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.......she captured our trip on film

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Last 2 slideshows from Ethiopia Email me for link to others-alexander@integrity.com

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Monday, December 31, 2007

...my peace I give to you

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
John 14:27

I am clinging to this promise as we begin a new year. I am thankful that He is the Prince of Peace and I do not need to fear. He is sovereign, and in control of every aspect of the adoption. We are thankful, and by His grace, peaceful.

Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007


We had a wonderful Christmas at the Alexander house. We enjoyed time with friends and family- and we ate too much!

On Christmas Eve our little Charlie broke his leg and had to have emergency surgery! A gift that keeps on giving, that Charlie:) We are happy he is o.k and back home now. It will make for an interesting 4 weeks as we are suppose to keep him quiet and still. If anyone has any suggestions for how to keep a 7 month old puppy from running and jumping with four kids and two other dogs in the house-- please let me know.


Avery worked hard to make me a replica of Horizon House for Christmas. (the transistion home our kids will be in) I love it. It even had two little cardboard cutout kids inside the house waiting for me to discover. I'm amazed at her attention to details- she certainly didn't get that from me!



My friend, Bethany, received her referral. I am so excited for her!


I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and are gearing up for a great New Year. 2008 is going to be the year we bring our kiddos home! That is exciting.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007

do they know it's Christmas time?



I was driving with the kids the other day and this song came on the radio. It was my first time to hear it this Christmas season. As I was trying to explain the significance of the song, I was overcome with emotion. My Seth and my Addison are there, Do THEY know it is Christmas? Are THEY hungry?

Tears were streaming down my face as I told the kids that this was a song recorded because of the Ethiopian famine.

It was recorded in 1984 by the organizers of Band Aid. It is funny to watch and see the big hair of the 80's, but it is also heartbreaking to think about all of the kids that still suffer from starvation and disease this Christmas season.

Lord, please let Seth and Addie know of you, of your birth, and of your redemptive love for them. Keep watch over them, protect them, and comfort them until we can go get them!
Monday, December 17, 2007

God is in the details


Because a few have asked for a few more details on the D.C trip, here you go. We were blessed to attend a Christmas Brunch at the White House because my parents are friends with the President and the First Lady. My dad has been friends with the President since college. Our family had a fabulous weekend and hopefully the kids will remember the experience forever!


My mindset was pretty simple- I was looking forward to seeing the White House and having my children meet the President for the first time. I don't know why it would surprise me that the Lord had so much more for our trip.


Our sermon yesterday was on the Light of Preparation. I love celebrating Christmas and the anticipation of the coming of our King. Our Pastor said that we tend to look for the next BIG thing, though it is often in the journey where He is working, working through the ordinary things. He said that we still get surprised by the Light and what God can do! We still get surprised by the details. I know that I do. He used Luke Chapter 1 and the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth to illustrate his point.


Here are a few DETAILS that the Lord in His providence and sovereignty ordained for our trip:

1. My parents were at a dinner on Friday (brunch was on Saturday) and my mom said it is always fun to see who you will sit next to, as they don't seat you with your spouse. My precious mom always prays for these opportunities, that she would see why the Lord placed so-and-so next to her for a dinner!
She was talking to the lady seated next to her, and about half-way through dinner she mentioned something about her job.

Mom- "oh, what do you do?"


Lady- "I am the CEO for a company, I'm not sure you have heard of it"


Mom- "what is it called?"


Lady- "Product RED"


Can you believe that- sitting next to the CEO of Product RED! Mom proceeds to tell her about our adoption, and she says that she loves that and would love to talk!


God is in the details.


2. When we were at the brunch the President graciously asked Moody and I how things were going with the adoption. He said to please contact him if we get into any trouble over there:) I thought that was sweet, but we have no intention of seeing the inside of an Ethiopian jail. I think he probably meant more along the lines of embassy appointment, secretly I was hoping help with a referral!! I'm just kidding- he is the President of the United States, not a baby-placer.


He did mention that "Condie" (I knew he meant Condoleezza Rice) had just gotten back from Ethiopia!! I thought that was cool, but unfortunately she wasn't at the brunch.


I got a message from mom on Sunday afternoon that she was going with the First Lady and a few friends to dinner with Condoleezza Rice!! Are you kidding me?? I called her back to tell her that she had just gone to Ethiopia, and she answered her phone in Ms. Rice's apartment. My mom was great and told me she would get right on it!! She called early the next day to say they had a wonderful talk about Ethiopia!


God is in the details.


3. The first morning at our hotel we just knew that our cute waiter was Ethiopian. We asked him, he said yes and was immediately our new best friend:) Did you know that D.C has the largest population of Ethiopians outside of Ethiopia? We found that to be true very quickly.

Most of the staff at our hotel were Ethiopian. They were incredibly gracious and kind. They spent each morning teaching us Amharic and telling us all about Ethiopia.


I have to tell you about our new friend Fifi. She is a precious Ethiopian woman that also worked at the hotel restaurant. She has been in the states for 10 years. She has a 5 month old son and a 2 year old daughter that live with her mom in Addis. They were both born in the States, but she doesn't have anyone to care for her children, so she took them to Addis last month. Her eyes would well up with tears at the mention of them. I just can't imagine! The job opportunity for her is here, her caregiver is there. She is making an incredible sacrifice for her family.


We told her that we would love to take gifts to her children when we travel. I promised to love and kiss on them for her. I can't wait to meet Fifi's children. They are precious, she just sent us a picture yesterday.


This is our last morning and the kids are sadly saying good-bye to dear Fifi.




God is in the details.


We thought this was a trip to attend a swanky brunch at the White House, a chance for the kids to meet the President and First Lady and God had so much more!


As we wait for our referral, a.k.a- next big thing, I don't want to miss the blessings the Lord has for us along the way. Pray each of you see God in the details as we anticipate the coming of His birth.


My boys talking to the President with their Nanny and Uncle Joey.
Thursday, December 13, 2007

another happy story

Please read this post on Journey to Baby Baker! (titled Leap of Faith) It is amazing to read these stories of the Lord bringing families together.

Trusting in His perfect timing when we will be able to share our happy referral story:)

Tomorrow marks 18 weeks.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007

erica's referral

Another blog friend received their referral yesterday! Reading referral posts make me so happy. See her sweet family looking at pictures here.
Monday, December 10, 2007

photo tour

The weekend was amazing. We were very blessed to see Washington D.C in such a unique way. We are tired, and I have several specifics that I want to share. Until then, enjoy these photos.



All 11 grandkids on Nanny and Bunty's bed in their White House bedroom!


Moody, The First Lady and myself :)


The boys with one of their heroes, Nolan Ryan


The whole crew


In the buffet line- that is my sister, Kelley, Issy, and yes- The President


The family by the official White House Christmas tree

Thursday, December 6, 2007

p's and q's

I will be checking out of the cyberspace/bloggy world for a few days. I won't be obsessively checking blogs (which I'm sure will mean referrals-like Keva got one last week when I was away from the computer for 1 day)! I think it will be a good exercise for me, though the reason isn't one of trying to learn self-control.

We are headed out of town. I will let my sister-in-law over at A Long Way From the Theta House give you a glimpse as to what we will be doing. I will share the other side of the story when we return. I sure hope it is a good story and not a oh-so-funny, I'm sure glad that didn't happen to me funny. :)

Pray that the kids mind their p's and q's!! Praying for referrals, court dates and safe travels.
Sunday, December 2, 2007

atwood clan

My sweet friend Keva got THE CALL! I am so happy for her precious family. Isaac couldn't be any cuter:)

GO MEET ISAAC
Thursday, November 29, 2007

16


Sweet 16? I guess that is true for turning 16 years old, but waiting for a referral-- not so much. Waiting is hard. Tomorrow will mark 16 weeks of waiting. I really feel like it will come soon. I have been around international adoption just long enough though to know that we may be waiting another 16 weeks. I sure hope not......

Trusting in the One that has ordained these two precious kids to be Alexander's before the foundation of the world! That gives me peace.
Monday, November 26, 2007

its beginning to look a lot like christmas



We had a blessed Thanksgiving. We ate too much, enjoyed fellowship with family and friends, and played a serious game of catch phrase. We also had an unexpected snowstorm. What a delight it was to see the joy in the kids eyes when out of nowhere, it started snowing. It didn't last long and certainly didn't think about sticking, but it was wonderful while it lasted.

I am one of those that wants to fully enjoy Thanksgiving- so I don't listen to any Christmas music or do any decorating until the day after the big feast. All bets are off come Friday morning though. I hate to shop, so the thought of waking up at the crack of dawn to get a good deal, doesn't appeal to me AT ALL!! I will however relax a bit, enjoy my coffee and then hit it hard to get the house Christmas ready. Moody takes all of the Rubbermaid's full of greenery, ornaments, Santa's and nativity scenes down from the attic and we get busy. The boys stay interested for about 10 minutes, and the girls a little longer. This year Moody took the kids to his parents ranch for the day, and my mom came to help me. What a gift! We had so much fun and I'm so happy that the house is decorated. We have the fire burning, Christmas music playing and I love it!

I love the anticipation of Christmas. I enjoy celebrating the coming birth of my redeemer and King. Christmas is also so much fun through the eyes of a child. The wonder they bring, the notes to Santa (in our house, you have to believe to receive-- any age) and the excitement as it gets closer. I just love it!

May each of you enjoy the wonder of Christmas this season! (and may many referrals be received!!)




Monday, November 19, 2007

thankful


I am having Thanksgiving here this year-- we will have a house full, and it will be a blessing to have all those that I love under one roof. I always need a function here to motivate me to clean up piles and finish those decorating projects!

I have so much to be thankful for: a loving, gracious, and merciful Heavenly Father, a faithful, hot and supportive husband, 4 precious kids here and 2 more in Ethiopia, perfectly dysfunctional family :), parents excited to travel to ET with us to get the kids, a sister with a HUGE heart for Africa and a loser for a husband (that is a long-standing joke, Kel and Joey are of two of my very favorite people in the world), brother committed to ministering to the inner city and the funniest person that I know for a wife (she is also a dear friend), fun, generous and super involved in-laws, a brother and sister-in-law that live in the mountains (well, next to them anyways), a sister-in-law that is a blast to work and play with (her family is fun too), 8 awesome nephews and 4 precious nieces, JESSIE B, great friends-many here and some too far away, good health, a country where we are FREE, our house, our neighbors, a healthy practice, 3 sweet dogs (except at 6:30 each morning), blog friends, a few faithful readers of this here blog :), an agency committed to so much humanitarian aid in Ethiopia and to placing children in their forever families...........I could go on and on. I am blessed!


Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Sunday, November 18, 2007

just for you


Please visit my blog friend, Keva's, site Just For You. She is waiting on a referral for a little boy from Ethiopia. Keva's husband is in seminary and she is super creative!! These would make great gifts and you will help a family called to adopt!! You can follow their adoption story here.
Friday, November 16, 2007

14

Today marks week 14 of waiting for a referral. I borrowed this image of 14 from Jaclyn. Go see her precious baby boy, Judah. They have been home for about a week now. Reading these stories encourage me to wait and trust in His timing!!
Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Cor 10:31

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

who me?

I don't know why my mommy is so mad at me! She had to run Wick to football practice and I didn't want to go. I hate to ride in the car. Of course Charlie and Tibbi hopped right in the car, they love to ride in the car. Tibbi hangs his head out of the window and lets the wind blow his ears back. Charlie sits in Hill's lap and couldn't be more content. I usually throw up in the car, so I didn't go.

Apparently mom and Avery worked hard preparing dinner for tonight. Apparently mom paid a little extra for some Organic chicken breasts! Who knew? All I know is they smelled really good as they were sitting on the counter, just waiting to go in the oven.

Mom was NOT happy when she came home. She made me go outside and I guess worked hard to clean up the mess that I made because when I came back in-- the kitchen was clean. She was still mad at me though.

Wow, that barbecue she went to pick up sure does smell good too! I wonder what time she has to leave to pick up Wick from practice??????
Saturday, November 10, 2007

shots and jessie b


This is the crew getting our shots at the health department. I was so proud of the kids. They DO NOT like shots, but they did awesome! The kids didn't think it was funny when Moody said "Merry Christmas guys, hope you like your yellow fever shot!" :).....he was just kidding.

I realized that I haven't officially introduced Jessica. What would our family do without Jess?? Wow, don't want to think about it! The Lord blessed us years ago with Jess when she walked into Moody's office looking for a job. Praise the Lord he hired her and she has been a constant in our lives ever since. She can literally walk in the door, and we can walk out the door for a weekend + -- no instructions, no worries!! She LOVES my kids and my kids LOVE her. Our guest bedroom is called Jessica's room, and we all love it when she spends the night. She is family. She is fun! Fortunately for her I don't know how to post home video yet, but when I learn- you will see one sweet High School Musical 2 music video. She loves Jesus, and has fully embraced all things adoption related. She is traveling with us and we are so thankful. She will be an invaluable help, allow us to bond with the kids, and still give H, W, A and I the opportunity to experience Ethiopia!

Week 13 has come and gone....my mom's birthday is Tues, that would be a great present!

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

soul sisters

These are old and new friends. I don't know why I still get blown away by God's infinite goodness and provision of exactly what we need at exactly the right time. As you may have seen in the Home Alone post, I had a fun little getaway to Nashville last weekend. My nearest and dearest, Corinne, lives there. She is that friend- the one that encourages your heart, speaks truth, allows you to be completely honest and loves you still!! The Lord blessed my life greatly by providing her as a friend over 10 years ago, back in Dallas. Thank you Lord for sweet Rinne.

Corinne is the link and adoption is the tie that binds this group together. We all had dinner Saturday night and it was a rich blessing. The disclaimer to the above photo is that this was taken immediately after we all had an incredible time of prayer - many tears of joy were shed. Gwen (far right) left early the next morning for China to pick up sweet Maggie. Please visit her site to follow her journey, pray for her time in China and pray for Scott and their three children while mama is away.

Lindsey is next to Gwen. I asked you to join her faith team as they are in the process of adopting a baby girl from Guatemala. Lindsey and her husband, Chris, have a deep faith and it was an encouragement to spend time with them. I'm excited to watch their road to their daughter and see God work in mighty ways.

Suzanne is in the middle. Have you ever met someone and felt an instant connection, just felt like you had always been friends? Corinne has told me for years that would be the case, and it was-- her family was incredibly gracious and hospitable. Suzanne will be a wonderful resource for me when it comes to raising children in a transracial family. They do it so well. Her fifth is a precious boy that was adopted domestically. They are praying for the Lord to reveal who their next child is soon and I am too:)

Sometimes this journey can be lonely and I am very grateful for these women. Each of their obedience to the call that Christ has put on their hearts, inspires me to press on. I can't wait for Moody and the kids to meet their new friends.

p.s-- It is now Thursday night and I just saw a picture of Suzanne and Mikes beautiful baby boy. He was born today. Suzanne was talking about longing to get the call but wondered when it might actually come-- Suzanne was keeping Gwen's kids during the day while she is in China. Doesn't God have a wonderful sense of humor?? Pray that all goes well and they can travel home with their new son.
Maybe we will get our call soon.....trusting in Him
Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Because you chose (RED)



Click on the link below to view a short video showing the amazing impact the campaign has had in only 1 year!! Such a simple way to make a difference. Don't you love the music??
(RED)

This is another link to an interview with Brian Williams from NBC nightly news with Bono. They talk about the (RED) campaign, and at the end of the interview Bono gives a special thanks to all of the supporters of this campaign as well as ONE.org.

CLICK HERE FOR INTERVIEW WITH BONO
Saturday, November 3, 2007

Home Alone!!!


Don't worry sweetie...the kids and I are fine. Enjoy your time away in Nashville. You deserve this break! We love you!
BTW...week 12 has come and gone. Patiently waiting.
Thursday, November 1, 2007

halloween

One guess who wasn't very happy about their costume last night? I decided that this year we weren't going to spend a dime on Halloween costumes! Growing up, we came home from school on Halloween and threw something together. Maybe your mom sewed something, but we didn't have Halloween superstores all over the city begging you to come and spend a small fortune on a costume that may or may not make it through the evening.

Yesterday afternoon we started to discuss various options-- Avery decided to dress up as an Olympic gymnast with her friend Abbi. Easy: gymnastics leotard, boys baseball medal around her neck, hair up in a bun and she was good to go. Hill found an adult clown costume (Moody's moms) and threw on a cowboy hat-- a rodeo clown was born. Two down, two to go.

Wick honestly didn't care. He thought about wearing big baggy pants, hoody jacket, big sunglasses and being a rapper. Issy: nothing, she couldn't find anything that she liked. She isn't a "dress up" kind of girl. She likes to play sports and looking back, I should have had her wear a uniform of some sort- basketball, karate, etc. That would have been better:) I just needed more time to think.

Avery had the great idea for Issy to be a witch. We typically don't do any "scary" costumes- but I was willing to make an exception. She would be a cute witch, not a scary witch! Avery had an old dance recital costume- I can't believe she even tried it on. She said she needed a hat, so off to Spirit Halloween Superstore we go.

We walk into a huge warehouse that is literally wall to wall in Halloween paraphernalia!! We found a witches hat, she "needs a broom" and if meant we could leave sooner--grab the broom. Wick eyes a rasta hat. Cute hat with built in dreds. Great, you now have a costume too. All four down!!!

We get to the Halloween party (thank you C and C) and Issy won't go in. She hates her costume and doesn't want anyone to see her in it!! Wow-- we finally talked her into putting on a jacket, not wearing the hat and I carried the broom. We did manage to take this one picture first:)

So the Halloween that wasn't going to cost a dime, cost me $28 and all but the hat, didn't even get used!! Next year, we will start planning earlier!

We all ended up having a great evening with the kids and our friends.

Any creative costume ideas out there?? I would welcome the suggestions.
Sunday, October 28, 2007

plumpy nut

Thanks to my friend Jamie- I have a very encouraging story to share with you! Please take a moment to watch this Anderson Cooper video about Plumpy Nut and how it is literally changing lives.
Thursday, October 25, 2007

perspective


Yesterday was a hard day. I took the boys to their baseball hitting lesson as we do every Thursday afternoon. The lessons take place in a big warehouse building, off of a two-lane road. About twenty minutes into the lesson we heard a loud screech, followed by a horrible sound, a sound you DO NOT want to hear! I looked outside to see a dump truck slam into a small white car. Coach Davis RAN immediately outside, I made sure the kids knew to stay put - then followed him.


It took over 45 minutes to cut the man out of the car using the jaws of life, and he was finally care flighted to the hospital. I pray he is o.k, though everything at the scene tells me it would be miraculous if he survived.

I share this story to convey what the I feel the Lord has been working on my heart lately. That I witnessed this accident (though I really wish I hadn't) was no accident. Moments like that force you to view things through a proper perspective. In one second this young man's life changed. Life is precious, and God is sovereign. He is in control of this adoption, He is in control of our kids in Ethiopia, He is in control of the exact time that we will receive the referral, and NO amount of worry will change the fact that HE ALONE is in control. I will trust Him, trust in His goodness, His tender mercies and His timing.


I hugged my kiddos extra tight last night as I put them to bed! I long for the day that we have two new ones to love on and tuck in at night. :)


It has officially been 11 weeks of waiting and I rest in that today.
(The boys coach just called, he died shortly after arriving at the hospital. He was 19 years old. Pray for his family)

Monday, October 22, 2007

celebrate with others

Check out this family that just received their referral call today!! It is so exciting to see the Lord bringing families together.
Saturday, October 20, 2007

friends and food

We had the privilege of spending last Sunday afternoon with some old and new friends. Martha and Bryon had us over for lunch. Martha and Moody have been friends since Jr. High, and Bryon's brother, Doug, is married to Maza. Maza is a gorgeous woman that just so happens to be Ethiopian. Maza and her precious mother made us some yummy Ethiopian food for lunch. We loved it. Hill couldn't get enough of the spicy beef dish they made!!

We had so many questions for them, and they graciously answered all of them:) Avery loved trying out her Amharic counting skills! We look forward to continuing our relationship with them-- and partaking of a traditional coffee ceremony next visit!

Thank you!!!


All the kids! Our crew (Issy woke up with some allergic reaction in her eyes), Martha and Bryon's two, Maza and Doug's two, plus a cute nephew.



We have also crossed the week 10 mark. It feels like this sometimes. I'm daily having to put my faith into practice and rest at His feet, trusting in His perfect timing!





Thursday, October 18, 2007

send the love



I love PRODUCT(RED)! I love that you can purchase something that you already buy, and a portion of the proceeds go directly to Africa and the fight against AIDS. I have many (RED) shirts from the Gap, I'm trying to justify getting these really cute Converse low-tops, and now Hallmark has joined the (RED)campaign!! Just in time for Christmas. Please visit your local Hallmark store and support this great cause. Let your store know that you appreciate them making a difference. The proceeds go to the the Global Fund. I took the following from the join(RED) website.

MEASU(RED) RESULTS
The Global Fund has selected established grants with sound performance to receive money raised through (RED). To date, of the $45.5 million received by the Global Fund from the sale of (RED) products, $30.7 million has flowed directly to Global Fund financed grants in Ghana, Rwanda and Swaziland. In these countries this money is helping to finance comprehensive national HIV/AIDS programs led by the ministries of health, to provide antiretroviral treatment for children and adults, to assist in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, as well as essential counseling and testing activities to reduce the overall risk of HIV transmission.

Additional contributions of funds will continue to be made to these programs as they achieve tangible, measurable results in their lifesaving work. Additional amounts of money are sent by the Global Fund to (RED) grants according to the grants’ own requests to the Global Fund – usually every 3 to 6 months – and additional amounts are sent once results have been reported and verified.

To read Impact Stories about beneficiaries of (RED) money in Africa, click on http://joinred.blogspot.com.

The Global Fund
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria was established in 2002 with the support of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and the world's leaders, to dramatically increase resources to fight three of the world's most devastating diseases. Since its creation, the Global Fund has become the dominant financer of programs to fight AIDS, TB and malaria, with $8.4 billion invested in 136 countries.

The Global Fund is an innovative partnership of governments, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. It is not an implementing agency -- the Global Fund relies on local ownership, planning and expertise and enables countries to design and execute their own programs, but provides funds only on the basis of proven results to ensure that funds are used efficiently to create real change for people and communities.

Global Results
In five years, the Fund has achieved substantial results. As of September 2007, Global Fund financing has provided:

1.1 million people with treatment for HIV and AIDS
9.4 million people with voluntary HIV testing
1.2 million orphans with basic care and support
2.8 million people with treatment for tuberculosis
23 million people with treatment for malaria
30 million families with insecticide-treated mosquito nets
Donate to the Global Fund
Purchasing (PRODUCT) RED is just one way you can support the Global Fund. If you've been INSPI(RED) to do more, please make a contribution to the Global Fund. On the donation form, be sure to check the box designating that you want your money to go toward fighting AIDS in Africa.


Click here to see the Hallmark (RED) collection. Now getting wrapping and writing......send the love people!!
Monday, October 15, 2007

9



Week 9

Moody here….I asked Emily if I could post “week 9”. She graciously gave me the password and let me go!

The kids and I tried to be creative with #9. I think it typifies what’s going on in our lives right now. We took this pic Friday on our way to the girls’ karate belt test. (They did great by the way, while their black belt brothers helped.) If it’s not karate, it’s something else that tends to keep us moving. As hard as we try to “simplify life”, it continues to go at a fast pace as we wait for our children to come home.

This entire journey has been such a great opportunity to trust God and His sovereignty. When my mind begins to ask “how in the world do two more kids fit into this mix?”, “how do we plan a trip to Ethiopia on short notice?”, “what about missing two weeks of patients, practices, meetings..?” , I have been forced to ask myself if I really believe that God is in control., that He really does have a plan and cares about all the details. Honestly, it’s been good to be in a helpless state before Him, resting in His promises and trusting His provisions.

Here’s to the start of another week. Maybe this will be the week????



Thursday, October 11, 2007

game of tag

I've been tagged!! (by Jaclyn)

Ok, here it goes.

Jobs I've had:
1. babysitter
2. elementary school teacher
3. ENVP, Arbonne International
4. chauffeur, laundress, chef, nurse, counselor (worst paying, but the best by far)

Places I've lived:
1. Dallas, Texas
2. Waco, Texas -- Sic Em Bears!!
3. Arlingon, Texas
4. Do you feel sorry for me, only a 90 mile radius?? No wonder I like to travel!

Foods I love:
1. All things Mexican, especially the Mexican liquids:)
2. Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper, Kettle chips
3. Pizza
4. Chinese food

Places I'd Rather Be:
1. Ethiopia, of course!
2. Aspen, Colorado
3. Costa Rica- sis-in-law lives there and it is beautiful!
4. Bavaria- visiting friends in Germany and maybe take a little road trip to Italy

Movies I love:
1. Life is Beautiful
2. The Bourne trilogy
3. Miracle, Invincible (any sports movie really)
4. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

TV shows I love:
1. Office
2. 24
3. Brothers and Sisters
4. many reality shows, yes its true:) Top Chef, Project Runway, So You Think You Can Dance - and the list goes on!

Books I love:
1. Same Kind of Different as Me
2. Mark of the Lion series
3. Peace Like a River
4. There is No Me Without You

People I'm tagging:
1. Keva - The Fruit of the Spirit is Not a Coconut
2. Melissa- A Long Way From the Theta House
3. Lori- Adventure to Ethiopia
4. Jessica_- Twenty-Something
Tuesday, October 9, 2007

faith team


Please join me in praying for the Wheeler family. They are in a battle for their baby girl in Guatemala! Please visit their site to follow their story. They are praying for a miracle and trusting that God is indeed Mighty in Battle.

Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle! Psalm 24:8


For you equipped me with strength for battle; you made those who rise against me sink under me. Psalm 18:39



Friday, October 5, 2007

8


It has been eight weeks of waiting for a referral. Jaclyn has been doing posts with numbers each week as they wait for sweet Judah's court date. I thought it was cute, and I hope she is ok with me pirating the idea!

Since Arlington will soon be home to the Dallas Cowboys, I decided to pay tribute to a Cowboy great-- Troy Aikman. Number 8! Praying the next 8 weeks will involve a referral for our kids.
Sunday, September 30, 2007

closer to 40

I'm officially closer to 40 than 30!! Yesterday I turned 36 years young. Not sure yet what I think about it, but I did have a great birthday. I felt very loved and cared for by my family and friends. Thank you:)

No news on the adoption front- just praying we get the call!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007

t-shirts


Look at my groovy hubby in his Africa t-shirt! I saw these in a magazine and went online to purchase the shirts. (I got a cute tank) I bought them here. The great thing is that you look stylish and support the Millennium Promise. They are an organization committed to ending global poverty by the year 2025. I have actually purchased several shirts that support various causes related to Africa. See photo below:)




The cute red one with elephants was a gift from a friend whose husband organized mission trips to Africa. The ONE.org shirt is so cozy, really soft cotton and looks like a black dot -- but is really 1,000's of tiny people:)


I have supported Product Red by purchasing a few things from the Gap. Ok, more than a few- but it is a great way to give back right? When Moody was in Brasil, we went shopping for wedding clothes remember?? We also went into the Gap. I tried to explain to the kids that these products were different-- 50% of every Product Red item that you buy at the Gap goes to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. Well, I didn't do a very good job of training the kids how to break this news to their father. He hadn't been home for 5 minutes when my oldest said, "hey dad, we gave $150 to Africa when we got our sweatshirts and stuff at Gap!" I should have been thrilled that he was able to calculate percentages huh?!! We will work on the slow and steady approach of enlightening dad of future shopping trips!! The good news is that I hate to shop and only go to the mall when absolutely necessary-- so we don't do too much damage on a regular basis.

Seriously-look how cute these sweatshirts are with the continent of Africa on the back! I want to get one of the precious onesies, but don't know if we will get a referral for one small enough.





This is a pic of my right arm. I wear this white One.org and Red bracelet everyday. You can see them in the first pic at Moody's high school reunion. It may sound silly, but it makes me feel connected to my kids. I don't know them yet, but I do know that I love them and their birthplace. Africa will forever hold a special place in my heart--so for now-- I will support it anyway that I can.




Friday, September 21, 2007

a week


It has been almost a week since I have posted. I started thinking last night what I have done over the past week that has prevented me from writing a post for this here blog.....well....we attended Wick's second football game...he scored another TD...we are very proud...we had Moody's 25 year high school reunion (remember, he is 8 years older)...it was fun to see people, but reunions are really never fun, right?..."yes, still in Arlington, practice is good, I know it is crazy to home school, 11,9,8 and 6, I know two more, Ethiopia"...that is about how it goes...attended a lovely baby shower in Dallas...watched the Emmy's...did school...cooked a few meals...raced off to catch a plane to San Antonio to play Florence Nightingale for my sister, that is holed up in bed, recovering from a nasty knee surgery (view lovely headshot above)...cooked a few more meals there...watched an entire season of Top Chef (did I mention that she is confined to bed?)...helped nephew study for a geography test...laughed with my sister's friends...laughed at my brother in law (what ever loser)...played on her cute macbook...took sis to Dr...flew home...went to soccer practice...loved on my kiddos...enjoyed a glass of wine with my man...ate leftovers...went to bed!!! Whew...I'm still tired but ready for a fun weekend:)
Friday, September 14, 2007

"i saw what i saw"

Please take a moment to watch this video of Sara Groves. It is beautiful....I can't wait for my life to be changed by a trip to Africa.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

my kids homeland



Please take a few minutes to discover my kiddos beautiful birth country. This is a slide show done by one of the Wide Horizon social workers on a recent trip to Ethiopia. The beginning is the amazing countryside, then it shows the love and care the kids receive from the nannies at Horizon House, and finally is shows a travel group picking up their kids. It is really exciting to think that we will be in a travel group, seeing these things firsthand!

There are many pictures, but you can go through them quickly if you hit the forward arrow on your computer. Imagine the Alexander family there, and pray for all of the kids that are currently awaiting the courts to reopen so their parents can come get them!
Sunday, September 9, 2007

wedding fun



Our family had a blast last night at Misty's wedding. Misty is one of Moody's faithful employees. She is a clinical assistant and is wonderful with the patients. My kids love Misty. They have been so excited about her wedding and even more excited about dressing up for the wedding. My boys think "dressing up" is wearing the Under Armour shorts without a stain on them. We often argue over shirts being tucked in on Sunday for church and then somehow the boys decided they wanted to wear suits to the wedding? They didn't own suits though......thankfully Jessica was sweet and braved the mall with me (I'm not a big fan) and helped me get clothes for all 4.

Dad was in Brasil remember?- he tends to be the authority on fashion, but I think we did ok on our own.

The girls were easy-- they each found really cute, comfortable dresses at the first store! (Issy, the sweet 6 year old girl that despises dresses, found one with zero complaints!) The boys, not so much! They each had definite opinions as to color of the suit (really dark), shirt (Hill pink, Wick blue) and tie. Thankfully we found some REALLY good deals at Dillards and J.C Penny and the boys eventually got outfitted. No thanks to the lack of customer service we received at the store that starts with a D! Unbelivable actually, not worth going into though. We did have a very helpful fellow at JC Penny's help with Hill's ensemble.

I was so proud last night! They looked so beautiful, handsome and grown up. They didn't complain one time all night about their new dress shoes or itchy shirts-- they just had fun at the wedding.

Blessings to Misty and Jon as they begin their new life together:)


We are such a casual family- it is fun to have a picture of us in our "Wedding Best"!
Tuesday, September 4, 2007

do i make myself clear?...crystal.

My sweet nanotechnology lovin' mama brought it to my attention that I might not have been crystal clear on a previous post. The "are you in" contest will see one lucky winner receive a crisp $20 bill! My mom thought it was a requirement to put $20 in the pot to guess and then the winner would take all--- that is not a bad idea-- but not the game! (she was sweet to guess anyways!)

So- if you still want a chance to win and were leery of the entry fee-- go ahead and join the game. If you thought you were sending some cold hard cash to play-- go ahead, no not really....

Bonus points if you can name the movie quote from the title..
Sunday, September 2, 2007

thoughtful


A few posts back I told you that I had a faithful hubby-- well he is also very thoughtful! He had the priviledge to go teach to several hundred orthodontists in Brazil this past week. He worked very hard on his lecture and I know he did an awesome job.

It just so happened that he left on the second day of school and would be gone a whole week! On the first day that he was gone, I received these beautiful flowers. (He is really good at sending flowers for various occasions- I'm sorry, just because, congrats on finishing dossier, etc.) The flowers had a really sweet card that said, "By the time these lose their luster, I will be home. Thanks for carrying the load. I love you, Moody" Ok, small disclaimer. He is very romantic, but he did get help with the card. Apparently he has become buddies with the flower guy at Twigs. When asked what he wanted written on the card, Moody said "I will be home before these die" or something and the flower man wasn't going to write that-- so Moody gave him permission to be creative. I love it, love them, love him and love that my husband is now on his way home!!


Thank you Jess, mom, dad, and Hill family for helping to make the week fly by!!! Ok, it didn't "fly" by but it didn't creep along either. I don't like it when my man is out-of-town--
Wednesday, August 29, 2007

are you in?



Waiting is hard for adults and for kids. In an effort to wrap their brains around how long 6 months is, the kids worked hard today on paper chains to count down the days until we receive a referral. Those that know us well won't be surprised that we found a way to make a competition out of it. We made chains for everyday for the next 6 months. (We have been told to estimate a 1-6 month wait for a referral)

Each child wrote their name on one of the chains and the one that is closest was going to win a prize! Hill thought we should open it up to anyone that wants to participate:) So, if you are in for a little friendly competition (and $20 cash)-- write a date between September 1st and February 29th in the comments section (you could be mean and pick a later date- we won't like it, but it could happen). For those unfamiliar with posting a comment- click on the word comments at the end of this post and write your guess. You will need to either sign in with a google account or you can sign in as anonymous-- be sure to include your name in your post if you do this so we know whose name to write down!!!

The person whose name is closest to our referral date will win the cash and the coveted title "Alexander Referral Contest Winner"!! The kids are really excited about reading the comments and then writing down names--so please join the fun.



Tuesday, August 28, 2007

back to school


We are back at it! It is always difficult to get back into the swing of things after the carefree days of summer, but we are ready for a great school year. We have one in K, 3rd, 4th and 5th/6th!!
Wow-- praise the Lord for Miss Stacy. Stacy is the cute one in the front of the picture. She is from our church and is a huge help to me with the kids. The kids love her and so does mom!







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emily
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from becoming polluted by the world." James 1:27
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