Snow

Snow.  Finally.  We've been waiting for it all winter long.  

There was a time when I didn't really care for the snow.  My winters were spent in flip flops despite the piles of cold white stuff on the sidewalks - I would just ignore it, dreaming of summer days. Now,  I've grown to love it.  

I love the feeling of snuggling up at home, working on a project as the flakes start to fall - while others are running to the store for milk and bread before a storm I have to contain my panic to get to a craft store so I can get supplies.  

Making hot chocolate. With whipped cream.  And marshmallows.  And homemade chocolate chip cookies. 

Going sledding until you can't feel your toes or your nose.  

I especially love the big snows.  I hope that every year we will be granted at least one snow day - it should actually be a law.

So thankful to live in Colorado - am amazing mix of snow and sunshine.

Candy heats and chocolate kisses...

Kids are in bed.

Backpacks packed with candy hearts and chocolate kisses.

The girls have their red skirts laid out on their beds.

Plans are made for a before school trip to Starbucks to celebrate all the love.

The boy will be spending the day in his pjs due to a fever that just won't leave him alone.  I still couldn't resist putting together his Valentines...

Hope your day is filled with candy hearts and love.

4 Years

 4 years ago today we finally arrived in Ethiopia and our family would forever be changed. Today was the day we got to meet our Brecken Hope for the first time and we were blessed to become a family of four.  After two of the longest years of paperwork and waiting and having to change countries and adoption agencies and 48 hours of traveling with a three year old we were finally in Ethiopia meeting our daughter for the very first time.  I look at her now and see my sassy, funny, independent, sweet girl. Our life would never be the same without her in it.  

Brecken Hope Arsema - I am so blessed to be your mama.  You challenge me, you make me a better mom.  You have grown so much over the last year. We are so proud of you.  You have come a long way B-Hope and I pray for the year to come that you will continue to grow and spread your sweet wings. Love you sweet girl.

What are you doing?

We've been busy this last month of 2012. Busy drinking hot chocolate, getting ready for christmas, spending time with friends and family, making loads and loads of cinnamon rolls, celebrating an extra special three year old boy, watching for Santa (and actually seeing him on Christmas Eve!), and just taking some time off to breath. 

Cheers to 2012 - see you in 2013.