Adios 2008...Bienvenidos 2009!

2008 was a year of travel for the Davis crew. We logged some serious miles which provided awesome experiences and great memories. Various members of the family touched down in Texas, North Carolina, Indiana, Lake Erie, Kansas, Canada, Ireland, Wales, England, and twice in Guatemala! We enjoyed youth conferences, multiple mission trips, visiting family, fishing, hunting, touring with a choir, and loads of fun. At one point this summer I had four different types of currency in my purse...pounds and euros from Europe, quetzales from Guatemala, and US currency. I tried to pay with pounds at Target in Ohio. It didn't work.

2008 also provided some firsts for our family. Gustavo entered kindergarten. Marco began "all day" school in first grade and played baseball for the first time. Ana Lucia said goodbye to diapers and hello to underwear (and Mommy and Daddy celebrated like crazy). Zack got his DRIVER'S LICENSE - wow. Katie entered high school.

There were some challenges as well. A few medical issues brought about a lifestyle change, a serious scare, and some ongoing evaluation. There is always the challenge to raise 5 children, devote our lives to God's calling for our family, and do it well.

We enjoyed Katie's involvement in the Cincinnati Children's Choir, Zack's involvement in baseball, Journey church activities, relaxing around the pool, and time spent with family and friends.

2009 promises to be interesting. There are opportunities for several mission trips. Katie will be eligible to begin driver's training. Zack will be making some college decisions. A family trip to Guatemala in July will be the first return trip for the three youngest since coming home as infants in 2002, 2003 and 2005, and will include foster family and birth family reunions. We are working on several fundraising ideas to fund projects in Guatemala. 2009 will continue to proclaim our family's mantra...never a dull moment. ;)

Goodbye 2008 - you rocked!

Welcome 2009 - who knows what you will bring...

From our family to yours

The Reason for the Season

"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told."

Luke 2:1-20

We made it!!!

Wahoo, we made it to Christmas break! Each year on the first day of school I secretly start the countdown to Christmas vacation. Pitiful.

I am so ready to relax, hang out, sleep in, play games, enjoy holiday happenings with family and friends, and whatever the holiday brings.

From our family to yours - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!



I hope your holidays will be filled with smiles, laughter, and sweet memories...










...and free of stress, fits, hair-pulling, and general craziness. ;)






Glædelig Jul
Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar!
Joyeux Noel
Froehliche Weihnachten
Mele Kalikimaka
Buone Feste Natalizie
Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom
Chung Mung Giang Sinh
Feliz Navidad

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

5 years...unbelievable!

Five years ago this week we were in Guatemala finalizing Gustavo's adoption. It had been a wild 6 months since receiving his referral. The trip felt surreal. It was the week before Christmas and Mark and I were hanging out in sunny 80 degree weather preparing to bring home our son who we feared would quite possibly never join our family.

Gustavo loves the story of his homecoming. He particularly loves one part of the story. My parents brought Zack, Katie and Marco to the airport to greet the newest family member. After the initial hugs and kisses we headed to baggage claim. Marco was sitting in his stroller and my mother knelt down with Gustavo in her arms. As she was allowing the new brothers to get to know one another Marco reached out and "tweaked" (grabbed) Gustavo's nose. It was as if Marco was saying "welcome to the family Gustavo...just realize I am the older brother!"

On December 18, 2003 Gustavo Adolfo arrived in Ohio and our family has never been the same. According to his foster family Gustavo started giggling at ten days old. We totally believe it! He has a zest for life like no other.

We are so thankful for the past 5 years...and can't imagine what the future holds! Enjoy the video tribute to the boy we honor this week. :)

Keeping it Real

It is relatively easy to sit down and pen a post sharing about the positive aspects of life. However, in the spirit of "keeping it real" I must be honest and say that there are some crappy days in the midst of life. Looking around and observing the hardships experienced by many around the globe can put one's stress into perspective - quickly. However, one shouldn't be ashamed to admit there are days when life can be downright frustrating. The above picture is what I looked like yesterday afternoon. Trust me, just ask my teenagers and husband...

While I love the dynamics of having a big family, it can be tough to raise five children. While I wholeheartedly believe in international adoption, it can be difficult to deal with the long-term effects of malnutrition on a child born in a developing nation. While I am thankful for the passion God has instilled in me for the people of Guatemala, it can be challenging to figure out how God has called me to make a difference. While I love having a wide age range in my children, it can be tiring to live in the world of young children and teenagers at the same time. My desire is to serve God, serve my family, and serve those in need. There are days when doing it all at the same time creates a feeling of not really giving each area enough. Shortchanging - this is the concept that weighs heavily on my shoulders.

My dear, sweet, supportive husband sent me to a hotel last night for the purpose of relaxing, renewing myself, spending time in prayer, and simply being in a quiet environment. I read (my idea of paradise). I prayed. I wrote down ideas and goals. I slept.

Today is a new day. Yes, the reality of our lives is that there are challenges. No one said life was simple...or easy. Yesterday our pastor spoke about unwrapping the potential God created in us. Every single person was created for greatness. I am going to use one of the scriptures he shared as a reminder when I am dragging a bit.

"And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right."
~2 Thessalonians 3:13

The Promise Land combined with Fantasy Island...

...describes Nana and Papa's house!

Our children are blessed with two sets of grandparents and 2 great-grandmothers. Growing up with grandparents in your life is a great treasure.

I grew up with a grandmother who lived just 4 houses down the street. Mark grew up with a grandmother living in his home. While our children have never lived closer than 90 minutes away from my parents, they have spent their growing up years with Nana and Papa. It is a huge treat to go stay with Nana and Papa! Zack has affectionately nicknamed their home as "The Promise Land". Mark and I have joked over the years that it is Fantasy Island for the kids. Each child has had opportunities to go alone to Nana and Papa's. BIG DEAL. TRUST ME.

Being at Nana and Papa's means special treats like late (or no) bedtime, sleeping in the "big bed" with Nana, eating a million frozen strawberry bars, ordering Pizza King pizza, walking to the candy store, going to Jerry's for ice cream, walking down to Memaw's house, visiting Gigi at the nursing home, and the list goes on and on.

My mother used to worry that when the grandkids became teenagers they would not want to keep returning for visits. Reality is quite the contrary. Yes, all of the teen grandchildren still love to go to Nana & Papa's. Zack loves to begin his Christmas break and summer break at their house with a few days to totally chill out.

As the grandchildren grow up their relationship with my parents is strengthened. Zack loves to golf with my dad. Both Zack and Katie chat with my mom on Facebook. Yes, Nana has a facebook page and the teen grandchildren are teaching her how to use it!

I hope my children realize what a blessing it is to have 6 living grandparents in their lives. I hope they understand what a treasure it is to have such a close relationship with their Nana and Papa. My parents have been involved in my children's lives from the beginning. They were at the hospital on both Zack and Katie's birth days. They were in the hospital room as I progressed through labor. They were waiting in the room as Mark and I returned from surgery with our firstborn. They began cuddling and kissing him when he was less than an hour old. They were at the hospital again when I was in labor with Katie. My mom was even able to be present at Katie's birth. When the nurse asked her if she wanted to come into the operating room she had the scrubs on in record time! My parents were standing at the gate at the airport when we traveled home with Marco. I'll never forget walking off the plane and seeing them standing there waiting to meet their newest grandson. When we brought Gustavo home my parents brought Zack, Katie and Marco to the airport. They were all waiting at the closest point (literally) allowed by airport security. They were out of state when Ana Lucia came home and headed to our house practically as soon as they returned home. I remember they walked in the front door and couldn't wait to get their hands on her.

Nana and Papa have been there for grandparent days at school, sporting events, every birthday, Christmas, and many more important days in the lives of their grandchildren. With 9 grandchildren such involvement is a huge commitment. They love each grandchild as an individual and celebrate each one's uniqueness.

I am thrilled that my teenagers realize the importance of grandparents in their lives and haven't outgrown their love of spending time at The Promise Land/Fantasy Island.



Grandparents are a family's greatest treasure, the founders of a loving legacy, the greatest storytellers, the keepers of traditions that linger on in cherished memory. Grandparents are the family's strong foundation. Their very special love sets them apart. Through happiness and sorrow, through their special love and caring, grandparents keep a family close at heart.
~author unknown

Uno, the symphony, and Christmas ornaments...huh?

Location, location, location is the mantra heard regarding the purchase or sale of a home. I believe this phrase could easily translate to neighbors, neighbors, neighbors. We are blessed to have fabulous neighbors at our current house. We also had awesome neighbors at our Indianapolis home. Some neighbors become friends, and some neighbors become family.

We first met “Mr. Steve and Miss Judy” when Zack was 4 and Katie 2. They built a house in the cul-de-sac. I noticed as the house was being constructed that there were outlets installed on the exterior of the house in places that could only mean one thing – the owners planned on hanging Christmas lights. I knew I liked them before ever meeting them! As it turns out, I was correct. They have the most spectacular Christmas lights each year.

We lived in the Indianapolis house for six years and our relationship with Mr. Steve and Miss Judy grew from acquaintance to family. Zack and Katie grew up feeling like they had an aunt and uncle two houses away. We had two children and they had a dog. Our kids were always welcome in their home and their dog Skeeter considered our house his second home. He cleaned the scraps of food off our kitchen floor quite nicely! Katie would go over and play Uno with Mr. Steve. Miss Judy and I would sit on her porch swing and visit. Mr. Steve was always my “help desk” and general fix-it guy. Miss Judy is a news producer so the kids were able to visit the television studio during a broadcast and see some behind-the-scenes action of the news world.

Mr. Steve and Miss Judy host a lovely Christmas party every December. A portion of the party is devoted to decorating their Christmas tree. They patiently allow the children to hang ornaments, and then lovingly rearranged some to the top of the tree or hold the children up to place them. Moving to Ohio meant leaving our dear neighbors, and felt like leaving family next door.

After becoming residents of the buckeye state, we committed to maintaining certain family traditions, even if it meant across state lines. Since we can no longer sit on the porch swing and visit in the evening, Miss Judy and I have created an annual get-away weekend for the two of us. One tradition we have kept up is attending the Christmas party and going to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Yuletide celebration. We make a weekend out of it by going to Yuletide with Mr. Steve and Miss Judy on Friday night and then attending their Christmas party on Saturday night. The weekend is a staple of the Davis holiday season. Through this tradition the three youngest kids are getting to know Mr. Steve and Miss Judy as well. We also get to visit with another family who lived in the neighborhood during the same time. Their daughters, Tara and Kaitlyn, spent a lot of time playing with Zack and Katie. It is a treasure to know that once each year all three families will spend time together.

This past weekend was our “Indianapolis holiday weekend”. Zack, Katie, and a friend of Katie’s accompanied me on Friday as we drove over to attend Yuletide. Mark and the 3 little ones were scheduled to drive over on Saturday for the party. Sickness hit in Cincinnati and Mark and the little kids had to stay home much to everyone’s disappointment. Otherwise, the weekend was filled with much fun. Two more of Zack and Katie’s childhood friends joined us Friday evening at the symphony. Mr. Steve wondered what happened to the “kids” as 5 teenagers sat in front of us at the symphony. Uno was played well past midnight between the teens and Mr. Steve. It was the first time for us to be with our friends who lost their daughter, Kaitlyn, suddenly and unexpectedly to an illness. She died the day before Zack, Katie, and I left for Guatemala and we missed her funeral. It was difficult for us to see them without Kaitlyn but healing to talk about our memories of all the kids being together. The kids who used to be in diapers together are now teenagers. Where has time gone?

The holidays are such an awesome time to enjoy traditions with friends and family!

Decorating the tree in 2006


Gustavo, Kaitlyn, Katie, Tara, and Marco in 2006
Little did we know this would be our last time with Kaitlyn


The teenagers constructing the tree with Mr. Steve in 2008


Tara, Zack, Katie, and Katie's Cincinnati friend Hannah...teenagers are really just big kids!

An "I DID IT" list!

If you read this blog you know that I am a list maker. I do love a good list!

I copied this from another blog and found it fun to complete. The items in all CAPS are things I have done. What about you?


1. STARTED YOUR OWN BLOG
2. SLEPT UNDER THE STARS
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. GIVEN MORE THAN YOU CAN AFFORD TO CHARITY
7. Been to Disneyland
8. CLIMBED A MOUNTAIN – IF HIKING UP/DOWN COUNTS THEN YES
9. HELD A PRAYING MANTIS
10. SANG A SOLO – IN 5TH GRADE I PROMISE!
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. ADOPTED A CHILD
16. HAD FOOD POISONING
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. GROWN YOUR OWN VEGETABLES
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. HAD A PILLOW FIGHT
22. Hitch hiked
23. TAKEN A SICK DAY WHEN YOU’RE NOT ILL
24. BUILT A SNOW FORT
25. HELD A LAMB – AND IT POOPED ON ME!
26. GONE SKINNY DIPPING – SHHHH, DON’T TELL OUR KIDS!
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. WATCHED A SUNRISE OR SUNSET
31. Hit a home run
32. BEEN ON A CRUISE
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. SEEN AN AMISH COMMUNITY
36. TAUGHT YOURSELF A NEW LANGUAGE – STILL TRYING…
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelos David
41. SUNG KARAOKE – SCARY BUT TRUE (IN MY BASEMENT, NOT PUBLIC)
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. WALKED ON A BEACH BY MOONLIGHT
46. BEEN TRANSPORTED IN AN AMBULANCE
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. GONE SCUBA DIVING OR SNORKELING
52. Kissed in the rain
53. PLAYED IN THE MUD
54. GONE TO A DRIVE-IN THEATER
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. GOT FLOWERS FOR NO REASON
64. DONATED BLOOD, PLATELETS OR PLASMA
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. BOUNCED A CHECK – WOOPS!
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. VISITED THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. STOOD IN TIMES SQUARE
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. BROKEN A BONE
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. BOUGHT A BRAND NEW CAR
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. HAD YOUR PICTURE IN THE NEWSPAPER
85. Read the entire Bible
86. VISITED THE WHITE HOUSE – SAW IT FROM THE OUTSIDE, DIDN’T GO IN
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. HAD CHICKEN POX
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. MET SOMEONE FAMOUS
92. JOINED A BOOK CLUB
93. LOST A LOVED ONE
94. HAD A BABY
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. OWNED A CELL PHONE
99. BEEN STUNG BY A BEE
100. READ AN ENTIRE BOOK IN ONE DAY

Now, I'll add my own twist. List 5 things you hope to still accomplish in your lifetime. Here is my list:

1. Go on a mission trip somewhere in Africa
2. Have each of my three youngest children meet someone from their birth family
3. Develop a skill in photography
4. Write a book
5. Be blessed with a bunch of grandchildren who love to spend time at their grandparent's home

Your turn...

Oh Happy Day!!!

Have you ever wanted something so bad you physically ached? And when you get it your whole being goes into freak-out mode? Be honest.

Five years ago this morning was one of those moments for me.

Our family was in the midst of Gustavo’s adoption process. Believe me, it had been quite a ride. We were matched with him in June when he was just 9 days old. The adoption process shut down during the summer months. We didn’t know if we would ever bring Gustavo home. Even scarier, we feared he would be placed in an orphanage and never have the security and love of a family. When the adoption process opened in the fall we shouted for joy and began the hope that he would indeed join our family. We prayed he would be home by his first birthday.

In November 2003 I gave myself a stern lecture. Even though my heart was breaking with my baby still in Guatemala, I realized I had 3 children at home who deserved a joyous holiday season. I committed to try to stop worrying about the adoption until January. While this was easier said than done, my intention was sincere.

As we drove to Thanksgiving dinner my thoughts wandered to Guatemala as I stared out the car window. I felt Mark’s hand squeeze mine as he gave me the “it will be ok” look. This mama’s heart had a hole in it that would not be filled until a chubby little brown-eyed, black hair Guatemalan baby boy was home.

Fast forward to Monday morning after the Thanksgiving holiday. Mark worked from home that morning and sent me out Christmas shopping. You know those moments in your life when, no matter how much time has passed, you can remember every second? I was shopping in the electronics department at Target when my cell phone rang. Caller id informed me that it was our adoption agency. A million thoughts ran through my mind in the nanosecond it took me to answer my phone. The director of the agency was on the other end and simply said “You’re out of PGN”. To those involved in Guatemalan adoptions you know exactly what this phrase means and the significance of it. To all others it simply means the adoption has been approved. Our boy was coming home!

As the words sank in I stopped breathing – literally. I then blurted out the first thing that came to mind, “Are you sure it is our case?” Oh, client of little faith! Yes, the agency director assured me that she was absolutely certain. Well, bring on the ugly cry. This is the point that my brain realized what I had been aching for was coming to fruition. The freak-out mode hit high gear. Try to picture me standing in the middle of the electronics department at Target, cell phone in hand, clinging to the shopping cart, trying to remember to breathe, and crying in a very ugly manner. The agency director on the other end of the line gave me time to collect myself. I wonder if the Target employee briefly considered calling security about the woman having a nervous breakdown in his department?

After asking a few important questions I hung up the phone and called Mark. I could barely get the words out from crying and laughing. I’m sure he was a bit frightened on the other end of the call. His wife was losing it and it took a few seconds for him to realize it was all wonderful news! Little did I know that morning when leaving with a heavy heart that we would be in Guatemala in 13 days bringing our boy home. Life changes in an instant.

Due to the adoption being in jeopardy throughout the process I had done very little shopping for a new baby. There was no baby bed for Gustavo; Marco slept in the current crib. There was no car seat. I needed to get busy!

As soon as I ended the celebratory phone call with Mark I headed straight to the baby department and shopped like a maniac. I had my own baby shower right there in Target! With each packet of onsies, baby bottle, and package of diapers I threw in the cart I wanted to shout out to every person “OUR BABY IS COMING HOME!!!”

So today is a special day. In all of those sleepless, worrisome, frightening moments of Gustavo’s adoption I needed to take a deep breath and realize that while I had no idea if that call would come God did. God knew the exact moment of the joyous telephone call and the exact moment Gustavo would sleep in his new baby bed in Ohio.

The Monday after Thanksgiving will forever be a day of celebration in our home. I should have taken the kids to Target this morning to honor the moment! Yeah, I am just that obnoxious…