Off and Runnig!

I apologize for the delay, but it is because I have become very familiar with the term "TIA" which means, "This is Africa." And when it is constantly "TIA" you are without at least one of the following: power, internet access, hot water, a toilet, or an awareness and adherence of schedule or time. So lately when I have wanted to tell my family I am safe and sound, I have often been met with someone shrugging and saying "TIA." But things are finally starting to settle into a routine (I use that term lightly) and I have managed to find some time to write this blog entry up and email to Andy to post.

First, this post will only be an overview of my first week. I plan to write more a extensive entries about my experiences when I return. But I do want to include you all in my trip now, so I hope to accomplish that in providing you with a glimpse of my life in Ethiopia so far.

DISCLAIMER: If my writing appears to be in broken English, or my grammar is slightly off... please ignore. It is the plague of most travelers to revert to the English of a five year old after at least a few days in a country with a different language. While interpreters are very good, you still have to speak slowly and use less slang, less complicated words, and/or shortened sentences. So we find ourselves even speaking to our fellow Americans as if we were speaking to a national. Its quite entertaining actually.

Okay, so let me begin. We arrived in the capital city of Addis Ababa on December 30th after traveling since the 28th. (We had an overnight layover in DC.) It seems as though Ethiopian Airlines wanted to welcome us to Africa in typical African fashion (and our first experience with TIA) by delaying our plane for 90 minutes. Now, it was not 90 minutes for a specific reason, there wasn't poor weather, a missing pilot, or problems with the plane. They just were absolutely not in a hurry. No one seemed stressed or eager, this is just how things go. Therefore, we sat in our seats as patiently as possible, trying our best to leave our impatient and intolerant American attitudes behind.

Let me now interrupt with a slightly entertaining story of our flight, R Kelly was on our flight (in first class of course) and we were aware of that from the beginning. However, the talk was not enough for him, he wanted to be sure to grace the economy section with his presence (in his sunglasses and all... planes are really bright at night, no?) and let me caution you, do NOT try to sleep through his parade through the aisles. I made this mistake and was thankfully elbowed by his bodyguard so that I would not miss this rare sighting. And I am soooo thankful for that! (I believe that "psych!" is appropriate to use at this time if you are a product of the 90's, otherwise, I apologize for my misunderstood reference to 90's slang.)

Our first night in Addis Ababa was pizza for dinner (there is a lot of pizza in Ethiopia which is the saving grace for Americans who do not like spicy food. Italy used to occupy Ethiopia and with that came pizza and "ciao!") We then went to our guest house to try to get some sleep. The only way I can explain our guest house is as bare. It is nice by African standards and I am grateful for the hot water and toilet. But it is very basic. Its a house similar to what you may see in America but without all the frills. It serves its purpose and I cannot complain at all.

Onto the various projects we have worked with. The first is WAR, Women At Risk. This is a program for women who have been found in prostitution and offered a rehabilitation program. They spend six months in counseling and group therapy overcoming the psychological effects of prostitution. They are also taught English and the bible. (The organization is a Christian organization but they do not require the women to be Christian. They teach principles from the bible but they do not require the women who are Muslim to abandon their faith. They accept all women regardless of their beliefs, the director was very clear about this and I very much appreciated his emphasis of this.) After the first six months they are taught a trade and then released following six months of training. Their success rate is wonderful and few women return to prostitution. We visited their daycare facilities and their center for teaching trades such as sewing, baking, and scarf making. (Their scarves are beautiful and we bought quite a few. They are sold on mochaclub.org to support this organization.) We spent several hours over two days with the women. Despite the difficulties of communication (though we do have 4 wonderful translators for our team of 12) we were able to connect with the women and just express that we see their value. The women are treated very poorly in their society because of their time in prostitution and obviously have been treated very badly by men as you would expect in a life of prostitution. But the women were so grateful for our affection. We gave them a spa day (pedicures and makeup), took their pictures and printed out (since many have never had a picture of themselves or their friends) and brought them gifts of jewelry. It is Christmas on the 7th in Ethiopia, so we are able to celebrate with each organization. The women were so incredibly excited and thankful. One woman said on behalf of the others, "Thank you for coming across the world to serve us. Here we are treated very badly and are not valued, but you have shown us today that we have value. And we thank you for that."

Another organization we have spent a lot of time with is Ahope. I'm not going to go into too much detail about this organization because I really want to do a in depth post about it. But an overview of this organization is that it is a orphanage for children infected with HIV. All of the children are given the anti-viral drugs, but many are still very sick (depending on when they started receiving the drugs, how long they have had HIV, etc.) They are the most precious children you could ever imagine. Many will still be adopted as Ahope works with several adoption agencies and more HIV+ children are being adopted each year. So these kids are in fact the lucky ones. The children are so beautiful and this organization has definitely touched our team more than any others. I visited Ahope when we adopted Tek and we have financially supported their work. I have seen first hand the difference this organization makes in the lives of these orphaned children and it is amazing. But more to come later! A glimpse of to come... we were their for their Christmas and Birthday Celebration and it will be an experience that will forever live in my heart and mind. I see my Teketel in every one of those children and to experience this event with them captured my heart. At one point another team member saw the tears well up in my eyes as I interacted with the children during this event and she had to tell me to "Turn it off!" because if you don't, you will simply weep and that does more harm than good.

Another organization that I will definitely do a separate post on is a grassroots organization (I use the term organization lightly) of women putting street boys through school. The short of it is two educated and strong Ethiopian women saw a need and decided they had to help fill it. They used their own and their friend's money (and just because they are educated does not mean they are rich) to put 40 street boys through school. They didn't simply enroll them, they bought their books, paid their fees, bought their uniforms, and weekly follow up with them. We helped them with their Christmas celebration and fed the boys. I had the amazing experience of washing the hands of the boys before and after their meals... but again... more to come. :)

The last organization that we have been introduced to is the Fistula Hospital. I am SOOOO excited to talk about this because all of my small group ladies have read about it in the book "Half the Sky" and if you skipped that chapter (Holly & Misty!!) you should really go back and read it so when I post all about the amazing impact this organization is making on Ethiopia, you will have the necessary knowledge to truly understand. For those of you who are Oprah watchers, you may have seen Dr.Hamlin on Oprah (Oprah also sponsored a building on the grounds) and some of you may have seen "A Walk to Beautiful." For the rest of you, guess you will just have to stay tuned. :) This is the only organization we did not actually volunteer at, but just toured the facility. They only take trained volunteers (such as nurses and doctors) due to the kind of work they do. However, we did drop off small bags of jewelery to be distributed to the women for Christmas... and that jewelry came from Savannah, Georgia, thank you very much! :) I think it is so awesome that the women who were at one time left for dead but have now been given a new chance at life will be wearing the jewelry donated by my friends in Savannah. I hope you think of those women (and say a prayer for them) whenever you open your jewelry box. Thank you to all of you who donated to give them a better Christmas. (I wish you all could see the faces of them women when they receive these gifts, it is priceless. They will likely be their most prized possessions.)

Well, that pretty much sums up what I've been doing for the last week. I hope its a bit of a tease and you all stay tuned for what I have actually been experiencing and also to learn more about some of these extraordinary organizations. I am so excited about the work that is being done here and am anxious to help in any way I can when I return to the states.

On a personal note, my sister and I are doing very well. A couple team members have gotten sick, but Amy and I have managed to stay well. The common cold here in Ethiopia tends to be a terrible stomach virus that will make you miserable for two to three days. Fingers crossed that neither of us experience that (I feel that taking care of my new son during 27 hours of traveling while my husband struggled with that "cold" should give me the karma I need to avoid being a recipient, but I am not pushing my luck and am sanitizing every 5 minutes.) We have eaten a lot, they keep feeding us! For some reason they seem to have this impression that Americans eat a lot. But for once I am not complaining about eating, at least not when its Ethiopian. I used to brag I could make some really good Ethiopian food... oh man was I wrong. I have had the most amazing Ethiopian food! I guess I will just have to practice some more. I keep telling the nationals I will become Ethiopian. But then they laugh as soon as I try some Amharic. I am HORRENDOUS! In my defense, it is not an easy language and why must every language roll their "r"s. SO frustrating. And yes Andy, I hear you laughing at this all the way in Ethiopia.

So, this is all I have for you today. I don't know when I will be able to write again. We travel to Nazareth tomorrow and like is said, TIA! I hope I can update you when we return. The rest of the team leaves in a week and then Amy and I will explore Ethiopia without 10 other people. Stop worrying Mom! We have already made many connections and the interpreters are helping us with all of our arrangements. I'm not trying to falsely reassure you, but it really is more safe for us to walk on the streets here than it is in DC or Savannah at night. It's completely a different culture than America, but you will just have to see it for yourself!

Did I mention it is 2am in Ethiopia right now? Excuse the rambling and possibly even some parts that don't make sense. But I have sacrificed much sleep for this blog, so I hope that you at least made it to the end. Thank you again for all of the support that everyone provided to make this trip a reality. I'm doing my best to make you all proud!

I miss you all BUT MOSTLY TEKETEL!!! (which I can now say like an Ethiopian!) It makes it even harder to be away from him when I see him in the face of every child I meet.

On my way!

I arrived in DC a little after 9pm. It was heartwrenching to say goodbye to Teketel (even though he was doing his best to make it easier by being in a horribly sour mood). We leave for Ethiopia at 12pm tomorrow. A long flight, we arrive in Ethiopia at 8:30 in the morning (their time.) I should have access to internet through out the three weeks and will try my best to post as we go.

Talk to you soon!

My heart belongs to Ethiopia...

I just finished the fall semester (thank God!) so I should have a bit more time on my hands. But while I am playing catch up on housework, shopping for Christmas gifts, and catching up at work, I thought I could use this post to give a clear understanding of why my heart truly begins to Ethiopia. I wrote an essay a couple years ago for an English class about my experience meeting Teketel's birthmother. I would like to share that essay with you now. Please keep in mind that I had to write it a specific way, (certain topic, certain style) but I was pleased that I was able to tell the story of my experience in a condensed way. (VERY rare for me!) So please read on of my amazing experience in Ethiopia, I will never forget this day and I am proud to share it with you.

The scenery was captivating; rolling hills spotted with thatched huts and beautiful acacia trees that stood above them as giants looking over the village. We drove past villagers caring for their livestock; the weight of the recent drought was reflected in their tired faces and in the emaciated bodies of the animals. Children left their huts to watch as we drove in our Land Rovers along the newly paved road. The children smiled and waved, asking us to stop so that they could practice their few words of English. They were dirty and their clothes torn, flies circled their faces, and they made no effort to swat them away. However, the dirt and flies could not hide the luminous smiles and piercing eyes that every child seemed to own. It was just two days prior that my husband and I had met our son, Teketel, for the first time in the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Abba. At seven months old he had already laid claim to those Ethiopian eyes that had captured my attention instantly. After only a couple days of spending time with our son, the adoption agency organized a trip for the seven American adoptive families to meet the birth parents of their children. On that warm Sunday in June of 2008, we left our children in the capital as we made the journey to the town of Hosanna in southern Ethiopia to meet the mother of our son. Nothing could have prepared me for that meeting; I could never have predicted the amount of admiration I would have for this woman and the amazing strength she possessed.

We arrived at the adoption agency’s compound after four long hours. The social workers ushered the adoptive parents into one room. The room was fairly bare except for a couch and chairs lining the walls. We sat down next to our spouses and waited in silence. The only sound was the Ethiopian woman roasting coffee beans that would be used later as a part of a traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony. The aroma of the coffee filled the room, and the anxiety of the adoptive parents was nearly palpable. I could feel the air escape as all of the parents held their breath in anticipation, waiting for the social worker to enter and call out their child’s name. It wasn’t until the fifth time that a social worker entered and asked for the parents of Teketel. At the sound of my son’s name I felt for the first time the magnitude of this meeting rest heavily on my heart. My husband placed his hand on my back as if to say he felt the same way as we followed the social worker.

The room where we met my son’s birthmother, Amsalech, was very small and had only three chairs. As we entered, she immediately stood to greet us. Her frame was small, and her disposition was very reserved. She stood no taller than five foot four, and she was dressed in a t-shirt and long skirt. She was young, a few years my junior, much too young to have three children and the burden of raising them. I extended my arms to her, and we embraced. We both began to weep. As I stood there and held the woman that had forever changed my life, emotions that I cannot attempt to describe overwhelmed me. At that moment, as we held one another, it was as if two souls became irreversibly connected. Two women with nothing in common from completely different cultures and backgrounds stood clinging to one another, mourning the same thing: her agonizing loss.

After a few moments had passed, we sat across from each other, and with the help of two interpreters, we began to learn about one another. Each sentence of conversation took time to translate since Amsalech spoke a dialect called Tembarssa which is spoken in the Tembaro district. It is a rare dialect and our interpreter was unable to translate it, making it necessary for two interpreters to be present. First, an interpreter would translate from Tembarssa to Amharic, and then our interpreter would translate from Amharic to English. This process was so time consuming that we had to carefully select the questions we had for her to make the most of our short time together. We first asked about Teketel’s siblings. She replied that her eldest child’s, Adame, health was poor and that she was very concerned for her. She said her son, Teshale, was a very energetic boy. She said both of her children adored their little brother, Teketel. She spoke about the time they had with Teketel and how he was a happy and content baby, only crying when he was hungry. We handed her a gift of a double hinged frame. In the frame were two pictures, a picture of us and a picture of Teketel at the age of six months. She held the frame close to her. It was not an expensive frame but it was more costly than anything she owned. She studied the picture of Teketel, rarely glancing away. She had not seen him since the day she took him to the care center when he was just two and a half months old. I watched as she stared at the picture and never once did I see the strength of her decision waiver. Her face never displayed an ounce of regret. We handed her a large map that had a star marking Savannah, Georgia, and one marking her home in Ethiopia. She stared in amazement at the map; she had never laid eyes on anything like it.

After thanking us for the gifts, we asked her if there was anything she wanted for Teketel. She said that she wanted him to remain true to his heritage and asked that we always celebrate Meskel and Easter, two important Ethiopian holidays. We promised we would and told her we would keep the name that she gave him so that he would carry a part of her with him. The expression on her face showed gratitude that her limited words would not convey. It was the next part of our conversation that showed me the true depth of her strength. She explained the circumstances that led to her decision for adoption. We had already been told the story by our social workers, but it was completely different to see and hear her speak of it. I saw shame and hurt in her eyes, but more than anything I saw an unyielding determination. I could see that it was her belief in the rightness of her decision that sustained her. We finished our time together with her sharing her dream for Teketel. She said that her hope for him was that he was able to grow to be anything he desired.

We left her that day after more embraces and tears. We took a picture of us with Amsalech to hang in Teketel’s room so he would see his birth mother every day. She had proven to be a pillar of strength. She watched us leave to return to her son and take him to the other side of the world, knowing that she will never see him again, and yet she remained steadfast. The gifts of the pictures and map seemed so insignificant in comparison to the gift that she gave us. I am forever indebted to this woman and to her unshakeable strength. As my son grows, I see more and more of her features in him. When I look at him I am constantly reminded of her sacrifice, and of the courage that sacrifice required. Even today I still mourn her loss and pray for her strength to continue. I hope that I can emulate that strength as a mother. I hope and pray that my son will inherit more than just her physical features; I hope that he will inherit the strength that embodies her. I know that with strength like hers he will accomplish her dream for him, to grow to be anything he desires.

Why Ethiopia? Why now?

Explaining why I am taking this trip seems to be the best topic for my next blog post. The answer is a fairly complicated one, but I will do my best to explain simply my reasons for this trip.

Let’s handle the most obvious reason first. Part of my heart belongs to the beautiful country of Ethiopia. As many of you know or have learned by reading my blog, my son is from Ethiopia. Teketel is the most amazing kid in the world. Granted, I may be a little bias. But seriously I’ve never met a kid so cool. J Andy and I will be eternally grateful to the country of Ethiopia and Teketel’s birth family for the opportunity to raise this captivating little boy. Our trip to Ethiopia in May 2007 to pick up our son was a life changing experience. Not only because we became parents for the first time but because we fell in love with the country. The warmness of the people we encountered and the strength and joy they possess, despite their heart wrenching poverty, has taught me lifelong lessons. When I have those “woe is me” days, you know the ones, when work is taxing or relationships are difficult. It is when the self-pitying begins and you are stuck in a rut. It is in those moments, I remind myself of the people I have encountered and how even in the most hopeless situations, they find hope and joy. All Americans could learn a thing or two from them. Poor customer service at a restaurant, frustrating driving tourists in downtown Savannah, or unfair treatment at our workplace would likely not get us so angry so quickly, if we lived life in the shoes of the Ethiopians I encountered on our trip. As the organization I am traveling with has so eloquently put it, it is for this very reason, “We need Africa more than Africa needs us.”

The second reason I am traveling to Ethiopia with Mocha Club is because I feel that it is our responsibility as Americans to make a difference in this world. We are so incredibly blessed to be born into this country. I did absolutely nothing to earn being born into a middle class family in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio. I did nothing to deserve the food on my table every day, the warm clothes on my back, the education I received, or the loving family I was given. God blessed me. And I believe the reason he chose to bless me, was so that I may in turn bless others. The girl in the developing country, who was sold into prostitution because she had no other foreseeable value, did nothing to deserve that life. She was simply born into it. Now we could argue all day about her government’s role in all of this or how her family may have squandered money or how the history of that country caused the current situation… but when it comes down to it… she is a girl, a human being, a person if in America we would believe deserves “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” She is a person just like anyone else that deserves more than the hand she was dealt. And I believe it is my responsibility to use the gifts given me (and they truly are gifts) to help her.

Many of you may say if that is the case, then why not just raise the money and donate it? That would do far more than anything you could possibly accomplish in three weeks. And I agree with that statement wholeheartedly. And my family practices that principle in our own finances, giving to organizations such as Mocha Club, Oxfam, World Vision, Children International, Ahope, Ethiopia Reads, etc. But there are undeniable values of individuals going on trips such as this one. First, trips such as this raise awareness. Not only will the traveler see firsthand what individuals in developing countries have to overcome, but also family and friends back home are impacted by the trip. Hearing another person’s experience and passion is an incredibly powerful thing. My blog will be one of the ways I share my experience and I hope that through my trip others will be encouraged to do the same. Second, these trips engage a person to become a lifelong giver. A person that sees firsthand what their dollars can do, are far more likely to give more in their lifetime. Third, trips such as mine will continue to keep organizations accountable. Non-profits will always be better stewards of their resources if contributors are able to see their dollars in action. I encourage every individual to be educated on where your dollars are going and to take any opportunity to witness your impact.

The last value of this trip is a little more specific to my individual goals. I plan to meet with organizations with whom our church and community can partner. Partnerships that communities, workplaces, schools, or churches make with non-profit organizations are shown to accomplish far more than individual giving. When a group of people are able to take ownership of a project and work together in a likeminded fashion, it is amazing how much more they are able to accomplish. I hope to return with plans and ideas (not to mention names and contact information) to implement here in Savannah. I believe Savannah is very strong in giving back to their community. The United Way and other organizations in Savannah have a strong following and accomplish more and more each year. I am constantly blown away by the time and resources that individuals and groups dedicate to such organizations. I do not want to take away from that, only expand it. I hope to inspire people in Savannah to expand their compassion and dedication to outside their own community and into the world. I believe that our community can make a difference in the world, and I hope to assist in making that happen. As Gandhi said “Be the change you want to see in the world.” I want to see Americans take an interest in speaking and acting on the behalves of those in the world who cannot. Therefore, I will begin with me and I will be that change.

Its good to be back!

I am back into the world of blogging. I'm not exactly sure how well I will fit this into my schedule or how often I will blog. But I promise it will be, at the very least, weekly. The reason for my re-entry in to the blogging world is similar to the reason I initially entered. We started this blog a few years ago to include our family and friends in our journey of adoption. We adopted our beautiful son, Teketel Blair from Ethiopia in May, 2008. We kept everyone in the know as we processed paperwork, got our referral, and then eventually traveled. We continued to blog as we experienced parenthood for the first time. Then life got insanely busy! Being a mom, a part-time student, a full-time admin, and a pastor's wife, not to mention being a woman with an incessant desire to be constantly planning some kind of event, eventually it all consumed my time and the blog went by the waste side. I have to say, I have definitely missed it. And I miss my family in Ohio not being able to see pictures of the cutest kid ever whenever they so desire. But more than that, what has brought me back to blogging is my second trip to Ethiopia. I am so excited about this upcoming adventure. I will be leaving December 29th for a three week trip to Ethiopia with my sister and an organization called Mocha Club. Three weeks is a long time (it is beginning to set in how long I will be without my little man!) but I feel very strongly that this trip is right for me. I know I will miss my family but I know that I will be better for them when I return.

Instead of going into detail about my trip in this blog post, I would like to share the email I have sent to my family and friends. I will go into more detail on future posts.


Family & Friends:

I want to share with you my excitement for an upcoming adventure! After much thought and discussion, I have decided (with the blessing of my husband and son) to participate in a trip to Ethiopia this winter. I will be joining the organization, Mocha Club* www.mochaclub.org to work with two of their supported projects:

1. Women At Risk - This is a project in Nazaret that rescues women from the growing world of prostitution and offers them a 10-month rehabilitation program. Within the program, they are offered rehabilitation in many aspects including social, personal, and spiritual as well as job training.
2. Ambo School & Street Boys - We’ll travel to another small town in Ethiopia to visit a church that operates a school for 250 children as well as another project to support the large local street boy population. Our team will organize English lessons as well as games/activities to further relationships with these children.

I will be leaving on December 29th. The trip will be 11 days, but I am choosing to extend my trip for a few days to meet with organizations in the capital of Addis Ababa to become potential partners with our church.

The cost of the trip is $3,200. I will be doing a series of fundraisers (with the help of some amazing friends here in Savannah) but it’s still a fairly large number to raise. I am asking that you please consider making a donation to my trip. Any amount would be helpful and greatly appreciated. All donations are tax-deductible.

Three ways to donate:
1. www.mochaclub.org/africa-trips
a. Click on the icon to “make a donation”
b. Fill out the next page with necessary information (be sure to include my name.)
2. www.tapestrysavannah.com (Select link at bottom of page that says Donate. It will take you to PayPal site. NOTE: This link is a work-in-progress and should be ready to use on Friday.)
3. By check: make payable to Tapestry Church (please include a note with Kate-Ethiopia Trip.)
a. You may mail your check to Kate Blair, 421 E. Jones St. Savannah, GA 31401
b. If you attend Tapestry, you may drop in the offering box as well.

I believe this trip is an opportunity of a lifetime and am excited to see all the work the Mocha Club (an organization we financially support) is currently doing. I am thrilled to see more of and give back to this beautiful country that gave me the most wonderful gift, my son. I plan to blog (savannahblairs.blogspot.com) about my trip so that all of you may share this experience this with me.

Thank you in advance for any support you can offer. Feel free forward to anyone you think may be interested in helping.


With love,
Kate Blair

* Mocha Club is an online community of people giving up the cost of 2 mochas a month – or $7 – to fund relief and development projects in Africa. Mocha Club works in five main project areas: Clean Water, Education, Child Mothers + Women At Risk, Orphan Care + Vulnerable Children, and HIV/AIDS + Healthcare. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Mocha Club's vision is to provide a way for people who don’t have hundreds or thousands of dollars to make a difference in Africa. The community-based website allows members to start a team and invite friends to join them in giving up the cost of 2 mochas a month to support their chosen project. Mocha Club understands that today's tech-savvy generation can have a huge impact by using the viral nature of the web. So the organization equips Mocha Club members themselves to grow awareness and support for Africa by inviting friends. Mocha Club provides its members with monthly updates to show how their $7 is helping the people of Africa and to keep them connected to the projects they are supporting.

Tek's First Haircut

We finally took Tek to get his first haircut. We figured with my work/school schedule, it was either now or never. I wish we would have chosen never. :( I'm not a fan. I want his fro back, Andy keeps telling me it will grow back in no time, but its not back yet!

The Before:

He is a little nervous.

Now he is just mad.

He cried through 75% of the cut.

He is a little boy!

The Afters:

He is still adorable, but I love the fro! I will take much better care of his hair this time as it grows out so we can keep the fro. My baby is officially a little boy. It is a very sad day for me.


Unfortunately this traumatic event has taken a little focus off a special day in the Blair family... Andy's 34th Birthday! Happy birthday old man! (I will forever feel young next to you. :) Thank you for that!)

And.... Go Buckeyes!

Okay... what you REALLY want...

Pictures!

When Dad and Cindy were in town they remodeled our back patio. Its gorgeous! And all the plants are still alive!! (That is a miracle for us!)
Everyone pitched in (except for me, I was at work and came home to the wonderful surprise.)

Even Tek! (such a ham for the camera.)

A week or so later I was out watering the flowers and Tek decided Riley had the right idea about getting some water.
That was great until Mommy had another idea...
But Tek was a good sport and laughed it off.


And now, may I introduce Mr. Kayne West Junior...
Not only is my son the master cleaner and gardener, he is also soon to be a master carpenter. Daddy and Grandpa Snyder are sooooo proud!


Last Sunday, Andy had his first baptism, Douglas. I just want to say that I was baptized in Lake Erie in March, not the Atlantic Ocean in August. Something seems very unfair about this.
The Grimms with Pastor Andy. It was a great baptism. Afterwards we all hung out at the beach all afternoon. It was a very fitting baptism, the Grimms are the biggest beach bums I know! :)

The African Children's Choir came to Savannah a few weeks ago. Tek LOVED it. He clapped and dance through their entire performance. The African Children's Choir is a great organization and one that we support wholeheartedly. I encourage you to research it.
And lastly, today we started a new campaign at the church. "I am Tapestry." Here we are in our matching shirts, aren't we cute?
That is all for now!

My Ten Favorite Things about My Boys

1. Tek's conversations- he talks in complete sentences now.... just no one can understand him. But he is committed. He talked to me for ten straight minutes the other night and I couldn't tell you a thing he said.

2. Andy's kisses- after 7 years of being with this man and his kisses still make me melt.

3. Riley's fear of thunderstorms- it is that time of year and he spends most of it in our laps, all 90 lbs of him.

4. Tek's love of helicopters- he stops dead in his tracks when he hears them. He jumps up and down pointing and laughing. He loves them. Since we live so close to a military base we see them all of the time. When we swim at the YMCA he sees at least four an hour.

5. Andy's patience- Okay, I admit it... I am an incredibly exhausting woman. I never stop and I always have something new to try. I always have the next big plan for my life and my dear husband always just grins and bears it. (Though I was very sick a couple weekends ago and I think he enjoyed it immensly... no I KNOW he enjoyed it. He said it was the first time this year I sat still and I wasn't making him keep up.) Each day I come home and exhaust him with my rants...from drama in the office to human trafficking to my daily over analyzing of human behavior. He listens and laughs and often surprises me with his wisdom. He runs to keep up with my over scheduling and he allows me to break down when I need to without giving me reason to beat myself up further. (And I give him plenty of things to add.) I tell him all the time that I was an easy catch, but he is going to spend the rest of his life chasing me. I'm so glad he keeps chasing me.

6. Tek's hugs and kisses- He has officially entered the 2 year old stage (a little early I might add.) "NO!" and destruction of everything are the norm in my home. However, with this "terrible twos" stage has come the sweetest boy that gives kisses like they are candy and cuddles every evening. It must be God's way of stopping us from locking him in the closet. :)

7. Andy's character- My husband is not perfect (wait... you've heard me say that before?) but he is real. I love that about him. There is nothing fake about him. Sometimes this doesn't work to his advantage (he is not good at pretending he likes gifts, ideas, people, etc. if he does not) but most times it does. His sincerity makes people trust him. It is what makes him an amazing pastor. And my favorite part of who he is that he is self-aware. He sees his flaws and if he doesn't, he is willing to have them pointed out. (I'm good at that, are you surprised?) And he works on who he is and truly wants to be a better person. Now if he would just hang up my ironing board! I know, I know, I can't have it all.

8. Riley's faithfulness- Everyone knows that the best thing about a dog is how happy he is every time you come home. When I walk in the door, exhausted from work, Andy is usually rushing around to head out the door, Tek is often indifferent to me walking in the door (come on Mom... there is dog food to get into!) but Riley... he is always at the door with something in his mouth (a shoe, a toy, a stuffed animal) to greet me. I love that.

9. Tek's eyes- They are the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen. They are perfectly shaped, very dark, and very expressive. They show everything he feels. A woman is going to fall in love with those eyes one day, but until then... they are all mine!

10. Andy's love for Tek- I don't know how I picked a man that was born to be a father, but I did. Man, did I get lucky! I really did, especially since when we started dating he said he didn't want children, but might compromise and have one child. I guess I saw it in his father, who is one of the most fatherly men I know. I don't know what other word to describe him, his pride and joy are his children (and any other "children" he can take in... exchange students, MC students, etc.) and Andy is definitely like his father. I see his dad in him everyday. (And I am okay with that, his father is a man I very much respect and admire. And that's not the daughter in law sucking up, because you know that is not my style. For someone that says as much as I say, I definitely don't say those important things enough and I definitely don't say them just to say them.) Andy, I will never forget the day Andy took Tek in his arms... he was hooked. He still looks at Tek just like he did the first day he met him and he still says on a weekly basis "I can't believe he is ours." His greatest joy in life is his child and I love that about him.

I don't reflect on these things enough and I most certainly don't say them enough. Like I said before, I use a lot of words. But I am beginning to learn I don't use the right ones enough to tell those I love the most important things. I'm going to change that about myself. So stay tuned... this blog may get mushy. :)

And I promise to be back with pictures soon, unfortunately I start school on Monday, so time will be limited once again. Oh how I have failed this blog. If only this site wasn't blocked at work so I can update it while they pay me. :) JUST KIDDING! (In case my bosses stumble upon this blog.)

Good night.

I interrupt my catch up posts...

So Amy is staying with us this summer before she starts grad school. She is working at a restaurant and helping out with Tek. Which has been great, but not nearly as great as the laughs we get from the many Amy mishaps. (They were even better when Caitlyn was here. Double the Amy!) Anyway, I must share my Famous Amos story.

She was upset with me tonight because I said I was going to make Rice Krispy Treats yesterday, but didn't. Then I promised I would today... but didn't. She was whining about it and I said "I need to catch up my blog, you go make them." (You all think that is a good enough reason, right?) Anyway, she says "But I don't know how..." You who know her well read that with her whining voice, didn't you? I explained the recipe is simple and on the package. Well she attempted and within five minutes I hear her yell "I knew these weren't easy to make!" Andy walks into the kitchen and sees her covered in rice krispy treat mix. "It is just so sticky!" she says. (Quiet Tharpes!) Followed by, "I am good at baking, these are just too hard." Well, I don't know how they turned out yet, Andy asked if they were supposed to be bumpy, he remembered them being smooth. :)

Classic Amy!

Oh, one more thing... Andy, Amy, Tek, and I saw Miley Cyrus at the mall yesterday. (We nearly ran into her.) She is in town filming. So everyone under the age of 15, eat your heart out. :)

I know.... I know....

Two Weeks Away From Home...

First Stop: Las Vegas

Jason & Renee got married.

Tek got spoiled by grandparents.

Sisters reunited... (and now we can't get rid of her.) :)

Two good looking couples!

Lovely women!

More mother-in-laws than she bargained for... :)

Second Stop: Phoenix

My closest friend from high school, Sue with her son John.

Third Stop: The Grand Canyon

Fist Bump!

Fourth Stop: Columbus, Ohio

Tek's first visit to the Shoe. O-H-I-O!

The Stentz's.

Lisa and Kate... short visit, but much anticipated!

Our group celebrating our first Famaversary.

One year together! Time flies!

Tania & Kate

Our boy got married... Aaron McCullough! So strange!!

Fifth Stop: Mansfield, Ohio

The Carousel in downtown Mansfield.

Poppy got him to calm down and actually enjoy the ride.

Playing in the pond with Granna.

Tractor riding with Poppy.

Playing with Granna

And then home (a few weeks ago.) It was a long trip but we got to spend time with so many of our favorite people. Sometimes it is hard to be so far away from family and friends. We really enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with so many of those we love.

I will be back soon to catch you up on time passed in Savannah.

Quick Post...

I am about to run to class, but I saw this picture on Tania's website and was amazed at how little our Tek was when we brought him home. And what chubby cheeks he had!



Tania... our boys will get to meet again soon! We will be in Columbus the end of May, and Tek will keep up with him this time. And we will get to meet Elliot. I cannot wait!

Gotta go to class and Tornado sirens are going off right now. Riley is freaking out.

Tek's Second Easter Egg Hunt

Tek's first Easter Egg hunt was at daycare this past week. His second was today in Pooler. A friend of mine's church had a field FILLED with eggs. Tek loved it! He knew what he was doing.

After he figured out how to open them, he was pretty much done looking for them.

Here I am telling him what he can and cannot eat. Pretty much he couldn't eat any of it. But Mama could! :)

The event was a lot of fun. Thank you Ms.Emily for inviting us! Oh, I forgot to mention, Tek had his first run in with fire ants. They were ALL over him, and then all over mom. I couldn't tell if he got bit or if he was just afraid from Emily and my reactions. I definitely got bit. I HATE those stupid fire ants, almost as much as I hate sand gnats.