CUP 'O PERFECTO!!!

I've stated several times that we are NOT coffee drinkers at our house.  Yes I survived as a first time mother without coffee!!!  I know you all admire me for my achievement of getting through the newborn stage without caffeine, but rest assured...a lot of chocolate was involved in my child-rearing.

For me, coffee has always been a social drink, but not one I enjoyed to any degree.  But once upon a time, during one of our MANY playdates (and yes, this was pre-kids on my end) my sister-in-law, Amanda, introduced me to my drink of choice - the Chai Tea Latte (which I order with non-fat milk and extra strong...in case anyone wants to bless me with a Starbucks run after I jump into the "mama-of-two" role)!!!  This tickles my senses, it truly does!!!

The Starbucks Store offers it's Tazo Chai Tea Latte Concentrate, and here is it's description:

"A full-bodied blend of exotic teas and spices for those who seek inner peace at a slightly gentler pace. Enjoy it morning, noon or night, for a rich and soothing escape from traditional teas.

Ingredients: An infusion of (water, black tea, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, natural flavors ad star anise). Cane Sugar, Honey, Ginger Juice, Natural Flavors, Vanilla and citric acid." 

Does that just sound heavenly?!?!  First of all....the cinnamon/vanilla combo is a huge LOVE of mine....and I didn't even KNOW until now that cardamom is in it (for those of you who don't cook Ethiopian cuisine, that is a common spice)!  No WONDER I'm in love!!!

HOWEVER....I have been feeling, oddly enough, GUILTY that I wasn't in love with the beverage that was BORN in my daughter's birth country!!!

"There is a legend that a long time ago (some have it around the year 800 BC, others around 500 AD), an Ethiopian goat herder by the name of Kaldi, noticed that some of his goats were frolicking about much more than they normally did. He saw that they had been eating something from a bush with dark shiny leaves. Upon closer inspection, he saw that they had been eating the red berries from the bushes. Kaldi ate some of the coffee cherries himself, and, being amazed at the stimulating effect that they had, brought some to the local monk.

The monk boiled the cherries and made a beverage that was strong and bitter. Like Kaldi, the monk felt the effect of the caffeine in the drink and liked it very much. The beverage soon became popular as the monks found that it helped keep them awake during long hours of prayer."

{SOURCE}

What a funny story!!!  And even BETTER is that Ethiopian's version of "Starbucks" is called "Kaldi's"!!!  {Or actually, should I say the American's version of "Kaldi's" is "Starbucks" - which I have to add was born in SEATTLE so that just means I HAVE to love coffee, right?!?}

All signs were pointing to me and coffee having an amazing relationship - but I just couldn't get past the taste.  UNTIL Lori came along.  I know our husband's joke we're twins....but its like she can see into my SOUL!!!  This girl introduced coffee to me on a whole NEW LEVEL!!!  LOL!  Our first "game night" at their house, she introduced me to an amazing combination that has now inspired...

 My PERFECT cup of COFFEE!!!!!

Although Lori's involves a fancy shmancy machine, mine comes from a simplistic coffee maker.  But I will share with you what has melted my heart, and turned me into a COMPLETE COFFEE-A-HOLIC!!!!

Here are your ESSENTIALS:

1). Ethiopian Coffee - I mean, seriously....it's not coffee unless it's Ethiopian!!!  If you don't know where to find out, let me point out that my FAB friend DARCEE is selling coffee as a fundraiser for her adoption (where I purchased this very bag) and would ADORE your support - shipped right to your door!!!

2). Coffee-Mate Vanilla Chai Spice - YEP!  You KNOW I love that!!!  Pretty much adds in perfection!

3). Cinnamon (Lori says it should be saigon cinnamon, but I'm using what I got...but she's RIGHT - it DOES add a lot!)

4). An adorable mug with your kiddos sweet faces on it to make your day =) {Mine was made at Snapfish and I pretty much have FOUR of them....my friend Jennifer got me hooked when she made me one for Christmas with newborn photos of Monkey Man all over it!!!  You BET I melted into a giant puddle right there!}

Monkey getting in on the picture =)
HEY HUBBY!!!  I thought you said NO ONE would ever SEE the bottom of those cabinets!!!
Guess you didn't take into account my MAD picture-taking skills! =P

So here's what I do:

           *Brew your Ethiopian Harrar
           *Get out your stinkin' adorable mug
           *Fill halfway with nonfat milk
           *Fill to almost the top with coffee
           *Add in desired amount of coffee-mate

           *Add a "glug" (yes that's an official term ;) of 

             sugar-free Vanilla Syrup 

             {Not pictured, I know....but it MAKES the drink!!!}

           *Optional* Warm up if needed....or if you have a 

             fancy shmancy machine this is where you can 

             "whip it up all steamy"!! (again, official term ;)

           *Sprinkle heavily with cinnamon

           *MANDATORY* Enjoy!!! =)

The COFFEE-MATE is what makes it - LOVE this stuff!!!!  {And apparently so does Monkey...hehee!!}

NOW my husband is wondering, why didn't we try this sooner????  He literally told me it makes me a much nicer person {for the record, that was not a MEAN statement by him....it's a common-known fact around here that I am a NIGHT owl and I do NOT wake up in the best of moods.}

So NOW I think I'm all set for Ethiopia - this SEATTLE COFFEE LOVER has just one more thing to look forward too!   Not to mention it sounds like WE have just one more thing in common!

How do YOU like your coffee???  {You know, gotta be prepared for those coffee dates!}


P.S. 20 more days until we LEAVE!!!!

Happy 4 Months!!!

It's harder than I thought it would be - knowing your baby is yet one month older and you still aren't there to hold her and kiss her!  I'm celebrating, but also mourning that time I'm missing.  And apparently I'm not coping quite as well as I thought because I've had a few flip outs today over things as small as a thrift store redo not turning out as I had hoped.  I don't think you ever get used to the feeling of empty arms (which makes my heart ache for those who don't ever get the opportunity to hold their child and/or have experienced losing a child).

Although I need to focus on the positive, it's taking extraordinary effort on my part.  But there IS an upside!  We can officially say it is LESS than one month until we leave for Africa - one month from TODAY I will hold her in my arms for the first time!   Focusing on that moment brings tears to my eyes, but tears of JOY!  I long for that day!

Since I've never MET my daughter, this is a little harder than usual, but here are four things I LOVE about my little T!!!!

1. Those big, dark eyes!  They show her curious spirit and melt my soul.
2. Her "puffy lip", which remind me so very much of my son and my hubby!  Love that she shares a "family trait" with all the people I love most =)
3. The curves of her lips - I can't wait to kiss 'em all over and see her face turn up into a smile!
4. Those long delicate fingers!  Monkey has always had big, chubby man hands....even as an infant....so seeing those teensy little lady hands make me smile =)

Happy Four Months my PRECIOUS baby girl!!!!  I'll be celebrating your 5 months with YOU in my ARMS!!!

WOWEE!!!! POUR On The GREAT News!!!!!

There are SOOOOOOOO many things to be grateful for right now, I don't even know WHERE to start.  I guess I'll start here!!!

TODAY marks the ONE MONTH count down until we hop on that plane to meet our sweetie!  (I don't know why our count down on the top of the page doesn't agree...  Whatevs!!  We leave on May 18th which is one month from TODAY!)  I can't tell you how elated we are to have that trip coming on so quickly (and yet SOO far away..don't get me started on that).  Fortunately, this past weekend was our LAST free weekend until we leave.  Next week we have Easter plans, then I have a baby shower, then it's Mother's Day weekend (and possibly ANOTHER baby shower), and then that last weekend is only 3 days before we leave...so I think we'll be PACKING!!!!  Ahhhh!!!!!!  Even though a month from now FEELS like an eternity, I know time will pass quickly.  So YAY!!!

SECOND piece of good news is that our friends Chad and Tarah are in Ethiopia RIGHT NOW picking up their little L & M to bring them HOME!  Last night, Tarah got to meet OUR little T and send lots of love her way....so of course NOW I am looking forward to pictures and video of our little sweetie once Tarah makes it home. =D  You should DEFINITELY go check out their blog and congratulate them =)

THIRD piece of good news is that I have tallied up all the entries for my Ordinary Hero GIVEAWAY and picked a WINNER!!!!  There were 32 total entries (WOW!) for this awesome freebie....THANK YOU to everyone who entered!!!  So fun to be able to give something back - you all give SO much to me in prayers and encouragement and even in fundraising!!!  Love it!!!!  So I cut paper into evenly sized little pieces (and threw away any crooked or torn ones...just to make it EXTRA fair!!!) and wrote each entry person's name on them...and MONKEY was SUPER DUPER excited to help me choose a winner!!!  (Just ask Brittney, who was on the phone with me as Monks was pulling the bowl off the counter and tossing names on the floor just for fun!!! =)

Monkey mixin' up the names (after I did a bazillion times, of course)!

Pickin', pickin'!

"This one mama!"

Congratulations Rhaut @ Just Love Orphans!!!!  

I will be contacting you shortly to get your address!!! =)

Our winner is a HUGE supporter of Ordinary Hero and has even met the founder herself!  I think that's pretty awesome that after all she's given to help raise awareness for this amazing ministry (and even served in Africa with Project 61 and visiting orphanges) that she gets an amazing freebie like this!!!  Go check out her blog and be blessed!  

Thank you "Rhaut" for what you do =)  (P.S. I feel lame that I still don't know you're REAL name =)

And THEN of course Monkey wanted to get a little CRAAAAAAZY!!!!!!  He started diggin' his hands in that bowl and picked out three more names for me (but sorry, I have no more merchandise to give away =) before throwing them all over the ground!!!

Using a cloth to pick up his mess ;)  What a SILLY BOY!

One-by-one

And last but DEFINITELY not least piece of AMAZING news......................................................

.................................................IS...............................................THAT....................................................................................................................................................................

...........THANKS TO YOU.........

WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WE WON THE ORDINARY HERO GRANT!!!!!!!!!!!!

YOU made us the #1 SELLER!!!!!

From Wednesday through Sunday you bought $1199.04 of merchandise, in which we received a commission (towards our adoption) of $479.62!!!!  That put us in the #1 spot (only $60 in sales above the next affiliate) earning us the $500 grant!!!!!  

I am BLOWN AWAY you guys!!!!!  I never actually thought it was possible for us to win that.  I thought I had already pestered the poo outta you with my shirts and headbands and that YOU had felt has "done" with this whole fundraising thing as I was.  But you guys responded in an INCREDIBLE way and lit a FIRE under my butt!!!!

Our goal before this weekend was to raise another $2000 so that we can be DONE fundraising...and you guys got us almost halfway there....IN JUST ONE WEEKEND!!!  So after you get all your fun new Ordinary Hero gear...come back for MORE - because O.H. is coming out with a new SPRING LINE!!!   (And I just KNOW you are going to love their comfy clothes as much as we do!)

AHHHHHH!!!!!

THANK YOU THANK YOU

THANK YOU!!!!!

.....PHEW!  That is a lot of great news for one email.  =D

TOP TEN!!!!! Pour It ON!!!

WOW!!!!  Received news this a.m. that I am still in the TOP 10 to win the OH grant! Less than 16 hours till the contest is over! Please shop today and help us win that $500 grant! Thanks Mom and Dad, Laura, Brittney, Ashley, Allanna, Cheri, Angela and Dani for being Ordinary Hero's for our adoption (and many more I'm sure to get us here....these are just the families I know of!)! They have sweatshirts, tshirts, toddler gear and more!  You guys are going to LOVE the merchandise that is coming your way!!!  Don't forget...some of you mentioned you don't need anything, but you can purchase shoes, blankets and raincoats for the kids in Africa who DO need them!  Please shop today!  A few more sales could make all the difference...can 10 more people step out and shop today???
Here is another favorite tshirt!!!!


For those of you who have purchased....could you help us out and continue to spread the word by reposting something like this???


I helped Megan @Domesticated Diva by purchasing an Ordinary Hero tshirt! They are fundraising their adoption and they get 40% of what they sell in the OH store today! They are trying to win a $500 grant and they received news this am that they are selling among the TOP 10! Will you be an Ordianry Hero and check out this store and make a purchase? Select their name at check out (Domesticated Diva) so they receive credit! Less than 16 hours left to help this family!  SHOP here today (before midnight and help them win!)
http://www.ordinaryherostore.org/cart.html

Thanks y'all!!!!  You blow me all away with your love and support!

P.S. If you need more details please visit our fundraising blog {bringourangelhome.blogspot.com}

Two Reminders

Hey guys!  I have a busy weekend so this will be quick.  Just wanted to remind you about two big things going on in MY blog world today!

Business first - I think I've mentioned to y'all how CLOSE we are to our fundraising goal!  We are just $2000 shy of what we need to get T home!  We have enough for my husband's flight for the second trip...but as of NOW, if we can't raise the rest I just might have to stay home.  Obviously that is not Plan A for either of us...but we have to do what we have to do to get T home.  And going into further debt is not an option right now.  SO - we've been presented with a HUGE OPPOTUNITY to double our efforts through our fundraising with Ordinary Hero!  So please check out our FUNDRAISING BLITZ going on over at our fundraising blog and get shopping - there are some AMAZING products available for purchase for you (and things to fill those Easter baskets, for those of you who need to!) as well as footwear and other things that go directly to orphans in need.  It's a win-win really!  Please go and check it out and see what YOU can do to be an Ordinary Hero in our lives!  THANKS!

Now this is for YOU - we have a GIVEAWAY going on right now!  Many of you have already entered, but in case you have forgotton or just missed the post, I wanted to send out a reminder!  It's a chance to win a toddler Ordinary Hero shirt...so go CHECK IT OUT!  You don't need to do anything to enter but leave a comment.  Easy peasy, right?!?! ;)

*Giveaway Is Now Closed*

And that's all folks!!!  Be back Monday with the giveaway winner! =)

Work In Progress

I know I've been promising you all for a while.  Many of you have been asking....in comments, on FB, on the phone, in person.  I know I'm making you wait, and I'm sorry.

What am I talking about?  Take your pick....our master bedroom, Monkey's big boy room, and most recently - the nursery!

I've been told a room is never really finished.  That it is always a work in progress.  I guess that means that at some point I'm going to have to reveal my projects to you as is....because there IS some truth in that.  A creative person is never completely finished with a project.  Maybe our home's status will always be "in progress".

...just like me!

God designed me, but His work isn't finished either.  Each day he is molding and shaping me to be more like Him, a reflection of Him.  And yet He isn't ashamed to show me off - He is proud of me and what He's done through me so far.

Maybe I should remember that my perfectionism.  =)  Making my home a reflection of my personal style is not going to happen overnight (or apparently, in three years either).

So even though I'm STILL not ready to show off the nursery or Monkey's big boy room (but they ARE coming!!!) I'm going to show you the master bedroom.  Because we've been living in it for months now.  Because according to my husband, it IS finished.  And because...I'm really quite proud of what it has become.

BEFORE:

I think this is the earliest picture I have of the room....AFTER we turned it from a shop into part of the house...but as you can see it was just used as storage for our yard sale back in July.  You might want to read back to THIS POST to find our inspiration =)

DURING:

Our friend Adrian laid the hardwood floors (he did our whole house).  If you are local and need any hardwood floors refinished or put in I would HIGHLY recommend him!  I've never met someone who knows more about hardwood floors.

 AFTER (NOW):

View when you enter from the living room.

View from the closet door.

 And JUST in case you thought we actually had it all together....view the OTHER side of the room - the thron in my side!  A storage area for projects going on in every corner of the house:

Yeah...not so impressed NOW, are ya? ;)

Like I said...this room is still FAR from finished in my eyes.  It is actually painful for me to show you these pictures because I'm not a huge fan of it as is.  So expect some dramatically different changes in the near future.  There is new bedding on the horizon, and we still have to put up the draperies, and there will be some decorative painting hopefully this summer.  Also looking for that perfect headboard and nightstands (a room wouldn't be complete without it!) and that hope chest under the window is getting a makeover (I TOLD YOU there was a lot left to do...)

And don't even ASK what's beyond the closet doors...wait...what?!?  You asked?  Ugh.....you DON'T want to see this (or maybe you do...)

So I won't show you the NURSERY but you can see her existing CLOSET (which is kinda combined with ours for now)!

Another project zone....cuz its too cold for spray paint outside!

A recent thrift store find that had me drooling =)

And FYI - this post started out as just an update on our progress....

Don't Forget Your Kleenex!!!

Just saw in Kristi's blog this amazing video posted by Ordinary Hero.  It was amazing to put some REAL stories and REAL faces who are benefiting from their help.  Once again, I am just blown away - I feel so honored to be partnering with such an incredible organization.  Please take a moment to watch the video...but don't forget your Kleenex!  Maybe it was just me in my emotional state...but I cried the whole way through! =)

Real Life Among Us~ Ordinary Hero from Kelly Putty on Vimeo.

An Ordinary Hero Giveaway!!!

*This Giveaway Is Now Closed*

Back in December I did an order from Ordinary Hero to make sure my son would have this precious shirt to wear for the holidays.  It's STILL one of my favorites! =)  When I received the shirt...even though it was too big for him, I put it on right away!  Yeah he's a boy...so he complained about the unnecessary clothing change...but he looked OH so cute!

So imagine my surprise when only days later another one came in the mail!  I checked my receipts, my confirmation emails....I only ordered one!  I only paid for one!

Finally I emailed Ordinary Hero and double checked that no one had SENT me one as a surprise or anything.  Nope!  They just double shipped a shirt!  "Keep it!" they said.  "It would make a great Christmas gift!" they suggested.  True.  It would!  Too bad I had all my shopping done already!  "Can I give it away on my blog?" I asked.  "Sure!"  One more reason I love Ordinary Hero.

So now I've been holding on to this for way too long trying to decide how to do this giveaway.  And you know what I decided?  This is a NO RULES giveaway.  You don't have to blog about it, tweet about it, or share it on FB (unless you want to, of course).  You don't have to donate or purchase anything.  You don't even have to be my follower!

It was free for me...so it will be free for you.  Just as a huge thank you for reading.  For commenting.  For walking with me in this journey of life.  For praying.  For supporting our adoption.  For supporting adoption period.  For supporting our fundraising.  For loving our T.  Thank YOU!

If you want a chance to win this awesome shirt, just leave a comment.  That's all you gotta do!  It is a youth size extra small (2-4).  (That is the only size available, sorry.)  Enter for your child or a friend or relative...I don't care!!!  As long as they wear it proudly! =)

I'll close this giveaway on Sunday the 17th at midnight and choose a winner on Monday!  Just don't forget to leave your email so I can contact you!

And if you don't win?  You can purchase one similar at the Ordinary Hero Store and support our adoption in the process!!  {Just don't forget to choose "Domesticated Diva" in the drop down AFFILIATE menu in the check out process so we get the credit!}

One entry per person please...and don't forget to leave your email so that I can contact you if you win!!!  Good luck!!!

Fashion Friday: Function Over Fashion??

I know what you're thinking.  You saw "Domesticated Diva" and then "Function Over Fashion" and thought...you MUST be kidding me!  That must have been a typo, right?!?  Wrong.  Just when you thought you had me figured out, I switch it up again.  ;)

You see, there are a few select times in my life where function outweighs fashion.  Not by much, just enough to measure in some comfort in my life.  Let's face it, even divas can't wear high heels everywhere!  My wet backyard, my son's sandbox, and the walk to the mailbox, for example.  Believe me, I've tried.  You end up walking on your tip-toes to prevent your heel becoming a new stake in the ground, and therefore having to spend time delicately cleaning mud off with a damp cloth.  Or you end up with cold, wet piggies and a grass-stained peep-toe.  NOT COMFORTABLE {or cute}!

So on my latest trek to TJ MAXX, I stumbled upon these beauties in my search for the perfect pair of "Africa shoes" {which I have not found yet, FYI}!

Now I know for several of you these are old news.  But I couldn't buy just ANY pair of rain boots!  Oh no!  Even though these are probably the most practical thing in my wardrobe right now {considering where I live} they still had to have some element of fashion!  And while I've seen you cuties sporting your polka dotted, floral, and hounds tooth rain boots and thought hmm...those are cute...they just aren't ME!  And while I know that zebra print and pink aren't completely out of the ordinary either....most of you would probably agree that they scream "MIMI!"  {Even when I asked Monkey if he thought I should get them he said, "Mmmhmm...for Acica (Africa) mama!"  Awww...}

And for those of you who are thinking, what on EARTH would she need those hideous boots for?!?  Let me just say I HATE HIGHLY DISLIKE YOU because that means that you live somewhere warm and sunny!  Remember this is SEATTLE, the city of RAIN!!!  My driveway is one huge never ending puddle and our sandbox looks more like a pool.  Please don't laugh at my expense because this is SO not funny.  If it wasn't for family, I'm not quite sure what would be holding us to this dreary city.  These boots are me simply making the best of a bad situation...that's all!

Besides, it's probably a step up from my previous pair of fashionable outside footwear.

Don't remind me how dirty they are.  Once upon a time they WERE actually cute AND cozy {and a very vibrant shade of purple}.  You know that special UGG cleaner they have you buy to care for them?  Still sitting in my cabinet of cleaners, unopened.

So...maybe they're not the cutest thing I've ever purchased!  But it's not like I'll be wearing them to the grocery store or anything!

The Armor of God

The adoption process has been described as a roller coaster for many years...before we even thought seriously about the matter!  Although there has been its share of ups and downs throughout our entire adoption journey, the term "roller coaster" has never felt so true as it has in the last six weeks.  I can hardly believe the strain these ups and downs have had on my mental state.  Speaking TRUTH {in form of the Living Word} into my life has never been more essential for my daily state of mind.

If you've been following my blog for some time now, you might remember the emotional #1 post, when my friend Kimberly and her husband took themselves off the girl's list and passed on that top position to us.  You definitely will remember our Referral post when T's little face turned our world upside down {in the best way, of course}! You surely must remember my desperate cries when we begged you to sign the petition after MOWA's big announcement {because I only shared it on FB several times a day to remind you}!  And then the joy I could not hide on the day we got our court date and bought our tickets to Africa!!!

Although the MOWA storm calmed quite some time ago, just two days ago, a newly released update resurfaced our fears.  I tried not to panic and kept myself busy with projects around the house {and if you've been wondering about my silence, I have been purposely separating myself from the computer}.  Then yesterday, there was a conference call with USCIS and the U.S. Department of State to discuss their findings on the Ethiopia program from their January 2011 trip.  Although I was unable to be on the lengthy 3 hour call, my friend Angela took great notes {that I would encourage you to read}.

Despite my feeble attempts to see the bright side in things, I feel weary...numb even.  After all the ups and downs we have experienced over these last weeks, I don't think I have the energy to process any more.  And we're not alone!  Every family adopting from Ethiopia right now, whether through AGCI, Holt, AAI, Gladney, Bethany...or any other agency, is experiencing this together.

When I finished my reading through Ephesians today, this passage spoke to me, and I wanted to share it with each of you.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in your place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."  Ephesians 6:10-18

Our adoption is in obedience to a direct calling from our Heavenly Father.  The devil wants nothing to do with God's will.  He does not want the best for us.  He wants us to FAIL.  He wants us to feel defeated.  He speaks lies to us to make us doubt and fear.

Although I do worry about what the future looks like in terms of our wait to bring T home, I refuse to give in to the devil's schemes by feeling fearful and defeated.  I want to put on the armor of God by daily picking up that Bible and speaking TRUTH in to my life.  The truth that God's ways are not my ways, but they are perfect.  The truth that HE loves and and wants what is best for me {and my daughter}.

Hopefully we have just skimmed by before the cutbacks.  AGCI sent us THEIR notes on the conference call as well, and they have been led to believe that if a family already has a court date, then their case was filed with the courts before March 8th, meaning their case would be expedited.  That would include us then!  But even with that glimmer of hope, my heart is heavy knowing that those following could be facing some significant delays.

This hits especially close to home.  The next baby girl referral after our family happened about two weeks after we got our call.  Which would have been our call, if Kimberly hadn't taken herself off the girl's list.  Not only would that have meant two more weeks of waiting...but we would still be waiting for a court date right now and then dealing with the cutbacks on top of it!  I'm a little bit in awe of how God's timing has worked for our family and for our daughter and so THANKFUL.  

Every big milestone in our journey has happened right before a major change.  We were the last family put on the girl's waitlist in the 40's, for example.  If we would have been placed on that list a week later, we would have been in the 50's or higher!  A month after being put on the waitlist, the Ethiopia program changed to the two-trip policy.  And now this.  It BLOWS. MY. MIND.  God is so good to us....and yet it leaves me wondering, why us and not them???  But there is nothing I can do but rest in HIS will and be thankful for His blessings in our life!

I still ask that you keep our May 23rd court date in your prayers, but I also ask that you keep the Ethiopian Adoption community in your prayers.  These are tough times, but God is faithful and will bring us all through.  My prayer is that we will ALL be REFINED IN THE FIRE and able to spark a new generation of adoptive families!

My Week In Review: Time To Invest In Some Bug Killer!

I forgot to make this post happen last week, but my friend Amy over at Filled With Praise is hosting a weekly "My Week In Review" link up!  And TODAY she is offering a giveaway to one blogger who links up, so what are you waiting for?!?  Get to work and see if YOU can win that shirt!

{High}

Booking our tickets to AFRICA!!!!!  Although they cost a small fortune, God has provided every penny and it was SUCH a blessing that because of families like YOU we could purchase a good deal on the spot rather than stressing about where to borrow from.  To GOD be the glory - because that is a miracle in itself!!!

{Low} 

Ants.  Now let me start this by saying...if this is the worst I can think of this week, than I feel pretty blessed!  But that being said, carpenter ants are bringing our the worst in me lately.  YUCK!  If anyone has any great tips to get rid of these creatures (and yes, we think we just found the nest) I am ALL EARS!  *shiver*

{Lesson Learned}

Where He guides, He provides!!!  I've repeated that to myself over and over again, but NOW - I'm living proof!!!  =D  ...And maybe don't bring in firewood that has been stored by a nest of carpenter ants.  Hahahaha!  (You may think that sounds obvious, but we didn't NOTICE the nest until after the fact.)

Don't forget to check out our fundraising blog today to see how you could help us win another $100 towards our adoption!!!

7 Weeks!!!!

And nooo....not 7 weeks along!!!  I know this is April Fool's Day and all....but as much as I love a good joke, this is a completely SERIOUS manner for me:

7 weeks from TODAY my daughter will be 5 months old and we will be meeting her for the first time!!!! =)  I can hardly believe that after 18+ months of dreaming of our daughter, that I am finally saying that!  And no, it doesn't feel real yet.  SHE feels real...but her becoming part of our family still feels like a fantasy.  After all, how can someone "feel real" when you have yet to hear their cry, or kiss their lips, or caress their tiny fingers.  Or even seeing their face IN PERSON with your own two eyes!!!  It reminds me very much of being pregnant...feeling that squirm of a tiny being within you and yet life with a baby still feels unimaginable.  (Except that even with that thought I feel jealous....I would do anything to feel her squirm.)

If you would have told me a year ago I would be waiting this long to hold our daughter at last, I probably would have cried.  And although I've shed many tears for many different reasons...I've learned a new meaning to the phrase "His ways are not my own".  Never has it felt more personal.  Never have I been more thankful for that truth.

Psalm 40:1-5

"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.  He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.  He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.  Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.  

Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.  

Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done.  The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare."