April | 2015 | a moose in moscow

I mentioned in my last post that we decided to host again this summer. Our family, Reed and Lena particularly, are very excited about this. Aaron and I really wanted to make sure that they were okay with sharing their summer with another kid. We talked with them about how they felt about our hosting experiences and if they’d like to do it again. They both said, “YES! What’s her name? How old is she? How soon will she be here? Can I make her a card?” Gus was there for the conversation too, but he doesn’t really “get” exactly what it means, especially since it’s still so far in the distant future.

Who?
We’re hosting an 8 year old girl from the same country as Big L. She’s just a bit older than Reed. Her bio information says that she likes math and science, as well as crafts. And, that she loves animals, especially dogs and wants to be a vet! She sounds like a cool kid and we even got to see a short video of her (a new thing that P143 is doing this year). When we first decided to consider hosting, we narrowed it down to a few kids with some specific criteria and P143 then pointed us towards her.

What does this mean for Big L?
Big L still isn’t sure about adoption, due to her current circumstances. We wanted to keep things “open” in case she had a change of heart. We basically decided to look at the possibility of Big L’s adoption and hosting this summer as two separate questions. Her adoption is still a possibility, but things are very complicated. Hosting is at the very least an opportunity to show “N” some love and stability this summer.

How long is “N” here?
She will be here from early/middle of June until the end of August.

How can we help?
We’re going pretty low-key with the fundraising this time. I still have some MudLove bracelets and a few t-shirts left from the winter. If you would like to order some prints, you can order here. And, I am offering photo sessions for local friends.

I’ve also added a button on the right side bar which shows how much we have left for N’s hosting fees. All donations made through there (Razoo) are tax deductible. We always appreciate your donations, as hosting is expensive.

My sister (jokingly) said I wasn’t allowed to blog again until their weather on the East Coast got as nice as ours. I think I might be allowed now.

What have we been up to? Well…

Reed won an award for his class this month. Each month the teachers pick a child in their class who is excelling and being an excellent student. Reed got that distinction this month– for being a great helper to all and also developing a love of reading. Reed truly is a great helper at school AND home and I’m really proud of who he is becoming.

Lena’s class performed at the same assembly where Reed got the award. Lena had picked out a dress and I braided her hair. That morning, when Gus saw her, he said, “Lena, you look so pretty! Mama, is she a princess?” And Reed had pulled out her two fanciest pairs of shoes to pick from. She has such kind brothers. She’s also doing great in school– reading is her subject as well and her class is currently writing books.

Gus is… Gus. As he often reminds us, he’s “special”. He’s caught between being a baby and a clever little boy. Bubbles are still his favorite around here, with the trampoline being a close second.

I’m currently doing Couch to 5K to prepare for Bekah’s run.

And, I’m doing a personal photography project.

Aaron and I are trying to invest a bit more time into each other before summer and our busy schedules begin. It’s good to take a bit of time for us and take a break from the million directions we’re always moving in.

We’ve also decided to host another child this summer… I think all of the details for that will need to be it’s own blog post. But this was a family decision and everyone is excited.

Lots happening over here and I’ll be back to share the hosting details soon!