Racing

My mind that is...
Our dog woke me up at 1am to go potty (at least I thought that's what she wanted)...turns out something out front was making her curious. So I stayed up for a few minutes to calm her down and went back to bed. Not to SLEEP, just bed. I've only had a handful of sleepless nights since the adoption process began, most of them in the beginning. As I tried to go back to sleep, my mind started racing with thoughts of so many things. Mostly about Micah and our travels... like will I remember everything even with a check-off list? I wonder if I'll need help filling out the remainder of the paperwork for Micah's visa process. Should I take the laptop or use the computer of the new friend we are staying with to save my shoulders and space? Will Micah's new blanket fit in the suitcase with everything else we are taking? I'd really love an iPad. Should I take the carseat for the flight on the way home (I read somewhere yesterday that some flights require it for children with an assigned seat)? Should I buy an umbrella stroller here or there (Remember we are taking Annie)? I need to get up and exercise before the kids wake up. Jeff, Missy, and Lily are coming today; I hope they like what we are serving for dinner, and I hope my cupcakes turn out (it was Missy's birthday a few days ago). I can't wait for them to get here :) LOL... on and on. So at 4:15 when I was still wide awake, I decided to get up. I put on my jogging/walking clothes, socks, shoes, drank 16 oz of water, had my protein bar... got on the treadmill and... my iPod is dead. :( Yes, I could walk/jog without it, but it's no fun. So I sit here blogging while it's charging with plenty of time to exercise before the kids wake up, haha. Started laundry, cleaned up a bit... nothing is new on the WWW at this time of day, so I blog about nonsense and random thoughts.

We are still waiting on our travel date (should be in the next few days). I have been feeling peaceful the last few days after my initial rush of "gotta do a million things" after our dossier was submitted. I pray for a travel date to come soon. I pray for the Whites to have their court date soon. I pray for the Goldens to get their travel date soon and that they can raise their remaining $10,500 by then. I pray for the Cannells that their fingerprint experience on Monday will go smoothly and quickly AND that they can raise the $34,700 they need in the next month. I pray for the Buricks, that they may all adjust easily to their new little buddy and that sweet Vlad will thrive in his new family, also praying for Corbett that she has a smooth delivery of baby #3. So many prayers and thoughts go out to those in the adoption community: the Colemans, Koenigs, and all the others in process. I feel so blessed that we are part of such an amazing network of families committed to save at least one orphan (some 2, 3, or 5!)... that our hearts are open to accept the children with an extra 21st chromosome or other special need such as HIV, CP, or EB. That God has asked us to "help the least of these" and that we are willing and capable to answer His call, even when we didn't know how we could possibly afford to do so. That our lives will be abundantly blessed by these children in our lives, that they are here to teach US a thing or two about Heavenly Father and not so much the other way around.

I'm also so grateful for my family. I am so proud of my sister right now. Sara finished her last final exam of college just the other day; earning her Bachelor's degree (the first in my immediate family). She accomplished this while working full time, being a mommy and wife, and taking care of all the other duties in her life. It took her 13 years off and on, but she did it! I couldn't be a prouder big sister. Several times in my life I have looked up to her instead of the other way around, and now is one of those times. She is a shining light and example to all of how to be loving, caring, dedicated, and positive through all of life's ups and downs. I love you, Sara! Someday I'll finish my degree too :) Only 1/3 of the way to go :)

I am also really proud of my brother. Adam works so hard to provide for his family and be a great dad and husband. After buying his first house last year, he and Amanda have worked hard to make it a home. Right now he is working tirelessly on his front yard landscaping with the precious little spare time he has (really NONE). While he and his wife work full time, kids are sick, etc. He is a great example of how to be a good man, and I am very proud of all he does and who he is. I only wish we could all be around each other more, especially with all of our children. It's really hard sometimes to live 5 1/2 hours away from family. Right now is one of those times. Easter has always been a big family gathering; I grew up spending it with my extended family and cousins and my girls rarely get to do the same, even with Thanksgiving and Christmas. It makes me sad.

There are so many others to be proud and thankful for, but now I am going to get on the treadmill and do my walk/jog before the kiddies start waking up. Thank you blogger for letting me journal my thoughts... even if nobody else reads them or gets anything from them :)

Love,
Me

reecesrainbow.org/sponsorray (fully funded)
reecesrainbow.org/sponsorcoleman (fully funded)
reecesrainbow.org/sponsorwhite (court coming soon)
reecesrainbow.org/sponsorgolden ** (still in need of $10,500)
reecesrainbow.org/sponsorcannell ** (still in need of $34,700)
reecesrainbow.org/sponsorkoenig ** (still in need of funding, giveaways happening!)