Nope,

MOWA didn't send in the recommendation probably because the last two days were spent celebrating Christmas.
UGH!

ahhhhh two days till Eyerus' court date!

Tib-alicious

Here is an easy, go to Ethiopian meal that we make for Jax frequently!
1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon oil
2 lbs of beef (We use sirlion) sliced into thin strips
One large onion, sliced thinly
4 garlic cloves minced
Two Jalapenos, cut into half moon shapes. We leave the seeds in because Jax likes it spicy.
2-3 Tablespoons Berebere
1 Tablespoon Mimita
1/4-1/2 cup of canned diced tomatoes

Melt the butter and oil together and add the onions and some salt. Saute for 10 or so minutes on medium heat until soft. Take onions out. Fry meat in 2-3 batches until brown like 2 minutes each batch. Add all the meat, garlic, onion and jalapenos to the pan. Add berbere and mimita and cook for about 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and season to taste!!

Metcha day!

Today is the day that one year ago we met both Addis and Jackson! We woke up probably at 5 in the morning so so excited! We pulled up to the orphanage and mom ran upstairs while I played with the older kids downstairs. I had this grandiose vision of her coming down with Fitsum and everything would just be perfect. Well she never came down. After about 30 minutes, I finally went up, and she was crying, Fitsum had been admitted to the hospital the day before. We both were in shock. I had met an adorable, gorgeous, sweet boy that day named Anteneh. Something about him just struck a chord with both me and mom. I even took a picture of him on a polaroid so that I could show him off. Little did I know he would be my brother!!

Going to Hope's place with Amy Sue!!

Meeting Addis Fitsum, at the hospital. She is in "her" duckie blanket. Even now when we see pictures of babies in this blanket, we say oh look, they are in Addis' hospital blanket. Look at her itsy bitsy arm!

Mommy and Addy

My love! Look at how short he is!

Finaaally

The Christmas post!
We had an overall nice holiday, much much different than christmases past! Jackson had a pre and post Xmas meltdown, Mom mad grandma cry, I got mad at everyone and Addis was just.. Addis. Santa brought Jax a pay as you go red slider cell phone, just what he had been asking for every day since he could. He brought Addis a play kitchen and me a juicer! Here are the pics

One year ago today...

We arrived in Ethiopia to bring home Addis!!! Here is the post from that day!
We got in very late last night, like 1030 pm. We were starving and Helen and her staff made us a very nice small meal of pasta. Everyone here at the House os so friendly! As far as I can tell, I will stay here again!
We are waiting for the word about when we will be picked up and taken to Faith House and see the babies and kids. We are not waiting patiently!!!!
Grace

I can't believe that tomorrow I will have known Addis AND Jackson for a whole year. It seems like they've been here forever, but at the same time, for such a short time. We are so lucky!!