Weak moment

Well, I broke down and bought something for the baby that I don't have.....
I was at TJ Maxx today and I saw this sweater dress. This picture does not do it justice. It is soooo cute. I bought it in a 2T thinking that maybe if we get our girl this fall or winter she could wear it. But if not, Baby S, the Johns' baby should be able to wear it so I will give it to her.
Just had to show everyone!!!

Time is standing still.....

Well, we are still waiting on our referral. Things slowed to a hault in Etiopia during the elections. They are now over and we are all hoping that the government will start processing paperwork again. At this point, we really have no idea when we will get "the call", it could be tomorrow...it could be in another 6 months. Who knows...well, God does-but He's not giving me any hints. :)

This has been kind of a crazy week so far. First, my friend and business partner, Jennifer, FINALLY got their official referral for their sweet baby girl. They have been "matched" with Baby S for several months now, but one office in Ethiopia was closed and holding up the process. Well, they finally signed off on the paperwork and the referral was given. Now Jen waits to hear when she and her husband will travel for the court date. The ET courts usually close for the rainy season, roads are just too bad to travel. That season is anytime in August and September. It just depends on Mother Nature. They could be closed for only a couple of weeks or 6-8 weeks....So to say the least, everyone wants a court date before the closings.....I pray that they get in before the rain hits. I could not be happier for Jennifer and her family, but it is a little bittersweet. Deep down I know we were both hoping we would get referrals close together so we might travel at the same time. How fun would that be???? We have been there for each other during this entire process-that would have been a really nice way to finish this up!! And I hope our girls are close in age. Best buddies growing up together...oh, it makes me tear up just thinking about it.

Second, Darren left for Haiti on Sunday with a group from our church. I miss him and I sooo wish I could have gone with them. They are working at God's Littlest Angels orphanage. The family that runs the orphanage, the Bickels, are originally from Monticello. When we started the adoption process, I looked into adopting from Haiti. But the process was not a smooth one....and the timeline was really long. So we switched to Ethiopia. Then the earthquake hit and things got even crazier. The Haitian goverment has tried to streamline the adoption process somewhat since the earthquake. I'm getting facebook messages and texts from our group saying the kids are just adorable and Haiti is beautiful. I wish I was there!!!! But I know I would be an emotional mess loving on those babies. I'm an emotional mess now, what difference would that make??? :)

Third, this week is busy!!!!! Where is Darren when I need him??? Oh, in Haiti loving on those babies!!!!! I usually get up early and go to work. Darren gets the kids where they need to be in the morning and then goes to work. Well, this week I am doing all of it. So I have recruited my dear friends to help me out getting children where they need to be. Thank you...you know who you are... :) The bakery is super busy this week. We have several parties that we are doing all the dessets for, we have several special orders, restaurant orders and the first farmer's market of the summer. We are baking fools. Seriously, we were so tired today when we finally left. I think we baked around 30 pies today. Plus cookies and cakes. It felt a little like Thanksgiving......
The next couple of days are going to be very busy at the Pie Hole, as we lovingly call it.

So, as my friends and followers, I ask for your prayers. Prayers for patience as we wait. Prayers for the safety and health of our baby girl. We don't know who she is yet, but God already knows and is watching over her. Prayers for the Johns that their paperwork will move swiftly through the court system. Prayers for Darren's safety in Haiti. Prayers for me, that I sit back and let God do His work, in His time. Not mine. I know He is leading me down a path, I just need to trust and follow.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
—Proverbs 3:5-6

Hannah's 8th grade graduation

Sick and Tired

I am sick and grumpy. So get ready for some whinning.......
First, I am sick-major sinus infection. So much fun-NOT.
Second, my friend, Diane and I had a garage sale this weekend and it rained the entire time. The sale was horrible, we are going to try to do it again next weekend. Diane is heading to Haiti for a mission trip and I am going to Ethiopia-so we were hoping to have a great sale-maybe next week...

As far as the adoption, not good either. Still now news on a referral. We were considering a sibling set, two sisters, but it just did't seem right or work out. So, we are still waiting. I know she is out there somewhere.

One plus of the last few weeks is that I have lost a ton a weight. I am really happy about it. Back in my skinny jeans :)
But this week has been hard, I have been totally stressed and now sick. I have not eaten well at all and I have got to get back on the program. I haven't gained any weight, but I haven't lost any either.

Ok, I am so sick and drugged up I can't even think straight, I know I am rambling......better go before I say something super dumb.

Mother's Day.....bitter sweet

Well, today is Mother's Day. We have had a busy day and I got to enjoy my family. First, my church family at early service. Second, we met my parents and two grandma's for brunch. Third, we went to the farm to see Darren's Mom and sister's family. We are now home and we have all gone our seperate ways....doing our own thing. I am searching the waiting list to see if any new children have come into our agency....what's new right?
When I woke up this morning and went out for breakfast...Darren said, "I was hoping we would get a referral for Mother's Day." Yeah, me too. The waiting is getting to me. Some days are better than others. I try so hard not to worry about it....it will happen when it's the perfect time and God knows when that is going to be.....I wish He would let me in on the secret!!! But I jump at every phone call...every email. It's pathetic. I'm trying to keep busy and not worry about it. I am working on a garage sale.....why am I doing that? I hate it every time. Tons of work for not alot of money. But the garage sale has kept my mind off of the baby...until I go to a friends garage sale and buy the cutest darn clothes for a little girl I don't even have yet. Yes, I did. I told myself I wouldn't buy clothes and I did. I caved in a weak moment. But they are soooooo cute. Already hanging in her closet. I have no idea if our child will even fit into them, but if not, I'll put them in my garage sale...or give them to Jennifer. I bet they will fit her little girl.....we just need to get her home too. The office that can sign off on the last paper for her adoption is closed right now. So baby S is just waiting......just like us, I guess. Do you think she is as stressed as we are...or is she enjoying the life she knows right now? That's what I need to do....enjoy the life I have right now. Why stress out about something I have no control over. It's not fair to me or my family. I will do better....I promise.

Stress and a diet....not a good combo

It has been a bumpy couple of days on the adoption front.....I am an emotional wreck...but what's new right? This whole process has thrown me for a loop. We are at a crossroads right now....the point of no return. Bermuda Triangle, if you will. Don't get me wrong....I am NOT changing my mind. I want to adopt more than ever, it's just I am searching for answers, trying to make the right decisions. I obviously can't go into the details, but I am struggling. Really struggling. I need a sign. I literally need that loud Holy voice to come out of the Heaven's and speak to me. Tell me what I should do-show me the right direction. But does that really happen, in the Bible it does...but this is Monticello. I've heard of people saying they literally heard a voice loud and clear. But my head is so cloudy right now.....I know miracles happen. I've seen it, it happened to a dear friend just a week or so ago. He is lucky to be alive...but the stars aligned and everyone he needed was in the right place at the right time. God just wasn't ready for him yet. What does God have planned for me? He already knows, He already has the perfect child for us..but the path I am taking is a little weeded over and I can't seem to find my way.
What I need right now are prayers from my friends. Please pray that we find peace in our decisions and find our way to our little girl.
On a "lighter" note....pun intended....the diet is going well. I have lost around 25 pounds...woo hoo. I feel great and I am back in my "skinny" clothes. But.....right now I am so stressed, I really want eat sit down and eat a bowl of popcorn. Yes, popcorn. Not even a bag of doritos or 6 chocolate chip cookies...just popcorn. But I'm being good....pray for me on that subject too. :)

Amharic anyone?

I'm so excited, I ordered a book and CD called Simple Language for Adoptive Families-Amharic. I got it today...it's really good, believe it or not.....you just never know with things like this. I am hoping it will help us talk to the nannies that have taken care of our child and to help us connect to her at first. The "experts" say to use words she is used to hearing to help sooth and calm them.
So...let's practice together.. :)

I am your Mommy. Eh-NAY eh-NAH-tish negn (It's different for boys...)
You are my daughter. Ahn-CHEE lee-JAY nesh
I love you so much! Beht-AHM ehn-wuh-dih-SHAH-loh!!!!!

Oh, boy...this may take awhile. Luckily, I have a CD to listen to the pronunciation.
I'll let you know how we are progressing.