundled and ready for a fun morning :)

 Evan and his buddy Riley running their little hearts out :)

 So proud of my little guy!

 And the kids race is done- now to help with the adults 6K race- luckily the kids race was before the sleet started!

 How would you like to drink this dirty water?  And even more, walk 6K everyday only to get this water for your family, knowing it will make you sick but having no other option?

 Again, so thankful to be a part of this great day!  Hoping for better weather and an even bigger turnout next year!! 

On a side note- little Zoe is now officially 18 months old, which means she has been home with us for 6 months now!  Not a day goes by that I'm not so incredibly grateful for the blessing she is to our little family.