Sleepless in Salt Lake

These butterfly feelings are waking me up in the morning. Usually around 4 am. Then I toss and turn and my mind starts running in circles. I don't think I've felt this way since I was a little girl on Christmas Eve.
I try to stay busy but each day feels like three days. Last night my sweet Jan's gave me a Bon-voyage party. It was fun and my friends gave me books, DVD's & some spending money to take on the trip. Ritva sent Ukraine candy and the Lyon's brought Lex matchbox cars that he will love!
While at the party people of course asked about the adoption process and as I'm talking to them telling them about my last phone call with Alex I thought, was that really only yesterday? It felt like so long ago....time is going so slow, yet I know Tuesday will be here before I know it. How can that be?
I'm pretty much packed. I feel like I'm packing for an extended funeral. Every blog I've read says that Ukraine's wear lots of black so I've packed just that.....BLACK! My safety strategy is to keep a low profile, blend in and keep my mouth shut, thus appearing to be a native Ukrainian?
I've been practicing my "bus face" which I read about on another blog. While in public you need a stanch - don't mess with me face. I realized that doesn't come natural for me. I smile at people and wink at babies and walking around with a grumpy, stanch face just isn't in my makeup. HOWEVER, I'm approaching this like an acting job, my character name is "Mama Venda" (Mama Wendy in Ukraine) she is one tough - don't mess with her - clothed in black and heels - Ukraine woman. When I get this character down, I'll post a picture.
Today we've got Austin's basketball tournament, watching my nephew Zach, Ry has a St Patricks Day party and Kambree has Spring Fling.
Last night Kammy brought over ingredients for me to pack so I can make fudge in Ukraine and a few chocolate bars to survive the trip. She then helped me move my living room furniture back in after having the carpets cleaned. What would I do without the love and support of my family and friends? Today I'm hoping to wash walls and load my camera software on the laptop. I'll have to practice posting some pictures.
Yesterday I stocked up on laundry soap, shampoo, things the kids will need while we're gone.

I also put the moose back together in Alex's room. Since he has Austin's old room with it's "forest-y" theme I have this wooden moose that holds a sign in his mouth that said "Austin's Room" so my friend Aleyce made me some vinyl that says "Alex's Room" and I repainted the plaque but in my zest and excitement, I put the vinyl words on upside down! (There are holes drilled at the top where you attached the plague) so I ran down to my Dad's and he drilled me two new holes! Whew! Thanks Dad! Seems like he just keeps bailing me out these days. He also came and fixed my sink yesterday as the garbage disposal had come loose and need new bolts. We had a power outage Thursday night and when putting back the candles I discovered water under the sink. Great. James is out of town so Dad to the rescue!
Anyway, I'm rambling....Seems like lately I start a story and then I ramble into a different subject and can't remember what my original subject was. I think this excitement of leaving and starting this adventure must be going to my brain!
Happy Saturday!