Thoughts & Update...

As of last week we finalized our travel plans.  I can't believe I just typed that.  We have talked about this for so long that it almost seems unreal that it's finally here.  It's funny that you can go through a process for almost 2 years and now that it's here...you don't feel prepared.  I have so much to do before we go, but we're so excited that we're this close to finally meeting our precious daughter!!!

I'm working on her room...one of the many things that I have to do before we go...and here is the lamp:

It's pink and green with ladybugs and I'm having fun decorating a GIRL room!!!!!  I'll post more pictures when it's done.

I've enjoyed some time off with the boys while they've been out of school. We've had some much needed time together since we're about to have 3 children and be gone for 2 weeks! Ernie got a gift card to Rave Motion Pictures from someone at work so we went to see the Muppet Movie during our break. It was so good and had such a great story amongst the silliness. A muppet named Walter had been raised with a human family.  His brother, Gary, obviously grows up eventually and Walter meets the muppets and they want him to be with them.  I love the theme of belonging throughout.  Walter was not human, but Gary was his brother and best friend...he adopted him really.  He gave Walter a family and a sense of belonging.  I can't wait to give that to a temporary little orphan in China known as "Amanda".  She'll have 2 brothers and forever parents to love her and give her the name Madison Jade Willis and she'll hopefully feel a sense of belonging!!!

I've also gotten my LLC in place ready to work from home with my own company, Red Zone Media & Marketing, and also Premier Designs Jewelry when we get back from China.  My last day at Legacy will be the 20th and I'm so grateful for how wonderful they have been as I haven't known timelines, etc. and also for the past 6 years that I've worked there.  It will certainly be an adjustment for me, but we are confident that this is the Lord's leading for our lives during this transition of adoption. I'm very excited about it and need to get my office together!

I'm thrilled it's 2012...the year we become a family of 5!!!  Please continue to pray as we need about $10,000 more and it needs to be wired over the week before we leave and we've done all of this without debt and intend to keep it that way.  We have Ernie's car for sale if you know of anyone that needs a nice used SUV (2007 Nissan Xterra).  Click here for the listing  - thanks for passing along and/or praying!!