This is how we felt while it lasted.

Our 36 hour mini-vacation ended up getting cut a little short! Don't feel sorry for me (Melissa), Moody and I fully enjoyed our time without the kids. Friday night we hung out with Tommy, Mary Lynn and their precious newborn baby girl. Yesterday we slept late, drank too much coffee, walked around the new Arlington Highlands outdoor shopping center, and then met my parents for a movie and dinner. We saw Juno. I really liked it. Anyone else seen it?

We got home, put on our pj's, turned on the fire and the phone rang! Hill could barely talk or breath.


Apparently January is the peak season for mountain cedar in the DFW area. Hill is very allergic to mountain cedar. He also realized that he had been exploring all day long, carrying a large branch from a cedar tree!! Not a good combo.

Moody's mom was worried about his breathing, and he was just plain miserable! Super dad kicked in, got dressed and made the little over an hour drive to pick him up! He called when he was heading back. I answered the phone with "do you have the package?" (any Alias lover will clearly understand) and he replied, "yes I do, times 4!" None of the kids were asleep when he got there (it was 11:00?) and they all wanted to come home with him. Sweethearts.

Moody is at church, and I am at home with one very stopped up kid!

We have the best kids! Hate to brag, but really, its true:)  Today marks 22 weeks of waiting for a referral.  I could be really bummed, but I am just too relaxed after an evening at the Alexander Night Spa!

p.s-- Moody's mom just offered to take the kids with her to the farm (his dad is out of town) until Sunday!!! What, 36 hours here at home, without the kids? Any good movie recommendations for us?

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young is a devotional book that my sweet friends, Gwen and Suzanne, gave me for my birthday.  I was so encouraged and convicted by yesterday's entry.  Prayerfully it will sit with me awhile.

Remember this picture? Well the opptimistic guesses are now in the trash. I couldn't believe that Moody picked his father's birthday, Feb 25th, but it looks like daddy may know best after all. For those that didn't see it before click here to read about a little game we played.

The after picture looks a wee bit sad:( I was talking to my sister in law, Melissa, earlier today. I was telling her how frustrating it can be on this roller coaster. I can feel such a peace one moment, totally trust in the Lord for His good work and His perfect timing, and then I can turn on a dime! DARN IT!! I was telling her that my lack of faith in those moments is disappointing to me and she quickly said, "but Em, you are human! If you could do it all on your own, then you wouldn't need Jesus. If you could do it all on your own, you wouldn't have a need for a redeemer"....I may have messed up a few of her words, but you get the point right? I need Jesus, I need Him to give me His perfect peace, to remind me that I am me and He is Lord of all. It sounds so simple, but it really made me feel better to once again realize that I can't do it on my own.

Mel, thank you for your wisdom- oh wise one:) I have also been blown away at the support of the blog community. The Lord has blessed me with some incredible women through this process and for you guys- a HUGE thank you! I am really hoping that the "blog union" that Carey proposed happens this summer. I can't wait to see each of you face to face:)

I am really starting to enjoy Ethiopian food. We have eaten at two Ethiopian restaurants, and had the privilege to enjoy two home-cooked meals. Both of the home-cooked meals have been amazing! A few basics on Ethiopian food for those that haven't been able to sample it yet:)

Injera is a spongy, tart flatbread that Ethiopians use at each meal. You do not eat with utensils, but use injera to pick up the food and eat with your fingers. Ethiopian food is also very spicy. They use a special spice blend called berere in much of the food- it gives the food a red color. Vegetables and meat dishes are both very common. Ok, I said it was basic- you should really just go try some for yourself.

This first picture is from our DFW area/Ethiopian adoption/get-together! We really should get a name for our group, the clever folks in Southern Cal are OCEAN. (Orange County Ethiopian Adoption Network) so lets get creative. :) This group has been a blessing, and we look forward to more gatherings in the future. (January 18th, our house) This is the Newsome's, Funderburk's and Fournet's- we all can't wait to rejoice with one another over referrals and homecomings.

We also had the wonderful opportunity to join one of Moody's patients families for a Christmas celebration today. The Ethiopian Christmas is tomorrow. The food was incredible, and they all made us feel like part of the large family. Everyone was so hospitable and gracious. We look forward to getting to know them all better in the future.


If you look closely at the table, you will see a plate of pizza rolls:) The girls haven't acquired a taste for Ethiopian food yet!

"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!

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