We're Off...

Here we go! I'm leaving in about 15 minutes to link up with Riley in Cleveland. We'll fly to DC and then to Addis. So excited and nervous and looking forward to sharing all these thoughts/feelings with Riley. I'm excited to sit on the plane (although not for as long as I'll have to) & read my book, "Before You Were Mine." I feel like although we've known about this court date I haven't made time to prepare like I've wanted. I've got diapers, wipes, clothes, toys to donate, but I don't have all of my questions sorted out in my heart or written down on paper yet. Soon...it's all so soon!

We're still praying that the first court date will pass. I realized I haven't updated the blog since last Monday where we learned that our case never made it to court b/c paperwork hadn't yet been submitted (for our case and for all the other cases scheduled for that day) by MOWA (Ministry of Women's Affairs). We're praying and trusting that it will pass by Monday (2 days) because our court hearing is in three.

We'll update as much as possible while over there...tootles!

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Muddy Buddy

Riley & Joe

Me & Tara

Tara, Joe, Michelle, Riley after the race

Riley & Saedi in the Mini Muddy Buddy

Brooke, Riley, Saedi, Meadow, & Natalie after the Mini Muddy Buddy!

This past weekend we did the Muddy Buddy race with friends. Natalie watched the girls while Riley, Joe, Tara & I performed the running, biking, and obstacles while finishing together by crawling through the infamous mud pit. After the adult Muddy Buddy race, Riley took Ellie & Saedi through the obstacles (Ellie ditched before the mud pit) while Nat took her girls. Very fun way to spend a Saturday morning! Also, a very big shout out to Silvia who kept Isaac for us starting at 6am!
*click on the words "Muddy Buddy" above to learn more about the race

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Creative Entertainment

While all the toys are being packed away I've been so impressed with the kids finding alternative ways to play...clothes basket rides...
tent hideouts in Mommy & Daddy's bathroom...
and secret hideouts in the shower :)
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Mother's Day

I had a delightful Mother's Day this year. We spent the weekend in Nashville for a marriage retreat with childcare for the kids. After the retreat finished, we browsed around an outdoor fair in Centennial Park. We ate fair food & enjoyed the hot, sunny day! So blessed with my hubby & kids.
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the 23rd

Please pray & intercede for Solomon Edilu this week. Pray for favor from the judge that she would see fit that Solomon is eligible for adoption. His first court hearing is Monday the 23rd, and we're praying, hoping, trusting, & believing that his case would be in the 50% that passes the first time. We received about 15 new pictures of Solomon today & he's definitely growing, looking happy & well taken care of. Definitely a breath of fresh air amidst the business! Please also pray for some potential paperwork hangups regarding renewals, moving, etc.

Also fitting during this time is the 23rd Psalm (The Message):
"God, my shepherd!
I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.

Even when the way goes through
Death Valley,
I'm not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd's crook
makes me feel secure.

You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
my cup brims with blessing.

Your beauty & love chase after me
every day of my life.
I'm back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life."

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Goodbye Toths

Ellie & Caleb, friends from birth, gave each other one last hug goodbye. They've grown up together in Georgia, North Carolina, & then here at Fort Campbell. Ellie's been asking if California is close to NY. gulp.

...and then there's Joshua & Saedi, always a cute pair.

We're so grateful for one last playdate

The whole crew. Joshua, Saedi, Gideon, Evelyn, Ellie, Caleb & Isaac
We love you, Toth Family, & we miss you so much already!

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Mimi & Papa's Visit

I'm way behind in blogging because so much has happened since Easter...Mimi & Papa came for a visit, we finally closed on our house (SOLD), we've said goodbye to even more friends (boo!), we're packing, booking flights to Ethiopia, arranging childcare for kids & dog, & working with friends trying to help us find our next home. Phew!
Below are some pics of Mimi & Papa's visit. They were here for a weekend, and we had wonderful weather. We spent our time grilling out, hiking, fishing, picnicking & simply catching up around our backyard campfire.

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