This is the last weekday of October. I am really hoping for a call....

Four super updates!

1. We had a get together at our house at the end of last month and it was fun to see everyone that came. There were two other families and the kids played, hung out with us and on their own. I made pasta salad with one of the kiddos and she was a super helper. I had thought to have them all help, but we did fine on our own. I forgot the cookie dough that I got for the kids to help with though! We had plenty of food and shared lots of ideas and just hung out. We got lucky and had really good weather that day and no mosquitoes. The kids all made our baby art with notes, several of which said I can't wait to see your face...Awwwwww. That's exactly how we feel! I put all of it together as a collage that is a hanging on the baby room door. I'm looking forward to the next one - not sure when it will be - think someone needs to volunteer to host.

2. We have been online garage saling and have raised more money for our adoption fund. Specifically for our expenses while we are in Ethiopia. We are also earmarking certain things in adds as fundraisers for the kids at the orphanage and House of Hope. We know that things like toys are luxuries and that food, especially formula is really expensive. We are going to let the directors tell us what they need most and get that with some extra things as gifts for the kids. We will wait to spend the money there so it helps their local economy.

3. We are SOOOOOOOOOOO close I can't stand it waiting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I carry my phone on, and on me, everywhere. For those that know me this is highly unusual, as it's mostly off and in my purse!

4. The student council at my school decided to participate in fundraisers that Chidren's Hope has organized. They are going to have their dress down day in October for orphans in China that need cleft pallet surgery. They are going to have their dress down day in November for Bright Hope School in Ethiopia. It's a school for orphans and they need food for the kids.

I LOVE MY KIDS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They really are the most generous and spiritual people and I am honored to teach them. I was jumping up and down in the dining room when the teacher that advises the student council called to let me know! It's just GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's a beautiful day.

It's the beginning of October and we're hoping hard to get our referral this month. There were some last month and we're closer. But who knows what will happen. This month we have to start re-doing our home study before it expires. It would be great if we could be home from Ethiopia in February next year.

I remember feeling like that a year ago and thinking then that February was at the outset. December was still a possibility then. I really hope this February doesn't go by and we aren't home with our girl.

My lifeline on a bad day - it could be her birthday. On a regular day wondering if she has been born yet.