Our Adoption Journey...from Vidor to Ethiopia

Follow the Adventures

2010-01-14T14:53:00.002-06:00

This was my pre adoption blog, and now I'm doing a new one ( When Love Takes You In ) that is post adoption. Please feel free to follow our adventures, as I'm sure there'll be many with 6 kids at home. I hope you have enjoyed learning about the adoption process, and remember that my story is just one of them. But if you just want the summary version: Do not choose Hope Adoption Agency! I'm sure there will be more stories about this agency in the future.

Post Travel Humor

2009-01-27T09:55:00.005-06:00

New Blog?

2009-01-24T14:43:00.002-06:00

I'm thinking of starting a new blog. I've had the name in mind for several months, but I'll post the new address here as soon as I get caught up. Sorry my updates took so long, and thanks for all the personal messages!

(((hugs)))

Our Trip Home

2009-01-10T20:48:00.010-06:00

I know, I'm probably kicked off blogging after my husband's hilarious post. He just has a way with words, but if you want something dependable, then you you are stuck with me!

So this is what I dreaded... A plane flight with two toddlers that barely knew us, especially after my first meeting with Ms. Maritu. (She doesn't hide those emotions.) Our plane didn't leave until 11:30 PM, and we had Ayele take us to the airport 4 hours early, so we could get bassinet seating for the kids. With KLM, it's first come, first served. Luckily, we had met a KLM worker at the Hilton who said she would accomadate us. Yes, Bole Rock Guest House was supposed to bring us to the airport, but they once again dropped the ball! They even tried to charge us for late check-out... Ayele to the rescue!!! He didn't charge us for the trip, but there was NO way we were going to accept a free ride. Ayele was a dream come true in Ethiopia. Just when we thought the craziness ended surrounding our trip, I realized when the KLM worker couldn't find our kid's tickets in her computer, that I might have thrown them away. The agent from Global Rule Travel told me that I must not lose them. I was in a panic. Those that know me, know that I am an organized person. I knew right where those tickets were supposed to be, but for the life of me, I could not find them. After searching all our checked luggage that was sitting on the scale and crying inconsolably, we left the line and found a private corner where I could search again. Kenneth was trying to find a way to call Ayele to see if they had fallen out in his trunk. It wasn't long before I found those stupid tickets right where they were supposed to be! Oh my!!!

I will admit that the flight wasn't as bad as I expected-at least the first segment. Both kids slept the entire 6 hour flight from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to Amsterdam. We then had a 5 hour layover before our 9 1/2 hour flight to Houston. Now this flight was less than cozy. Maritu was not the problem. It turned out to be Mamush!!! He cried for a solid hour into the flight. There was not a thing I could do... No, it didn't end when we touched down in Houston. We were then told we had to get in the immigration line for immigrants because our children were Ethiopian citizens. That line was 3 times longer, and it turns out that when we actually made it to an agent an hour later, she asked why we were in this line. Cuss word. Cuss word! I'm still not finished though. After she took our sealed envelope that we could not open and had to guard with our life, we got to go sit in an office for another 3 hours while they called the Health Department. Once again, the TB isssue with Maritu came up! Cuss word. Cuss word!!! Darn you people for being incompetent!

Needless to say, we did make it home...

Embassy Date #2

2009-01-09T14:36:00.002-06:00

Yes! We passed!!! We have both of our children's Ethiopian passports, Visas, and the "secret" documents needed by immigration when we return to the states! Okay, so until we are back at home in our own beds, I refuse to believe it... but yes, I am on Cloud 9, except for the fact that we had to say "good bye" to my travel mates-Mia and Donna. We had a great time together, despite the chaos...

More fun at the hospital

2009-01-08T11:40:00.002-06:00

OK, so this is Holly's other half, Kenneth. I would like to say better half, but that would open a whole new discussion, both at home and, I'm sure on this blog about the merits of my claim. I'm a virgin blogger, that is to say that I've never "blogged" before. I've typed before, and I'm not positive what the difference is....so now starts the debate....am I really a virgin or not? Anyway....

Thursday morning was another experience with the Ethiopian culture. Let me say first of all that I love Ethiopia....and Ethiopians. I have tried relentlessly to get Holly to move here. The lifestyle is simple and the people are so friendly. I'm thinking about trading my return plane ticket for a year's supply of injera...did I mention how much I love the food?

There is something very unique about the culture here. It seems to me that the people are always yelling at each other over the smallest things or blowing their horns at each other incessantly, however, they never actually fight. If I blew my horn in traffic in Texas the way they do here, I would need to be prepared to take a life in self-defense or lose mine (as most of you know, we Texans all carry loaded firearms under our ten gallon hats). Also, when a tourist (faringe) is present, everyone acts like they are in the presence of royalty.....just really great people.

One thing I have found here that really gets under my skin is that no one just comes out and admits that they don't understand what you are saying. They just nod and say "OK". Such was the fiasco with Maritu's phantom TB disease. Yesterday, at the hospital, everything was perfect. I obtained the gastric washing and went to the lab with Tsadaye, the nurse, and Ayele, our driver. We brought in the order, Tsadaye spoke with the lab tech, they took the specimen, nodded and said, "OK", and we left.

Today was a different story. I obtained the specimen and immediately removed the tube from Maritu's nose/esophagus/stomach so that she wouldn't have to deal with that for a minute longer. We were then on our way to the hospital again. When we arrived at the lab, Tsadaye again gave the specimen and the order to the lab tech (a different person today) there was a verbal exchange in Amharic (did I mention that from the perspective of a third party observer, two people speaking Amharic appear to be having a good ol' fashioned feud?) Tsadaye then told me that the tech had told her that the order was for only one specimen to be tested, not a series of three as we had expected. It is very possible that the two of them actually had been less than cordial, because two other people had come out from the back part of the lab to see what was going on. There was a man who looked to be in charge who spoke to the tech that we had been talking to. There was also a woman who spoke English. She asked us what was going on. I told her what we had been through and that I was a doctor. I wondered out loud if ever in the history of the world (and Ethiopians would know because they were here before the rest of us....at least according to Lucy) gastric washings for TB testing had been ordered in any combination other than three. The lady talked to the man in Amharic. The lady talked to Tsadaye in Amharic. Tsadaye tried to talk to me in English. I talked to the lady in English. She nodded and said, "OK", and Tsadaye walked out of the lab like we were done. I asked Tsadaye the biggest question of the day....if the order was for only one specimen, and today's specimen was the third, did they still have yesterday's specimen? Because at this point, we were out of days and I had pulled out Maritu's tube. If yesterday's specimen was discarded....we were screwed. Again, I got a nod and "OK". Go figure.

We then went to the ER and Tsadaye spoke to a clerk there to try to get the results from the previous day. Guess what? There were no results in the computer! Tsadaye and Ayele and the clerk then engaged in a three-way Amharic battle royal. The clerk made a phone call and said something else. Tsadaye then told me "It was negative." Then we left the hospital. I asked Tsadaye if she was sure that all of the results would get there on time....and guess what she said?

The rest of the day was basically uneventful, filled with shopping and sight-seeing....you know, last minute cramming of all of the things we don't want to regret missing. Oh yeah, uneventful except for one small snafu....involving miscommunication....

Let me go into some very recent history. Shimeliss had asked us to bring a package to give to a very close friend and business contact of his. He had written the man's name and phone number on the package. For the last 8 days, we have tried to contact this man. His cell phone keeps ringing busy. I finally gave the package to Rahel to forward. Shimeliss had wanted me to meet this guy to discuss a business venture or something....I'm not sure. Now let me again stress....and I mean stress.....the week that we have had. And not just Holly and myself, but the other two families also. Between illnesses and visiting our new children and performing invasive procedures on our new children and jetlag and cell phones that don't work and language barriers and the story changing every day and walking to our third floor room in the thin air (altitude 8500 feet) and trying to stay up late to talk to our kids back home and being awakened early by the chanting from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church across the street and eating sheep for Christmas (yes, Holly ate sheep, but don't tell her....she doesn't know) and trying to remember not to rinse my toothbrush under the faucet and trying to remember how much 20 birr is worth in US$........you get the picture......the last and I mean LAST thing we needed was something else to worry about or do at this point.

Somewhere between the Haile Selassie Market and the Hilton, Ayele's phone rang. He handed it to me and told me it was Shimeliss' friend. I said "hello" and was asked in very broken English to "go to dinner" tonight. I think he wanted to meet all three families. I tried to tell him that we were very tired and that I would have to talk to the other families. I had a hard time understanding, so I handed the phone back to Ayele. He finished the call and told me "He will pick all of you up at seven."

When we got back to the transitional home, we had a pow-wow with the other families. They were equally as exhausted as we were, but agreed that the polite thing to do would be to go ahead and go to dinner. Because of our difficulties with Maritu's health and the possibility that Mamush had been exposed also, we are waiting to bring our children with us until we get the results back tomorrow. The other two families have taken their babies from the home and will need to find a babysitter or bring them along. This problem is two-fold. We asked at the home if a babysitter could be provided. We got the ceremonial "OK". This is a good place to mention that we have all been told by Grace that under no circumstances are we to take our new children in public until we are on our way to the airport. Apparently, this is a big no-no. I don't know why, I'm just the husband along for the ride...if you really want to know, you will have to ask Holly (this doesn't help my argument that I am actually the better half). This is especially important to one of the other families who still have another child to pick up later. They really don't want to step on any toes. Remember from above that we were asked to "go" to dinner and we are thinking "go out" to dinner.

The decision to decline the invitation was unanimous. There were still at least two of us that were ill and the other families were scared to take their babies in public and we had no idea if the babysitter request had been processed correctly. I called Ayele (the only person who I trust to take my English and translate it to Amharic and get the same general idea that I hoped to convey) and asked him to call Rahel, who had the contact information for this man, and get the message to him that we would not be able to go to dinner. This was at least three hours prior to when he was supposed to pick us up. What a relief! We finally had nothing left to do but go to the Embassy and sign some papers and then spend 20+ hours in airplanes and airports and customs holding areas with two babies that probably think we are kidnappers......before finally getting home! We all went down to the hotel restaurant and had a nice meal and retired to our rooms. Holly should have never checked her email......

We had a short note from Shimeliss that said that his friend was very angry that we had stood him up. He said that the man's wife had spent all afternoon cooking for six guests and that he had waited for us for more than a half-hour after the time he was supposed to pick us up.

I'm learning Amharic before the next trip.....which will probably be worse.

Merry Ethiopian Christmas

2009-01-07T12:22:00.003-06:00

We get two celebrations this year-one in America and one in Ethiopia. They are very different though. In America, we center Christmas around gifts, and in Ethiopia, it's all about God and feasting. There were so many women in either traditional white dresses or white head coverings. We even wore traditional dress out of respect. You wouldn't believe how many animal carcasses we have seen too! Thankfully, Kenneth and I arrived at Hope's place after they had killed the sheep. It was bad enough watching them skin the animal! Disgusting!

Once again we got a big surprise. Hope's nurse said that the doctor wasn't working today, so Kenneth had to get the gastric contents! OKay, I know Kenneth is a doctor, but you just can't do that in a foreign country. Procedures are different. Instruments are different. I can see fear in his face because on the one hand, we know that these tests are needed if there's to be a chance that she returns home with us, but on the other, you just don't play doctor. Anyway, relief came when he saw Maritu. Evidently, the nurse had taken her back to the hospital and had them put in the gastric tube. They did the hard part!

We got the needed stuff, but you ought to see this poor thing with the tube sticking out her nose! She has a nurse dedicated to only her at all times until we've gotten tomorrow's culture. I feel for that nurse. Maritu is strong-willed!

Later, we headed over to where Hope moved the infants. That was where we had our Christmas feast. It was loads of fun! First, the kids performed some games for us and also danced. You ought to have seen them. They either had on Ethiopian t-shirts or traditional dress, and all the girl's hair was fixed. We were given Ethiopian shirts too! Then came the feast... We didn't do sheep! Even Dawit didn't eat sheep, so that made me feel better!

Embassy Day

2009-01-06T23:07:00.002-06:00

So what craziness could possibly happen today? Well, my husband got really sick, and I wasn't sure we were even going to our Embassy date. We think it might have been the fact that he rinsed his toothbrush under the faucet the first day here... Uggh! Needless to say, the vomiting and diarrhea didn't keep him from this very important appointment.

So first we went to Hope's place to pick up the kids, and to my utter dismay, Maritu was not there as planned. She had been taken to the hospital for her sputum cultures. I was instantly worried about how this day was starting! Then, when we get to the Embassy, Donna couldn't find her passport! She thought she had left it in her driver's car, and he had already left! Lucky for her, she found it about 10 minutes later right where she put it...under her carrier!

Okay, I'm getting to the question on everyone's mind, "What's Maritu's status?" Well, the Embassy guy heard what we had to say, and said to get those sputum cultures by Friday morning, and they'll get her paperwork completed! Now, there can be NO mistakes. The Embassy is only open for a half day on Friday, so it's all-or-nothing!

Can't Catch A Break

2009-01-05T09:39:00.002-06:00

This morning on the way to visit our children at the transitional home, we learned from our driver Ayele that we needed to go to the hospital to have Maritu's sputum culture and to have Mamush tested too. That hospital reminded me of military hospitals! Hospitals in Ethiopia are quite different than in the US First, you stand in the reception line. Then you pay! You aren't seen if you don't pay! So, after the kids had received medical exams and x-rays, we went into the cafeteria to get Maritu and Mamush some breakfast because they hadn't had time to eat, not that Maritu will starve or anything! She is the Michelin baby! The doctor told us it would be about 45 minutes for the x-rays. Technology must be very different too, because my husband has his x-rays in 5 minutes! The great thing about the wait, though, was that we got to feed the kids for the first time! Mamush must have been hungry because he normally eats like Sheridan. After our wait, we had to get back in line to see the doctor. Then Kenneth talks to the doctor, and looks at Maritu's medical history. We learn a lot, and are very relieved to find out that it was not necessary to do sputum cultures because her chest x-ray was negative! We can have our Embassy date and bring both kids home!

So, we go back to Hope's place and complete our paperwork with Rahel. Mia and Donna were so exited to learn our news. We also learned that they had gotten a lamb for Hope's place for tomorrow's Ethiopian Christmas feast! I hate that we missed all the fun! After that, it was time to have some fun, so we all went to the Hilton to change money, shop, and eat. We then asked Ayele to take us to Merkato. All I can say is,"Oh my!" I just thought I was amazed by all the people on the streets, but this topped it all! So much so, that it was scary! There was no shopping for us!!! We came. We saw. We got the heck out of dodge!

Then comes the call from Shimeless in the US... We just can't catch a break! He says the Embassy will not see us for Maritu until she has 3 negative sputum cultures! The Embassy is closed Wednesday for Christmas and Thursday for who knows! So, if we could have gotten her cultures started today, we still couldn't have an Embassy apointment until Friday with our documents not being ready until next Monday. We are scheduled to return Saturday... Here we are, after spending the morning at the hospital, on cloud 9 because we found out that Maritu never had a positive TB test. She had pneumonia that didn't get better on only one antibiotic, so they treated her with TB meds. Today at the hospital, the doctor said she didn't know why the attending doctor changed that diagnosis. That's why Maritu didn't have sputum cultures. Technically, a sputum test is not as definitive as the x-ray, and she had a clear x-ray this morning; therefore, she doesn't have active TB and cannot transmit TB. Sputum cultures are performed in the US to clear a patient from the hospital sooner. UGGGGH!!!! We will bring both children to our Embassy appointment and plead Maritu's case? Double ugh!

If she cannot be cleared, then we will have to return home without her. :( Neither Kenneth nor I can stay away from home any longer... So, what do you do when you are at your wit's end? Eat chocolate!!! Lots of it!!! Kenneth and I took off in search of the cure all medicine, and we made it in the process of our hunt because Mia had brought some with her from home! Yes, us two farengi's stuck out like we had neon signs around our neck, and what happens when that happens? The beggars follow you! My goodness! We had one little boy follow us for several blocks when surprisingly a nice Ethiopian man fussed at this kid until he left! Wow!

Hope will make this all good, so no worries... This is just not what we had planned... Bummer!

TIA

2009-01-03T01:17:00.005-06:00

Thanks Lee for my new coined phrase...TIA (This is Africa!)! Yes, I have been having a TIA experience, but I did have hot water this morning! Maybe there's no hot water in the evening? Who knows? Anyway, we enjoyed another wonderful breakfast this morning. I just love Ethiopian food. Kenneth said that he could live here. I mean where else in the world can you see goats being herded across a freeway or donkeys carrying large bags of teff? Okay, yes, I know there are other places in the world, but not the USA. I am amazed by the amount of people that are just everywhere on the streets...everywhere! I know Addis is heavily populated, but even in Houston, there just aren't people all over the place. I love the simplicity of life. Maybe one day we will live here or travel here more.

Well, I know I haven't said too much about Maritu and Mamush, and I bet some of you are wondering if we have them yet. The answer is "no". We actually planned on visiting for a few days first, but we have been dealing unexpectantly with TB. Actually, I'm glad I didn't finish this post sooner because I wouldn't want to worry anyone. Evidently, Maritu had primary TB, was quarintined, and has been receiving treatment for a month. She has a clear chest x-ray, but now has to go to the hospital M,Tand W for sputum cultures. If negative on all three days, then we will have our Embassy date on Thursday, and hopefully get the kid's Visas on Friday. Scary, huh? I will tell you that Hope has been very helpful since finding out. No, they had no idea, or we would have put off traveling until this was taken care of, but this is another TIA event. You see, this is very common in Africa... Shimeless ensured us that he is making every effort to let his staff know that this is something that we parents need to know. TB is different here in the US. It's not like a cold, but don't think I'm worried at all. I believe everything will be fine! If this was going to happen to anyone, it's better to have happened to me. I don't think you can truly understand how hard communication is here in Ethiopia, so it's no wonder! The phone system is horrible even if one knows the language!

The Good, Bad and Ugly

2009-01-02T17:21:00.003-06:00

What a day! We originally woke up at 6 am, but I decided to go back to sleep, but I finally started moving aroound 10am. I'm usually a morning person, but I will say that the time change is not compatible with me! Oh, and before I forget, if anyone travels that is not from a place with a high altitude....beware! Listen up and take all the advice you are given. Definitely drink lots of water, and stay away from caffeine. My nose started bleeding on our first flight segment, and it is just now getting back to normal. Sorry to get side-tracked, but I just had to throw that in. Anyway, breakfast at Bole Rock is great! We had omelets and toast.

Next, we called Ayele to drive us to Hope's transitional home which is not far from the guest house and airport. So what did I do as soon as our car pulled into the fenced area? Of course, I was bawling! I soon cleared up because Hope's nurse greeted us and led us to the room with the babies. Oh my goodness! I was snapping pictures and making those babies smile! One just had the biggest grin and cooed at me the entire time. I need to write that Hope person and tell them who! Some were so tiny! I took some picures holding their fingers, so the mom's will see how tiny!

Then came the toddlers...they were napping. Yes, I looked for my kids first, but they weren't there! I thought maybe they were saving the best for last. I took many pictures of them too, and Jaclyn, "Teddy" (as they call him) hated me! He cried everytime I looked at him!

Then came the older kids who were also napping, but they cracked the door, and I exclaimed, "There they are!" Maritu and Mamush were sitting on the floor with Wubitu, K&D, Mame and Mekdes. I immediately looked at the older girls and called them by name. I think they were surprised that I knew their names. It went downhill from there. Maritu let out a wail! Definitely not what I dreamed of... Oh and let me tell you how fat she is! She looks 9 monthes pregnant! No, she never stopped crying when I was around...

I stayed with M&M for awhile while they were being fed. We actually lost our driver for a time when he had to make an emergency trip, but that gave me plenty of time to play with all the kids. One of the older girls sat outside by me and played with my ponytail. Oh, I don't know who she belongs to yet, but she's a doll!

Later, Ayele took us to find soccer jerseys and to dinner. It was fanastic! What a roller coaster day. It didn't end well though because I had to deliver some bad news, and then something happened to my microphone on my headset, so I cold only text my family. I so needed to hear their voices...

Finally In Ethiopia!

2009-01-02T09:35:00.001-06:00

So we finally made it to Ethiopia! Here are some of my thoughts about the flight... First, I was surprised that KLM's largest plane that we flew on to Amsterdam did not have individual entertainment screens in the headrests. I didn't bring anything to read, so that made for a LONG 8 1/2 hour flight! We found it easy, however, to find our way through the airport to make our connecting flight. I did feel like everyone was staring at me for some reason, and I have to remember to pick up some cow-painted Dutch clogs on our way back for my cow crazed daughter. Getting on our flight to Sudan was madness! The flight was packed, and we had to go through screening again. It just so happens that I got selected for a "pat down". I felt horribly violated! That's just disgusting to have a stranger put their hands all over you, and without going into graphic details, I mean all over you! The last segment of the flight was nice. We did have individual screens that had lots of movies, games, and music. Why not sleep instead? I just can't do it! Also, I forgot to mention that the food was good, but I still think if you can, fly Emirates!

Next comes getting off the plane... That was easy, just time consuming. You are directed where to get a Visa, so no problems there. Then comes customs. That was uneventful too. Of course getting our luggage was crazy, but having brightly colored tags that I purchased from Books-A-Million helped, and we didn't lose a bag! So, all's great, huh? Well, no, not exactly. For some reason our hotel driver decided to leave because we were supposedly late, and we finally took the advice of a guy and took a cab to the hotel for $25! What choice did we have? None! We didn't have a cell phone that worked in country, nor anyone's phone numbers. What a rip off! I hope Bole Rock Guest House makes it right by discounting our room for that amount.

So what's the guest house like? Well, of course, it's not home, but I do suggest bringing a pillow! I'll be much better if I can find one today. Just a warning- there's NO hot water at night. The food is great though, so I'll take what I can get!

Here We Go!

2008-12-31T13:57:00.002-06:00

So, I'm sitting at the airport in Houston, Texas waiting on our plane. I brought my daughter's laptop so I could play on the internet during our wait. I thought that airports had free Wi-Fi, but I was wrong-well, not technically! There is free internet access if you are an elite member of one of the airlines, but I'm just a peon... Thank goodness for my smooth husband because I just found something good about him-no matter what other people say! (I'm just joking!) He did sweet talk a lady in the airport lounge into giving us a password for the British Airways access. So, this is why I'm posting right now. I should be napping, instead of playing on the computer, since I was up packing until 1am! But I only had to rearrange stuff a couple of times, and I only have two regrets:

1. That I had to leave some donations home
2. I didn't get a package I was expecting, so I won't have the Ergo. (I should have just bought one.)

Anyway, I'll manage.... I can't wait to see my children! I also can't wait to travel to one of the newer orphanages. Kenneth said I'll be confined to the car if I dare start having thoughts of another child! lol! Not really! At least he hasn't said that anyway.

Another "must" is finding Sarsina for a fellow Hope family. This family has been through a lot, and I hope I can give them a much-needed lift... I'll post more later...

I Didn't Fall Into A Black Hole!

2008-12-29T23:37:00.002-06:00

I really am alive! You just wouldn't believe how crazy it's been for the last two weeks! So leave me alone Miranda! lol! First, I get this email from our coordinator (Miranda's mother) that our court date has been moved up because of all the Ethiopian and American holidays, but she did say that we could put it off a couple of weeks if we neeeded too. Yeah right! Like I'm not going to hop on the next plane! So, I was then frantically searching for airline tickets where I didn't feel like I needed to rob a bank to pay for them. That's not easy to do! I had gotten a reservation with Tsegaye at Adam Travel, but our return flight was wait-listed. I have heard numerous good things about Tsegaye, but I just didn't want to take the chance of getting stuck in Ethiopia. We do have a business to run! So, we went with a KLM flight through Amsterdam with Golden Rule Travel. Tsegaye was more than willing to help me, but all of this was so last minute. I hated not using him, but if anyone needs his contact info, then email me!

I guess this doesn't sound so crazy, but then I needed to get our travel documents together:

1. I-600 for each child

2. I-864 for each child-notarized

3. DS-230 for each child

4. 3 years of taxes

5. Notarized home study

Then there is Christmas shopping to do! The only one that I hadn't shopped for was my 13 year-old. She said, "Momma, I have everything I need." True, but I had no time to be creative. I didn't want to use my brain! Did I mention I had a birthday too? I really do try to forget those, especially after turning 30!

Then, I had a death in my family... It's not that I was close to the person, but that it brought back memories of my grandparents that I dearly miss! It is still hard to go to my grandparents grave site and it's been 12 years. Lucky for me, I am blessed with a wonderful mother that routinely places flowers on their grave for me for special occasions. However, amidst all this sadness, I received the most wonderful update about Maritu and Mamush from Tammie, a fellow Hope parent:

Holly and Ken Wilgers - Mamush-shoe size between 4-5. Clothing - 12 months. Mamush is very calm and easy-going. He seems very easily entertained with himself....didn't require much, if any, soothing from others. He's got a charming smile and a soft spirit about him. Maritu wears size 6 shoes and size 12-18 months clothing. Maritu is an extremely outgoing child. She's not afraid to let you know with her facial expressions exactly what she's feeling. Her facial expressions are absolutely hilarious at times, while at others it's very, very clear that she's not a happy camper. You'll have no problems at all in telling what she's feeling....it'll be written all over her face. Neither Mamush nor Maritu are walking. Mamush seems quite content to let things and/or people come to him, while Maritu is all about going to get what she wants when she wants it....and letting you know all about it. She's quite the character! :)

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T11:48:00.002-06:00

There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me. What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come outof the pear tree have to do with Christmas?

This week, I found out. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England werenot permitted to practice their faith openly. Someoneduring that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Eachelement in the carol has a code word for a religious realitywhich the children could remember.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments. -The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish.'

Look How Far They've Come!

2008-12-13T18:23:00.007-06:00

2008-12-12T17:06:00.007-06:00

But here are two of them!

Introducing Maritu and Mamush...

Twas the Night Before...

2008-12-12T06:05:00.000-06:00

Twas the night before our court date,

when all through the abode,

only one creature was stirring,

and she was cleaning the commode!

The children were all sleepy,

all snug in their beds,

while visions of Wii and cell phones

danced in their heads.

Kenneth was snoring,

all cozy like lead.

Those sounds he was making,

shook the whole bed.

So only I heard

when the phone call came,

which made me sigh,

"I'll never be the same!"

With the toilet brush

still clutched in my hand,

I descended the stairs

and shook my old man.

He was covered in spit,

which fell with a shrug.

"Oh great," I muttered,

now I have to clean the rug!"

"Ho-ho-ho," cried Grace.

"I'm glad you're awake."

"What," I shouted,

and "for goodness sake."

I said, "Why are you calling

and at this time of day?"

Grace said, "I have news for you

that I can't keep at bay."

I learned very quickly

what this call was all about.

Now I can do nothing

but scream and shout!

"Dear Grace,

oh what do my tired ears hear?"

"You mean they're mine?

I started to cheer!

For you see...

Ethiopia blessed us today,

with two more beautiful children.

Now what else can I say?

Thank you Rahel...

Grace, Shim and all,

for these two precious children,

and the early phone call.

Hope, you are amazing,

and just plain outta sight!

Merry Chistmas to all,

and to all a great night!

Let it Snow!

2008-12-11T14:17:00.003-06:00

Today was the easiest day to get the kids out of bed because it snowed! The last time it snowed here was in February of 1988. All the neighborhood kids were outside enjoying themselves at 5 AM! Of course, we Southerners have no clue how to drive in this mess, so all area schools were delayed 2 hours to let the ice melt. As soon as the sun started rising, the snow started melting. My husband said, "Maybe I need to teach Skylar to write his name in the snow..." Just like a man! He got his chance to act manly not longer after that comment when we found a frozen water moccasin on our back porch. I thought, "Oh good. It's dead." But Kenneth told me that it would be revived as soon as the weather warmed up, so we smashed his head. Ewww!

Ups and Downs

2008-12-09T19:44:00.003-06:00

Adoption has many ups and downs. Take for instance, today one of my fellow "Hopesters" found out her new referral Meklit had passed away. How absolutely heart breaking! Kristine, we will lift you and little Zoe Meklit up in prayer...

Then on the flip side, another "Hopester" recently returned from Ethiopia and brought us all pictures of our soon-to-be children. Maritu was half-sleeping in one pic while eating what looked like FirFir which is eggs and injera. Yum! No wonder she is bigger than Mamush. She even eats sleeping! In another picture she's sitting on a potty chair. My favorite was one of her holding her name board. She has huge cheeks! Mamush looked great too. I almost didn't recognize him because he has a "high and tight" cut. Him and one of my fellow Texan's referral Theo were playing in a crib beside Maritu and Agnoti. Maritu was peeking at the boys through a hole in the crib. The look on her face made me think that she is going to be Ms. Personality. Well, all of these kids are gorgeous! I'd bring them all into my home if I could, but hopefully in 3 days, I'll be planning on bringing home two!

What Does This Mean?

2008-12-07T21:13:00.002-06:00

"There is nothing like a dream to create the future." -Victor Hugo

I had a strange dream last night. I always wonder if the ones that seem real have some reason or meaning behind them. I dreamt that my husband and I were in another country visiting two girls about 6 years of age in an orphanage. They both spoke English and another language that I don't recall. I also dreamt that I had gotten attached to them, and they to me. They were expecting me to bring them into our family, but for some reason I only brought home one. I was disdraught wondering if the other child was going to be okay when she found out her friend left with us, but she didn't. I don't remember why the second girl didn't come home with us. This has been weighing hard on my heart all day. I guess I better stay away from orphanages!

Countdown!

2008-12-05T08:02:00.003-06:00

My court date for Maritu and Mamush is a week from today! I'm excited and nervous all rolled up inside. Not just about passing court. I feel at peace about that, but I'm nervous about the long plane flight with two children that don't have the ability to communicate their feelings and understand what will be happening. I, a stranger, will be taking these two darling children away from everything they have known for the last year. How scary is that? Am I prepared for attachment issues? I think I am. Can I properly care for their hair/skin? I've studied this issue so much. I hope I won't have other AA parents chastising me. I always welcome helpful comments. Will I recognize and be able to advert potential racial problems? I sure hope I'm able to. My faith helps me, and I hope to instill that in these children. Will I be everything to my kids, as they will be to me? I guess time will tell...

Accessory Navicular Problems

2008-12-04T19:41:00.003-06:00

Well, it looks like my children have inherited the genes I didn't want them to get. They could have inherited my brains or determination, but instead, Curran has foot issues. Throughout this soccer season she has complained about her foot hurting, so last week I took her to our podiatrist, and he said she has Accessory Navicular Syndrome. It's not the worst thing in the world, but it will definitely cause her some down time. All it is is an extra bone in the foot. Most people that have that problem never have any symptoms, but Curran does because of the sport she plays and the training involved. So, it looks like Curran's Christmas present will be surgery...

She's not happy because this week she started training with our high school soccer team. The coach wanted Curran to show her lazy girls what an 11 year-old can do, and she's been doing just that! This child has been out running over half the older girls during sprints. The Varsity girls asked that Curran practice with them, instead of the Junior Varsity. Does she feel important, or what?!!?

Okay, I did use the plural form of "child" at the beginning of the post, so now on to the other child. Cullen is having some knee issues. Again, it is just like her mother... Yikes! Sorry girls!

Charlie Schultz Philosophy

2008-12-03T08:55:00.002-06:00

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip.

You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just ponder on them.
Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remembers the headliners of yesterday.
These are no second-rate achievers.
They are the best in their fields.
But the applause dies..
Awards tarnish.
Achievements are forgotten.
Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special!!
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson:

The people who make a difference in your life, are not the ones with the most credentials...the most money...or the most awards.
They simply are the ones who care the most.

2008-11-20T15:40:00.005-06:00

It was clear, Kenneth, right from the start...

that you and me would never part!

I guess the roles reversed now though...

Thank you for the many wonderful years together!

Cyclic Vomiting

2008-11-19T14:32:00.002-06:00

Otherwise known as an abdominal migraine. This is the diagnosis my 2 year-old received from the pediatric gastroenterologist. We actually had that diagnosis a year ago from our pediatrician. I guess he can now say, "I told you so!" You see, Sheridan vomits around 3 AM about every two weeks for a few nights at a time. This is why her bed is in our room! Supposedly, researchers think that there is a link between mother's that have migraines during pregnancy and children that have this diagnosis. Sheridan just happens to be the only one of the children I did not have a migraine with during my 3rd trimester. Go figure!

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/cvs/index.htm

Something Smells Fishy!

2008-11-18T23:47:00.002-06:00

So, we thought our soccer season was over because only the first place team in our bracket advanced to district. We had three games Saturday, but it wouldn't matter if we won or lost. Then, Monday night we received a text from our coach that we had a play-off game Tuesday for 2nd place which also gets to advance. Great, right? No!!! We were in 2nd place. There should not have been a play-off game! We were tied with the 3rd place team in points, but everyone thought we were going by the tie-breaker rules for round-robin play that was listed on the web site which are:

1. Winner of the head-to-head competition
2. Goal differential
3. Goals against
4. Penalty Kicks

This last week, however, we noticed that the web site had changed and it now stated that goals allowed would be the tie-breaker. So, you are thinking we allowed more goals during our games, right? Wrong again! We were still in second place. Somehow our coach learns about a meeting of the board (and 3 of the board members happen to be from the same city as the 3rd place team)and shows up to learn that they decided that the 2nd and 3rd place teams should play a play-off game! Very fishy!!! Especially if I throw in the fact that the other team's coach had an inkling that this was going to happen, but it was kept "hush-hush". If we'd have known, we could have forfeited our first game Saturday which didn't count anyway because it was agains a U-13 team and post-poned our 2nd game, so we could be well rested when we played this team in question! That's what they did. We thought it didn't matter anyway.

It's so hard when you are playing a team with girls and parents that you know. There were two girls on this team that were on Curran's team last year. I'm very vocal at games, but never have said anything against any of these girls. But tonight, I would have stooped to the level of one of those mothers. She yelled a not-so-kind remark about my child, and if I could have thought of something to yell, I admit I would've done the wrong thing in retaliation!

"So, the outcome of the play-off game was a 0-0 tie as all the other times we had played them. We then played 2- ten minute halves to a 0-0 tie, so it came down to PKs. I would have bet my house that we'd have won. We have an awesome keeper, but she missed one...

New Pics

2008-11-12T02:52:00.002-06:00

There is this lady with Hope that lives in Kenya. She just got back from Ethiopia, and sent me a picture of "Chubby". So, which one's chubby? Maritu! It's amazing what a little food and some good care will do for those children. She even has a neck roll! I just can't wait to pinch those cheeks! Anyway, the picture was of both M&M, and Mamush is screaming while Maritu is looking at him like he's crazy. I sent it to my husband at work, and here is his reply: "Looks like Mommy and Daddy....he is throwing a fit and she thinks he's crazy!" Those were my sentiments exactly!

Happy Veterans' Day!

2008-11-11T10:14:00.002-06:00

When the end came to World War I, November 11, 1919 was set aside to commemorate the sacrifices made by American soldiers to gain a lasting peace for the world. Called Armistice Day, soldiers who survived the war marched in parades through their home towns. Dignitaries and veterans made speeches and held ceremonies of thanks for the peace that had been won. Had WWI been the "war to end all wars," we would probably still observe Armistice Day today.

After WWII, Armistice Day continued to be observed, but Americans realized that there was a need to recognize those who had made sacrifices in other conflicts.

In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day, and called upon Americans everywhere to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace. He issued a Presidential Order directing the head of the Veterans Administration, now the Department of Veterans Affairs, to form a Veterans Day National Committee to organize and oversee the national observance of Veterans Day. November 11 was designated as Veterans Day to honor veterans of all U.S. wars. In 1971 President Nixon declared it a federal holiday on the second Monday in November, but it became apparent that November 11 was too historically significant to bypass, so in 1978 Congress formally returned the observance of Veterans Day to the customary date of November 11.

So, today I give thanks for the great sacrifices of all who have served our country through military service. I pray for those who need comfort and encouragement to receive it; I pray for those needing services to receive them. I pray also that every living veteran will know the gratitude of a thankful nation.

I give thanks for the dedication of all members of our military as they serve faithfully in and out of harm’s way. I pray for protection for each one, regardless of their post or responsibilities; I pray for encouragement and strength for those who are experiencing multiple deployments—some as many as five or six—asking God to cover them with His care and reveal to them His love.

Amen

(Thank you Uncle Kar Kar!)

Forever Orange

2008-11-09T22:26:00.007-06:00

Oh what fun we had today! Kenneth and I brought our two soccer players to see the Houston Dynamos try for an unprecedented third consecutive MLS title. Until Sunday, the Dynamo had outscored their opponents 11-2 at home during the playoffs, and until Sunday, Houston had not allowed more than one goal in any of their previous eight playoff matches.

Until Sunday, the Red Bulls had not won a road playoff match since Sept. 20, 2000, a span of eight games. New York was 0-6-3 during that time and faced quite the battle against a Dynamo team that seemingly always finds a way to overcome the impossible, but the Houston Dynamos are MLS champions no more...

Needless to say, it was still great fun to tailgate with over 30,000 people at Robertson Stadium at the University of Houston, my alma mater!

Back to my Old Ways

2008-11-07T10:53:00.002-06:00

I feel my "Maxine" side just needed to vent today! This world has gone nuts. I see it on the television, in newspapers, in magazines, and on the adoption boards. What once seemed far-fetched is soon becoming a reality...

Top Ten Predictions

2008-11-05T00:01:00.004-06:00

Top Ten Predictions No Matter Who Wins the Election

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessing upon His people.
8. There will still be room at The Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.

GOD approves this message.

Isn't it great to know who is really in charge?

*Courtesy of David Virtue at www.Virtueonline.org

Election Day!

2008-11-04T07:59:00.003-06:00

Today is Election Day! Pray for God’s will to be done in our nation through the votes of citizens—that each one will consider the profound privilege and blessing of their vote and will cast it in a way that honors God. Pray for strength and integrity for those who work at polling places; for equipment to function flawlessly, for those needing help to get to polling places to receive it and for good weather across the country. Pray for voters as they decide on initiatives in many states where the vote will greatly impact marriages and families in our country, asking the God’s sovereign will is done in each one.

Pray for First Lady Laura Bush as she celebrates her 62nd birthday today, celebrating quietly with friends and watching election returns at the White House. Pray for God’s richest blessings on her as she prepares for the next chapter of her life, giving thanks for the profound impact she has had for the past eight years, serving the nation and the world with strength, grace and dignity.

Pray for President and Mrs. Bush as they celebrate their 31st wedding anniversary on November 5, thanking God for the excellent example of their marriage which has remained strong in spite of the tremendous pressure of living in the public eye. Pray for many years of joy and blessing for them in the days to come.

Pray for Senator Barack Obama and his loved ones as his grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, passed away early Monday morning in Honolulu, HI following a battle with cancer.

Pray for safety, protection and smooth procedures at polling places throughout the day, that every vote will be counted and honored, giving thanks for sacred privilege each individual has of voting......

Pray for Senator John McCain and Senator Barack Obama their running mates Governor Sarah Palin and Senator Joe Biden during this final day of campaigning--for their protection, strength, and for peace...
Pray for members of the Iraqi cabinet and parliament as they consider an agreement that would authorize US troops to remain in Iraq after the end of the year, asking God to guide and lead each one with His wisdom...

Pray for Neel Kashkari of the Treasury Department and all who are now implementing the economic rescue plan, that they will act on behalf of our government in wisest and most responsible ways under God's guidance and leadership. Pray that their efforts will be implemented swiftly, bringing assistance to those who are in greatest need...

Pray that the strongholds of greed, wherever they lie in our nation, will be removed, and be replaced by repentence and a desire to serve the common good in America...

Give thanks for dedicated intercessors who gathered at courthouses and public areas across the country for solemn assemblies and prayer gatherings on Sunday and Monday, Election Eve.

Pray for the President-Elect once we know his identity that he will be awed before God with the responsibility he has to seek His face as he prepares to lead the nation. Pray for a swell of support in prayer for him as he makes plans. Pray also for the man who is not elected, that he will have God’s grace as he returns to his former responsibilities.

As the brave men and women of our military continue to serve the causes of freedom and liberty with faithfulness, pray for their strength and for support for each one, asking God to cover them with His powerful protection. Pray for each one to be helped as they carry out their duties, and pray for those working closely in difficult circumstances to have the unction of God’s grace as they serve.

2008-11-03T08:03:00.001-06:00

Whereas, it is the duty of nations, as well as of men, to owe their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon, and to recognize the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.
—Abraham Lincoln, declaring a National Day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer, April 30, 1863

Before I Was a Mom...

2008-10-30T10:11:00.001-05:00

I don't remember where I got this, so I can't give the proper credit...sorry

Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put him down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond
between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom.

Yes!!!!

2008-10-27T08:22:00.003-05:00

Guess what I'll be singing for Christmas? "All I Want for Christmas" is ....just to pass court! Yes, I have a date, really!!! December 12th!!!!

Meaning of "Maritu"

2008-10-24T18:44:00.002-05:00

Most Ethiopians have names that have a special meaning. I've been trying to find out what the name "Maritu" means, and I finally found out. There is an Ethiopian lady on an Ethiopian adoption board that replied to my question, and here is what she said:

"Maritu comes from "Mar" which means "honey", as in the honey from the bees :-) and therefore sweet. So Maritu means "the girl who is honey". Does that make sense? I wish I had taken my Amharic and history lessons seriously when I was in school. :-) I would have learned to explain things better."

Little does she know how wonderfully she explained this! Thanks Memi! You are a blessing!

Relief!

2008-10-23T18:31:00.000-05:00

I've spent the last four nights cleaning sheets, clothing, and whatever else Sheridan managed to initiate with her vomiting and diarrhea. I was so tired after the second night that I fell asleep on the couch. Big mistake! Husbands just don't have the same instinct mothers do. Sheridan started vomiting and Kenneth must have slept through the sounds of her hurling until she cried out. Then I awoke to find a huge mess. Uggh! She vomited so much that when we told her we were going to give her a suppository, she said okay and didn't move. But all is better now because she went back to school today!

Honor Society Induction

2008-10-22T20:29:00.000-05:00

Band Beauty

2008-10-21T23:07:00.002-05:00

Cullen got her braces off after 4 years, and look at her smile!

Soccer Saturday

2008-10-18T16:06:00.001-05:00

(I guess I should title every Saturday post as "Soccer Saturday" since that is what we do on most Saturdays.) Well, today we had three games. Skylar had a game at 8 AM and 2 PM, while Curran's was at noon. Skylar's first games was with his age appropriate team, and they smoked their opponents 9-0! Skylar scored 3 of those 9 points. Go Sky! Then Curran's game was next,and I thought the game might be a disaster after learning that Curran had been picked on at school by her two friends (They are also neighbors.) about how they were going to whip Curran's team. Curran was also nervous playing against several of her old teammates, but I tried to reassure her to just play her best, and "play her best" she did! Curran kicked a perfect corner kick in the game right to the center of the goal, but sadly her teammates didn't capitalize on it. Curran also had 3 shots on the goal that she missed, but she still looked and felt great eventhough one of her old teammates poked her in the eye... I guess justice was a 4-0 win! So, we pulled off a Wilgers shut out because Sky's U-10 team won also!

Big Surprise!

2008-10-17T16:45:00.002-05:00

Cullen texts me today with some horribly spelled word that I'm trying to figure out. Well, see for yourself: "got in hourns". So, if you hadn't seen the picture, could you have guessed? I actually did, but I second-guessed myself because from the time I was in school until last year, if a child had made the honor society, the parents would have received a letter first with instructions to keep the information secret until the induction ceremony. Apparently, there is a new sponsor, and she changed the way it has been. Now after seeing what she texted me, maybe the election committee needs to re-evaluate! hahahaha! Congratulations Cullen!

Oh Crap!

2008-10-16T18:43:00.003-05:00

Literally! You see, yesterday, I was home with my children working on homework, and Curran comes into the kitchen and exclaims, "What is all this water doing on the floor?" I replied, " That is probably where your sister was cleaning up Sheridan's mess with the popsicle." (Boy, was I wrong!) Curran says, "Mom, that's a lot of water." So I stop what I'm doing and walk around to the other side of the breakfast area, and stopped dead in my tracks! Oh crap! Literally! There was water (and crap) in the guest bathroom, the living room, and breakfast area. I didn't panic though and did know enough to turn off the water under the toilet. Oh my! All I could think of was where do I begin? Thank goodness for the wet vac and my wonderful mom that rushed right over to help me. Okay, so it's not over when the water is gone. I had to clean the tile floors with bleach water, and now we have not only a concrete floor in our master bedroom courtesy of Hurricane Ike, but now our living room carpet is a goner too! On the bright side, it rained, so we didn't have soccer which caused me to be at home and not away for several hours. Now that really would have been a mess!

Here's what my husband said when he came home...

Sheridan Update

2008-10-13T10:42:00.000-05:00

So you think things have been quiet on the Wilgerses homefront? That's just because I haven't posted about what Sheridan has gotten into lately, but here's an update. We've had two episodes recently with Desitin. When I asked her what she was doing (in the first picture), she said, "I'm shaving like Daddy!" No, she hadn't found any razors... The second picture was the worst! Desitin was everywhere and it smells! I washed her hair 3 times, and it wouldn't come out, so I called a neighbor who is a hairdresser, and she said to try dish washing liquid. That did the trick, in case you ever find yourself in my shoes... lol!

So Fun!

2008-10-11T23:59:00.003-05:00

Today did not start out well. Curran and Skylar both had soccer games-or so we thought-at the same time. I brought Curran to hers in Port Arthur, and just as I had parked, my cell phone rang:

Me: Hello.
Kenneth: Turn around.
Me: What?
Kenneth: The game was at 8 AM.
Me: Too late, but I guess we'll come watch Skylar now.

It seems that the schedule was changed, but we knew nothing of the sort. Our coach supposedly told the girls Thursday at practice. Curran says she wasn't told anything! Leave info like that to an 11 year-old? Are you kidding me!?! And to call at the time we were supposed to originally be at the field! When we didn't show at 8 AM, I would have thought about calling then! It's not like we have ever missed! This shouldn't happen in the days of email and cell phones... No, I wasn't happy! So, off we go again, but this time to Skylar's game in Beaumont against Spindletop which was his old team, so of course a win would change my spirits. However, when I had gotten to those fields, they were losing 3-0. Finally the boys stepped it up. Skylar even saved a goal that was just in the goal but not enough to cause a score. Our team pulled off a huge win! How's that for Spindletop's top training that you can't get anywhere around here! Congrats to our die hard coach, Katie Davis!

After a couple of hours rest, we loaded up the family and drove to Houston. We met at the Blue Nile restaurant with other families that have or will have adopted from Ethiopia. It was so much much fun, but a little wild. Ethiopians do not bring their young children out, so hopefully we didn't upset any that might have been dining at the same time. My only regret was not having enough time to really get to know everyone. All the children were absolutely beautiful! A big "thanks" goes to Debbie who coordinated this event and thanks to Blue Nile for having us! The food was the best! As you can see in the pictures, Skylar had Whataburger. He did try injera though...

Politics Stinks!

2008-10-09T13:53:00.001-05:00

And I'm not just talking about the Presidential campaign! We deal with politics on a daily basis. It's in your neighborhood and school, and it's making me tired. So, what's a person to do? Turn to humor! I got this picture from a friend in an email, and I laughed so hard because it is so true. I also just had my septic tank cleaned...

Some Good News

2008-10-07T13:30:00.002-05:00

Sometimes you have to look deep to see something good, and today Grace told me that Mamush's papers were ready! Yea! We could actually file for a court date; however, Maritu's are not. It seems there is some progress with hers though. Grace said we'd talk next week after she talks to Hope's Ethiopian workers, and I hope we'll know more then. Kenneth and I were hoping to travel once, even more so now that we have evacuated for two hurricanes! It's tough being self-employed... We will make the best of this situation... I really want them to come home!

Oops, I did it again!

2008-10-06T08:40:00.005-05:00

...and it has nothing to do with Brittney Spears! I fell into a blog slump or maybe more like an adoption slump. At least the courts are now open again, so maybe I will have that desired court date I have been waiting so long for. In the meantime, I wanted to share a heartbreaking story from the Phillipson's who adopted through my agency, Hope Adoption Agency. I'm not sure of the details, but Carole and Marty brought home two vivacious boys about 5 weeks ago from Ethiopia. They are Paul who is 5ish, and Samuel who is 3ish. It seems that there was some kind of horrific tractor accident Saturday involving Samuel. He was life-flighted to an area hospital where he sustained many injuries. So far, he has lost one leg at the knee, and possibly part of the other leg. He has a fractured pelvis and a broken arm, along with many other injuries. He had one surgery, and I believe will have another today in attempt to repair an open fracture of his elbow. He is on a ventilator too. Obviously he is in critical condition and his family needs many prayers at this time. I can't even imagine how they are holding it together... Please pray for Samuel! I have posted a link to his hospital website on the right-hand side of my blog where their family gives updated information.

Life After Hurricane Ike

2008-09-15T09:56:00.001-05:00

Where have I been? Well, Thursday we awoke to our local news stations saying that we were now under a mandatory evacuation for Hurricane Ike. I knew that was going to happen. All week the news stations had been reporting that the hurricane was going to hit around Corpus Christi or Brownsville, but if you watched the models on www.stormpulse.com , then you could tell that they were going to be wrong. I think the real reason was that our state spent a lot of money on evacuations for the last hurricane which didn't touch us, so this time we had very little time to prepare, just like Hurricane Rita in 2005.

So, we packed our necessities and headed back to Troup, Texas where we stayed until Sunday. Sunday, we decided that since we had no power where we were, we might as well take our generators and head home where we at least have breathing room. And so now we are just waiting for power, but until then, we use our generators to run the refrigerator, two small A/C units, and our water well.

My How Your Thinking Changes

2008-09-10T13:30:00.003-05:00

when you have a "spirited" two-year-old. I decided last week that I would NOT wait until Sheridan is three to put her in school! Can you blame me? She was so bored at home with me. She already knows all her colors, shapes, some letters, and counts to 20. No wonder she can open "child-proof" locks, climbs cabinets (decorates them too!), gets sticks of butter and eats them, and applies Desitin to her face so she can "shave" like Daddy! You might think I'm exaggerating, and I wish I was! Therefore, I called North Star where Skylar went to school when he was 3, and what do you know, they had one opening! Hurray!!! So, today was her big day. She got out of the car this morning and said, "Let me walk, Mommy." She went right in and never looked back! When I picked her up, she told me everything she had done today. I suppose now I'm just making room for Maritu and Mamush...

What Do You Call a Little Boy in Ethiopia When You Don't Know His Name?

2008-09-10T13:20:00.003-05:00

MAMUSH! or Mamo... We've been thinking of calling him "Mamo." I think it's a cool nickname.

At Peace

2008-09-09T13:11:00.000-05:00

Lately, I've felt a strange sense of peace. I feel so confortable with my process of adoption, thus far, for Maritu and Mamush. I guess it helps having wonderful Hope families that have showered me with older pictures of Mamush, not to mention the new ones of Mamush and Maritu. I can't imagine having to go through the process like other agencies (i.e., Dove) without getting these weekly pictures and video. My heart goes out to all adopting families. Even with these things, it's hard just waiting for the courts to re-open.

Here comes....

2008-09-07T13:00:00.002-05:00

...Hurricane Ike! The big question for the next few weeks is "Will we be evacuating again?" I guess time will tell.

Great news

2008-09-05T13:04:00.002-05:00

My husband talked to Dr. Paul Mikus in Ethiopia, and he seems to think Mamush's eye problem is confined to an area where he can be a candidate for future cataract surgery. What great news! Of course, we are prepared for the worst, but we'll hope for the best for our little guy!

Announcing....

2008-09-04T13:19:00.007-05:00

the newest addition to our family

....MAMUSH!

Kenneth and I decided to accept the referral today thanks to finally getting some information about his eye problem from Dr. Paul Mikus who is with our agency and picking up a child in Ethiopia as we speak. Mamush has River Blindness. So, what is River Blindness? River blindness (onchocerciasis) is caused by a worm that breeds in fast-flowing rivers. It is transmitted to people through the bite of a black fly. The worms spread throughout the body, and when they die, they cause intense itching and a strong immune system response that can destroy nearby tissue, such as the eye.It is a major cause of blindness in west and central Africa.

The facts about river blindness:

1. around 18 million people are infected, of whom roughly 300,000 are irreversibly blind
2. 99 per cent of those with river blindness live in Africa
3. a further 125 million people are currently at risk from infection

Mamush does suffer from blindness in one eye...

Picture and Video High!

2008-09-02T12:52:00.002-05:00

I'm on Cloud 9 right now. I've gotten video and pictures of Maritu! In the video from Jaclyn, Maritu is sitting up and clapping to music. Oh how I could just squeeze her right now! She and Ashley both got pics of Maritu with a grin, and to my surprise, I see two teeth!

We are back home!

2008-09-01T12:28:00.002-05:00

I feel lately like I have suffered from my teenagers Attention Deficit Disorder. First, we were going to drive to Branson, Missouri, then it was Hot Springs, Arkansas. Well, yesterday, I checked on hotels in Dallas, but we decided to wait until today. Then, after waking up and seeing that Hurricane Gustav had not changed its path, we called the people we knew that were involved with emergency management to see if we would be stopped for trying to re-enter the evacuation area. We learned that no one was being stopped, so we chose to head home. Yea!!! Traffic was minimal, and now I get to sleep in my own bed!

Mercado's Restaurant

2008-08-31T12:21:00.002-05:00

If you you in Texas or Louisiana and have a Mercado's Restaurant or Posada's, I suggest you try it out! We ate at Mercado's today, and all I have to say is, "Move over Pappasito's. Mercado's just took your #1 spot!" The home-made tortillas were mouth-watering! Oh! We can't forget the salsa! Wow!!! I'm so stuffed I feel like that little girl on Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory that blew up like a big, fat blueberry!

We Are Evacuating!

2008-08-30T23:56:00.001-05:00

I awoke at 5:30 A.M. in order to watch our local news stations for any hurricane updates. What I found out was that there was a voluntary evacuation under effect and a mandatory evacuation would be called at 6 A.M. tomorrow, so I had to get our house in order. I didn't do anything yesterday. I just procrastinated, but today I had no choice. Then we were off to Troup, TX where my Aunt Crystal lives, at least some of us were anyway. I left Skylar with Kenneth so he could play with our neighbor's kids. Kenneth waited on my Pops because FedEx made them work! They finally arrived with the RV about 2 A.M. This evacuation trip was much more pleasant but can you imagine 8 people kooked up in an RV? I love my parents and all, but there is a reason I don't live at home anymore besides the fact that I'm married!

To Pack, Or Not To Pack?

2008-08-28T12:39:00.003-05:00

That IS the question our family is pondering. Yes, we have to make a judgement call by tomorrow because we have a soccer tournament in Houston this weekend. Those that hold those tournaments do NOT want to lose money, so they could care less if our team might be subject to an evacuation. Three years ago we evacuated for Hurricane Rita. We drove to my aunt's house about 3 hours north of us. It took us over 7 hours to get there. My husband who stayed in town a few more hours to get someone to cover his hospital patients suffered from a 12 hour drive! You just wouldn't understand unless you've actually been in this situation. Him, my father, and my uncle also drove back the day after Rita hit to clean out our refrigerators and freezers. Just think of the people that didn't return for a couple of weeks what they found in their refrigerators and freezers... YUK! We also returned home a week later and lived in 90 degree Texas heat with no electricity for two more weeks. Just imagine the devastation we encountered as we got closer to home. Trees down everywhere! The landscape as you knew it was forever changed. And we didn't suffer as badly as others...

Oh the Joy!

2008-08-26T13:12:00.003-05:00

Oh the joy I get in hearing snipets of info on Maritu! Yesterday Nikko asked, "Holly, did you see the video clip I took of Maritu on our YouTube site?"

(Maritu was a sleeping angel...)

Today, Lisa W. sent me a pic of the little angel sitting up so big! She said, "Maritu looks GREAT, she is a cutie pie... they put her in the corner crib nearest the window which was Zaela's!"

Chris, my friend from San Antonio said this: "Hi Holly!!

I just have to say, it's a good thing our hands were full with Sof and
Helena, because Maritu is a keeper!!! She is so sweet and looks so
healthy!!! She is absolutely beautiful. Her eyes are truly captivating!!!
I snuggled with her right before she went down for a nap! You are going to
be in heaven with her!!! I have a picture of her and I will upload it
soon!! You have been in my thougths and prayers!!! I will call you when we
are settled for sure!!

Hugs,

Chris"

(I am amazed at how fast she is growing. Just one more month of court closure to endure, then hopefully I'll get a court date!)

Back To School

2008-08-25T12:55:00.003-05:00

Not only do I have 3 of my 4 kids back in school, I received the most awesome pic of Maritu today from one of the Hopesters. I wish I could post it, but it's not worth the risk of losing my ability to adopt from Ethiopia... but as soon as we pass court, her pic will be plastered all over my blog!

BYSC Kick-Off Classic Champions

2008-08-24T23:22:00.001-05:00

Good thing I'm feeling better! I couldn't miss my child's soccer tournament... Though I don't think it was such a good thing to be outside in that heat. Curran's team won the U-12/13 age division. They won all of their games except for one that ended in a tie. She even won a game where some of her old teammates were on the opposing team! She played awesome. She's gaining so much confidence with her amazing new coach and team!

This Doesn't Happen To Me...

2008-08-22T23:48:00.002-05:00

I've had an eventful two days! That headache that started Sunday progressed into a full-blown nightmare on Thursday. Kenneth brought me to the office to x-ray my head. We were thinking it was my sinuses, but low and behold, the x-ray was clear. He then had my Mom bring me to the chiropractor. He stretched my neck and did accupuncture on me. I looked like the pin head guy off of the B-movie Hellraiser! I couldn't even open my eyes because my head hurt so badly. I never take medicine, but I took everything and anything that day that I could get my hands on. Still, nothing touched the pain. In fact, I took a migraine med incase that was causing my pain. Later in the day, the pain was so bad that I thought death was my best option. I was losing control. Kenneth thought I needed to go to the ER, so off we went. This just doesn't happen to me. So, I got a CAT scan and blood work, but still nothing. The ER doc said I needed a spinal tap... Oh my!!! I hate needles! I said no... For anyone reading this, that was not very smart of me. I took a 10% chance of having a bleed in my brain go undiagnosed... I wouldn't have done that if it hadn't been for having a husband that is a doctor and has practiced emergency medicine. He even thought I should bite the bullet... I got Reglan for nausea and Toradol for the pain. Kenneth gave me Ambien when I got home. That did the trick! I slept all night!!! Yea! I only had a slight headache when I awoke this morning but I'm going to be a couch potatoe all day!!!

Oh My Head!

2008-08-17T18:45:00.000-05:00

I woke up this morning with a slight headache that got worse as the day progressed. I'm so glad the hubby came home! He gave me some Tylenol, and now I'm going to bed!!!

Did I say that?

2008-08-16T19:41:00.002-05:00

Did I make some comment about having a relaxing weekend? God must be laughing at me! I stayed up until the Olympics were over (1AM), then I woke up Friday morning at 4AM to watch soccer. Well, I don't know what kind of bright idea I had because Sheridan started vomiting at 1AM Saturday! So, what do you do when the hubby is gone but call good 'ole Mom to the rescue! I'm glad she loves me... She hopped right on over so I could get harrassed at Wal-mart. You see, Sheridan needed some Sprite to drink, and there was nada in the frig. I cruised to Wal-mart, and the total at the check-out was $8.49. I hand the clerk a $20 bill and proceeded to pull out the change. She handed me my receipt with $2. I told her I gave her a $20, but she claimed it was a $10. I just knew my husband had only given me $20s, so I asked her to double check. She called her manager, who counted down the clerk's drawer after "huffing" about it. The clerk was short, but it wasn't exactly $10, so she said there was nothing she could do. I got in my car, and looked at my receipt where I noticed that the clerk punched in that I had given her correct change! Very strange! So, beware of Wal-mart clerks after dark!!! And by the way, the hubby confirmed today that he had given me five $20s...

Peaceful Weekend In Sight

2008-08-14T19:25:00.003-05:00

I think I'm in for a peaceful weekend without the hubby. I guess if you call a weekend with 4 kids peaceful... He is flying to St.Louis to meet Mark and the band. From there they are traveling to meet his Mom, Dad, and Sister at Mark's concert at some county fair in South Dakota. I think we've only been apart on 3 occasions in the many years we've been married, so I can't complain. Anyway, I'm looking forward to sleeping in the middle of the bed!

Word From Ethiopia

2008-08-14T16:40:00.001-05:00

I heard from Jaclyn today. Hear is what she said," I held Maritu for a long time the other day. The boys had taken off with my camera and so I didn't get a picture of me hugging on her yet but she was so lovey. She loved the snuggles and when I had to put her down she burst into tears. It broke my heart. You will be snuggling her soon. Maybe we will be coming at the same time to get our babies!!"

She's craving attention... We'll be there soon Maritu!

2008-08-12T04:23:00.002-05:00

2008-08-11T15:50:00.002-05:00

Okay, I have to admit that the selfish side of me cried for several days because of my bad news, but I'm done now. I should have gone to Hope's First Annual Reunion this past weekend. One of our fellow Hopesters put it all together, and I'm sorry I missed all the children, the Ethiopian food, and the church service at an Ethiopian Orthodox church... What fun! Next year they've talked about bringing it to Texas where everything is bigger, right?

What T.S. Eduoard Brought Us

2008-08-05T19:51:00.006-05:00

Weather-wise, Tropical Storm Edouard was a dud. We only got a couple inches of rain and some wind. A year ago, Hurricane Humberto brought us Prince William, our baby squirrel that we nursed, but this year Eduoard brought us bad news. I opened an email early this morning from an adoptive mother with my agency. (She's in Ethiopia picking up one of her sons.) She told me that Abeti had gone home with his grandmother. I was prepared for this to happen several weeks ago when Grace told me she was coming to visit. Although just about last week she told me that she hadn't shown up, but even after she told me that I had a feeling. The very next day, another Hope parent posted pics to our private board, and he was in none of them... I'm heartbroken, but I know that he should be raised by his family first if they are able to care for him. I will pray for him and think about him often...

Hurricane Preparations

2008-08-04T13:58:00.003-05:00

Today we prepare for Tropical Storm Edouard, which might develop into a category 1 hurricane. We won't evacuate, but we are definitely prepared for power outtages with our generator (if it starts up...), batteries, non-perishable foods, and water. I made a trip to Sam's Club to stock up, along with many other people. What a mad house! Yikes! We will definitely need that generator because we will want to power an A/C unit in this Texas heat! However, if you looked at the sky right now, it's beautiful! It's hard to believe that things can change in the next 24 hours.

Houston Dynamo Camp

2008-08-01T13:50:00.000-05:00

Curran has been at a soccer camp for competitive players this week given by the Houston Dynamo. This pic is Curran with Bobby Bosworth.

Pitfalls of Procrastination

2008-07-31T21:31:00.001-05:00

So, I've finally decided to update my blog thanks to my sister in Hawaii that keeps reminding me that I haven't posted in a long time. I guess I've just fallen into the pitfalls of procrastination! I don't really have any new news anyway, but in case anyone wants to know what Sheridan has been up to, then have I got a story for you! You see, I got stuck in traffic today on the freeway, and the drive from Beaumont to Vidor usually is about 20 minutes but it took me an hour. So, what's the big deal? The big deal is that we are finding out that Sheridan gets car sick, and today while we were stuck in traffic, it happened. She vomits all over herself, and there was not a napkin to be found in my car, nor could I get off the freeway. Cullen says, "I'll never eat cottage cheese again!" (It wasn't cottage cheese. It was curddled milk.) The smell was so bad! I tried to flag a few cars to ask if anyone had napkins, paper towels, anything, but several people wouldn't acknowledge me. I felt so helpless. Then, this man in a big truck rolled down his window, and he happened to have those really absorbant blue towels that mechanics have. May God bless that man...

My Amazing "Hope" Family

2008-07-18T23:58:00.001-05:00

Wow! My husband came home at noon and told me to pack my bags. lol! No, he didn't kick me out, although with all the madness surrounding our adoption, I wouldn't blame him. We went to San Antonio to watch a friend of ours who had a gig at Cowboy's Dancehall and Saloon. I had the most amazing night, but it was before the concert. I called Chris and Renee from my agency, and them and their families met us at a restaurant for dinner. We talked and shared stories for over 2 hours! Our poor husbands! These women are absolutely as beautiful on the outside as on the inside. We didn't do much eating since our mouths were moving the entire time. I can't believe I didn't have my camera. That's so unlike me! Thanks ladies for making time for me!

Another child gone!

2008-07-16T23:11:00.001-05:00

I sent another child away to camp, but this time it was to Texas A&M University for soccer camp. Curran just loves going there! Anything that will keep her focused into furthering her education is good for me! So, since our drive was through Houston, Kenneth and I decided to stop for dinner at an Ethiopian restaurant. We ate at Addisaba our first time, so this time we wanted to try out Nazereth Cafe. I wasn't the greatest sign when we drove up and the restaurant droor was propped open. We do live in Texas, mind you! I made the comment to my husband that they were preparing us for our trip to Ethiopia. However, we soon learned that they were closed because of the AC problems. I asked him if he could sell us some injera because we were having trouble making it, but we could make everything else. I think he was surprised by our request and started asking me questions which led to the adoption discussion. He seemed very pleased that we chose his country, but I actually think his country chose us! Needless to say, we left with plenty of free injera! We didn't give up on the meal though. We drove a couple of miles further to Addisaba for dinner. We even surprised our waitress with some Amharic...

BigStuf Camp

2008-07-15T10:38:00.001-05:00

I sent my teen off to BigStuf camp in Panama City, Florida this morning at 4am! BigStuf is designed to creatively communicate the refreshing Spirit of Christ, the truth of His word, and the difference living for Him can make in our lives. I've heard so many positive things from parents whose children have gone to this camp. It seems teens these days need all the help they can get, and I'm so glad that Netcasters attends this camp! Netcasters happens to be an interdenominational youth ministry that was started by a man that was the youth pastor in my former church. He had a vision for a ministry whose purpose is to impact students by raising them up to be totally devoted disciples of Jesus Christ. Netcasters is not a substitute for the kid's church, but works in conjunction with local churches.

Maritu's First Gift

2008-07-14T11:25:00.000-05:00

Last night I dreamt I held Maritu in my arms. Oh the feel and smell of her skin! Why did I have to wake up? So, back to reality... I've been debating on sending Maritu a package because she's too young to know what is really going on anyway, but since I won't have her home for her first birthday, one of our fellow Hope moms is giving her her first package. I sent Miss Maritu a super soft blanket with the sent of my perfume Happy, so hopefully she will recognize me. I also sent a couple of Onsies, a headband, and a small toy. I hope someone takes a pic for me...

Stinkin' Thinkin'

2008-07-13T16:37:00.002-05:00

Do you suffer from "Stinkin' Thinkin', or do you have a "Winner's mind?" I watched a sermon from John Hagee this morning before church. It gave me some food for thought

7 Principles of a Winner's Mind:

1. Decide what you want.

2. Never be defeated by failures.
-Failure is a great teacher. How many times do you think your're going to touch that burning stove?
-Failure is not fatal, it's just someone's opinion about your achievement. Jesus was considered a failure to his disciples until the day of Pentecost.

3. Don't be crippled by your success.
-Leadership demands constant achievement.

4. Don't be controlled by your fears.
-What you fear will destroy you.
-Jesus' most used words are "Fear not..."

5. Never be mastered by resentment.
-1Thessalonians5:16-18 says that regardless of the circumstances, a Christian always has grounds for rejoicing in the certain future of eternal life with Christ.
-Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he...

6. Don't be consumed by greed.
-1Timothy 6:1-10

7. Find a way to serve.
-Romans 15:1-2

Bittersweet Picture

2008-07-12T22:22:00.001-05:00

I received the most beautiful picture from a fellow Hope parent Lisa-Marie that she took when she went to Ethiopia to pick up her children. It had Maritu and Abeti together. They looked absolutely stunning! Abeti did look like he didn't understand, but Lisa had warned me that he was confused about why they were bringing him up to the baby room. Since Amharic is his second language, no telling what was going through that little man's mind! May God watch over him... I finally broke down and cried...

Sheridan's New Security System

2008-07-11T16:06:00.000-05:00

Yep, you guessed it Sheridan struck again! So, this is where I'm going to put her during her waking hours. You see, she gave me a scare. She climbed onto our kitchen counter (Mind you, the drawers have child-proof latches!), dug in my wallet and decided to play with a quarter. That would have been fine had she just played with it, but this child that has such adversions to food textures in her mouth, decided to try and swallow the quarter. She started choking, and I lost it! All I could think of was that my husband picked a great time to go to AutoZone for an oil filter! No worries! She managed to vomit it up along with some curddled milk!

God's Timing

2008-07-10T15:58:00.001-05:00

It's easy to tell others about "God's perfect timing" until God's timing affects you. At least for me it's hard. I received a call today from Grace. I could tell in her voice that the news wasn't great, so she tells me that they're still having problems with Maritu's paper work, so there will be no July or August court date. I already had guessed that, but she didn't mention our son. I didn't like the answer I was given, but I'm thankful for the information. Hopefully I will know in a few days the outcome, and I'll post about it then.

Rhonda's Song

2008-07-09T18:06:00.000-05:00

The following song was created by Rhonda, an adoptive mom from my agency. She shared it with all of us that are anxiously awaiting court dates. Enjoy!

"We are mothers hear us roar,
Desperately wanting to knock on your door,
To beg you to please give us our court dates.
Because even one more day seems way to late.

For those of us waiting to pass through court,
We are begging for your immediate support.
We understand you are doing your best,
But with out your ok, well there is no rest.

We love our kids and want them home.
To give them more love than they may have ever known.
We'll feed them, love them, and hug them tight,
Tuck them into bed each and every night.

We understand there are rules you must follow,
But these endless delays leave us quite hollow.
You want the best for our kids, on that we agree.
But we are the best for them, can't you see?

In our arms they will find both Peace & Love,
The kind show to us by Christ in Heaven above.
He will watch over them,this we know.
Just like us, He loves them so.

Until our day comes, we will unite as one
In prayer for good news soon to come.
When one gets approval you'll hear us shout.
Supporting each other is what family is all about.

Until our kids are in our embrace,
We'll stand together in this difficult race.
We will succeed, there is do doubt.
Finding forever families is what we are all about."

Buy This!

2008-07-07T18:19:00.000-05:00

I'm shamelessly promoting a friend of our family's new CD. If you like country music, buy "Rollin With the Flow." I love "When You Love Her Like Crazy" because it reminds me of how I feel about my children. "When you love them like crazy, that's what you are..." That is definitely what I am right now!

Scaphoid Fracture

2008-07-05T19:33:00.004-05:00

Last night was a long night! Sleep is not easy when your wrist moves. My husband and I got up at 4:30 AM and watched some TIVO'd shows. It's miserable when you can"t sleep. I realized that my wrist was swelling, so I iced it and we took a trip to Beaumont Bone and Joint's emergency clinic. Now it's a confirmed scaphoid fracture. It looks stable, but my hubby warned me that I'll probably still have to have a screw put in it. Of course I had to go and break one of the two bones in your body that have a poor blood supply! So for now, it's a temporary cast until my doctor stops donating to those Vegas casinos.

Happy July 4th!!!

2008-07-04T18:12:00.004-05:00

myspace

Happy July 4th to everyone, especially to our service men who make it possible for me to blog freely in this country. You all do not go unnoticed.

I hope everyone had a great day! I did if you discount the ending to our day. We took our kids to the deer lease to ride four-wheelers with our friends. They don't have their own because I just think they're too young at this time, even with supervision. Once at the deer lease in the Big city of Evasmell(oops I mean Evadale! That's a local joke because this town has a stinky paper mill.),we packed up cooking supplies and headed to our secluded camp. That's a grueling 45 min. ride. Then talk about eat! We enjoyed sausage and boudain made here locally by the Martel family and way too many snacks. Afterwards, we took another ride to the river to cool off. I guess the exciting part was on the way back to where our vehicles were parked. I was driving up an embankment that included a curve in it when I hit a Cyprus knob with one of my tires which cased my handlebars to jerk just right to make this popping noise. I wasn't sure if that was my hand or my 4wheeler. Needless to say, I didn't make it up the hill. I got off and another guy drove my 4wheeler up. I thought I was okay because my fingers could move, so I just needed to shake it off. Well, hubby caught up with us, but I told him I was fine and got back on until I tried to give it some gas. Guess I wasn't so fine! Then the nightmare begins because my 13 year-old daughter gets to drive me back! Yikes!!! Since it's a holiday weekend, I guess I'll wait until Monday to go to the doctor. I know I live with one, but he has two new radiology techs and doesn't know how to get in touch with either. So, what's a person to do? I don't want to spend 12 hours in an emergency room!

Maritu's First Dolls

2008-07-02T08:30:00.002-05:00

Just thought I'd post my daughter's first dolls from her Mommy... These were purchased at SleepySoft.com .

This Wait Stinks!

2008-07-01T14:19:00.002-05:00

This wait stinks, especially when I hear people that just signed on with my agency that have referrals and court dates... Adoption is not for the weak at heart. There are no guarantees...

My Getaway

2008-06-28T13:34:00.005-05:00

Today the family went to Schlitterbahn Water Park on Galveston Island. I so needed to take my mind off of not hearing any news from Ethiopia, but no sooner than we get in the car to leave, I check my phone for messages. To my disappointment, I had none, but I was pleasantly surprised to hear from Grace via email. Still no news, but maybe something in the next week. Well, we are coming down to the wire on filing a court date. At least I'm not alone, as if that is any consolation, three other families share the same shoes with me right now.

I Have Internet Again

2008-06-27T13:24:00.000-05:00

Time Warner Cable is horrible!!! I used to love my Roadrunner service until I started having problems, and I find out that Time Warner has down-sized and out-sourced jobs to Mexico! I've had intermittent connection since April, and everytime I call, they have to send a tech out to my house several weeks later. Then, when my problem is unresolved and I call again, the same thing happens. After the 3rd time, the tech says,"Holly, I know the problem is not in your house, but we have to do this before they'll send someone to check the lines at the street." Oh my! Needless to say, I cancelled my cable and internet service, but now I'm back! Just not back with Time Warner...

If Only My Tears Could Flood Ethiopia...

2008-06-25T12:04:00.003-05:00

If only my tears could flood Ethiopia right now, they wouldn't be having so many power outages, and many more adoptive familes could get through court sooner, not to mention that the rain is needed to grow crops for their sustenance. Why all the tears today? Well, several of our waiting families received snipets of information on our kids from Grace, our International Coordinator extraorindaire through our Yahoo board. Here was my snipet: "Abeti- played soccer the whole time we were there, very sweet gave me a hug. Maritu- looks great smiled at me." Little does my little man know what huge soccer fans we have become via way of his sister. I think he was placed into the right family, and I hope one day I'll hear him say that too. As for little Maritu, I am sure missing those smiles. It's great to hear that she is looking good because she sure needs to catch up! We have about 45 days until the courts close for a couple of months for the rainy season. Please say a prayer for us....

Thank You SSSC!

2008-06-24T22:13:00.003-05:00

Isn't life funny when you think something so terrible has happened because that is what you see in that point in time, then that terrible thing turns out to actually be something better than you could've imagined? This happened to me once before when my ex-husband left me during my pregnancy with our second child. At that time, I thought the world ended and no one would ever want me at my age with two young chidren, but then a couple of years later walks in Mr. Right. Just think, God sees that big picture while we can only see a small point in time... Thank you God. You are amazing! And thank you SSSC for making poor decisions that led to the break up of our soccer team. Curran has made a gifted team. Her coaches are unbelievable! They seem to be everything that she was not getting at SSSC. They don't have the philosophy that kids at this age can't learn tactics and positions! These coaches stop play when the kids are doing something wrong and correct it, and guide their decisions during play, not just stand on the sidelines and gather a paycheck. All I can say is, "Wow!" Once again, what I thought was so terrible, has turned into a great opportunity.

Gulf Coast United

2008-06-19T21:36:00.002-05:00

I'm trying not to rant about soccer anymore... So....Curran is trying out for Gulf Coast United Division II soccer team. Since she no longer has a team with Spindletop Select Soccer Club, we have only two choices: 1. Play Division II 2. Drive 2 hours for a Division I team. I have no problem with driving, but since I'm hoping that I'll have Abeti and Maritu home soon, I can't do that and bond properly with the children. So, today Curran tries out for GC United. They seem to be a very good Div II team that maybe should be SuperII, but we'll see...

Future Rock Star

2008-06-14T20:39:00.003-05:00

Skylar had his first guitar lesson today. He wants to be a rock star or a professional baseball player.

Rant and Rave

2008-06-13T09:27:00.002-05:00

This is rant-n-rave post just to make me feel better. I hate politics! It's everywhere. I'm ranting about soccer right now... My daughter's team that went to the National Cup and now is ranked 4th in the State, no longer exists! This is insane! "SSSC" decided they wanted to stack a U-11 team for the fall, so our 4 girls that were play-ups are gone. We already knew that 4 were leaving because they either couldn't afford the fees and travel, or wanted to pursue other sports. That left 6 girls. Well one demanded to play up on the U-13 team and got her way, and 1 tried out for a Houston team (Albion) and accepted that position. Now there are 4 of us left... One board member said that we could play 8x8 if we could gather a team. hahahaha! Maybe if we'd have known this was coming! I feel screwed! The worst part in all this is that I've heard very different stories from these parents. Somebody is lying! Why? Last I heard from these parents is that they wanted to stay together. Now some didn't want to stay if our coach stayed. We had many conflicts all year, but why didn't these people use that energy to demand that he be asked to step down? He's a nice guy. He might have willingly stepped down for the "team", and if he wouldn't the worse would be that we might lose 1 girl, not the entire team! Whew!!! I think I'm done now. Well not really. I'd like to rant about people that don't return emails or phone calls, but that's for another day...

Here's a small silver lining... My POA that had to be re-done, has been sent to Ethiopia! Maybe now I'll hear about that court date soon!

Still Waiting Impatiently!

2008-06-12T16:51:00.002-05:00

Build your own Blingee

Waiting...

2008-06-11T15:03:00.002-05:00

We're Back!

2008-06-09T21:43:00.003-05:00

In case anyone might have missed my infrequent and boring posts, well this one is for you. We went on vacation! Everyone but our two-year-old Picasso. We flew to Maimi where we boarded a Royal Caribbean ship, then it was off to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. Of course we were miserable during this trip because we have been anxiously awaiting a court date with our agency, we missed our Picasso, and we were eating way too much! I gain weight every time I board one of these ships. I just can't say "no". By the way, I will have to recommend St. Maarten for the prettiest water and best shell-pickin'. It was the perfect place for our family. We love the lazy, laid-back towns where you shop from road-side vendors. My next favorite was St. Thomas. We took the Sky Ride to Paradise point, and that's where the pics were snapped. The view is breath-taking. Also you have to try their signature drink called a "Bushwacker". Yum! Don't get one any where else because you will be disappointed! After that, it was Magen's Bay. I didn't get a picture, but the kids found several starfish in the water! As I said earlier, we were hoping for good news while we were away, so I called our coordinator several times but no news... I wonder what I racked up in International roaming charges? Yikes!

4th in State!!!

2008-05-26T23:17:00.002-05:00

Calgon, take me away!

2008-05-23T23:41:00.007-05:00

I don't know how I get myself into these things, but I offered to make pillow cases for our soccer girls as a "spirit" gift...

Little did I know, that while I was trying to finish these, my two-year-old was busy making her own art display...