Lost ...

I've somehow managed to lose the joy of this entire time period in the madness and rush of "get it all done" syndrome. I know there are those who will tell me to just let some of it go. But, it's not like I can. All the things on my "to do" list are important, not just "because" but truly important. Because I have my own business and have worked so hard to cultivate the relationships that allow me to have the job that is convenient to have as a mom who wants to able to be an involved mom, I am worried about the implications my getting a referral and travel dates so quickly and having to leave work that is due. I've been upfront with them all along about the fact that I wouldn't know when it would happen and I'd try to help find folks to help out while I'm gone, but the reality is I have a territory and a set of work that needs to be done. I'm not an employee with a back-up person. Work is a HUGE stress factor for me right now and I'm not sure how to make it "go away".

After waiting all this time, you'd think I would not have so much trouble having it all together. Hmmpffff .... word to the wise -- don't procrastinate.

So, I'm making a concerted effort to try to enjoy this time and be focused on being positive, having fun and thanking God for His provision and His blessings.

Today, we had field day at Josh's school. I didn't take my camera because I was working a water relay and didn't want to take a chance on it getting ruined. It was a lot of "hurry up and wait" but we discovered an interesting fact as the day wore on. The teachers who were very calm and quiet, maybe a little more laid back with their kids, had children who did better in the relay. Since this was a measured event, we measured how much water they were able to "relay" down the line, it was something we could quantify. Teachers who yelled at their children and seemed most unhappy had children who did not do nearly as well in the relay. VERY interesting lesson to be learned there, I think.

Tomorrow is awards day at school and my little man will be leaving elementary school to start middle school next year. I'm so proud of the little man he has become. This was a hard year for him, changing schools, learning new methods of learning and going from some really bad grades up to some really good grades. It was a struggle for him at first, but his teachers and school found ways to help him learn differently and be successful and for that I am so thankful. It was the right move for him. I've seen him develop friendships, laugh and be happy this year, which is something I didn't see much of, if at all, last year.

And, to end, I'm so thankful to hear that K. is going to be able to bring home her little man after such a long wait. I am sad we won't meet up at the London airport, but willing to forego that for her ability to bring home her son. I hear there are two other very happy mommies as well and I am so very happy for them. I am thankful that God placed E. in my path to be my travelling buddy. She has such good insight into things, is level-headed and can seriously get together some travel arrangements in no time flat. She has been such a blessing to me already and we've only "known" each other for a very short time. I can't wait to meet her. She is adopting the sweetest little one and I'm so happy to hear that she has found her forever family.

I don't know if I have mentioned that my friend H. has received a referral from Vietnam, the day after we received ours. We became friends when we were looking into Vietnam and they have gone through so much to get to this place. I know their family is rejoicing for this addition to their family. She will be one very lucky little girl.

And finally, I am hoping my friend D is doing well after her surgery. You are in my thoughts and prayers!