Christmas Letter 2011...

A HEART FELT “MERRY CHRISTMAS” FROM THE SCHWARZ 7 TO YOU!!!

 Our first family photo the day we met our sons and brothers!

first all siblings picture;) amazed how God gave each instant LOVE!!

A letter can’t even begin to touch on the numerable ways we have seen our God come all the way to us, especially over the last year.  It’s what we celebrate at Christmas~ Immanuel: God with US! He has spoken, led, loved, redeemed, moved and revealed not just ‘around us’, but in us too.  It has been humbling and a place of awe.  Thankfully, since being in such a cool place of seeing God our faith has grown to trust He delights in bringing us along in His love and work in the ‘every day stuff’ too.  There are way too many things to catch folks up on, but suffice to say, we are grateful and learning more about ourselves and each other as we’ve gone through this process and grown into a family of 7.

It is fun to shout out highlights for us of the year past!  The highest highlight was the trip as to meet our boys in April and travel before meeting them around Ethiopia. IT WAS PHENOMENAL! The people, the sites, the time together, and the stories shared. THEN! 2 months later Andy and I had the privilege to go back and BRING OUR SONS HOME! That was short and sweet, but just a taste of the months that were to come to discovering our boys and our new family of 7. Those times and memories are slowing, but treasured. 

I take great delight in being alongside my kids and Andy in what the Lord is doing (and what we’re waiting on Him to do!). I guess you’d say there are stories constantly unfolding around here. So, without further rambling, here are some highlighted moments into some chapters:

Justin: BASKETBALL:loves it, lives it, breathes it~No more soccer except refereeing~added 2nd job at our pool snackbar~become quite the social fella~continues to be a diligent student~loves being the ‘rock star’ big brother to the Jcrew~sports enthusiast~amazed by our trip to Ethiopia and what we take for granted~a real thinker and fun young man

Kaylee Ann: DANCE: pours all her activity energy into lots of dance classes~quite enamored by fashion and design~began a little $ raising effort to help the kids left behind in Africa~great teacher and helper with her brothers~newfound diligence with schoolwork~creative and compassionate young lady

Aliza: SCHOOL: loves it!~amazing adventure for our first time out of the country gal in Africa~amazed at the joys of being a big sister and moving from the ‘baby’ to the middle child!~extravert all around...not a fan of being alone AT ALL~finding a desire for art alongside loving basketball~passionate, energized (always) and sensitive gal

Jacob: LIFE: takes in every minute of it with wonder and joy~compliant and desires to please yet there often is a ‘right’ way to everything~talker about EVERYTHING ~affectionate~loves cars and outside playing~creative and an awesome big brother~fun to watch the shift from needing to be ‘the same’ vs his own being

Jeremiah: CONTENT:lives each day with HAPPY all over it and him~ joyful~ pleasant~ sneak (in the silliest of ways)~ gracious~ funny~ likes to push the limits ~confident ~ peacemaker of the boys~ glad to see this tough guy open up quickly to affection and letting others love him as he was quite content to not be needy

Andy and I: TRUST: Blown away the phenomenal year past~hard adjusting to less time alone and debriefing but finding new ways to enjoy each other in a bigger family~great fun and joy in the activities, conversations and lives of our kiddos~fun having toddlers in the house again~fun watching the relationships of the older ones with the boys~amazed how we are in a place of sometimes learning from our kids (good ouch)~grateful that the LORD forgives, moves and has HIS way in and through us!

May Jesus give you a big "squeeze" this Christmas and in 2012!! and...may we all learn to enJOY HIS delight in and for us!

“More Christmas!”

The J crew (as I often refer to Jacob and Jeremiah) are at it regularly.  When I say ‘at it’ I mean blowing us away with their grasp of life, people, how we roll and especially the Gospel.  I don’t know how.  It’s like we’re on the adoption journey again.  In spite of us, God is moving.  In spite of our ‘not together’, HE is pursuing.  In spite of all the ways I desire to be intentional, HE’s intentional for our hearts. 

I mentioned WINDOWS before.  Well, here’s one that I got to look through today:

Like any toddler boys, ours have been so amazed by all the ‘bells and whistles’ of Christmas decorations.  What I’ve loved the most is how they have never said “look, lights” or “look, wreathes” or “look, santa” (don’t get me wrong...they’ve learned all these words and more!). 

Here’s how it looks instead: “mommy, mommy (still all day long) LOOK, CHRISTMAS!”  All of it is simply ‘Christmas!’. I LOVE IT! I mean how on earth have they been able to understand any of ALL OUR STUFF is beyond me.  YES, I have talked to them about the ‘light’ in the darkness, and the ‘tree’ that Jesus died on, and God’s love, and the presents (which they have yet to know we shop for), and that sharing at Christmas is what God does for us all of our days,etc.  I talk and walk this with each of them in some haphazard way that I wish was as calculated as others seem to do.  Ironically, this is where my ‘windows’ are opening.  In the midst of some ways of just expressing what I’m processing, God is moving. 

Today, I had a glimpse into ‘more Christmas’.  The boys have been very affectionate lately.  I love it.  It really warms and melts my heart.  So when they had been ‘busy’ for a long time outside and wanted me to ‘come see’, I just kinda wanted them to go do more of whatever it was that they were so happy with.  Nope, not enough for them.  They both grabbed a hand and in their whisper voices said, “shhh....come see, come see”. I guess I thought I’d see another ‘creation’ of leaves or dirt or something of the sorts.  Maybe they wanted to show me something they hadn’t see before and were amazed by or wanted to ask a question about.  I don’t know but I wasn’t prepared for what they really were going to show me. 

(I have to say, if you don’t get this when I say it, don’t worry, it took a few for it to settle into me too.)

So they take me to the front door (not the door they’re usually in and out of).  They are soooo excited.  They tell me ‘don’t look’ and squeeze my hands tighter as the try to open the door for me.  I felt totally special btw.  Then, they take me to the front stoop and point to ‘it’ and say ‘IT’S CHRISTMAS’!  I say ‘what is Christmas?’  They point and jump up and down and say that!  For YOU, and Daddy, and Justin, and KayleeAnn, and Aliza...CHRISTMAS!  Do you know what they did? They had set up on the steps on the side we never use a strategic arrangement of choice items of theirs from the garage as ‘presents’ for each of us.  They had this little pink chair (ok I believe in handmedowns) for ME.  Opened up with cones stacked in it ...all for ME!!  Then they went and recounted their choices for everyone else.  I have never told them about what and where these presents were coming from that they might get and give at Christmas.  We’re not there yet in our ‘to dos’.  It never occurred to them to not give out of what they HAD.  That is the Ethiopia in them.  That is IN THEM.  I didn’t do it.  It’s also the Spirit.  I truly believe the Lord has knitted something in them of Himself that is unique.  I get to watch it unfold. 

Back to the stoop: I felt like we were having Jesus’ birthday party right then and there.  BUT, it just didn’t strike me right away what was so fabulous.  SAD!!!! Of course I thanked them for the wonderful ways they were thinking of others and sharing!  Of course I told them I was proud of them for celebrating baby Jesus.  Of course I told them ...to clean it up and let’s get some lunch:(.  I wish I had sat in that chair and put those cones on my head.  I wish I had sang Happy Birthday to Jesus with them right then and there and not waited until Christmas.  I wish...lots, but you know what, I don’t wish for once that I hadn’t had the chance to look again through the eyes of a child at CHRISTMAS!! I’m blown away by as much as I try to teach my children, it’s the childlike faith that ‘gets Christmas’ more than I do.  So I’m blessed that the little hands already at work ‘making’ our gifts for folks are doing so out of excitement.  I’m blessed that when it doesn’t seem like enough to me, I’m reminded that there’s only 1 enough ...and that gift has already been given. 

So, if you hear some little ones YELLING (b/c that’s what they do!): CHRISTMAS and pointing to a random wreath, light, santa, or baby Jesus, know we hear it too.  If you get a squished box of goodies, know it’s made in love.  It’s all Christmas and may we rejoice over HIM in our own unique ways!

An Open Window

I really wish I had this window every night when ‘the littles’ (our name for Aliza +J crew) go down.  I don’t.  Usually this window is quickly turned to finishing dishes or moving onto Act 2 of the evening with the ‘olders’ (KA and Justin).  Tonight they’re occupied for a moment.  So, I’m seizing it with noting this glimpse into our day vs the ‘piles’ staring at me. 

So, the start of Advent marked 5 months of the Jcrew being home.  5 months.  In some ways the most loaded 5 months I’ve known.  Mostly b/c they’re on the tail end of one of the most intense years I’ve known.  Anyhoo...I think we’re still amazed how quickly the boys have adjusted, learned, inquired and grown.  We’ve now been through summer (beach, walks, parks, pool, popsicles,hanging, etc), fall (enamored by the ‘snowing’ of leaves and fabulous sunsets, camping, fires, s’mores, preschool,thanksgiving and the like) and now we enter Advent and Christmas. 

Of course each year you want your kids to get ‘excited’ about celebrating the Lord’s coming....in a manger and when he’ll come again.  What I’m amazed by is, as much as I try,  this can’t be grasped without the Lord in it.  Some traditions grow ‘old’ for teens, some traditions grow ‘old’ for me even.  So I rethink each year what message to communicate about these.  Thankfully, God has been good to me to not ‘ram’ each of these down everyones’ throat.  I mean a little bribery won’t hurt, but ramming? no.  So we began our Advent season. 

I really thought everyone was going to be ‘so excited’ to share our traditions with the Jcrew.  Suddenly, I discovered they were busy, tired or distracted themselves.  2 weeks into Advent and it’s occurring to me that our traditions don’t necessarily ‘slow us down’.  Sometimes they do quite the opposite.  So, what do I do?  I start a new one.  One of demanding ‘quiet’.  Yep.  That’s it.  TV less, computer time less and even friends less.  If we can’t be still on the outside, we won’t be able to settle inside and anticipate what’s to come.  It’s not natural.  I know.  BUT, we’re getting ready to celebrate the supernatural (aka Spiritual) that gives us life.  Why should I be surprised that this is tough? Is there resistance? Yes.  Will it be worth it? I don’t really know.  I just know that somehow Advent, when drawing into it, always reveals things that possibly God wants to show us all year through.  I’m hopeful that God can do what I can’t.  So, I’m not as concerned that I didn’t dot all my ‘I’s’ and cross all my ‘T’s’ (even though I’m trying) if we’re not looking any different this month than we look all year through. 

So even though on the outside we are pulled and tugged even more during this season, I find my heart can be oriented to anticipating new things in the midst.  It means being creative and asking God for windows.  I think I forget this way to often.  ASKING GOD.  Why? I go onto autopilot. So, for now, when at wits end with the ‘to dos, to get and remember’, I’m convinced I need the same ‘undoing’ I need every day.  This is where I wish I lived.  Undone and ‘over’ my list....but remembered, delighted by and drawing near to my Savior.

And what I really sat down to write about was the answer to these ‘windows’...windows to taste and see that the Lord is good and how to talk about that with my family. More to come...

 

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 While I'm at it...some pix...that always upload blurry...oh to have time to figure that one out;p

 tickle time ...even in the leaves;) Jeremiah and Aliza

 umm...had to capture this...you tell me where this comes from...boys and 'stick guns' ..in 5 months?

 never a non-snuggly moment here! haha... (can you 'hear' me saying 'take it' threw clenched teeth?)..

 Saying bye to daddy!

 Our first reading time with Gdaddy...

 Thankful for a good thanksgiving with Gdaddy and Gmomma AND Whitney!

 Girls CAN run the bases!!

 AND ...we love our guest appearances by THE COLEMAN ...sharing his headband and really thinking Jeremiah is going to stretch it with head! He ran off around the bases like we'd never seen...

 Just another family game of baseball...LOOK AT THAT FACE!! BOY IS HE WORKING HARD!

 Look here boys...soon this will be YOUR job as I'll be 'outta here'! I don't think they even knew about the 'attic' until this;) Now they want to go venture in it...

 All done with the attic downloads...and more down-loads here...Justin rocks at making them smile!

 Aliza had the honors of placing the window garlands;)

 Do you see what these guys did? On their own they 'found' their very own leaf blowers.  They'd get in the pile of leaves Andy was blowing and to them THEY were blowing them.  Starting to really love that they're not electronically entertained.  I can't take credit...but I love the fruit it's producing!

Leaf blowing...creativity at its' finest!

Christmas..Love comes down...

 This speaks volumes to my 'busy' heart and mind.  I sooo desire to 'settle' into Advent and the Christmas season.  This is what I need to be reminded of:


Whenever Christmas begins to burden, it’s a sign that I’ve taken on something of the world and not of Christ. Any weight in Christmas has to be of this world.

Christ came into this world as grace to lift all the weighty burdens.

Christ the Babe comes to us in Christmas as Christ the Savior comes  to us on the Cross — seeking only our embrace.

The list on the counter looks long.

What if I laid down efforts and expectations, perfectionism and performance?

What if I breathed deep and simply waited with arms and heart and eyes wide open?

What if Christmas was the season to letting go of to-do lists adding up — to receive what’s coming down?

Love comes down.

Christmas, it isn’t a product to wrap but a Person to unfold into our lives. What can I say no to today — so I can say Yes to truly more of Him?

Love comes down.

Christmas, it can’t be bought. It cannot be created. It cannot be made by hand. Christmas can only be found. Found in the person of Christ.

How can I slow today… slow in the midst of the holiday hustle… and simply do what Christmas is all about — finding more of Christ? How could this Christmas be about quietly, lovingly, looking for Christ?

Love comes down — O Come Let Us Adore Him.

from:
http://www.aholyexperience.com/2011/11/how-the-wait-till-christmas-can-be-weightless/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HolyExperience+%28Holy+Experience%29

Cookbooks and Cheesecakes....

YES...THIS POST IS A PLUG FOR WAYS TO GIVE TO THOSE IN NEED, SPECIFICALLY THE POOREST IN ETHIOPIA! 

Our International placing agency, Children's House International, has a wonderful opportunity to give $proceeds directly back to children in need in Ethiopia and later, China.  I personally have not seen the cookbook, but know it's a bunch of recipes from adoptive parents across the globe.  It should be a fun mix of ethnic and tried and true goodies!

In addition, they have CHEESECAKES that can be delivered anywhere.  Check 'em out.  There are so many children who do not get the opportunity to be provided for through adoption, and this is a great chance to give to those families to help them with their children!! BE BLESSED!

Of course they've outlined more extensive ways for folks who are led to sponsor children/families for needs and education. That's their prayer long term.  They've taken on 150 families and kids. These children do not have access to even the basic necessities like clean drinking water, food and clothing. For approximately $254 per year, we can support one child, providing them with an education, medical attention, nutritious food and clean drinking water. The $254 breaks down in to approximately $106 for food, $70 for education, $42 for clothing, and $35 for medical. 

(link is included under COOKBOOKS AND CHEESECAKES above)

****Oh...and remember Kaylee Ann's earrings ( http://earrings4ethiopia.blogspot.com ) ...all proceeds are going to Ethiopia!  Now she's able to split some with the Thomas Center orphanage (where our boys were) as well as new effort we're a part of trying to give children daycare while a parent works!  It's exciting!


remembering some of our 'friends' we met in Lalibela, Ethiopia... 

Not blogging, but praying...surprised by what I've found...

I don’t write much lately...but the mulling in my head has been put to good use in prayer:)  I’m glad for that.  Still, I miss writing.  Part of it is I have sooo many thoughts, sooo many experiences lately and such a W-I-D-E range of life that I don’t know where to begin. So I don’t.  I’m just praying. 

Just praying.  Sounds kinda lame ...or it use to.  Here’s what I’ve noticed though.  Praying changes me.  Why? Somewhere in the crux of honesty and desperation lies grace. Not to muster but to receive.  GRACE from God...I’m basking in it afresh, and all of a sudden all around me I see the lack of it. Starting with me.  That’s where I’ll stop too;)  But, needless to say, when you receive it and REALIZE IT, you WANT to give it. 
It’s not something I can even begin to write about.  I just wanted to say ...ahhh...sweet grace...what we’re made for.  It’s the taste of heaven this side of the Fall and this side of heaven. 

Anyways, life here is never dull.  Suffice to say I’m in love with my family.  We’re just not ‘new’ family of 7 anymore.  We’re Schwarz.  Defined by lots of repenting, forgiving and ...grace.  I’m grateful...for many joys and bumps...because the swings and unpredictables keep me needy.  Even that is becoming more familiar.  Not easy, but good. 

I’m in love with the Lord’s heart ...and that draws me back into walking on mission with Him.  We’ll see how that flows.  Feel like the mission is right here in my home, but regardless, it’s real. It’s moving. It’s where I want to be...following my Jesus where HIS heart is...

here are some latest glimpses of the fam...
                                               this has become a norm...just reaching over during dinner and ...ahh...yes...hands and elbows on the table...we will hold hands. we will relish in moments of saying 'i love you' without a word spoken...

 do you see it? this is a BIG SISTER NOW!! it's so fun to see aliza come into her own as the big sis...and love it and them!!

 that's ONE BIG ENERGY BALL JACOB!

 YES...JEREMIAH...that's how we roll it...as you wish...

 wonder where Jacob got his idea from??

 State Fair...we didn't need the rides and had had enough! yea for not knowing otherwise;p

 as close to a ride as we've gotten...

 corn kernal play...

 only my Kaylee Ann girl...

 Making Carmel apples...with the campbell girls...we love 'em! (girls and apples!)

 

 PUMPKIN PAINTING...what are YOU looking at??

 always thrilled...

 slimy messes...including the new paint off the wall in the background...

 decisions....ummm...

 dad...you have to be precise in the cutting...you only get one chance!

 done as you wish...

 We celebrated Orphan Sunday at our church...with tshirts to boot.  WE ARE NO LONGER ORPHANS!!!

 trick or treat? we're having fun just with the costumes...could have probably waited a year on the candy and stretched the excitement factor!

 even Justin joined us...

 our first TREAT!! (thx tracy!!)

 back at our house ...and it's still fun;)

 going thru the loot...