It's been awhile!

Oh, how sorry I am that it has been so long since I've updated our blog. I have had several people ask me, "When are you going to give us an update?" Life has been going about 100 mph with football and school in full swing, my new part-time job with 3:30 am wake ups and my darling husband's 48 hour shifts! Whew, where did the time go? Yes, it has gone by fast, but we have been officially waiting 5 weeks for our referral of our daughter! Now, in the adoption world, that is not a long period of time, but for a mom and dad and brothers, it seems like an eternity. For those of you who know me, I don't like waiting! I was always the kid who ran down the stairs on Christmas morning before anyone else in the house was awake, opened my presents, rewrapped them and then headed back to "wait" until someone else woke up! Now that is not a girl who patiently waits! Therefore, I have been reading a little book called, "Wait" by Russell Kelfer nearly every other day. Here is an excerpt so you have an understanding of why I am reading this:
"Waiting is certainly not a concept we humans would invent, but it is a priceless principle from the heart of God given to us for the ultimate benefit. Note Isaiah 40:31, "But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." When we allow the Lord to lead and guide us, when we stay in His presence and watch Him, it is then that we receive strength."
Now do you understand?
As far as what exactly is happening now, we are patiently waiting to hear back from many adoption foundations where we applied for grants to help with our adoption costs. We are still fundraisin by selling different items on Craigslist and selling our yummy Ethiopian coffee and "Grace" candles. Please email us if you would like to order either one of those. We can even ship! (matnstace@comcast.net) We are also planning a spaghetti dinner and silent auction at our incredible church, Light and Life. They have been truly a blessing to us and we cannot wait to share this beautiful place of God with Gracie. We have also started to design and work on her nursery. I think this is so much fun! I have never loved PINK as much as I do now!
So friends and family that is what is happening with the Truman adoption. We are enjoying this journey and hope you are too! I will try to get better about updating more often. With much love, blessings and hugs and kisses!