New Words and Ladybugs

We still hear a few Amharic words from Dawit and Israel.  Dabo for bread and Carmela for candy.  One that has been a necessity from the very beginning is my least favorite word, shinta bet for bathroom.  When we needed to ask them if they needed to go to the bathroom we said, need to go shint?  Does not sound that great rolling off the tongue.  Especially when you are in public.  My older kids hide every time.

Today at lunch I suggested that we go outside when we were  done and as usual my sweet little schedule guy, Israel went through what  needed to happen in order for us to go outside.  First bathroom and then wash hands.  I agreed and Dawit repeated it with first Shint and then wash hands.  Israel as plain as day(which does not always happen) said no more shinta bet we call it toilet.  We pee in toilet.  I smiled and was kinda of  sad.  As an Ethiopian man in our community met them last spring he said they will be Americans.  They are from Ethiopia and keep that alive for them.  Read to them about their home country and the traditions and folk stories but as he looked at his kids playing, they will be Americans as mine are.  Some might not understand as you look around at our wonderful country but to me, after being in their country it is sad.  Unexpected emotions and adoption go hand in hand. 

OK no more pee posts!!!

Last nite Israel and Dawit caught a lady bug.  It was the highlight of the day, well except for the chocolate chip cookies Mrs Myers sent over!  They sat on the floor for about a half an hour playing gently with this poor little bug.  Sean joined in on the fun and these 3 boys were having a great time......until it flew away.  I was shocked that it was still alive.  Dawit was shocked that it left him.  He was really distraught.  I convinced him that it needed a nap and he said well tomorrow jkhjdhf  jhjdhfdh  jduadsere hfakjhdfjdhf jkhdfjdjhf eywqjdwe.  Not a typo.  I have no idea what he said just like you have no idea what was typed.  All I know is there was a plan for tomorrow.

Here are a few pics of the lady bug fun.

 

Happy Friday!!!

Today

I am watching Dawit and Israel play in what snow we have left today and I am in awe of how far they and we have come.  There are days when I get a little fustrated with the pee situation.  Aim? Not so good, but getting better.  Night time?  Still wearing pull ups which, well let's just say I wash sheets almost everyday.  I mentioned it to a friend how fustrated I was.  I feel like all I do is clean up pee.  She so nicely said well at least it is not poop!!  How true.  A nice little reminder that if this all I have to complain about I have it pretty good.  It still can annoy me.  Just ask my family as I screech at wet sheets and wet toilet seats but I am reminded daily how blessed I am.

As Dawit and Israel scoop up snow and try to cover up the green grass with it I realize there will be a new season soon.  Green grass, graduations, busy summers and well maybe still lots of pee.  :) But at least it is not poop!!


Here is a sweet video of  Dawit and Israel's first bath in the Guest House we were staying at in Ethiopia.  We had just gotten custody of them and stuck them in the tub.  They only had ever taken a shower.  They were not sure what to do with it.  They have come so far!!