Wednesday, December 29, 2010

MY "not so American" Dream

Many of you know, alot of you don't know. We are starting down the road to fostering/foster adopt. Wow it still is unreal to say it. I never envisioned the dream I have had (we have had) taking form like it is. Adoption was always a baby (in my head when I thought of it) God works on us in so many ways. God's still small voice, a pastor, a friend, a book, or your spouse-last but not least through the dreams. Finally it feels like God is releasing us to go for it. This is so different than I had imagined. My insides are tangled up with feelings. Not sure who to share it with and when. Questions are flying in my head about alot of things, some filled with more joy and hope than others.(Hard to explain) My reality is that I must deal with every fear and doubt about who I am as a parent and how I parent. Now I have to talk about it, write about and allow strangers to come in and judge me on it. Brings me to the place multiple times per day when my prayer is-Ok God. Pushing all the chips back in. I am all in, no more hidden rooms with locked doors. Vulernable and ready for scrutiny. Trusting and waiting...learning and loving. Below is my scrapped together thoughts about "my not so American dream"




My not so American Dream

Since I am born here I guess that makes me American.
Don't really feel it alot,
It goes deeper than my "third culture kid" issues.
The typical dreams that live here aren't really my own.
The cars, trips, money, luxury of it- all isn't much for me.
So I again I wonder-does that make me less "American" while I dream
MY dream.
It has nothing to do with material happiness.
If anything probably the opposite
Losing site of everything the world holds dear
Walking against the stream with my family
Each having a story in their heart and a smile on their face.
As I write it, I feel like words echo out to those who stare back puzzled.
Why would one welcome more discomfort in this comfortable country.
I do know why I would.
Compelled by calling from God.
I get it completely-I have no control.
God has complete control.
Freeing thought and totally scary mixed up into the same.

Yet again God and I dance.
I let my feet fly and my hands are open
Following His lead
Suddenly I can breathe
Yet my heart is pounding and I am afraid.
The song is new and I have never danced like this before.

I have come to grips with the fact I may stumble
I have realized the fact I may even fail.
Along the way people will look, stare and even judge.
The question I ask time and again when I am scared -am I ok with not even trying?
No. Simply no.

I will open my heart wide open for you.
My life exposed, and heart so vulnerable to all that is coming down the road.
The dream looked so much different in my head
God shaped and formed it in many ways.
I am ready to embrace the dream.
However it comes thru our door.
Soon I will welcome you.

Come dear life so broken, shattered and abused.
I will hold you.
Give you love and nurture.
Stand up for you, advocate for you.
I will be your voice
I will resolve that my home will be a place of healing
A safe place to grow, heal and learn

Love be planted.
Love be watered.
Love start to grow.
Tiny little seed don't fear
it's going to be safe to blossom here.







Thanks for your prayers for our family on this journey.

The faces of Christmas-2010

My bedhead twin made an appearance. She isn't a morning person!
Frank had fun with the marshmallow shooters, mainly eating ammo!


The hats were a hit!
Frank wears them for a minute takes it off-REPEATS, alot throughout the day!

DS reaction....sorry for the blurrrr

Teamwork.


Hat=check
Sillybands=check
Candy necklace=check.


Bookworm gets a Kindle


Policeman Dad

What a face! Pretty sure he was saying AWESOME!!
We had a great day, relaxed and filled with laughter and
a Christmas day NAP! The best gift of all!
The only thing missing was some fresh snow!


Monday, December 13, 2010

Lucia-i Salt Lake City!

Lucia Program
Swedish Heritage Society
Dec. 11th 2010



Midsommar at Ikea we ran into this group and were thrilled to get in touch with other Swedes living in the valley. We attended Lucia with them last year and it was so nice! So the kids participated this year and totally got into it! I got the chance to be in the small choir, which was a blast to sing again I miss that so much!



I think our camera is on the fritz! Focus is not the greatest on these but you can see the kids! Peter was on Frank duty in the audience then went out to find our kids after they were done so that is all the pictures we got of the night. I will post a video clip on facebook soon!





I must confess that I did miss having the normal "family" cheering section in the crowd. Typical Christmas Program stuff. I guess I am slow to realize stuff like that, geez we have only lived away from family for 6 years! I guess since Ann-Britt has lived with us alot it has felt like family has taken part in things.





All the kids did great, knew the parts. Sang very good in Swedish (even when mixin up tre och three and se och see) Music to our ears to hear the kids singing and thinking in Swedish again.






Glad Luciadagen!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

The Feast


Every year the preschool the kid's have gone to do a Thanksgiving Feast. I am always amazed at Erik the way he gets into it! Counted down the sleeps till the big day! His buddy This picture is so cute- I totally busted Eli and Erik peeking during the opening prayer. This is my favorite picture from yesterday. Good job guys!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

The Masterpiece a memory ...


I remember living in Uppsala, Sweden when Jewels was like 3. We lived on the 5th floor of an apartment building and I thought the view was great. (now I really have a nice view!) Jewels looked out one night at sunset and said in Swedish "Jesus, painted the sky for me". I marveled at the orange and pink sky and how she formulated that thought into words. Sometimes as I look out the kitchen window I think the same thought. Below is the view now and God's paintings.

Pumpkin eaters

Just in case you wondered, 2 medium pumpkins makes a LOT of pie filling. 21 cups is what we gained from out pumpkin patch visit. I managed to capture a couple pics between hauling the wheel barrow and managing to herd Frank along with us!




The last fall day we snagged!












All together.....all together wonderful.
Heber City, Utah