We are out of court!!!!!!

Yesterday morning we received the most magical phone call. Our agency called and I saw the caller ID but didn't think it was "the call". She said hi, the normal. I said what's up? She said I have good news. I said, oh what (ever so calmly), certainly not thinking I was going to hear FANTASTIC news. She said that we were through court! I just gasped and said, what did you just say? She repeated her great news! I just couldn't believe it. She said the courts heard our case and we were done and our travel date was set. It is the most glorious news we have ever received, short of their referral. I think I cried all day, off and on. I didn't realize how much this has been weighing on my mind. The adreline rush of this news is amazing. Now it's time to get to work. In three weeks we will get to meet our daughters for the first time. What a day it will be! We both got our shots for traveling and I printed our packing list today. Gosh, it feels so great to be a Mom again. We will keep you updated on all of the latest news and thanks so much for all of the support, we are so lucky!!!!!!!! xoxoxo

You name the problem......

I can't believe it is October 3rd and here I am writing about yes, problems. You name it. Courts not open, courts not hearing cases, no phone lines, power outages at the courts! Can you believe it, neither can we. As we ponder the sweet meeting between us and our girls, these RIDICULOUS delays are starting to drive us (me) crazy. On a lighter note, yesterday was a sweet day. One of our neighbors did his Eagle Scout project and did a fantastic job. His project was to gather toys/cash to buy needed supplies for AHOPE and for our care center in Ethiopia. Our hearts were touched by all the love and support of our community. We will be taking the donations with us (hopefully soon) and we will visit AHOPE to take pictures of the children and the donations for our scouting friends. Thanks to everyone for yet again supporting us in every way possible. I just know how much everyone is going to love our girls! Oh, I did receive another physical update, the girls are holding their weight and growing a little taller. YEA! xoxo

Update........

Well, without trying to get too excited, we think progress may be in the works. We hope to hear something this week regarding our case. We are so desperate to get our girls home, it's so hard to be on the roller coaster!!!!!!!!! The updated pictures have been taken and should be forwarded to me tomorrow. I must say, 90 days is a long time, I wonder what my sweet girls look like now.........Beautiful, I am sure. We will continue to update this week as soon as we hear anything. xoxo

When the baby becomes the big brother....

Well, it's official. C is now in school all day. Wow, I don't have a clue where the time has gone. He is such a joyful boy and brings to much love to our family. It is very quiet around here, but we all know that won't last forever. He has completely transformed himself into a "big brother". He is so ready and so anxious for the girls to get home. He was watching a commercial with a "barbie house" in it and he was pulling faces at it, yuk, ew, dumb etc., until I reminded him that someone else in the family might like it. Then he said "the girls". It still wasn't cool but I thought it was adorable to see him thinking about how they would love it. Two studly boys have been walking to school together again and that is always fun, and of course big Sis is on cloud nine. She has such an amazing group of friends and has a lot of fun things going on in her life. Too fun!!!!

Ethiopian Court.....

This morning, I received word that our case will not be heard until the re-opening around September 20th or so. I can honestly say I wasn't surprised. I am not sure if that is a good thing or I am just more emotionally prepared. At any rate, it should only be about 30 more days until our case is heard. That is so exciting, see the beautiful silver lining? I am so madly in love with these precious little girls, I can't wait to smother them with kisses! We will keep you posted! xoxo

A sacred promise from a Mother to her children...

Today, I have been thinking alot about my Girls birth Mother and Father. I have also been very reflective of the birth of our four other children. I couldn't help but to think back to the promises we made during our wedding ceremony and how applicable this promise is to our children. I am grateful that we had an official ceremony to signify our marriage and our commitment to each other. I thought if only I had this ceremony with my children. So, I have created this "promise" on behalf of my children and had a silent ceremony on behalf of all of my babies. As you read this, imagine this applies to your children, it is very powerful and a great reminder to me of the love I have for all of my children.....

Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sign of God – and in the face of this company – to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy – and for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly – it is a means through which a stable and loving environment may be attained.Through marriage we make a commitment together to face their disappointments – embrace their dreams – realize their hopes – and accept each other’s failures. We promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout our lives together – through mutual understanding – openness – and sensitivity to each other.We are here today – before God – because marriage is one of His most sacred wishes. This occasion marks the celebration of love and commitment with which this man and this woman begin their life together. He joins you together in one of the most sacred bonds. This is a beginning and a continuation of their growth as individuals. With mutual care, respect, responsibility and knowledge comes the affirmation of each one’s own life happiness, growth and freedom. With respect for individual boundaries comes the freedom to love unconditionally. Within the emotional safety of a loving relationship – the knowledge self-offered one another becomes the fertile soil for continued growth. With care and responsibility towards self and one another comes the potential for full and happy lives. These moments are so meaningful to all of us, for “what greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined together – to strengthen each other in all labor – to minister to each other in all sorrow – to share with each other in all gladness.This relationship stands for love, loyalty, honesty and trust, but most of all for friendship. Before they knew love, they were friends, and it was from this seed of friendship that is their destiny. Do not think that you can direct the course of love – for love, if it finds you worthy, shall direct you.Marriage is an act of faith and a personal commitment as well as a moral and physical union between two people. Marriage has been described as the best and most important relationship that can exist between them. It is the construction of their love and trust into a single growing energy of spiritual life. It is a moral commitment that requires and deserves daily attention. Marriage should be a life long consecration of the ideal of loving kindness – backed with the will to make it last. Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon her your heart’s deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?

I found the words of this ceremony not only very close to ours but I truly love substituting the love and the commitment that I have for my children in these words. I would stand at any time to state my devotion to my sacred children. I feel so blessed and so very grateful to be their Mother. xoxo

Yea, the girls are gaining weight!

Yea, we have great news. The girls are both gaining weight. A is now up to 35.5 lbs and C is up to 27.5 lbs. This is a great change and definitely a change in the right direction. Some children don't gain any weight and some children actually lose weight during the time they are waiting for the family to arrive due to illness or stress. We are so happy. We are hoping for updated pictures soon. Keep eating girls, we love you!!!!!!! xoxoxoxox