Where are we now...

We have hit a little snag with our second packet, and had to wait longer than expected for our background checks to be completed. However, they should be completed within the next week and then we will have all of our paperwork done and will be able to schedule our home study.
I have been trying to get the house ready for the home study, but still have a long way to go. However, I did finish one big project-I painted the bathroom. It has only needed to be done for 6 years, so yeah I am really on schedule. Joe had a work conference earlier last week and was gone for three days, I decided to surprise him by painting the bathroom while he was away. You see, whenever I have been gone, Joe rearranges the house, so I thought it only appropriate that I do something while he was gone (even if I didn't get it done before he got back.) It took me 5 days in all to finish, but I think it was worth it. I posted some pictures below of the finished product. (Image what it looked like before with just white primer on it, that may give you an idea of how beautiful it was.) I am pleased with the way it turned out and hope that it gives the bathroom a little personality. Now I am ready to tackle the rest of the house and want to paint all upstairs and have been searching the internet for decorating ideas. Everyone keeps telling me that I am taking on these projects because I am nesting-I guess they are right because I have become obsessed with going through every room in my house and trying to image what would make it better and help it be more baby friendly. I just hope I have the energy to start and finish all the projects that I want to.

Zubs Fundraiser Day

Zubs Fundraiser Day was a huge success! We earned enough money to turn in our second packet, which means we will be able to get our home study done. As soon as that is approved, we will be eligible to be looked at by birth moms. We are ecstatic! Thanks to everyone who donated time and money in order to bring this about. Joe said on Saturday that he felt like George Bailey from "It's a Wonderful Life" just seeing how many people came out to support us. We truly have the best family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and ward members. We are getting close to actually getting a baby here. Now, we just need to get the money to cover the hospital costs and we will be good. We love you all and appreciate all that you have done for us. I have heard that it takes a village to raise a child, but sometimes it takes a village to get a child here as well. Our heart felt thanks to everyone. 

Some awesome Zubs employees and my boss who donated their time on Saturday.

Ian busy making pizza, we went through six bins of dough on Saturday!

Just preparing some food for the busy day.  Melanie, Mat, and my
sister Talissa. 

 Eric busy making sandwiches to fill orders.

Wendy and Mat prepping cheese to be grated,
so much work to do. :) 

Our cute poster to announce the fundraiser day. 

Joe hasn't worked at Zubs in a long time,
but he quickly got the hang of things again. It was
so much fun to work with him again, I almost felt
like we were dating again. 

Steve got up bright and early to make 200 loaves of delicious
bread for the day. 

Amanda and I getting ready for the exciting
day to begin. 

My amazing boss and friend Rena, who organized and
gave us this fundraiser. Thanks a million! 

Kristen, happily slicing bread. 

My fundraising poster. I am having to exhaust
all my craft skills in order to get these things made.
Thanks to my sister Kara who helped me get
it done. 

My other awesome boss, Alan. Thanks for
your generosity.