He is Risen!!!

A very belated Happy Easter to all my lovely readers out there!  

I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior!!  I won't bore you with all the details of our quiet and restful weekend, (Although there is nothing boring about the FEAST we enjoyed at our friends' house on Easter Sunday! A lovely meal complete with ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes with a heavenly marshmallow topping, asparagus, salad, deviled eggs, and rolls.  Oh.  My.  Word.  Our bellies were so full and joyful.) but I couldn't resist sharing some pictures.  When the sun is out, I just can't help myself! ;)

My heart (and belly) is full and I am so grateful that the Lord thought I was worthy of such a sacrifice.  Thank you Lord!!!  You have blessed me far beyond what I deserve.

A Year In Review

Looking at my stats I noticed my number of posts has been cut in half two years in a row.  Pathetic according to my standards.  Since you all have missed out on so much of our lives in the last year, I thought I quickly catch you all up by doing our year in review!!! =)

2012: In Review...

January  

-In January we finally celebrated Cocoa Puff's first birthday with a huge zebra-themed birthday bash.  She looked darling as ever in her zebra and pink tutu!

-We were also blessed many snow days to keep us occupied.

February

-Taking advantage of all the holidays, we celebrated Valentine's Day to the max with a mommy date to Starbucks and incredible chocolate heart shaped desserts!  

-The kids finally got to enjoy the great outdoors without the need for a big winter coat.  

-Mom got experimental and we began another chapter in Cocoa Puff's hair journey with flat twists.  

-Daddy celebrated his big 29 with Mexican food and a rainbow cake (all Hollywood's idea)!

March

-We celebrated my 27th birthday, along with a surprise delivery of cupcakes sent from an amazing friend living all the way in California.

-We had even more snow...yes, in March!

-We Finally got all the cousins together again for a big birthday bash and spent the afternoon at a water park with all 8 of them!

April

-This month we celebrated Easter - including a huge feast and an egg hunt in our back yard with friends!

-It finally got warm enough for mama to start walking again, so we broke out the sweatshirts, sunglasses, and stroller for several strolls around the block.

-The sun shined warm enough to risk blinding the whole world with my vampire legs.

May

-In May, daddy finally agreed to let me renovate the living room with board and batten and a fresh color scheme!

-I celebrated my first Mother's Day with my husband HOME, which meant lots of him spoiling and me relaxing!

-We broke in our new ride with a road trip to California to visit the Bentley family and reunite our girls for the first time since Hannah's Hope!

-While in Cali we also drove down to Little Ethiopia to meet up with the Skidmore family so Cocoa could see another one of her Hannah's Hope buddies!

June

-We celebrated Cocoa Puff's first Gotcha Day (June 26th) with a photo shoot and some excellent Ethiopian food, (I can say that because I didn't make it this time =) and also debuted her Gotcha Video for the first time.

-It got warm enough outside for bathing suits, swimming pools, and water balloon fights with the neighbors!

-We spent a weekend with the extended family for a much needed updated family photo.  Cocoa Puff turned on the charm and Hollywood cried the whole time.

-We said goodbye to the Bentley's as they moved their family to Ethiopia to begin their ministry there.

July

-In July we celebrated Cocoa Puff being home for one year (July 2nd).

-We entered the 4th of July Kiddie Parade for the first time along with some of our dear friends, followed up by the BIG parade and our annual BBQ with daddy's work buddies!

-We finally planted our garden (we missed our one sunny opportunity because of our Cali trip) and watered daily, anxious for those seeds to sprout.

-We spent a weekend at Deception Pass with the extended family and soaked up the rays on the beach.

-We spent our annual "Church Camp" on the lake with friends and family.  It was Cocoa's first camping trip and Hollywood's first time catching a fish!  We spent 4 days, and next year hope to go for even longer.

-We celebrated great-grandma's last birthday with us over chocolate cake!

August

-Cocoa Puff got her first set of yarn extensions in only her favorite color!  Time consuming, but fabulously worth it.

-We spent the majority of the month sun-bathing and swimming in our backyard.

-Hollywood outgrew his bike and asked for a new one for his birthday.

-We spent a weekend helping grandpa and grandma while they were caring for great-grandma in her last weeks.  The kids helped pick some corn and feed the cows (with some help from grandpa) while mom and dad prepared dinner.

September

-We finally started collecting some produce from our garden - zuchinni, squash, carrots, and pumpkins!  The corn never made it past a couple inches tall (thanks to the racoons that help themselves).  The jalepenos and green onions just never got big enough due to being planted so late.  Oh well.

-Hollywood started preschool (at home).  

-We soaked up every last ray of sun before it disappeared for another year.

-Mama finally got a girl's day out - a relaxing and much needed break.

-Cocoa Puff started potty training herself...

-Hollywood celebrated his 4th BIRTHDAY in style with a construction theme he has been dreaming up for the last 9 months!!!

October

-October started off with an impromptu road trip to California for our Great-Grandma's funeral.  We celebrated her joy-filled life in style and gained some much needed family bonding time.

-We returned home to a 30 degree temperature drop and all got sick.

-We enjoyed a trip to the pumpkin patch with friends and lots of yummy snacks.

-Although we spent a lot of time raking leaves, I think we ended up only tackling about half of them since there is a slimy trail imbedded in our driveway.

-We spent Halloween at our church's annual "Trunk or Treat".  Mom and Dad dressed as bank robbers while Hollywood chose both his race car costume as well as Cocoa's butterfly costume.

November

-November we were proud to exercise our right to vote once again!

-Family pictures finally happened...and we could be more thrilled with the results!

-Cocoa Puff got her first haircut and hair straightening (don't worry, it was just the flat iron...nothing permanent)!

-We spent Thanksgiving with BOTH sides of the family and enjoyed tea parties, Grandpa snuggles, and helping our uncle and aunt pick out their Christmas tree!

December

-December was more hectic than ever!  Because of our jam-packed schedule we started Christmas shopping early, treating the kids to lunch as a reward for behaving so well.

-We spent the first weekend in December picking out our Christmas tree - woohoo it was a beauty!

-Cocoa had surgery mid-December.  Her tonsils were shaved and adenoids removed to treat sleep apnea and snoring issues.

-Cocoa Puff turned TWO!!!  But we had a low-key birthday due to it being one week post-op.

-We got to spend Christmas Eve at HOME for the second time EVER!!!  Mama was soooo happy =)

-Big Christmas celebrations with both sides of the family, but spread out, made for a fun and festive holiday!

-New Year's Eve was spent at my cousin's wedding and then home a little early with sick kids but an awesome New Year's kiss =)

Phew!  That was quite a year...wonder what's in store for 2013!!!

So what's next with This Domesticated Diva?  Instead of playing two years of catch up, I decided I would just start with the now, and if I have a week with nothing to blog about, I may do some flashback posts.  Sound good?  Hope so, cuz that's what's happening here!!! =)  Here goes 2013...

Resolutions: 2013

Happy New Year!!!

You know, 2012 was not a bad year by any means.  There were a lot of beautiful moments, lots of memories made, and a lot of special individuals who touched my life.  So many beautiful things, in fact, that I haven't had time to blog most of them.  But as I look forward into 2013 and what I would like to accomplish, I feel the need to make some intentional changes by reflecting on this past year.

In 2012, a lot of things happened that were completely out of our control, and yet the happened for a reason.  We dealt with a new job position, cancer, surgeries, separation, and the loss of a loved one (just to name a few of the big ones).  Many these instances left my brain muddled.  I feel like much of last year just happened, but it wasn't intentional.  We were fumbling through the crazy, just trying to make it through one thing so we could get to the other.  As a result, I have lost any sort of schedule I did have and any organization I once attempted.  I have "to-do" lists up the wazoo that aren't even half crossed off and piles of laundry up to my ears.  I have been so busy catching up on life that I haven't had any time to do some of the things that just make me feel like me.

So with a little inspiration from Whippy Cake and House of Smiths (two of my FAVorite blogs, BTW!) I have decided to choose One Little Word to push me into the new year.  One Little Word to reflect on, strive for, and define this new year.

CREATE: 1). To bring into existence. 2). To produce or bring about by a course of action or behavior.

Source: Webster's Dictionary

I want this One Little Word to remind me to:

Create one on one time with my Lord and Savior...

Create a deeper relationship with my spouse...

Create memories with my family...

Create a schedule I can stick to...

Create a system to keep me organized...

Create some me time - some time for crafting...

Create beautiful music...

Create an Etsy store...

Create healthy and kid friendly meals the whole family can enjoy...

Create a fitness routine that is fun and helps me reach my goals...

I want to be a person who finds the beautiful moments in everything, and often, that starts with your mindset.  I want to choose to focus on the positive, not the negative...to create a positive atmosphere, wherever I may be.  The word CREATE reminds me of all of these things.

Psalm 51:10 "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

What One Little Word would YOU choose to inspire you this year?

Fall is Time to be FashionABLE!

I can't deny it anymore.  Despite the afternoon warmth on my cheeks and the sun shining through my windows, you can feel fall in the air with the frosty mornings and breezy evenings.  My house almost stays cool enough to turn the heater on for good.  Once again, summer swept through Washington far too quickly.  I feel disappointed.  Unfortunately, all efforts to convince my husband of a sunny vacation have been in vain.  So far.  (I'm not giving up easily.)

Regardless of what our vacation plans may be (or lack there of), I am making all efforts to embrace fall and all the wonderful things that come with it...

First being, our very first year of preschool for our Lil' Man!  I am a firm believer in at-home preschool (Although I'm not judging!  I don't know your circumstances...this is just what is in the best interest of our family.) so I am focusing on structured activities with my little guy.  It takes some effort on all our parts, but he seems to enjoy it more each day.

So excited to take a pic with his backpack for going no where.  =)
Cocoa couldn't resist sneaking in a pic as well =)

Second is the fall decor.  Aside from Christmas, fall just might be my favorite season of home decor!  The colors are so beautiful and I love the natural elements to design around -- pumpkins, squash, leaves, twigs.  Not to mention burlap.  I love burlap.  =)  {I just can't wait to get working on this year's fall wreath.}

Third is the start of festivities -- Halloween, harvest parties, pumpkin patches....and before you know it we've got Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years (not to mention both of my kids' birthday parties thrown in between now and then).  It's just a celebratory time of year!

Last but not least is the fall fashion.  I know this will come as a HUGE shock to ya'll!  ;)  I am known to wear boots and scarves all year long, but once fall hits it starts to become a necessity more than just a fashion statement (or at least in Seattle it does).  But as much as I dread the cooler weather, I really do look forward to leg warmers, cozy sweaters, fingerless gloves, leather jackets, pea coats, and beanies (not to mention Pumpkin Spice Lattes!  Can I get an "AMEN"!!!)!  So needless to say I've been browsing Pinterest and all my favorite online shops for inspiration for my 2012 fall style.  Out of all the color palettes, layers, and texture combinations swirling around in this chaotic head of mine...the fall staples jumping out at me MOST this season are the scarves from FashionABLE's new fall line.  Seriously ya'll....so good I can't HELP but share it with you!

Saba Infinity {Great for guys AND girls!}

Feleku in Navy/Orchid

Abeba in Marigold {Can't WAIT!!}

{And you can check out the rest of their collection HERE.}

For those of you who haven't heard of FashionABLE, it is a company that is very near and dear to our hearts.  They partner with "Women at Risk" in Ethiopia to get women off the streets, out of prostitution, and give them a sustainable business making scarves.  I encourage you to read more about their mission and commitment to these women HERE.

I'm sure if you are a regular around here you know our hearts for Ethiopia and see why this is so close to our hearts.  But if that weren't enough, our dear friends Ian and Brittany Bentley live in Ethiopia and work with FashionABLE and have developed close relationships with these brave women.  They have shared just a smidgen with us on what an impact this business is for these women, and it is truly a beautiful thing, and something I want to support.

So check them out!  It is seriously worth your time.  With each purchase you are giving these women the ability to choose a new life.  I don't know about you, but that speaks volumes to me.                    

Independence Day

I know I am far from being caught up from pictures over the last year....but on the off chance that I never catch up, I thought I would post something fresh and new! =)

The 4th of July felt SO different this year than last!  All day we kept reminding ourselves how far our little angel had come since this time last year.  In 2011, Cocoa had been home only two days.  TWO DAYS!  Why oh why we felt the need to go to the parade is beyond me.  Oh yeah...I had the cutest outfit for her was just DYING to show her off.  Selfish, I know.  But it happened, and we all survived.

This year, we knew she would just LOVE the parade and the BBQ's and yes, even the fireworks!  So we did it all!  Our city makes a pretty big deal about the 4th (which I know most do).  Every year before the parade, the local Windermere Real Estate agents host a kiddie parade.  Families go ALL OUT for this, dressing up, decorating strollers, wagons, bikes, scooters...you name it!  There are four categories you can be judged on and they give out little trophies!  Now....I decided to do this the week of, so no, we didn't win a trophy or anything....but we DID have a blast!  The kids helped us decorate our wagon and we dressed up in our best red, white, and blue and walked down the main street waving  (or in Monkey's case, scowling) while the local newspaper took pictures.  It might be easy to let it go to your head and feel like a celebrity...except for the fact that there were kids throwing candy into the crowds and missing and hitting our faces instead.  Or a certain kid wanting to be the center of attention who kept ramming his bike into my legs because he wasn't paying attention.  But who cares....it was still fun!!!

My kiddos prepping for the parade

Our walking partners-in-crime!!

Mini Photo Session....aka waiting for the REAL parade to start!

Daddy kissing Cocoa's boo-boo's

Parade Time!!!!

I think our little sweetie mighta loved it!!! =)

Need a picture of the curls....celebrating "Fro's On The Fourth"!!!

After the parade we went to the annual BBQ our friends/co-workers put on.  There are always a lot of people and even more food.  Burgers, brats, beans, fruit, salad, chocolate, chips, soda...you name it!!!  These friends know how to PARTY!!!!!  And our good friend J made besties with the kids....can I hear "BABYSITTER"?!?!?  ;)  

Instagram Collage of the party fun!

And then it was back home for naps...and of course a photo shoot for mama!!!

My precious little loves

And....my favorite!!!

Hope ya'll had a great 4th of July!!!!!

September -- Sibling Bonding, Hair, and ET New Year

In September, we made great strides in sibling bonding.  Like I said before, it really was only a few weeks of Monkey's attitude towards Cocoa.  But this month we saw such a sweet attitude towards his little sister.  Since she was still immobile (but not for long), we would watch him go and sit by her, addressing her as "sweetheart" or "honey".  (I know... *MELT* right?!?)  He would also share his beloved stuffed animals.  Aww....that boy just warms my heart!!

Love Monkey's expression here....and meet his sweet new lion that grandpa
and grandma purchased for him from the zoo while we were in ET!  Cute, huh?

MELT!

Hey, get back here boy!!

Shirt says "Mommy's Pretty Girl" which was my fave shirt I bought for her...
I said that phrase A LOT!!! =)

Close up of those curls!

In the short few months Miss had been home, not only had her hair grown a TON (evidence is in the pics) but had thickened up as well.  The sweet baby hair care line I had purchased from curls.biz was no longer cutting it on her head of curls.  So one day our family made a trip to Sephora (which felt like a huge outing for us!) and gathered a bazillion samples of Carol's Daughter's products.  When we got home I tried every single thing on her head and FELL. IN. LOVE.  I guess you can call me a Carol's Daughter addict -- it's true!  But look how shiny those curls are!!!!  Soon after I placed my order online for every single product PLUS a few more.  Since then, I have diversified our product usage to other brands....but more to come on that later!  I promise -- a hair post is in the making!  And this is not like the promise that her room reveal is coming (which it still is, I promise ;)....I have adoptive moms asking me for this all the time!  So yes, I WILL do a break down of our routine and our product stash and what has worked for us and what doesn't!  Stay tuned...

How we spent most afternoons getting ready for a nap!!

Typical: Cocoa wanting to be RIGHT NEXT to her brother
Monkey wanting her to go away.  =)

LOVE this face -- makes me laugh everytime!
She REALLY loved the swing!

Gummy smile =)

Spent the entire summer with a blanket under the umbrella and lots of toys!
That...and the swimming pool!

See?  Making headway with Monkey!

And yes -- she learned to pull herself up!  YAY COCOA!!!

Well, September also brought our first Ethiopian holiday to celebrate as a FAMILY -- Ethiopian NEW YEAR!!!  And you know I didn't hesitate to break out the traditional outfits I had purchased for these kiddos and spring a photo shoot on them after church!  Aww, they are soooo cuuuuute!!!!

Very proud of her newly discovered skill =)

Why yes, I DO have this framed!!!

Clapping -- another talent of hers!

Lighting was just PERFECT...I love this thoughtful look!

Love her =)

Welp!  In order not to completely overwhelm you with pictures, that's all for now!!!  Coming up -- Monkey's birthday party and Cocoa's dedication!  I TOLD ya a lot happened this month!!! =)