Faith.
My faith in Christ began at a young age. Not because I fully understood what Christ did for me on the cross, but because I saw my parents live out their faith and knew that whatever they believed in MUST be real.
Fierce Faith Women's Retreat
Wow! What an incredible weekend! I was extremely humbled and so blessed over throughout this entire event! God moved and spoke to each individual woman right where they were, and to have been given the opportunity to speak at Cascade Church’s Spring Women’s Retreat was a true honor.
Speaking Engagement
In college I chose to get my B.A. Degree in Organizational Communication. Essentially, it is a business leadership degree, that I really truly enjoyed. Although, when I graduated, the “now what?” came on strong. I had NO clue what to do with this degree. I floundered and was frustrated and felt a tad lost. Okay, maybe not a tad lost, I was totally lost on “what I wanted to do with my life.” A place I think many graduates feel.
I didn’t have a specific vocation in mind. Unlike someone graduating with a nursing degree or teaching degree, my beloved Organizational Communication degree left me pathless.
![Mama Bear Came Out [Inside]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/595bcb6ae3df281b3a9b03e7/1547136889872-RPEB7UT31MCSL0RDD4XL/794A0302.jpg)
Mama Bear Came Out [Inside]
I had my first mama-bear moment when something was said about Tristan. My claws came out, the hackles went up, and I had to retract them and walk away.
I have heard of people saying stupid things about adoptees, but so far, have only experienced it once in our year home with him.
A New Year || A New Beginning
2018 was a big milestone year for us. It was our first year home with Tristan, which meant a lot of shifting, change, and letting go of what I always knew.
New beginnings can be wonderful, but sometimes they can be a tad painful too. Okay fine, maybe a LOT painful.
Tristan's Vegan Molasses Cookies
Christmas Traditions.
Many of us have them. And one of ours is baking my Grandma Jean’s Molasses Cookies. These aren’t just ANY molasses cookies either. These are DIVINE molasses cookies that are soft and chewy and make you come back again and again. They are a family favorite and I bake them only once a year.
Julekake || Norwegian Christmas Cake
I love Christmas time! And one thing I love almost as much as Christmas time is BREAD!
I have alllllways loved bread! That paired with GOOD butter is a taste of Heaven! And yes! REAL, salted, GOOD butter matters!!
Fruit Ornaments DIY
I am a bit of a DIY junkie. Things have calmed down a tad since bringing Tristan home, but now that we are getting more into normal groove, I am feeling the creative juices (and time) once again!
Doubt Destroys
Doubt is a thief.
It takes our hopes, dreams, desires, and turns them into fear. And fear is paralyzing.
But what if you STOPPED doubting? What if you looked doubt in the face and crushed it? What if you said, “I CAN” instead of “I can’t.” What if you said, “I am doing it anyways?”
A Year Ago Today || Michelle Doesn't Do Goodbyes Well
I have never done goodbyes well. Ever. And I certainly didn’t do this goodbye without tears.
I’m a feelings person. Always have been. And living this experience rocked my world to the core in such an incredible way.
A Year Ago Today || November 21, 2017
Today was our last full day together with our group. That day we headed to a HUUUUUGE shopping market, which I regretfully did not take a lot of pictures. We did a lot of shopping, but I did not adequately document this location. And it was IMPRESSIVE in size and the quantity of stuff.
A Year Ago Today || Consulate Apt - November 20, 2017
The day finally came for our Consulate Appointment. Unfortunately, cell phones are confiscated at security, so the only picture I have is outside the building.
Inside, we took oaths and also met with a U.S. Consulate Officer who went over our formal documents. These documents would make it so our son would become a U.S. Citizen the moment we touched down on U.S. soil.
A Year Ago Today || November 19, 2017
Adoption. It is such a life altering experience truly difficult to put into words. Adoption is beauty through tragedy. Redemption through abandonment. It will strip every emotion you have and bring it to the surface. It is an experience I am so grateful to have walked. And grateful to have experienced with these incredible families.
A Year Ago Today || November 18, 2017
For decades, adoptions were finalized in China on Shamian Island. The U.S. Consulate office use to be here and thousands upon thousands of families have walked these streets with their new children in hand. And while the U.S. Consulate has since moved, adoption groups still return to this historic place.
A Year Ago Today || November 17, 2017
After touring the orphanage on November 16th, we took our first flight with Tristan from Shanghai to Guangzhou , where the U.S. Consulate is.
The flight was itself was smooth. However, the sitting on the tarmac with a screaming 2 year old at nap time wasn’t so much on the smooth side. This was the first time I cried after having Tristan with us. And my sweet first sitting next to me just put her hand on my arm and said, “It’s okay, Mom.” Bless her.
A Year Ago Today || Orphanage Tour || November 16, 2017
How do you adequately put into words the experience of walking through an orphanage? The emotions that are running through your head. The thoughts that are consuming you.
For 2 years this was my son’s world… And 2 years is short compared to the many children who are still waiting. But let me tell you - 2 years is TOO long.
A Year Ago Today || November 15, 2017
Our second night was rough.
You know the statement, “don’t wake a sleeping bear”? Yeah - well, I accidentally did. I wasn’t sure if Tristan’s diaper was full or if he had pooped and I tried to change it… In the middle of the night.
A Year Ago Today || Finding Place - November 14, 2017
Our first night together went better than I expected. I put Tristan to sleep in the carrier and then gently laid him down in my bed. He slept on my chest for much of the night, with his head over my heart.
A Year Ago Today || GOTCHYA! November 13, 2017
Today was the day.
We woke up early that morning. Partially from our internal clocks and also from excitement and anticipation.
Before heading to breakfast, Jerry and I gave Brooklynn a card we had written for her. Today wasn’t just a huge day for Jerry, myself, and Tristan. It was a monumental moment for Brooklynn. Her world as an only child for 8 years, was about to drastically change. But one thing I observed throughout our entire adoption process was her consistent excitement. She never once suggested we do otherwise. So this moment right here. These moments before we left our hotel to welcome Tristan into our family were huge.