Still waiting for a baby

Well, we were hoping to get our second referral this week but we got an e-mail from our director stating that it would be another week. They come in "batches" from the government or ministry or something and I guess they had a snag with the medical tests or doctors or something. She didn't have any other information other than be patient and she'll let us know soon. She is so passionate about finding these orphans good homes. I think she was actually more upset than we were. Of course she probably has a lot of families she is working with right now and is anxious to get things moving. We also found out that in order to schedule a court date there have to be at least 5 families grouped together. Hopefully, this won't be a problem, but who knows.
We got a photo album ready for AW and will be sending it soon. Unfortunately, that's the only thing we are able to send our sweet little boy! We did find out that he does know that they told him he has a "forever family". I hope he knows how much we think about him and can't wait until we can finally hold him in our arms. Our director is going to Ethiopia on March 6th for a visit so hopefully we will be getting more information and pictures. I just want to know everything about him. I guess I just need to be patient but it's hard.

I think I'm allergic

Well, I woke up this morning and it was REALLY hard to open my eyes. Even more than normal for a Monday morning. When I looked in the mirror I realized something was wrong. I have not been crying (since Thursday). The only explanation I can think of is that I'm allergic to mascara. I got a new one on Saturday and that's my theory. Not only does it look bad, it really hurts. I'm going to put some cream on it and hopefully be back to normal soon. Just thought you could use a good laugh.

Doing dishes is fun...really

My kids love to do dishes. Well, they like to play in the water and rinse them. These are some pictures of the most recent occasion. I know I'm biased, but aren't they so cute? I took pictures for my blog and to record for future dish doing disputes. It will be great to say, remember when you would beg to do the dishes? I do.

Way to go Char!

While I was wallowing in my self pity and feeling depressed, my sister Char put her heartach to good use. She updated the blog she made in Trisha's honor with a new background, music and new slideshows. (All of which I still don't know how to do to my own blog). She worked so hard to collect photos and stayed up really late getting it just right. I think it looks fantastic and I'm so grateful to have somewhere easy to go now to see pictures our our dear sister when I'm missing her. Thanks for all your hard work Char, I know it was a heart wrenching endeavor. There's a link on my blog if you're interested in seeing it. Way to go Char, you get a gold star!

I miss her

Today it has been 11 years since my dear older sister Trisha passed away. Many of you that read this blog knew Trish. I'm normally a happy upbeat person, but I have been so weepy. I don't cry very often so when I do, the flood gates open and it all comes rushing out. I know she would be so disappointed that I am so depressed and sad today. I've been trying to forget about and avoid thinking about her all week but she just keeps creeping into my thoughts.
With all of the joyful things happening in my life right now I just wish she were around to celebrate with us. I know she would still be an awesome big sister. Leading by example and gently reminding me to keep life in perspective. I miss everything about her. Yes I know we have the gospel and we will see her again, but I miss her today and every day. So, I'm going to be sad. I can't help it today. My heart is broken and always will be. The pain will always be there no matter how much I push it down and hide it. I'll hope for a better day tomorrow. I love you Trish.

We're shopping for a camera...

Well, our somewhat outdated 5.0 mp Kodak Easy ShareDX4530 is now about 4 years old. It goes through batteries like nothing and is really unreliable. So with our upcoming trip to Ethiopia we are hoping to buy an upgrade. Our neighbor recommended the Kodak Z712 but we really don't know much so any advice would be appreciated. I would like something small and simple, he would like more options and something nicer. I do most of the picture taking so I think I should get to decide...what do you think?

Love Birds

Aren't these SO CUTE???? My friends McKensie made these for me for Valentine's day, she made a whole flock for the ladies we visit teach. She is so crafty and talented. I immediately thought of my sister Char because they are so retro, good thing she's in Oregon because I think she'd try to steal them. Too bad I could only have them up a few days. Actually, who am I kidding...they will be up for the rest of February. I just thought I'd share.

Hudson's King Day

At Hudson's preschool he gets the chance to be "King for the day" once a year. He got to be the leader in the pledge, feed the fish, and put the date on the calendar. Gracie and I also went to the school with the poster we made to tell all about our adorable little guy. Actually Hudson took over and told all of his classmates about all of the pictures. He is such a stud. He introduced us to all of his friends and showed Gracie all of the cool things in his classroom (she was really impressed, but not so happy she couldn't play with everything). He then passed out treats for everyone. His teacher gave him this crown to wear and he wore it all day long.
I just love Hudson so much. He brings me so much joy and happiness. Although he can be a little over affectionate sometimes I can always count on him to lift my mood and be such a great big brother to Gracie. He is so excited for his brother to come and live with us so he's not the only boy around. He really melts my heart and is such a good boy. How can I resist those dimples? Hudson, I love you man!

Valentine Cookies

The kids helped me make some yummy Valentine's cookies on Wed. I was taking dinner to someone and it was a good excuse to make them. Gracie mostly just ate the frosting and picked off the sprinkles. I neglected to take a picture of the finished product, go figure.

We have heat!!!

Boyd informed me yesterday that I have been slacking off with posting on my blog. It has been a busy week. Some of you may remember my rant in November about the BOOK FAIR...well, it was that time of year again and we just finished up yesterday, hooray! I'm quite proud of myself for not complaining on the internet, I mostly saved it for friends and family.
As a side note, we have been freezing for a few days here at our house. At first I I thought it was just me, but I know it's got to be really cold when Boyd mentions it. Wed. night our thermostat read 62, but it felt colder than that. Poor Gracie would not keep any blankets on and woke up 4 times, her little hands were as cold as ice. Last night we had someone come take a look. But he didn't get here until after bedtime and the kids were cold, so we borrowed a few space heaters from our neighbor. Hudson slept in Gracie and Emma's room and they had a fun sleepover. It ended up being a problem with our thermostat and now we are nice and toasty. We have a new, touch screen, state of the art thermostat and we are now happy and warm. Isn't that a great way to spend our tax return?
But seriously, these past few days I couldn't help but think of the children (and adults) across the world (especially Ethiopia) that are cold and in need. They don't have a fabulous neighbor (Thanks Ray) with two programmable thermostats. They don't have extra blankets to throw on, or even enough clothing to keep warm. We are so blessed. A few days of inconvenience seems so minor compared to the life others have on a daily basis. So today, I offer my gratitude for my safe, comfortable, warm home.