<![CDATA[]]>

<![CDATA[]]> http://www.freewebs.com/robandtracydunham/index.htm Freewebs <![CDATA[Check our our new web home!!!!]]> http://www.freewebs.com/robandtracydunham/index.htm?blogentryid=3660765
Now the Dunham Family of 5 has moved to a new web home that is free and doesn't seem to have the same storage issues. This site will still be open so anyone can read about our journey... maybe it's appropriate - a new web home for a new life.

Check us out...
http://thedunhamfamilyof5.blogspot.com/

See you there! In fact, there are new pics on there and a new blog entry already. See, I'm already feeling inspired again. :)
]]> http://www.freewebs.com/robandtracydunham/index.htm?blogentryid=3660765#topBox http://www.freewebs.com/robandtracydunham/index.htm?blogentryid=3660765 Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:47:00 UT <![CDATA[The end of the beginning.]]> http://www.freewebs.com/robandtracydunham/index.htm?blogentryid=3635197
I'll admit, I'm glad in some ways to get on with normal life because living in this strange parallel universe where no one leaves home to work is really weird. This whole time I've been off I've just been ignoring the looming sense that this was coming to an end very shortly. So, I'm relieved to not have to think about it anymore and to just be living it.

That being said, let's be honest, raising three kids as a team of 2 is WAY easier than going solo. We've had an incredible time, we've done lots of fun things together and had the chance to get to know who these little munchkins are and that gift is something I'll always cherish. We have a foundation to build on now and I'm sad that this season is over and I hope Rob figures out how to do the girls' hair!

And in celebration of my last official day of parental leave, the kids and I had a day to ourselves (sort of). Rob was building a fence - sucks to be him - and we went to a princess birthday party... I spent the first 90 minutes of my morning straightening Ruthie's hair for the occasion... but the girls looked beautiful and Kai was so handsome with his cape and crown. I wish we had pictures but let's just say that 90 minutes on hair put us behind schedule, we couldn't find the camera and we just gave up and strapped them in the car.

After the party and a fabulous naptime (during which I managed to clean the house - very, very proud of myself), we went to a Cowboy party that our young adult ministry was throwing. Again, just me and the kids and we had a fabulous time. The kids were awesome, no meltdowns, no fighting, no tantrums... just lots and lots of fun!

We just love when this new life feels normal and today was one of those days. I convinced myself that it was no big deal to have the kids all day like that and it wasn't. I know more days will come in the future that are even better, but this was a special one for me - especially since I'm walking into a 12 hour day at work, yep, it's a big one.

Today was also a day that I could actually feel myself falling more in love with my kids. Sometimes this happens without note and you only see it in hindsight. Today, I could feel it pushing deeper in my heart.

Tracy
]]> http://www.freewebs.com/robandtracydunham/index.htm?blogentryid=3635197#topBox http://www.freewebs.com/robandtracydunham/index.htm?blogentryid=3635197 Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:36:00 UT <![CDATA[Happy Un-Birthday Ruthie!!!]]> http://www.freewebs.com/robandtracydunham/index.htm?blogentryid=3612589 Today was Ruthie's official Un-birthday. We didn't get to Addis in time for her real birthday and yet, we didn't want to skip the other two birthdays... and fairness/equality is a huge issue with these kids, so we declared today to be Ruthie's "Happy Birthday". We went to the mall, had french fries, went on a special mom/daughter shopping trip, had a water fight, made our own pizzas and then Rob & Ruthie went and picked out a movie. Nana and I made a birthday cake, and lucky for everyone, Nana had brought gifts for all the kids, so everyone got to open something.

Every single day these kids become more of a joy. They are ridiculously funny (not to mention cute) and we are falling deeper and deeper in love. Lots of you have been asking what their English is like and since today is all about Ruthie, I'll say this - I noticed today that unless she's tattling on her siblings, she only speaks to me in English. I hadn't realized this until today because I still hear her in Amharic all the time, but to Rob and I, it's only broken English and she's totally gettin her point across. Her English words and sign language combination is remarkably effective. And while I'm bragging on her, let me also say that she has a great sense of humour, is a fabulous dancer and is so sweet and sensitive. She loves to help everyone and does it out of the sincerest heart. Though she is sometimes sad when she thinks about Addis and Kids Link, she is the bravest person that I know in the world and has shown strength and wisdom way beyond her years. I pray that someday that will prove to be an incredible asset for her.

And one more Ruthie story. The other night I climbed up into her bunk to read her "My Family is Forever" and at the end of the story I laid face to face with her and explained in a few different ways (because you never know what English words will make the connection) that no matter what happens, she will be with Mommy and Daddy forever and ever and that she never has to go anywhere else, this is it. She thought about that for a minute and I figured that it was beyond her understanding just yet... and I don't know the Amharic word for "forever". But then she looked at me and said, "Ruthie, grow, grow, grow (hand gestures going up) and Mommy and Daddy?" I said, "Yes! Ruthie sleep, wake up, sleep, wake up, sleep, wake up and always Mommy and Daddy." She looked at me and I knew she understood and she said, "Forever and ever, Mommy and Daddy and Ruthie." I know our lives have turned upside down, but who the heck cares when the trade off is a moment like this and the chance to raise a Ruthie?

Tracy

[Sorry no pics! I'm having some trouble with my blog server and hope to have time to resolve it soon!]

]]> http://www.freewebs.com/robandtracydunham/index.htm?blogentryid=3612589#topBox http://www.freewebs.com/robandtracydunham/index.htm?blogentryid=3612589 Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:57:00 UT