Birthday Princess and Officially ours!

Well, the birthday Princess is two!! We had a grand pink palooza on Friday night and a great time was had by all. She LOVED opening presents and LOVED pink frosted cake. She is all about babies and cooking, so it was a kitchen and babies for her!

This week, we got to officially make her ours here in the USA. A VERY short court appointment followed by celebratory bagels at Panera started the day. Then it was home to open her first American Girl doll. Rather fitting for the day I thought! Enjoy the pics!

On one hand...and on the other

Okay so changes have begun. I have decided to close my baby boutique. The economy has really hit us hard. People are still shopping, but spending so much less. I just finally got tired of the worry, the headaches, and the constant stress. At times I am almost giddy with the freedom that is on the horizon, and other times I am so scared of what next that a whole new form of panic sets in.

On the one hand, I knew in my heart it was done and I was done and the dream that was the shop was turning into more of a nightmare.

On the other hand, I wonder if I really tried everything, explored every avenue, gave it my all completely because it was so close to making it.

On one hand I will be thrilled to be bringing in money instead of continuing to throw money at the shop.

On the other hand, I have no idea what I am going to do to make that money!

On one hand I am excited about the possibilities of exploring something new,
On the other hand, I have NO idea what I want to do and worry that nothing will come along.

The next few weeks will be crazy. We are on vacation right now, which is good and bad. Good because after I announced the closing, I headed out of town and didn't have to deal with the fall out. But, I am still getting calls and thinking about all that needs to be done. It just sits constantly at the back of my mind. SO while being away and busy has been good, I can't totally escape. Next week, the shop will be closed all week and I will prep it for the final sales. There are two people who are interested in buying it if they can get the financing. That has lots of "on one hand" and "on the other hand" as well. IF that happens, then I really am just about done. And now what? looms pretty big on the horizon. Yieks.

Otherwise, the kids are doing great. We are in Duluth and they are loving the big lake and rock throwing and sightseeing. Eric is teaching at a teachers institute all week, so the kids and I have grand adventures during the day while he teaches, then we meet for evening adventures after that. It has been fun but not too relaxing...the kids just want to go and go and go!

So, now you are caught up. If anyone has any good job ideas...I'll be looking!!

One Year Ago

A year ago today, we officially became Sunshine's parents in the eyes of the Ethiopian Courts. I remember that day so well and being soo excited to finally share her picture with friends and family! There are so many points along the journey that are worth celebrating, but this one is certainly a biggie! She has changed so much from that little scared, malnourished baby who's eyes showed just a little glimmer of her spunky spirit. Now her eyes sparkle all the time, she sings, and dances and attacks each day with gusto.

It is days like today where I grieve for all she left behind. I ache for those that loved her and made such hard choices for her. And I am soo lucky and thankful they made the choices they did.

Cha Cha Cha Changes....

Yep, there are some changes on the horizon. Can't really go into detail at the moment, but said changes have given me pause to catch my breath, and get excited for possibilities to come (and NO we are not pregnant, adopting again or adding any more mammals to our brood!) I promise more info will come, but keep us in your thoughts as changes are always interesting!

So far July has found us pondering house projects, but not necessarily accomplishing them. We have grand ideas, but the days just seem to get away from us! I did manage to get the boys room done complete with new bunk beds and at least 2 hefty bags of treasures removed! The goal for today is to tackle the toys belonging to the princess. Her birthday is in just a few short weeks and needless to say, the baby toys are no longer needed as she is on to much bigger and better things like baby dolls and shopping carts. So time to sort and pass down, and give away, to make room for more treasures!

The boys continue to thrive. J may eat us out of house and home. He is a sleeping, eating machine right now. I live in fear of him waking up taller than I some morning...not a totally unrealistic fear at that!

So for the moment, that's the story and I am sticking to it. I will feed you more info on changes as they come...just keep us in your thoughts!