A Rollercoaster of Emotions

One moment, I'm so darn excited, I can hardly contain myself. Within minutes, I feel so sad that I could start crying.

The court date is looming...December 4th. So many things can happen. Court could be postponed. Paperwork could be missing. Family members might not appear. The list goes on.

But, then we might pass court on the first time...that would be wonderful! But, then the worry about when we'll get our travel dates. Will we get the December 29th assemby date? Will we be pushed into January? Will Brad be able to travel to Africa in January around his business travel schedule? Will we be pushed back even further?

Yes, these are the thoughts running through my head. 24-7. I can't stop thinking! I'm trying to stay positive. I'm trying to keep busy. And then the thoughts come back into my head and play like a recording~over and over and over.

I know I need to get my Christmas shopping and decorating done. I know I need to clean Noah's closet and get ready for 2 boys to share the closet. I know I need to start thinking about travel supplies, packing lists, and everything else that would lead to a safe travel experience to Africa.

So, I sit here and type. I didn't get to the closet. I actually didn't do much of anything today. I went to 2 craft shows with my Mom and then headed to Kmart for Cassie's prescriptions. Came home and watched some HGTV with my pups, and then Christmas shopped via online. Again, not much of anything.

So, tomorrow I vow I need to get something done. Maybe even start a list of things I need to take with us to Africa. Maybe, I will begin cleaning out the closet. Maybe, I'll get to Kohl's to spend my free money. Or, maybe I'll just sit and think. And pray! I know God is holding our little boy and giving him comfort while he waits for us to come. God has a travel plan for us. I just need some patience!

Court Date & New Pictures

December 4th! Yes, that is our court date in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We're over the moon with excitement! I can't believe it! There's still so much to do around here to prepare for our little guy to come home. Looks like I'll be cleaning Noah's closet out this weekend, while everybody else is in the woods for deer hunting.

We also received 2 new pictures of our sweet fella. He's just so darn adorable! I'll be going to bed with a big smile on my face tonight. We probably won't find out until December 8th or so, if we even passed court, but at least I have some idea of what we'll be looking at for travel.  YEAH!!!

Still smiling and thanking God for this most awesome day!!

Christmas Shopping

Yes, I went shopping 3 times this past weekend. Not specifically for Christmas gifts, but at least thinking about it. On Saturday morning, I headed to Appleton with Dorinda. We hit the mall, which was already packed at 10am. We ate lunch at 10:45am and had a hard time finding a table to sit down and eat our food. We checked out a few stores, bought a few things at Younkers and Target, but then decided we needed to go to Kohl's where I had a 30% discount. I found rugs, towels, candles, and a few shirts for Muluken. Dorinda found a new Columbia jacket (great deal!). We spent a lot and saved so much!! (At least that's what I tell Brad!) We then headed to Walmart. I needed groceries and we also checked out the clearance rack. We just couldn't go wrong with outfits for $3. Boy, it sure was quite a day!

Brad and I decided to go back to town and look around for a few things for Christmas. We didn't find too much, but it was fun looking around and spending time together.

On Sunday, Cassie really wanted to head back to town and do some shopping. She knew I had the Kohl's discount, so that would be a good place to start. She only found 2 tops at Kohl's, so of course we had to go to the mall. She found a few things that she would really like for Christmas gifts, but I didn't buy anything in front of her. I like the surprise on the kids' faces on Christmas morning. When they open that present and realize that Mom and Dad were REALLY listening all that time!

Here's to finding that perfect gift without breaking the bank this Christmas season! Here's also to making sure my family remembers the true reason for this Christmas season!

We LOVE you Murphy!

Today was a very sad day. I had to take our 11 & 1/2 year old yellow lab to the vet today, to have him put to sleep. It was so heart-breaking. He's been with us for so long and was such a loyal dog. He was our protector~I never had to worry my kids when Murphy was around. He didn't like many people, so I always knew he would let a stranger have it if they came too close to the kids.

Murphy loved to be outside and watch people go by. He would bark at everyone who moved too slow. He would also chase the cars and trucks when they stopped to stare at the deer. Murphy liked to go out in the field and get all muddy. He also enjoyed taking the puppies out there, because then they had to get baths.

Murphy always slept on the floor along my side of the bed. He would howl at night in his sleep~always waking everybody up except himself. Murphy was our dog! He was one in the family and will be truly missed!

WE LOVE YOU MURPHY!!

Short Sleeves & Sandals

Yes. It is November in Wisconsin. And yes, I wore sandals and short sleeves all weekend and I didn't freeze! It was a warm weekend with sunshine in the sky. We had the windows wide open and I did a lot of cleaning. It was so wonderful to have the fresh air in the house.

Of course, Brad is hunting in Iowa this weekend and this nice, warm weather is not so conducive to bowhunting. He hasn't been seeing much and it doesn't help that I give him a hard time everytime he calls. I'm starting to get ready for hunting season to be done.

We got updates on our little boy in Ethiopia last Thursday and Friday. They keep saying he has such a sweet smile. He seems shy according to the reports, but they say he is very respectful and nice to everyone. It also states that he grew 4 inches and gained about 5 pounds. He's still just a peanut for a 5 year old, but at least he's gaining and is on the growth chart.

Last week I was told my early childhood classroom is going to be moving to the high school. I'm not so sure about all of this, but I guess I need to remember that "change is good". That's what I always tell everyone else, so I better listen to my own mantra! Deep down, I know it will be OK, but for right now, I'm still processing it all in my head.

I'm praying for a court date. I know it will be awhile, but it doesn't hurt to pray for our day in court~sooner than later!

It's going to be a busy week again with no Brad in town to help out. I have something to do every night after work, so that always makes for a long day!