Category: Ethos
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Highways, Biways, & Driving in Montana
I used to drive the freeway every day. In much of Oregon, freeway driving is simply a way of life. My daughter’s school was a twenty minute drive southbound on I5, and I made that trek twice daily. If was going shopping, I’d always find the nearest freeway on-ramp to expedite the journey. Being a…
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While You Wait
When it comes to adoption, Tom Petty said it best: “The waaaaaaaiting is the hardest part.” Preach it, Tommy. First, it’s the waiting for approval to adopt. Then, the wait for a referral [child match]. Later, you wait (staring at a photograph) to travel. Many adoptive parents ask the question, “What should I do to…
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Chickens & Eggs
The updates we have received on Little Brother since our referral have been surprisingly informative; unusually so, according to my adoptive-mom-friends. Maybe it’s a China thing? Most of my closest friends have adopted (or are adopting) from African nations, and every country differs greatly as far as their adoption process, in general. From who qualifies to…
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Old Saint Nick
My kid was that kid tonight. On a Facetime call with a long-distance-bestie, she plainly informed her pal “Santa’s not real.” **facepalm** See, while we determined from the beginning of our parenting gig that we would not participate in the “Santa Game“, we recognize that there are plenty of other families in our circle who DO.…
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Ganksgivin’
Our firstborn always said “Ganks!”, instead of thanks. We never corrected her, and instead incorporated her version into our everyday jargon. I suspect we’ll still be using it when she is 32, much to her chagrin. Both of our daughters have always been quick to give thanks. I would say it comes naturally to them–…
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I <3 Technology
Our son is in an orphanage; in a metal crib, with one blanket, scooted against cold, monochrome tiles, tucked beside a furnace. Yet I’m thankful. I’m thankful for technology– that I was able to connect with another adoptive mother from our agency, who is currently in country picking up her Chinese son from the same…
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What I’m Reading
It’s no secret that I’m a gluttonous, voracious reader. I’m currently devouring five books and always have a rotating queue never less than ten titles long. So many books, so little time. One day I hope to have a den/library with at least one entire wall dedicated to books/bookshelves. In my current season of life, however, I…
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Big Sky
I love living in Montana. Aptly dubbed, “Big Sky Country”, the 180′ expanse of striking blue sky is clear and bright nearly every day of the year, regardless of the temperature. With our notorious wide-open-spaces, sparser, squattier tree line, and minimal sprinkling of puffy clouds that dot the far reaches of the atmosphere, the sky…
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Sick Day
Our youngest awoke early this morning with the stomach flu. And a good morning to you, too, Germs! Isn’t there a rule that homeschooling families are exempt from communicable disease? Last year, our first in public school, in a new state with new bugs, we seemed to catch every bug that Montana had to offer. I digress… As…
