Ok, I know that I should be focusing on being a good worker bee and not be blogging at my desk, but whatever...it's for a good cause. We stayed up late last night to knock out some big items on our checklist...I600 A, letters, monthly expense forms. DH suddenly started feeling like we were getting behind on things, so he felt the need to create a spreadsheet. And you know when Tadd creates a spreadsheet then you need to watch out because it is GO TIME, baby!!

I continue to pass along ways to make a bigger difference in Ethiopia rather than just in the lives of our children. It helps to get me excited about our journey to parent hood. Today I read about the "Forgotten Boys" of Kolfe Orphanage. These are young men between the ages of 12- 18 that have not been adopted. They live in a compound that is not properly maintained and lacks so many things we take for granted. But these teens are still so full of hope, grace, and courage. It is amazing reading about how they take pride in their home and their sense of dignity, especially when we compare them to some American teenagers. (Before you start sending nasty-grams, I did not say ALL teenagers...just some. We have some pretty incredible kids in this country but c'mon, don't try and pretend that every teen is polite and dignified. Puh-leez! ) Take a look at some pictures on Drew and Carey's Blog, another family adopting from Ethiopia. These kids are strong and wonderful, but they are sorely in need of some basic things. Maryn and Keller's parents are heading to Ethiopia very soon and would like to bring the boys something. They already traveling with a lot of bags, so to save space they would like to take donations of DVDs that they boys could watch. Ok, movie buffs, you've got some old DVDs, right? (Appropriate DVDs, of course. Keep the "special" ones for yourself please, you sick monkeys!) Don't let them collect dust...let's send them over. For more info, email wewillbringthemhome@gmail.com for an address to send your donations to.

I really want to come up with a way I can use my own gifts to raise awareness and help for Ethiopia that will honor my kids. I would love to hear some of your ideas!

I will be away from my computer in order to go to my friend's wedding back in NJ. WOOHOO!! He is one of my dearest friends that I have known for-evah...we all went to the same middle school, same high school, same college, same co-ed fraternity. I am just SO excited to see everyone and to celebrate. I met his fabulous fiancee at our other friends' wedding, and I know she simply adores him. So in a few days I should have all sorts of stories and photos to share. In case they are reading this right now, I LOVE you guys and I'll be there in a few hours...I'll see you all at the bar. We are skipping the Lemon Drops, right? Goodness, please say we are skipping the Lemon Drops...