Baby Kate

Whew...quiet moment. Kinda. Kids 1, 2, 3, and 4 are outside playing nicely together. Oh, how that warms my heart. Every time. Makes me feel like I'm on top of the world when they are loving on each other - happiness!!! Kidlet 5 is trying to pull the mouse off of the computer while desperately attempting to bite the head off of a lego guy. That's how we roll.

So, as promised, the adoption update. We are still waiting. Still. Waiting. We were inititally told that after the required six month period after Malachi's birth that we would most likely be at the top of the list and receive a referral around the 1st of October. It's almost March. No referral. Frustrating, yes. Discouraging, not at all. My God is good. His plans are perfect. His ways are unmeasurable. His timing - impecable. Love that about Him!

While I long to have Kate home, and while my arms sometimes ache to hold her, I am at peace. We are at peace. With each day, the excitement in our homegrown kiddos grows. Kylie is excited to love on her! Macey's compassion for the orphan is staggering - it's amazing how deeply she is moved for orphan's everywhere! Caleb is really embracing the idea of showing God's love by welcoming someone into his heart and life and loving as Christ does. Micah says "really, I get a new sister?! Yessss...!" I love these kids. Lots.

But waiting is not all "motionless." In the last month we have moved from 6th on the list to 2nd. Just one family in front of us. And none behind us (as of a couple weeks ago). Forward motion is good, and exciting and, as always - scary wonderful!

I have been so blessed to meet and build relationship with other moms and kiddos from Ethiopia. These women are amazing and love their kids to the max. In fact, they have recently put together a campaign to raise money for wells in Ethiopia. What better way to say thank you to the country that gave you such a precious gift. Check it out, if you feel so inclined. It's good stuff. http://www.ourglimmerofhope.org/campaign/water-ethiopia

Hmmm...what else. We are still raising money (or trying too). I feel kinda out of ideas. Or realistic ideas anyway. Would love to have 6K dropped in our laps. It could happen...right?! I do have some thoughts running around - auctioning a beautiful quilt made by a precious woman in our church. Thinking of getting a local coffee shop to work with us on a one day fund raiser. Good ideas...just gotta get em done. Is there a fund raising fairy out there?! I know God provides. I've seen it, lived it, experienced it. He kinda rocks!

So, that's pretty much it for now. Except for this - because who wouldn't want to Malachi take his first steps!?