Waiting SUCKS!

I haven't posted in a while....busy December...but our court date was yesterday in Addis Ababa. We "knew" that we would probably not hear anything yesterday because the CHI offices were closed in St. Louis until Monday, the 5th....BUT GOLLY we were hoping we'd hear something. Waiting has been such a part of this whole process and now that our journey is practically over, it keeps getting harder. I just want to know NOW what the future holds! When can I go get my new little guy. THANK GOODNESS those of you that have recently come back from Addis have been kind enough to call or e-mail me with the little tidbits of info that you have. It really has warmed my heart and its just good to know that he is really being taken care of well at the House of Hope.

Just a few lines of what some of them have said....

"LB is the cutest!!! He is very friendly. He loves to play with balls. He lets you know what he wants and loves to ride on the round ride. He is so cute and loves to smile."

"LB is such a beautiful little boy. His hair is full and thick. He is one of the youngest kids that get to go out and play in the courtyard. So he is out there with all the older kids. He isn't quite big enough to bounce balls or kick balls with the others, so he does a lot of walking around and watching. He always came up to me and wanted a hug. He has such a beautiful smile."

And then I actually talked with someone that met him and they said they loved him. They said he was very outgoing and such a charmer. He loved giving hugs and was too cute. He apparently is also very intriuged by the automobile. Agghh, I can't wait to meet him, but I guess these little memories will have to hold me over until we get there!

Oh well, pray for good news on Monday and we are wishing everyone a GREAT 2009!

Through the Eyes of a Child

Salem.

So Elijah and I were driving home today and passed a house that had a lot of Christmas lights and then further down their lawn was a large cross with a light on it.

As we passed it Elijah exclaimed,

"look mama, look...a cross, a cross!"

"yeah, do you know why they might have a cross lit up at Christmas time?"

"because Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins"

"that's right, but why would it be up at Christmas time"

silence

"because who was born at Christmas...?"

"Jesus"

"that's right"

At this point we continued in the car as the Christmas station played in the background. I wondered to myself how much Elijah comprehended. He gave a wonderful "Sunday School answer", but how much did he really get? A couple minutes later Elijah broke the silence...

"mama, I'm glad I wasn't born Jesus"

curious.... "why's that"

"because I wouldn't like to have nails cut through my hands and feet and die"

me, a little choked up, "that's why Jesus was so awesome babe, He went through all of that just because He loved you and me and everyone else so much"

"yep"

My Final Post

OK, not final final, just for tonight. Earlier today we went to a breakfast with Santa, so I had to include a pic with Santa. It was so perfect. We were in this lodge and it started to snow pretty good, it felt like we were in a snow globe. I love this time of year, so beautiful. Anyway, that's that.

Having fun in the snow when we got home.

New Room

OK, with the arrival of, oh my gosh, I almost just spelled out his name. That's a big no, no. Anyway, for clarity purposes let's just call our new son LB (little brother) until we're allowed to share his name with those of you who don't already know. Anywho, we needed to add another bed to Elijah's room before we get LB. So on our way back from Tennessee last week we stopped at IKEA and picked up a loft bed. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Ikea!! I am so glad they finally are coming to this part of the country. That was one of the sad things to leave behind in California. Anyway, I digress... So we stopped at IKEA and found this awesome loft bed in the As-Is department. Elijah has been dying for a pirate ship room, so we picked up a few things and started on that yesterday. In a split moment decision, I painted the bottom 1/3 of his walls brown for the pirate ship...but I think it is going to end up being half pirate half castle because of some of the accessories we picked up at Ikea. Anywho, he was super excited and seeing 2 beds in there definitely makes us want to go pick our boy up from Ethiopia even more!

The View as you enter

The Loft and Elijah's toddler bed

Awesome "Torches"

The view from LB's bed

Light Up Lex

This might sound silly, but one of the fun things I enjoy about living in Lexington, OH has to be Light Up Lex which we experienced again on Monday night. If anyone has ever been to Disneyland or even Cedar Point or Kings Island...this is sure to pale in comparison, but nonetheless, I really love it, Pretty much everyone who lives in our small village, who want to brave the elements, go to the town "square" and enjoys hot chocolate and donuts while they countdown for Santa to come to town. It reminds me of "The Christmas Story" when they are at the parade...much smaller scale of course...probably why I love it so much. Anyway, this year it was really, really cold. The wind was blowing hard and snow was starting to fall and winter was just in the air. Here are some pics from the night.

Elijah waited with anticipation for Santa to arrive on the big, red fire engine.

The Big man finally arrived!
A great pic of my husband whom I love and appreciate more than words can say.Yes, Christmas cheer is even on his face.

Christmastime is Here!

Melkam Yelidet Beaal! (Merry Christmas in Amharic)

So, I haven't posted in a while, so I know I'm going to post a lot tonight, well post pictures anyway, not promising on words, I'm tired! Anyway, this week started with setting our tree up Sunday night and putting the rest of the decorations up on Monday. I told Scott after spending almost 8 Christmases together, this is our first respectable Christmas tree (thanks to Target clearance last year!!!!) Here are a few more pictures...

Emma's loving it too!

Bittersweet Excitement

Salem!!

OK, so this past Thursday we got some very exciting news...our court date is set for January 2nd. Although we cannot be MORE excited about going to Ethiopia to join our son, it seems very likely that if everything goes smoothly on our court day, we will be traveling to get him at the same time that my cousin Leilani will be getting married in California. Scott is actually the minister who is supposed to marry them. So hence the bittersweetness of it all. Of course, nothing is more important than our son joining our family, but I must say my heart was breaking a bit today when I had to break the news to Leilani. So, chica, please know we love you so much and could not be more excited for you and Chris...but I know God's plans are good and perfect. Your wedding is going to be the best day ever and even if we are on the other side of the world, we will be celebrating with you! We love you!!

Ok....I have lots of pics to upload here....Halloween stuff mainly and our first real snow....enjoy!!

yes, my husband IS weiring a skirt...oops I mean Kilt.

The Knight or Prince Charming, depends on who you ask!

Cousin Micah as none other than Captain Underpants

The beautiful Ariela as Snow White

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Elijah's first day of riding the bus to preschool in the SNOW!!

It doesn't get much better than throwing a snow ball at mom through the window!