Things are moving along!!!

Whew...what a week! Our DOSSIER was sent to ET, finally got back our ILS from the state, prepared and sent welcome bags to AAI, 6 new kitchen chairs arrived, furniture for Katie and the boy's rooms came and we painted Katie's room! DID I MENTION OUR DOSSIER WAS SENT TO ETHIOPIA?????

Oh my - I can hardly believe things are finally moving along. If everything goes as planned, according to our agency - these kiddos could be here by the end of January/beginning of February! It is likely based on current court times that we could have a hearing 4-6 weeks after the dossier arrives and if we pass, we would travel 4-6 weeks after that!

It was so darn fun to put their welcome bags together and I know I totally went overboard! I just know our agency is going to take half the stuff out - I think I may have broken the 3 gift rule. I totally couldn't help myself though.....I wanted to spoil them so badly. I wanted them to know they are precious and special and wanted and highly treasured! If they were here I would not have to do it with material things, I could do it with hugs and kisses, time spent together, tickles and laughs! But since I can't, a pretty necklace or a cool pair of sunglasses will have to do the trick! What I am most excited about are the snapfish photo albums I put together for each of them. They are just full of pictures and information. What I think they will find the coolest though are pictures of themselves....this is a "real" hard bound book - I just can't imagine what they'll think when they see they are in a real book! These are going to be so fun to look back on when they are older and have their own children! It makes me so excited to start real meaningful memories with these kids that they can keep - no one can take away from them or ask them to leave behind.

About the kitchen chairs.....we have been a family of 4 for 11 years now - it is so strange to see 6 chairs around the table we (try to) gather around every night to eat. I have to admit, it looks more like I'm preparing for Thanksgiving or Christmas.... I had to stop and remind myself that this is permenent. It's sure beginning to look like a big family lives here! (that was a quote from Todd)

I hope each and everyone of you have a super Thanksgiving and have as much to feel thankful and blessed for as I do!

Peace and blessings to you all - Amy