We regret to inform you that our yearly Xmas letter has been delayed ever so slightly by the presence of numerous zombies, (all of whom are extras from The Walking Dead.) With any luck, they will be casted for the second half of the season and we will be able to get our yearly publication posted. Please come back soon!
If anyone were to ask me what was one of the most essential “ah-ha!” tools for learning about White Privilege I would say, without pause, “White Like Me” by Tim Wise. If you haven’t read it, you’re in luck — the movie will stream for free for one month. Here are the details — http://www.timwise.org/2013/07/white-like-me-race-racism-and-white-privilege-in-america-the-movie-now-available-for-streaming/
I might add, “The Color of Fear” would be my other immediate response.
I revisit both in my personal work. Go and read them/view them.
This is how we live — it really is. Languages, cultures, and beloveds are welcome into our home. And guess what? Flower is back. She is back with us, her American family. And we are thrilled. One month of Flower love…..Hungarian/American style. Life is big. Really big.
Posted in Hungary
Once again, Waffles has crafted his own amazing purposeful experience. After returning from Israel, Waffles traveled to Ethiopia with our family (Mr. SillyPants, me, Blueberry) to welcome our new son into our family. He then stayed home for 6 months (6 fantastic and helpful months) — doing what awesome big brothers do — wrestling, playing soccer, playing circus, jumping on the trampoline, encouraging positive play…and more.
The awesomeness of his brother love is beyond my articulation. Let’s just say he may very well have been the energy that kept us all together and focused on the work of bonding and settling in.
After 6 months of family care, it was time to go, however —- for Waffles had more on his mind than little brothers, and the pull was great. At the start of July he bought an old truck 
and he headed off for Pine Ridge Reservation. (Brothers wanted to go with him, of course!) Known as “The Rez”, it is his home and workspace for the next 4 months. Waffles hooked up with Trees, Water, People and is running a model garden and working on a solar project with local Native leaders. He lives in a small camper on a compound with a local native family, his best friend is a coyote/husky mix dog, he has learned how to dress a chicken, has been invited to a sweat lodge, been to Wounded Knee, learned history of native life through the lens of his mentor, Henry Red Cloud, and is gardening and building non-stop. There is more, but you get the picture?
Speaking of pictures …. there are these.
To say I am proud of my biggest son is to understate the great amount of admiration I have for him. He is a beautiful spirit. His kindness is amazing. Waffles, you are missed and in the same breath, you are admired for your willingness to walk the walk in your becoming. We love you — so very much.
Posted in Big Kids
This gallery contains 2 photos.
I distinctly remember one of the days I had to really own my racism. Yes, that’s right. I’m a white mother of 2 black boys and I’m a racist. Shocked? You shouldn’t be. As a white person with white privilege, … Continue reading
The sweet days of summer are here and I’m going to try to reinvigorate this space just a bit — because I miss blogging as a record for our family.
And, because we’ve actually jumped, and finally hit the soft landing. Life with 2 small boys (not so small?) and 3 biggies is settling down to a familiar feel once again. I’ve been away from blogging while tending to the hearth; it has been the hardest work over these past 5 + months.
And you can see where we have arrived with this photo — as our sweet boy shows his growing trust, and demonstrates what a courageous and curious kid he truly is! (He has been terrified of water, has a perforated ear drum <don’t worry, he has a wax swim ear plug>, the water is cold still, the whole experience is brand new to him….and still he jumps in! And this is sort of a metaphor for our family adopting an 8 year old…..). Meet our little Afar warrior. Blog name TBD.
Posted in Uncategorized
Our holiday was lovely, but we were missing one sweet 8 year old boy. Daddy SillyPants made sure there was some ‘representin’ of our sweet son, still in Ethiopia and waiting for us. SillyPants wrote on Buzz’s little leg, “soon to be in our home, already in our hearts”. Every year Mr. Sillypants spends oodles of time finding the perfect ornament for each person in our family. This year, another added to his quest. And he triumphed. (He always does).
Our news is, in fact, R will not be waiting much longer. We have cleared the embassy (which means R’s papers are in order and the U.S. embassy has approved our travel to Ethiopia for the family VISA appointment). This is truly good news — it’s the last leg of the journey of entrustment. We are honored. And humbled by all that is on the horizon. “To infinity and beyond!”
Posted in SillyPants
Under The Acacia Tree 