2 months, 1 week, and 4 days

Today was the day- we were officially referred 2 boys. We are really excited but also have much to pray about and consider. One of the boy's medicals did not come back as expected. (Our agency even seemed surprised by the results.) In a way, I think God was preparing us for today. See, we have been told several cute things about the one with the unexpected medical. In fact, we were wondering why we hadn't heard much about the other. That being said, we do have a lot to consider (although my 13 year old said, "I don't want to sound mean but I think it's kinda selfish that you would even consider not adopting him. - OUCH!) Please keep us in your prayers but especially keep our 2 little ones in Ethiopia in your prayers.

PS- We learned today that "The Call" doesn't always come in the morning. Ours was at 3:50pm.

Birthday boy refunds his pizza!

Well, yesterday was Joshua's 8th birthday. He had his choice of anything for dinner and after we convinced him that dry cereal wasn't really a good choice he opted for pizza. So we had pizza and cake. He opened his presents (his favorite being the pack of batteries we bought him for the wii remotes) and spent the rest of the evening playing new wii games. By the way, I rock at Tiger Woods Golf (Joshua not so much - but he did get a couple of birdies). All in all, he was quite happy with his birthday.

He finished the day staying up late and playing. We he finally went to bed he said that his tummy wasn't feeling well. We assumed it was a combination of pizza, cake, excitement, and exhaustion. At 1:30 in the morning he woke us up to say that he threw up. Indeed he had thrown up in bed. It was in his bed, on the side of the bed, in the drawer that was left open that is on the side of his bed, on the clothes in said drawer, on the floor, on the wall, on the lightswitch, and on him. It was a glorious way to begin his ninth year of living.

Literary Finds

Look what I picked up Friday at our library's book sale. One of them is a bit out of date but it's been a great way of teaching our kids about Ethiopia.

Another Trip

Where can you see plants like this?

And these lovely lavender flowers?

When you break down on I-95 about 30 minutes south of St. Augustine.

For whatever reason, our van only likes to break down when we are on a trip. By the way- when Enterprise Car Rental advertises "We'll pick you up!", they really mean it. They even pick you up on the side of the interstate!

Interview

Here is an interview with one of the kids in the process of being adopted through AWAA.

Child Interview: Life here from a 10-year old girl’s perspective

What do you like about the Transition Home?

• I’m very happy living here. I like to play with the kids and the toys. I love all the staff and I don’t like it when some of them leave to go to their homes at night.

What is something you love to do?

• I love going to church. I wish I could spend the whole Sunday there. I like learning lots of things. Last week we learned that we have to respect the things God has given us. Plus, after church we get to go to the pastry shop and eat cakes and drink orange soda.

What do you think America will be like?

• (with a huge smile) I think the country is beautiful. I have seen pictures of the beach and lakes, but they also seem kinda scary.

Why are you excited about being adopted?

• Because I love my adoptive family and I’m ready to see them.

What will you want your new family to know about Ethiopia?

• I will tell them how much I love the people in Ethiopia. I can teach them about the cultural dresses and the food.

A New Do

For years I have been bugging my daughter to try something new with her hair- even if that meant changing it from parting in the middle to parting in the side. Finally- after a bit of persuasion from 2 other family members (Thanks Kim and Kendyl!) she made a change!

BEFORE

AFTER