tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69615152076426892682024-03-13T10:08:41.655-07:00 Webb SightSunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13750295094116522875noreply@blogger.comBlogger107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6961515207642689268.post-27805042498376703382019-02-16T19:14:00.001-08:002019-02-16T19:24:09.362-08:00February is for Fun and Shenanigans and Cruises<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">February is fun around our house for many reasons. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Now that we have 2 children the same age again, we like to have a little fun.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> It's almost as much shenanigans as April Fool's. E</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">very year from Feb. 1 </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">until</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"> June 30, Stella and Samuel are the same age.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">When we get the twin question, we simply say “no, they’re 7 months apart.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">If we’re feeling feisty, we walk away and we can almost hear the math in their minds.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sometimes it’s fun having 2 kiddos the same age and other times there’s a challenge.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">School has proven to be a tad harder because they’re both learning to read at the same time.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">And by “tad”, I mean “quite a bit”.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">They’re both making strides in reading because they’re super smart.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Stella has struggled a little more, but we’re working on ways to help her more and build confidence.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I threatened to make Russ a shirt for next year! Although the shirts didn’t hold us so well, the kids are still kind enough to wear my creations. They let me help with their valentine’s too, although Samuel declared on 2/13 that he did not want people to see him as a snowman. Ugh, we must work on timing next year!! I put their little faces on a snowman and let them choose what the snowman would be holdling. Joey chose that his snowman would hold a book labeled “Warm and Peas”. Samuel chose a lightsaber and no one is surprised. Stella’s request was a bowl of Valentine food that looks like dog food. So, that’s what we did! Funny thing is that we gave hot chocolate because it’s February and supposed to be cold. BUT, in Texas sometimes you get a beautiful spring day in the middle of February. Hopefully our friends can hang on to their hot chocolate mix for just a few days until the winter weather returns!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Russ surprised me with some beautiful flowers and chocolate covered strawberries!!! Yum! He knows me well! Because we were getting ready for a trip, our gift-giving was kind of thrown off schedule. We shared gifts with each other a few days later. The strawberries were well hidden so that we could enjoy them alone! Joey and I had picked out a little Razorback wall décor while in Arkansas recently. We figured it won’t hurt for Russ to remind his co-workers that he’s a Hog! The kiddos got heart decorated food in their lunch, which is probably way more fun for me to prepare than for them to eat. I may have painted on their sandwich bread with </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">food coloring and butter. It may have gotten all over their hands at lunch. Maybe. Ok, it did! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I encouraged my parents to see each other on Valentine’s Day, which they did. It was a quick visit for them, but it was good for them to see that the other is healthy and getting around well. I took Mom to visit at Dad’s place. One bonus to Spring in February is that we got to enjoy time outside in the garden. Mom had requested valentine gifts for the kids, so she and I had stopped by a store a few days earlier. We got Dad a new basket shelf for his room for Valentine’s Day. He likes to straighten up, so I thought a little shelf next to his chair might come in handy for magazines and snacks. I try to keep things off the floor to avoid a tripping hazard, so it seemed like a perfect fit for his room. Mom prefers pictures of the kids and snacks, so that’s what we got her this year. Both parents received cards and gifts from friends and family. I sure hope everyone felt love!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Heaven on Earth</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We’ve had a few weeks of extreme trip planning! Being away from home for more than 2 days Is quite the task by way of laundry and kid preparation. Preparing to leave 3 kids, 3 dogs, and 2 parents was a bit harder than I had anticipated. On top of that, SuSu had been torn between a daughter and granddaughter that needed her for a few days. Thankfully our baby niece is on the mend and getting the care and sleep she needs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">We have a village of friends and family who stepped in to ease our worries and offer encouragement while we figured out the plans. One "lucky" family got to care for all three kids all day long...and drove us to the airport too. It was like showing up at the Uber driver's house so that s/he could not deny you a ride. Pretty smart, hu? Our kiddos’ teachers were willing to take our kids home with them if needed. I joke that my teacher friends are way more qualified to care for my kiddos than I am because they teach and survive a room-full of kids each and every day. I think their super hero capes are tucked in their shirts. We even shared our dogs with dear friends too because it seemed like a lot to leave SuSu with. Hattie is "vacationing" at her amazing foster family's home and Tipper is being spoiled by our dear friends from school. Matilda is home on guard duty (aka barks at nothing and eats dropped food), which means absolutely nothing has changed for her! Thanks to the most wonderful SuSu ever, we are now off on an adventure of a lifetime. We will eat more dumplings than we can count. I will try new foods, but will not eat eyeball soup! We will ride in a tuk tuk and learn to dodge traffic. We will see the beautiful people and </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">scenery that God stretched out to the other side of the globe. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I will sleep a lot, but I will also work on our school’s yearbook and my family’s scrapbooks and I will somehow still fit in the bridesmaid’s dress for Wendy’s wedding! Those are the goals anyway! If you need us, too bad! We are on vacation thanks to a company that has gifted us in a way they can't even imagine!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak ad tell of them, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Psalm 40:5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13750295094116522875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6961515207642689268.post-15979980855762037092019-02-01T18:07:00.001-08:002019-02-01T18:07:10.576-08:00Say It Ain't So<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Is it true that Samuel is 7? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If I could freeze time, this is the age I would choose. Samuel was in fact tearful last night about turning 7. I thought we were about to have a cry fest...because I wanted to join in. He's so sweet and fun. Samuel is reading and full of curiosity. He loves to dress up and wear costumes of any kind. He still thinks his Mom and Dad are cool. We couldn't love him any more than we already do. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JqewC6nT7XJR7byLYqWNgIIq_-gXp8gdA2rc7-m9hZLoAAsBKxtx4-QlhfMoLxVvAXqqQnLuv2PxpD-YX-rGZxkwNXkaAV7iENeQUMb4UitGSaYz9Oey1Cu5n3mu89-_YfpDg6VJStAb/s1600/IMG_5577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JqewC6nT7XJR7byLYqWNgIIq_-gXp8gdA2rc7-m9hZLoAAsBKxtx4-QlhfMoLxVvAXqqQnLuv2PxpD-YX-rGZxkwNXkaAV7iENeQUMb4UitGSaYz9Oey1Cu5n3mu89-_YfpDg6VJStAb/s320/IMG_5577.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Birthday Morning</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UOfO14V69a24rtZRB8OPp-hvq8uBdHPHtn1s0iPLYCQ1mPWiv3Ct6scVcvlp2aybK_WZxrlDuxTS8qGNuU75rR7HgiVuVnU2JZ9-WnHkM7X0E1lAN1JOcKkbD5OCZFLmbkqssn4lO91m/s1600/IMG_0466.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UOfO14V69a24rtZRB8OPp-hvq8uBdHPHtn1s0iPLYCQ1mPWiv3Ct6scVcvlp2aybK_WZxrlDuxTS8qGNuU75rR7HgiVuVnU2JZ9-WnHkM7X0E1lAN1JOcKkbD5OCZFLmbkqssn4lO91m/s320/IMG_0466.jpeg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The only 7 year old I know who would </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">be thrilled with a package of ties!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbS_jbjUQsLxnsuKjMVYQ6BQ7P185oqzX1EVULTOH_AU9brKKgFgbo6dTt6w-Ylpd8NTkxtE6gEhZQT1_JoL-9rBK97PuyOIaB5VCSzCY1MP_a-eB82Txxf40kIuJy9s1bDi8RIooqMlDM/s1600/IMG_0471.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbS_jbjUQsLxnsuKjMVYQ6BQ7P185oqzX1EVULTOH_AU9brKKgFgbo6dTt6w-Ylpd8NTkxtE6gEhZQT1_JoL-9rBK97PuyOIaB5VCSzCY1MP_a-eB82Txxf40kIuJy9s1bDi8RIooqMlDM/s320/IMG_0471.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Birthday cake of his choice: Oreo ice cream cake</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GQqEen0i8f_lm-LJ4pibJUjTGgSjRN8WISEIsI9xxVsFmqkb1tphclIBauq0cpmpNLW_8pjDCPCZttsIUFL0hmIDKi7nIAjgQtx1F0EdDakBMEmOH8sSbH3zvq3-qtDka3upTFKPs0WK/s1600/IMG_0477.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GQqEen0i8f_lm-LJ4pibJUjTGgSjRN8WISEIsI9xxVsFmqkb1tphclIBauq0cpmpNLW_8pjDCPCZttsIUFL0hmIDKi7nIAjgQtx1F0EdDakBMEmOH8sSbH3zvq3-qtDka3upTFKPs0WK/s320/IMG_0477.jpeg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of note, he was not a fan of the trick candles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also, he was out of breath after this picture!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If I could talk to his China Mom and Dad today, I would tell them that Samuel is a joy! He still talks about them and asks about his nanny. He knows that I stay in touch with his nanny. I'd love to tell his first parents that he is hilarious and loves to talk. This kid never stops talking! He's a little cranky in the morning, but warms up quickly. He loves to hug and kiss us. Samuel is so sweet to his teacher and concerned for his friends. He can be feisty at times and sometimes takes his brother's toys. He is literal and takes comments to heart. If I could choose an animal to describe Samuel, I would choose a monkey. This kid can hang from any bar and climb any rock/cliff. I would also thank his parents for choosing life and making an excruciating decision in order to care for their son. We are loving him the best we can and hope they would be proud of the little guy he is turning into. Maybe one day we'll meet his first parents, but until then...we are grateful for another birthday to celebrate Samuel. He's a gift!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Children are a gift from the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>; they are a reward from him."</span></div>
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Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13750295094116522875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6961515207642689268.post-58955984322912203152019-01-06T21:59:00.003-08:002019-01-06T21:59:59.283-08:00Keep Reminding Me: Priorities in 2019<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>What's important to you?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We're talking about priorities with our kiddos this year! Be careful when talking about this with Samuel. Somehow we ended up talking about the Tower of Babel. That kid's mind amazes and confuses me! In case you're wonder, we did talk more about the Tower of Babel after our Priorities discussion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We have marriage goals and family goals hanging on the side of the refrigerator. For me personally, these are some of my goals. My spiritual momma has to remind me of boundaries often. I only receive 24 hours in a day and time does not slow down. Fun Fact: limiting the food of my children does not make them grow slower. I tried. Once.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is what happens. The kids take over the kitchen. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They all love to cook and help in the kitchen! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1) Focus more on my little family. We are trying so hard to teach these kids to make good choices and be responsible. Also, we want them to know they're important to us. Fun one-on-one dates with the kids are on the goal list, in addition to husband-wife dates. We will have a new way of displaying their art work in our home too so that our refrigerator is not discussed as an art display.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjKw9FY7DjFCaPkvBQGAYxJoPLUuZHzssJX-mQEkEgOnrb-t1xfUa7L-fE0qStViGKXkr6HTCFScbPrI1Re95JLDwjpnL3Tm4iw1n1tb49ZRBcx2lEj5KJuRCKqtGwQKtn_qDYvlDicDZ/s1600/IMG_5143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjKw9FY7DjFCaPkvBQGAYxJoPLUuZHzssJX-mQEkEgOnrb-t1xfUa7L-fE0qStViGKXkr6HTCFScbPrI1Re95JLDwjpnL3Tm4iw1n1tb49ZRBcx2lEj5KJuRCKqtGwQKtn_qDYvlDicDZ/s320/IMG_5143.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My paper calendar wasn't big enough, so I got a bigger one this year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That's why there's not enough room for all the art work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2) Focus on extended family. I'm working on a wall of pictures to display our extended family as well as our friends whom we treat like family. I'm finally going to put my camera's picture-taking obsession to our walls. Let's just say that the Walgreeens guy will not only know my last name, but my first name too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3) Visit family and friends more (to obtain needed pictures for display at our house). If I have your address, you might be a "target". If you live outside of Texas...you are not immune! I think I proved that a few weeks ago in Arkansas! If you live nearby, you'll probably want to look out the window before opening your front door...um, from this day forward!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4) I want to send more cards, including catching up on thank you notes. Some of you lucky folks may receive a thank you note so old that I have no idea the word contents inside. It's called an "extended thank you" over here! I even found some addressed envelopes in my closet from previous Christmas cards. I'm going to use them to send happy mail (not bills)!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5) I hope to use my creativity. I'm shuffling things around the house and pulling out things that have been hidden in our closet. Trying to declutter at the same time. Whoa! Warning: You may get a gift with your name on it this year. I hope I have the correct spelling! I feel like Shutterfly is spying on me. I'm a sucker for a good deals and they know it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">New cabinet purchased with a coupon and </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">hauled by the hubby's new truck! Still working on </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">organizing as you can see by the wreath holder attacked by papers!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">6) Be real and honest. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I think I got a head start with our FB Christmas picture!</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Life can be messy and unorganized...beautiful and full of hope too. I try to reign it in with my parents' blog since apparently people from other counties are reading that blog (weird). Who do my parents know in India? For this blog, I'll make sure to post before and after pictures so everyone can see that our house is not always clean and my family does not always take a "pretty picture". Personally, I think the silly faces are the best! Ask the kids at school that I photograph each month for character awards! Ha!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">7) Be silly and fun. April Fool's is one of my favorite days! Ask Russ about the joke I played on him pre-kids. Mention the word CARPET. He remembers. As we do our acts of kindness this year, some acts just may be from our April Fool's stash! Also, you can ask my friends who have received (or will receive) joke gifts for Christmas...including our hilarious friend from the bank and the girls who work at Mom's memory care!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hold me accountable! Remind me often. If you don't receive a fun card this year, send us a Christmas cards next year to make sure we have your correct address. If I haven't showed up at your house to take a picture, I might be in trouble! It could mean that my kids have tied me up and you need to come check on me. Can you bring your phone too so I can make sure we get a picture for the wall...once you get me uptied? Notice that Facebook is not on my goal list. I do not have messenger on my phone (on purpose). If you have an emergency, it's better to send a text. Make sure your spelling is correct and your language is appropriate because all three kids can read now! YIKES! I do, however, recommend calling 9-1-1 first because sometimes my phone is on silent! Just being honest...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;</span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-46-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I will be exalted<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14625B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14625B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> among the nations,</span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-46-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I will be exalted in the earth.”</span></span></span></b></b><br />
<b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Psalm 46:10</b></div>
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Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13750295094116522875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6961515207642689268.post-2434814870147928662019-01-01T12:50:00.002-08:002019-01-01T12:50:44.631-08:00Extended Christmas and a Fun-Packed Trip<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We had a super busy Christmas season with family! Busy...in a good way! We had a lot of family time and made the most of our short visit in Arkansas a few days after Christmas. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A couple years ago we started staying home Christmas day. We've tried to be intentional with celebrating family and focusing on Jesus' birth. Not that we don't love our extended family, but we realized that the season was getting so busy that we were losing focus. Priorities were getting shifted due to distraction. So, like the previous few years, we celebrated at home. We did invite a couple fiends to join us, but they had other plans. Maybe they've just been around us enough to know, that all is not calm at our home. Between 3 kids and 3 dogs, you just never know what's going happen around here!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGCVWXwFus6RCOHSe7SSh5IrTxxOGhvKISSlC8MJEnuzwc3mKuHsnkA4m4AP2g5AwE6pBGdFQ7B3BYUfxL04g5FUOjArmfCBDkNSBUY82HAvzA5xQOhHCdpDVU_-TzwBgmtNyb_jMgpdJ/s1600/Hattie+Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1245" data-original-width="1600" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGCVWXwFus6RCOHSe7SSh5IrTxxOGhvKISSlC8MJEnuzwc3mKuHsnkA4m4AP2g5AwE6pBGdFQ7B3BYUfxL04g5FUOjArmfCBDkNSBUY82HAvzA5xQOhHCdpDVU_-TzwBgmtNyb_jMgpdJ/s400/Hattie+Christmas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YAbUruQD9rJt2nT9SAlQlR2mqokx-taUm8IQZV4i3F9cI0GCOOQmMv-ff5Xf68ESnLS7tLHq_KpJIEkDDl7YobObCEE9uGJ-xCLjOdzfzN-MeGY7hOOkyhR6dIpYXprlD4A0prDrv-S3/s1600/IMG_0103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YAbUruQD9rJt2nT9SAlQlR2mqokx-taUm8IQZV4i3F9cI0GCOOQmMv-ff5Xf68ESnLS7tLHq_KpJIEkDDl7YobObCEE9uGJ-xCLjOdzfzN-MeGY7hOOkyhR6dIpYXprlD4A0prDrv-S3/s400/IMG_0103.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We had a quiet morning at home that started with a search for Baby Jesus by starlight (flashlight). I even made the kids put a square cloth over their heads to be shepherds. We enjoyed a quiet morning at home talking about Jesus, eating blueberry pancakes for breakfast, and opening gifts. That evening was quite exciting with my parents. You can see the link to their blog and Christmas miracle update here:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">https://texasstells.blogspot.com/2018/12/its-christmas-miracle.html</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RaQ_qGL0dE2lRd1Ht9KLU-dYYfHZ77hyphenhyphenjw1kbs7RwyF7z28x6lD5uRhev720fQHcrX7j_Rk5u3EmRmtROrUZ81R1D-gRmQtRoFQKctHkByJxuoW2nDTXTIh75MKackFSqTK2M4Pvi554/s1600/IMG_0125+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RaQ_qGL0dE2lRd1Ht9KLU-dYYfHZ77hyphenhyphenjw1kbs7RwyF7z28x6lD5uRhev720fQHcrX7j_Rk5u3EmRmtROrUZ81R1D-gRmQtRoFQKctHkByJxuoW2nDTXTIh75MKackFSqTK2M4Pvi554/s400/IMG_0125+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On 12/26, we went on a train ride thanks to Santa! He sure knows how to pick good gifts, doesn't he? We had a fun-filled 5 hours together with no electronics and lots of laughter!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iNtlbNiBkwqJFDrpCWFpnySpfc4g33NLUAKIyVc7CQn0ymWRncUBQVR8XDE58YJzutHhpcM__yRWVnSOjnRi5nM7PS13CzIteZnbDZ3VVUEfT6i9hEM1abWTAShDS3rRkSwXZRD_HdTA/s1600/IMG_4981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iNtlbNiBkwqJFDrpCWFpnySpfc4g33NLUAKIyVc7CQn0ymWRncUBQVR8XDE58YJzutHhpcM__yRWVnSOjnRi5nM7PS13CzIteZnbDZ3VVUEfT6i9hEM1abWTAShDS3rRkSwXZRD_HdTA/s400/IMG_4981.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Boarding the train</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCKyOALS3vUUXssxb1bfJjGkemIWlK1hhgk68RXgWrVzPSWmJXJkianz0I3hrSdbvu9UXIx0fl4Q_F6xyopPmz9t7bDYt4heNbyvSrrXFosq0BhdNGwHOHYiRjQ5FRLBMLLVv1vJzQcRa/s1600/IMG_4988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCKyOALS3vUUXssxb1bfJjGkemIWlK1hhgk68RXgWrVzPSWmJXJkianz0I3hrSdbvu9UXIx0fl4Q_F6xyopPmz9t7bDYt4heNbyvSrrXFosq0BhdNGwHOHYiRjQ5FRLBMLLVv1vJzQcRa/s400/IMG_4988.jpg" width="300" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We walked to lunch at this yummy Thai restaurant</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1U2jrzf7MJiO3ryypw8PsgnnHEY72uT3zzu6I97fKfafE2j-CoI3uttTaDk5-pfUK8fOtTJSV6P_jpVRjDlo7cGJwcVRJ4XSdn-aodFzZml1pEILs7Bg0iiEHx5r8OKPjsK38FtA1mou8/s1600/IMG_5005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1U2jrzf7MJiO3ryypw8PsgnnHEY72uT3zzu6I97fKfafE2j-CoI3uttTaDk5-pfUK8fOtTJSV6P_jpVRjDlo7cGJwcVRJ4XSdn-aodFzZml1pEILs7Bg0iiEHx5r8OKPjsK38FtA1mou8/s400/IMG_5005.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Joey and Daddy had a word search competition</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVS2y3-b3h-WvHMOnKOO4r7hVhf3qMEu3fKXZpJyPPV5GKG-n-Ukxn0gC6lQRZGJynKrgNEsyYGBumtV74JfNmjWhvyKPG1S0uZuHW810dqKwtdbpx5pGYGorUH5q1wr9_1tzfUwdXqsm0/s1600/IMG_5026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVS2y3-b3h-WvHMOnKOO4r7hVhf3qMEu3fKXZpJyPPV5GKG-n-Ukxn0gC6lQRZGJynKrgNEsyYGBumtV74JfNmjWhvyKPG1S0uZuHW810dqKwtdbpx5pGYGorUH5q1wr9_1tzfUwdXqsm0/s400/IMG_5026.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just before we arrived at our last stop</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The very next day we left for Arkansas for the Webb Christmas, SuSu's birthday, and family time with the Stells. Our car pretty much knows it's way around Central Arkansas now. The number of Stells we crammed in one day is amazing! I'm going to just post a long list of pictures below. I keep hearing that a picture is worth a thousand words. Let's see if that is true!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A visit with Russ' grandmother, Mama Nina</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cohen and SuSu opening his gift</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The cousins doing what cousins do</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pearl and our newest niece, Collier</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Isaac really loves his horse!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The clones - Big Joe and Russ</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The kids with Randy and Diane</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The bacon was A-MAZING!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Aunt Mary buried beneath our kiddos!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SuSu's birthday celebration (minus a couple grands)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The kids' bonus grandparents - my Aunt Lucy and Uncle Ping</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Courtney and Teresa let us crash their time together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The kids loved getting to kick back and just watch tv!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Seeing Paw Paw once we got back from Arkansas</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hoo Hoo let us come visit for a bit when we got back in town</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Somehow Aunt Judy and Uncle Louis escaped my camera. This time. I saw what you did there, Aunt Judy. You shared that fascinating ring miracle as I was walking out. You distracted me to avoid the camera! Ha! We did discover a neat feature of Uncle Louis' car key on this trip though. It just proves that being easily amused runs in the family! Between that and naps, Uncle Louis and I are practically twins! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Looking forward to 2019! If you hear the doorbell ring, you better look through the peep hole. You may see our crew and try to run out the backdoor. Chances are we're going to hear you and chase you down for a hug!!! </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you don't see yourself in the pictures above, we're coming for you next time. I'm gathering more addresses (Matt, that's you now), so don't be surprised if we just show up. I literally texted Diane, Courtney, and Teresa the day before and invited myself for a visit. We had a wonderful time in Arkansas. I'd say we made the most of our 2 1/2 days in Conway! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If anyone wonders where Tipper stays while we're in Conway, see the picture below. We have some amazing friends who spoil this antique dog like nothing she's ever known. There are times that I think Tipper may sneak out one night and go over to their house. Tipper stays a mile from our house and lives it up with our dear friends!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>"<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">God sets the lonely</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14907A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14907A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> in families..."</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Psalm 68:6</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>I used to think "lonely" meant anyone without a family. Not true. We're all </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>lonely at some point in our lives, but God sets us in a family...could be a </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>neighborhood family, a school family, work family, a church family.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="background-color: white;">Know who your </span>family is. And if you ever get lonely, come on over! I </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>promise you won't be lonely here with our crew!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13750295094116522875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6961515207642689268.post-52020499212681410212018-12-26T18:39:00.000-08:002018-12-26T18:42:28.095-08:00Welcome 2019: Who are the people in your neighborhood? <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Who Are the People In Your Neighborhood?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sometimes I lose focus as to who I'm supposed to be encouraging and helping. A very wise "Shrenda" once told me to focus on my little family and set boundaries for who I help. Not that helping others is bad, but she knows I am easily distracted and need to be reminded. She has reminded me of this for YEARS! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For the first time in our family, we've set Family Goals. I won't share them all, but I can say that we plan to be intentional with our marriage and our kids. We plan to have budget meetings (which will include a spreadsheet overview, per my Accountant). Rest assured, I'll take pictures all along the way. Um, not of the budget meetings though, because those are confidential and will require a password to attend!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The social media version of our family</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our friends know the real version!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My mom and my childhood friend, Julie, were visiting on </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">the day our amazing photographer captured these. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We got started in December with Acts of Kindness. Thankfully they are posted on FB so I won't lose them. Also, they're not specific to December, so anyone can use them any time. All 5 of us survived those Acts of Kindness, so I'd say they are doable. Maybe doing them every single day was a bit much for us, but it was a great way to refocus on others. They helped the kids get creative in ways they give "gifts" to others. Mostly importantly, it helped them think of others! The acts related a Bible verse, so the kids can understand why we do what we do in our family. My sweet husband lead them each morning at breakfast like it was second nature to him. And writing them helped me see things from a new perspective and God let me use my creativity too!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here's a blank version for anyone who might be able to use them!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One day, when life slows down I want to look back at 2018 and share what I learned from the process of moving my parents to Texas. There is so much more to that story than I can fathom. I'm still processing the events and the miracles. Our family is still sifting through the pains and challenges too. Our 2018 has definitely been one of growth. All in all, it was a great year. Seems funny to even say that given the challenges. Even our new bank friend shakes his head at all we've accomplished and faced head on. He doesn't even know the half of it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our 2018 has been filled with challenges within our own family as well as challenges for some of our dearest friends. My husband can tell you that I almost burned up my phone with texts over the summer! Between my own neediness and the needs of my hurting friends, my texting thumb is ready to go on vacation. HA! Encouraging words and reminders of Truth pretty much ruled my phone for months. The texts went both ways though. Friends stood in the gap for me when I was taking my parents to court and traveling to Arkansas. They also brought meals to my family so that Russ didn't have to do "both jobs" (as Samuel so lovingly puts it) while I was away. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our house suffered while I was in survival mode. Thankfully there's grace and a helping hand! It opened my eyes to the need for more help around the house, which the kids and hubby are stepping up to tackle! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We've had friends battling cancer and friends with big marital challenges. These are all friends we've known for years, which made it comfortable. Is that even a thing? A comfortable time of challenges? It's seems to be easier to walk these hard roads with people we've known for years. It's easier to open up to them when you've seen the challenges they've faced too. Some friends I've blogged about recently and some I haven't...yet! I cannot change the name of everyone I include in blogs because I simply can't keep all the fake names straight in my head. In fact, my phone now autocorrects "Drenda" to "Shrenda". It also autocorrects "placemats" to body part names, so clearly it's unreliable and uneducated anyway! I will say that having a group of friends who now randomly gift each other keeps life interesting. Sometimes we know the gift-giver and sometimes we don't. That part is fun! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: center;"> This was my first friend party since childhood! It was just what I needed </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: center;"> this year! Thanks to my spiritual momma for making this happen!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">God has brought additional spiritual mommas in my path since the summer. To my surprise, they all text like a bunch of teen girls! They share verses and Truth. They make me laugh and check in on me. One super quiet pastor's wife even listens to TMac, so she went up a point on my "She's All That" scale!! Maybe one day I'll blog about these ladies too! In my free time...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Some HUGE highlights of December 2018</b>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1) Joey got baptized on Dec. 16! This special day made my eyes "sweat" a tiny bit. My mom was able to go to church with us this morning. We had our church family crowded in the back. And my amazing in-laws SURPRISED us by just showing up...as if they just happened to be in the neighborhood SIX HOURS AWAY FROM HOME! It was definitely a day to remember You can watch his baptism at the link below.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">http://www.firstcolleyville.com/baptisms#!/swx/pp/media_archives/297342/episode/76673</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2) Russ and I celebrated 14 years of marriage on Dec. 18! Our school and lock Karate business offered a date night where we could drop the kids off to learn self-defense, eat dinner, and watch a movie. Then, my hubby took me out to a favorite Italian restaurant that we haven't had a chance to visit in months! Such a sweet treat...and yes, I shared my dessert!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ok, I'm chasing squirrels like my spiritual momma "Shrenda", so stay tuned for more adventures of our family in 2019. I'd like to say I'll do better about blogging, but I'm not sure that's a reliable statement. After all, I'm "yearbook staff" for my kids' school. I love love love that opportunity. I use it be funny and gift others, so it's fun to me. Oh, and I love pictures!! Things are better at home with the kids since the summer. I've been seeing a counselor to help me sift through the things of my childhood - both good and bad - that have made me who I am today. The communication is improving in our marriage and we're actively working together to make life better! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Psalm 126:3</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13750295094116522875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6961515207642689268.post-14716438785855092772018-12-07T14:00:00.001-08:002018-12-07T14:00:29.538-08:00Are Those Eggs on the Street?<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As we've been teaching our kids this months about acts of kindness, it hit me today. We're 6 days in and it's becoming more clear how these little acts are changing our family. I'm a little slow to see it sometimes! So, my question is...what am I teaching my kids? We're working through acts that don't cost money. It's things we often overlook (me included). So, I've been trying to do these acts right along side them. Some days are harder than others. And sometimes it's just a matter of perspective to see that it's not as difficult as I initially envisioned. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My friend, Tera, is facing a very serious diagnosis...for the second time in her young life. She was a teacher before the C word hit. She was and still is a mother. No illness can take that away! I remember asking her in the past about different teaching techniques to use at home. And I still pick her brain when it comes to parenting a certainly little girl in our home. When she was diagnosed with cancer just over a year ago, Tera's world was rocked in a big way. She faced an unusual cancer discovered in an unusual way. Her sweet momma said this about her...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><i>"Leave it to my Tera to be atypical - but then she always </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><i>has been and she's always been a fighter and I praise God </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><i>she's His before mine and that He holds her in His hands."</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She was forced to give up teaching. It's something she's gifted at doing. She donated some of her supplies to another teacher and some she packed up to use at home. Did it hurt to leave her classroom for the last time as the teacher? Oh, I bet it did, but she did it. She left her classroom behind because it's what was best for her family and her health. Did she give up teaching all together? Nope! God had already given her 2 little cuties to parent with her amazing husband. And they have been teaching those 2 littles together for all of their young lives. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The youngest cutie is quite the deep thinker. In fact, Tera shared that he asked if someone threw eggs on the road. If you look closely at the yellow reflectors in the street, they're adhered with white cement that spreads out around the reflector. I see reflectors, but this little one sees eggs! His mind...it's almost overwhelmingly creative. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Their oldest is a quiet little girl who throws her momma for a loop sometimes, but is so sweet and gentle too. I joke with my friend that naps are for her sanity and their safety. Maybe that part is truth disguised as a joke. But my friend knows when to soak in the tender moments with her kids and be intentional. One morning, Tera texted to say that she had been awake thinking about her future and her health. And then a few texts later, she said her sweet girl had come in to cuddle and that's where she would be for awhile. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Also, Tera has been intentional with her husband too. They make the most of every opportunity together even if it involves working on the farm and plowing fields, literally!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>This is what I've learned from Tera since her initial diagnosis:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1) Keep your circle small in the beginning. Sometimes you have to do this to avoid rumors or confusion, but sometimes you have to do it to protect those closest to you. If you have deep thinkers that see "eggs" on the road, you know you have to be careful about what information is shared and when.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2) Be honest about your struggles, but still continue to check on those around you. More than once, I'll get a text asking about my day or my marriage or my parents. She's still checking in on me, which means she's likely checking in on others too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3) Be intentional and make the most of every opportunity. Don't give up teaching your kids. You may not have a classroom at a school, but you do have an audience wherever you go. Cuddles are even teaching moments too! </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If your hubby is as awesome as Tera's, you'll go on a date day after doctors' appointments. Remember? Be intentional. Just to brag on her husband, Lee has come out fighting when insurance coverage arose. He's a farmer with boxing gloves on...except he would never hit anyone. Ever. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4) Leave a legacy. It may be in pictures or words or activities, but find out what works for your family. Tera hasn't let this disease steal her sense of adventure and wonder. Her kids are little. She knows that Christmas lights and music speak to them. She knows her audience well. And I've learned from Tera too that it's not about making scrapbooks with the pictures. The memories are implanted in the mind and the pictures can remind. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Someone else can plug pictures into a scrapbook later while Tera's out chasing her kids on their next adventure! I do remind her to take pictures though!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5) Know the Truth, but also never give up. Tera knows the medical side of her diagnosis. She probably knows just enough to scare herself. But she also knows the Truth that God will heal her one way or another. And she's not giving up. She's just honest some days that it's overwhelming and scary. That doesn't mean she'll cancel her child's birthday party for fear of germs. It just means she's keep a bubble around herself to limit germs. She also knows the One who made her and hears her prayers and will eventually heal. I'm praying and believing for more years here on earth!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">6) Also, laugh. If you can't laugh, find someone who can make you laugh. Tera let's me be that person for her sometimes. I can turn pretty much anything in to a sarcastic joke. I have to reign it in some days, but for the most part, I think she laughs at my jokes. For example, when one of our friends said her labs (blood work) were good, I replied with a picture of my lab (dog)! Tera can dish it out too. She sent me this. She told me which one made her think of me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tera's illness has not be wasted on me. It's actually grown my prayer life. And if begging the Lord for a friend's life out loud is "acceptable", then I've been "acceptable" quite a bit lately. She has touched way more lives than mine and I doubt she even knows that at times. Much like my spiritual parents, I'm watching and learning from her. Tera's barely younger than me, but definitely taller. So, I can call her my sister...not big sister, but maybe wise, <i>taller sister</i>! I still have so much more to learn from her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>do not be discouraged."</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Deut. 31:8</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13750295094116522875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6961515207642689268.post-30213538288179228092018-12-02T07:43:00.001-08:002018-12-02T07:43:03.937-08:00Shrenda, Come Back! Don't chase that Squirrel!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Trust and Squirrels</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the most important things I've learned from Shrenda over the years is trust. Because I know I can trust her, I also know I can trust what she says. Shrenda has told me most recently:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>1. Set boundaries.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>2. Keep unity in your marriage.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>3. Take care of your kids before taking care of others</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The list could go on and on, but we'll start with those. You know how Shrenda knows so much? Because she knows the one who is Truth...the Lord! She is quick to point me back to Him in any situation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. <i>Setting boundaries is healthy. </i> If you run yourself down, you're no good to anyone. If you try to help every single person that has needs, you'll never be able to care for them fully because you'll spread yourself thin. Also, you may end up taking on the role that someone else was purposed for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. <i>Once you're married, you are one</i>. It's about working together. We tell our kids often "we're a team", which drives them nuts sometimes. We may not always sleep under the same roof or go to bed at the same time, but we can strive for unity in many others ways. Good communication can even lead to unity, which is good for me because I love words and my hubby hears words well!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. <i>Taking care of your little family is important. </i> I get side tracked sometimes and I try to help people in foreign lands and forget my own little three. I prayed to have lots of children but sometimes I forget to focus on my 3 answers to prayer. That may be putting a note in their lunch or looking them in the eye for a 5 minute conversation on pirates, video games, and making jewelry (all things I know absolutely nothing about). It's the little things in life...for real!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As for squirrels, that's more of an inside joke. Slim Billion has known Shrenda since he saw her beautiful golden locks at the bus stop. I think that was back in the 80's, but I'm not certain! Anyway, Shrenda gets caught up in a bunch of things and her mind gets distracted easily. Sound like anyone you know? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One thing I can say about Shrenda and chasing multiple ideas at the same time, is that she still points things back to the Lord. It may a cookie party or home decor. It may be an illness or swimming. She has a way of knowing how those things fit in the details of life. And she knows the Giver of life, so she can point anyone back to Him. Even in her illness, she points people to the Lord. Does she do it with tears? Sometimes. Does she do it with laughter? Yep. Does Shrenda do it with gifts? You bet. That's the thing about truth...it doesn't change! So, no matter situations we're facing, there's Truth to be found. Sometimes it takes longer to see it. Sometimes it's painful to get there. And sometimes we may laugh so hard we can't catch our breath. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Birthday Party</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My sweet Shrenda hosted a birthday party for me this year on the day SHE HAD A MEDICAL PROCEDURE! This lady. Again, she trusted that it would happen, even if Slim had to cook dinner. And we all know Slim would've rather been learning Hebrew than cooking dinner for a bunch of girls that want to talk about potty training, gift ideas, and swings. Shrenda knew that my momma was unable to host a party and that my own little family was struggling with the added stress of caring for my parents. Also, the last friend party I remember was at McDonald's. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiAYxNSUn_t_kDFPJL_2S1jdYj2WeFDMUQXOwjMm6KH9GNyAbo0vx6LJcv182dM1OjUOdEtmtyj_NNgnBpKlB008Hoau234ynUIivZdTheil4rvHXtFSx8PMyioI6VKYUMq2lBFl82sMB/s1600/Party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="723" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiAYxNSUn_t_kDFPJL_2S1jdYj2WeFDMUQXOwjMm6KH9GNyAbo0vx6LJcv182dM1OjUOdEtmtyj_NNgnBpKlB008Hoau234ynUIivZdTheil4rvHXtFSx8PMyioI6VKYUMq2lBFl82sMB/s400/Party.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sorry! I didn't have time to conceal identities. Still no one knows which </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">girl is Shrenda! For fun, there's a teacher, a creative mind, a therapist, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">a nurse, a preschool teacher, a momma, and a sarcastic funny girl. Just realized </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">there's a shirt maker missing from the picture! See if you can figure it out!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Funny thing is that this party was far from what anyone expected. Some fiends were afraid to come because their lives had changed so drastically. But one friend even drove an hour to see us! And you know what? The party was AMAZING!! In typical Shrenda fashion, she coined this group of ladies a funny name because of life's challenges. Thankfully laughter was a big part of the evening. So, thanks to squirrels and Shrenda, I had an amazing evening! Also, my sweet husband cared for our kiddos so I could enjoy the evening! There's that unity and caring for the kids Shrenda talked about!! I could go on for days...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If anyone sees Shrenda, please don't tell her that I think I'm so much like her. And if you know Slim, pray for him! He loves his wife so big, but mostly he's gonna need some running to shoes to keep up with Shrenda. She's going places in life! I can see Slim chasing her while yelling "what else?" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>"<span class="text Ps-33-4" id="en-NIV-14371" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">For the word of the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is right<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14371A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14371A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and true; </span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-33-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">he is faithful<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14371C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14371C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in all he does." </span></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-33-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Psalm 33:4</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-33-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13750295094116522875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6961515207642689268.post-80590952564735160662018-12-01T04:40:00.000-08:002018-12-01T04:40:53.406-08:00To Quote "Slim Billion"...<div dir="ltr" style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: #26282a;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To Quote Slim Billion: What else?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We know a world famous teacher who likes to ask “what else". Whether it's at home, at the grocery store, in a Sunday school room, or anywhere else...it's a valid question. It gets us thinking, especially when hearing and seeing what God is doing. He sometimes gives direct commandments, such as “do not steal” and “do not commit adultery”, but other times He's more subtle. That's where Slim comes in with his reminder question. You see, he tries to disguise it as a simple question, but he knows the Lord will use it to get us thinking. Sadly, it takes some people (finger pointing at myself) to really understand the question. Then, I zacar Slim's teachings and it all makes more sense.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Let me introduce you to Slim and his wife Shrenda. This is an older picture and their identities have been concealed to protect the innocent (Shrenda in this case).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmf_FCDAEgsrE0P-1f_VpjRsxLruf5pPv9_PaVJNCLYMpB0j4zHBFVkjiAjNChbIbuehHhcn5ArFynd-LiCZ2bdWOu3oQoRnt7_yp5dF2CflDalPgkg26QfiCQK9gD6oQGWzMHDwVq9w1g/s1600/10366298_10152481710483199_4441411500283215632_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="960" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmf_FCDAEgsrE0P-1f_VpjRsxLruf5pPv9_PaVJNCLYMpB0j4zHBFVkjiAjNChbIbuehHhcn5ArFynd-LiCZ2bdWOu3oQoRnt7_yp5dF2CflDalPgkg26QfiCQK9gD6oQGWzMHDwVq9w1g/s400/10366298_10152481710483199_4441411500283215632_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then, there’s the instructions to go tell others about Him and go care for widows and orphans. That's where my November posts were headed and God totally derailed that! It was never about the children we adopted. It was a heart change so much deeper. Again, I was slow to get that. Um...at least 3 years slow! Honestly, I still don't get all that the Lord has instructed in those verses. Maybe Slim and Shrenda will be able to help that. In fact sometimes Shrenda does call me out or remind me and then she asks...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"Oh no! Was I too harsh? Are we still friends? Did I hurt your feelings?" </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Back to Slim...I'm sure Slim has talked about (in his own little way) how you wouldn’t lead some to a foreign land and then just leave them there without a map. You wouldn't give someone a dream without some way or interpreting it. And hopefully you wouldn't give someone a smart mind to think and no wise counsel to understand it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It’s the same for adoption, family challenges, or illness. It's the same for the good stuff too, like blessings of money, unexpected new friends, and getting a new puppy. Slim's question is still applicable...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">"What else?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #26282a;">Slim and Shrenda are <span style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">facing</span> a pretty serious health situation, but they are believing the Truth they've always known. They've even been obedient to change church homes, which makes absolutely no sense to the average person.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #26282a;">That means their meeting all new friends in the midst of the this new health challenge. You know what? Slim has been asking if he can te</span></span><span style="color: #26282a; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">ach a class at this new church. If life truly is the church with no walls (reportedly said by famous Pastor John Meador), then we should all be watching and learning from Slim. I am, but not in a creepy way. By the way, Pastor John is amazing too! We've known John and Kim for a few years now. I thought about changing their names too, but I'm starting to get these imaginary names mixed up in my sleepy head!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">There's so much more to learn from them both. Shrenda is super smart too, but she chases squirrels and asks if she's hurting my feelings too often. I'll tell more about her later. Maybe tomorrow 'cause she's my spiritual momma and I'm making something special for her tonight! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #26282a;">Momma, if you're reading this...do you prefer chocolate or pumpkin? Wait...I already know the answer to that!!! Can I just combine the 2? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #26282a;">Kim, I know you'll read this soon enough. You've become a faithful friend. So, where is your favorite verse again? Psalm 3 or Proverbs 3? Hee Hee!</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #26282a;">"</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320; font-family: Roboto, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your covenant is trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant."</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Joshua 1:9</b></span></div>
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Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13750295094116522875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6961515207642689268.post-88231304420332273212018-11-13T20:02:00.001-08:002018-11-13T20:02:07.394-08:00Part 4: They're Everywhere<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ok. One more "fake friend" and then I'll move on...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's still fascinating to me how God knits our families together with other families!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fake Friend: Amanda Botswana</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I call her "Amanda Botswana" because I have too many adoptive friends named Amanda, according to Russ. Amanda was serving in Botswana when we initially connected. Funny thing is that after a short stint in Houston, God took her and her family back to Botswana. I never even got to meet her when we were in the same state. One day...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Remember how my friend Amanda (see? Too many Amanda's already) took a gift to Samuel before we ever held him. Yeah, God gave us that same opportunity for Wei Wei. We got to experience the same joy of sending pictures to another waiting family. We were able to pay it forward and it kinda paid it backwards to us too. Funny how that works! I wonder if Amanda knows that I sometimes I forget her last name because it's "Botswana" in our home!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Photo credit: Christopher Visuals</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEOft27FDeKgEwydNHPKmZhv9ZGXeKpuHmerSYrN-NQtijPHLPFDFdvgzyMx3CsQnwJ-NVGBCmLOQ_wRc8xq0b5GL_8iAsXGTB2MEnuRUZ5nVF3qcsooboUPP0kk4BWXThigNoetykT0e/s1600/44943440_10100738060204644_8687473582760001536_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEOft27FDeKgEwydNHPKmZhv9ZGXeKpuHmerSYrN-NQtijPHLPFDFdvgzyMx3CsQnwJ-NVGBCmLOQ_wRc8xq0b5GL_8iAsXGTB2MEnuRUZ5nVF3qcsooboUPP0kk4BWXThigNoetykT0e/s320/44943440_10100738060204644_8687473582760001536_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This Amanda has become a faithful friend too. We may go months between emails because we simply get too busy to reply to one another, but I know she's there. And when we do reconnect, it's like we just pick up where we left off. She has been a great encouragement to me. Her words of honesty have come back to ring in my ear often. God has definitely used her to heal my own heart while I've struggled to bond with Stella. Get this, she started a Facebook group to support the families adopting through our same agency. Yep!! She's all about adoption too. I love that she has taken it as a privilege and a responsibility to encourage other families along the way. I go weeks or months without looking at the FB group, yet Amanda somehow keeps up with each new family that is adopting. And she adds them. And then comments to welcome them. She's just being a vessel to encourage other adoptive families because God has given her that passion...all the way from another country!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>We have real friends too. I Promise.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When you're in the adoption world and you literally walk the road of adoption with another family; you're just bonded for life. There's no other way around it. It's like being in the delivery room with a dear friend for the birth of your child. And their child. At the same time. Kinda weird, hu? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Shannon and I first connected when our older sons were in kindergarten together. Samuel had recently come home from China, but that wasn't yet the time Shannon's heart towards adoption started growing. Our friendship has changed over the years. I didn't realize until much later that God had used our adoption of Stella to spur Shannon and her family towards adoption. Looking back now, knowing how I've struggled so much with Stella, it's almost comical that God would use THAT adoption to encourage Shannon's family. If she could've only know my heart and my thoughts, it might've scared my friend away from adopting. For someone who struggles to keep her words to herself, it's kind of like a miracle that I didn't ruin what was about to transpire. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrD1XJT8SYP1zR9uSnTMr7iS6gKuYmZ3dNSa-qe0EFW9Wi0ZTfoq3IStIaxbtc_RkMnSvrXvqfjjVXvsi0HTBA74Pi8bwtFTN72oX0amzeqKA5PX_gjXQg1tDdW1tkUVKk75s2ORHgBgks/s1600/29791788_10155175656071577_4059503845985903188_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrD1XJT8SYP1zR9uSnTMr7iS6gKuYmZ3dNSa-qe0EFW9Wi0ZTfoq3IStIaxbtc_RkMnSvrXvqfjjVXvsi0HTBA74Pi8bwtFTN72oX0amzeqKA5PX_gjXQg1tDdW1tkUVKk75s2ORHgBgks/s320/29791788_10155175656071577_4059503845985903188_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shannon has been honest with her own struggles, again even those beyond adoption. She has calmed me and spoken truth more times than I can count. Our texts outnumber the stars in the sky, I think. And her kids, I love them like my own. Annika (her daughter from China) probably thinks I stalk her. I see her at school, at her house, at the park, pretty much anywhere. Perhaps when kids think moms have eyes in the back of their head, it could just be that there are mom spies everywhere with a full charged cell phone ready to text any mishap! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To think the God can use me in one of my ugliest times (while I struggled to love my own child), is humbling! The fact that I kept my mouth shut long enough so as not to scare Jay and Shannon away from adoption, is a miracle in itself! Our adoptions and honestly has just bonded us even tighter!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Prov-18-24" id="en-NIV-16926" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">"One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, </span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Prov-18-24" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">but there </span></span></span></b></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Prov-18-24" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Prov-18-24" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Proverbs 18:24</span></b></span></span></div>
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Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13750295094116522875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6961515207642689268.post-36807348616164573452018-11-11T21:10:00.002-08:002018-11-11T21:29:03.081-08:00Where's My Gift?<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Today is Orphan Sunday...a day we bring recognition to those without parents. According to the actual definition, it doesn't give an age range. Anyone can be an orphan. It's not a word designated for those children living in foster care or orphanages. It's not just those children aging out of foster care with no family of their own. Literally, anyone can be an orphan. What does God say about orphans? </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: </i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>to look after orphans and widows in their distress and </i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>James 1:27</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #001320;">What's really funny is that I started out my thoughts on orphans to highlight how people poured into our adoption journey, how we met special friends on this journey, how others can come along side a family adopting. It's becoming more and more apparent that my friend Amanda was right when she said that perhaps adoption is about healing our own hearts. It's about the changes God will make in our own lives if we just walk the road of adoption (in any aspect)</span></span></span><span style="color: #001320; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. It's not so much about changing the life of an orphan. That part is expected. What is unexpected is the the change that comes when we pour into others. It's the change that comes when we pray for a family waiting to meet their child. It's the change that comes when we humble ourselves to accept help or prayer from others, sometimes strangers. Maybe God told us to care for orphan (and the poor and the widows and the lost) because in doing that, He make unexpected changes in our own lives!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Want to see my children who are orphans no more? We celebrated my birthday today, which makes this day even more special. God reminds me again of 2 of the greatest gifts he's ever given me. Make that 3, because He tells us that children are a gift. All 3 of my kids are a huge gift that the Lord uses to shape my own life. So, they're like gifts that keep on giving. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"Children are a gift from the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>;</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-127-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">they are a reward from him."</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-127-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Psalm 127:3</i></b></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYyd3c1309555_ltHQUm91SZyZEgVSfpGkIMfaj-9M6W7eXHgmaKX2vmRUAiCiMmNZ8tZze_Wn8JBHc_7rpmt73c1eeU5Vm0Ps0j3pv5oU5MAmwaU_jcCZvN17P3VvcC5L13m0R8uUE-t/s1600/IMG_3775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYyd3c1309555_ltHQUm91SZyZEgVSfpGkIMfaj-9M6W7eXHgmaKX2vmRUAiCiMmNZ8tZze_Wn8JBHc_7rpmt73c1eeU5Vm0Ps0j3pv5oU5MAmwaU_jcCZvN17P3VvcC5L13m0R8uUE-t/s320/IMG_3775.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If I want to get technical about gifts, I could talk all day on that concept. Gifts don't have to be new or expensive or deemed important by someone else. I have a house full of gifts, including my husband who adores me! I have 2 more gifts in Texas that weren't here in town last year...my parents. I got to see both of them on my birthday. My mom gifted us by eating lunch with us (one of her favorite meals that is quite delicious). My dad got me a card for my birthday and seemed so proud that even with his Alzheimer's, he was able to get me a card. Talk about gifts! Today has been full of gifts. I've been flooded with hugs, cards (sent snail mail and arrived on time), texts, messages, and so much more. A friend from elementary school texted to say a whole bunch of really nice things. I received cookies that were accompanied by some amazing artwork, which included the death star. Stella wrote me a book (literally a 5 pages card) and performed a Stella-original solo act. I'll try to forget that she revealed may age in the song! My spiritual parents offered me a comfy seat and lots of love during church this morning. And they're not even finished yet. I may not be on their monetary payroll, but I'm on their payroll for many others gifts! I could go on and on! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAA-AJIYvHMK_FWdWI49J02kFBzVAbi3wChCd7ztV7Q-79-Pe3bXnDUvEyZEKuzeEhpEnR9x0Cv10TAP8mH9s4UHTrg-DX2966lMC9GXkG-Bn4ArxNbKgml6XgZxCm8aD2ccjk1t2CGfuD/s1600/IMG_3741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAA-AJIYvHMK_FWdWI49J02kFBzVAbi3wChCd7ztV7Q-79-Pe3bXnDUvEyZEKuzeEhpEnR9x0Cv10TAP8mH9s4UHTrg-DX2966lMC9GXkG-Bn4ArxNbKgml6XgZxCm8aD2ccjk1t2CGfuD/s320/IMG_3741.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I love my momma something fierce!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9tRZD5ONb5e1C_kVJOqzgPfJp3yBqNMt2Xt0uPzxIOSZyM008ayCyBR5NrlRzrLjZPo8Y_ez3Df2i0_8Mmeu5qRy_Yyxy8LWGeV4GwOgiEFZlQtQJh6gOv17T99zNJQAHYRsdKlIhA6P/s1600/IMG_3748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9tRZD5ONb5e1C_kVJOqzgPfJp3yBqNMt2Xt0uPzxIOSZyM008ayCyBR5NrlRzrLjZPo8Y_ez3Df2i0_8Mmeu5qRy_Yyxy8LWGeV4GwOgiEFZlQtQJh6gOv17T99zNJQAHYRsdKlIhA6P/s320/IMG_3748.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My kids love their Hoo Hoo so big</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4LI9fHIhyAWh_PG4s4ovjPbNQPeH2D8LM-lmXomZUSSDuY78xVZSkStcaVtyWDnGgSOuHsesLFGTUztsp3D99Yu_sUM-tJ8ZUspRIucAlP1wVgU7co4NpaDEaiP6NhPjS6-OsfmEeVJR/s1600/IMG_3755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4LI9fHIhyAWh_PG4s4ovjPbNQPeH2D8LM-lmXomZUSSDuY78xVZSkStcaVtyWDnGgSOuHsesLFGTUztsp3D99Yu_sUM-tJ8ZUspRIucAlP1wVgU7co4NpaDEaiP6NhPjS6-OsfmEeVJR/s320/IMG_3755.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Paw Paw is a gift to these kiddos!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFPXkoTk7Yn7P1n6jCY-oCOAl8lkkkbBtS5oTGnAUVWzS2Atpeiii32I-FQHAX2AIXamb4EKIpqhg4x49R24HCPUHrMXV_KtMhI7Qkr_9G50SiyFWUjF1HIITcrACd1mXkp1hhL7GV2S6/s1600/IMG_3765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFPXkoTk7Yn7P1n6jCY-oCOAl8lkkkbBtS5oTGnAUVWzS2Atpeiii32I-FQHAX2AIXamb4EKIpqhg4x49R24HCPUHrMXV_KtMhI7Qkr_9G50SiyFWUjF1HIITcrACd1mXkp1hhL7GV2S6/s320/IMG_3765.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He is still amazed with selfies. Such a fun time with him!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white;">"Every good and perfect gift is from above,</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30284A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30284A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"> coming </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white;">down from the Father of the heavenly lights,</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30284B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30284B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white;">who does not change</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30284C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30284C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"> like shifting shadows."</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>James 1:17</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">And now, I'm off to dream about the celebration for Veteran's Day </span>tomorrow. Our veterans are a gift too, and some don't even realize that... </span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13750295094116522875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6961515207642689268.post-86364638987806893732018-11-09T03:07:00.001-08:002018-11-09T18:30:27.283-08:00She's Just One Lady<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Speaking of tiny possibilities, she's just one lady. Her frame might be small, but she is making big differences in the lives of children. And what is even amazing, this is just her government-assigned job! It's not even her choice!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>She's Just One Lady</b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We first saw Nanny Z on January 13, 2014 around 2:34pm. Honestly, I don't remember even seeing her that day. Russ met her because he had the opportunity to ask her questions about Samuel as I tried desperately to calm him. I remember asking Russ what Nanny Z said about Samuel and how to pronounce his name correctly. But all I remember Russ saying is how she had been crying since that morning and she was sobbing when he tried to talk to her. Sobbing? Really? For a child she met at her work? It's probably a good thing that Russ was the one meeting with her and not me. He has a way of not hugging complete strangers and making them feel weird (like Michael Scott weird). Russ is pretty great like that!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Looking back, I realized I had never once stopped to really consider her feelings. I had never thought to pray for her broken heart. It had never crossed my mind that maybe her world was being shattered at the same time as Samuel's. We had been encouraged to pray for our child and his transition, but never once do I remember anyone telling me I should be praying for this employee. I thought she was just a worker. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This sweet lady I have grown to love more over the years. I see the fruits of her labor every single day when I hold my Samuel. I hear her gentle words when Samuel tells me he loves me. I see her broken heart when I look at the pictures from our trip in 2014 and in 2015. We talk about her openly at home. In fact, I make sure to keep her memory alive because she is a gift to our family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I don't know if Nanny Z knows Jesus. Not only is there a language barrier, but I have never had an opportunity to ask her. What I do know is that I can love her for Jesus. In fact, I'm fairly certain I scared her when I hugged her in 2014. Like, I hugged her a lot. Remember, Russ is the one that knows how to avoid awkward hugs with strangers. Not me. Then, when we saw her again in 2015 for Stella's adoption, I hugged her again a lot. In fact, I leaned in and told her "I love you" when we left for the last time. Again, awkward hugs are my thing! I thought I heard her say it back to me, but maybe it was my imagination. Or maybe she was whispering that I was in her personal space bubble. Either way, I never want her to question whether she did a good job caring for our Samuel. I hope she has a confidence that she matters, even if only to 1 family. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSvmLJTLQ_E1a1rv36OHa8jR9Pcpq8GS3jbhK_gJoMCNTuKiFUciOuEotzj3N2yqs2aLrJz9F7GjkmiNQYNIyAgqqiNHOomVlgDgP72hQ-qtqjGPOAsfSkZCnlb61h82UN1nWScwQuTV5/s1600/IMG_3525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1010" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSvmLJTLQ_E1a1rv36OHa8jR9Pcpq8GS3jbhK_gJoMCNTuKiFUciOuEotzj3N2yqs2aLrJz9F7GjkmiNQYNIyAgqqiNHOomVlgDgP72hQ-qtqjGPOAsfSkZCnlb61h82UN1nWScwQuTV5/s400/IMG_3525.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We've been "friends" since January of 2017, but much longer in reality. This is just the first time it became official. I honestly don't even remember how we found each other last year. I do know that it made my heart very happy! And I have to believe she feels the same. That first day we connected, I sent her 5 pictures. The next day we sent audio and written message and 8 more pictures. I laugh now, but I asked her (through the app translation) to send a picture of herself so I could confirm it was her. Like some random person would be exchanging messages with a Texan on the other side of the globe. That picture she sent still makes me sad, because it's just her. No one else appears to be in the room. Over the past 23 months, not once has Nanny Z posted a picture of herself or her with another person. Not even once. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Each and every time I send her a picture of Samuel or Stella, she comments. Every single time. We try to converse with the app translation, but I'm not confident that it's 100% accurate. If a picture is worth a thousand words, I'd rather communicate in a way that I know is accurate! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3lC7cqy1Y_twxiktnz9joExOwpyBWyeO58tG2IKrmWlmZDjjZxHJ77fbfy3kxajle21gf5dsrQ1BgtzgmraSCUo-0JPQlME4r3hQYwgOSXuEZV92iXu70mF0JY75RC4ftPxz9vFtRRWU/s1600/IMG_3519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3lC7cqy1Y_twxiktnz9joExOwpyBWyeO58tG2IKrmWlmZDjjZxHJ77fbfy3kxajle21gf5dsrQ1BgtzgmraSCUo-0JPQlME4r3hQYwgOSXuEZV92iXu70mF0JY75RC4ftPxz9vFtRRWU/s400/IMG_3519.jpg" width="252" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRRP8yoIXqQIP20hXtYBKvcImvSfN096S9PtbRun8GMyRDHfOkk5RNCqSbAh7zLQgiuFW4oXZAMMQw_p28JLzEJ55wLW1aQupN1R2CquKGiFJ8ioC3or9GjUl-3xc2iWevMexLH03lWqY/s1600/IMG_3518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRRP8yoIXqQIP20hXtYBKvcImvSfN096S9PtbRun8GMyRDHfOkk5RNCqSbAh7zLQgiuFW4oXZAMMQw_p28JLzEJ55wLW1aQupN1R2CquKGiFJ8ioC3or9GjUl-3xc2iWevMexLH03lWqY/s400/IMG_3518.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These are conversations we just had last week. Obviously, she still loves our kiddos. I wonder how many other adoptive families she has contact with. I may never know the answer to that, but I'm glad we have contact wit her. I will tell you that I hope to see Nanny Z again one day. It's not a secret, so you don't have to worry if Russ already knows. I fully expect to hug her again. A LOT. I don't want her to ever doubt her impact because she makes a big difference in our family, even to this day! It goes to show that anyone can make a difference. Maybe it's a smile or the gentle way you care for a child. It doesn't matter if it's your passion or even your choice. God can use you. Again, adoption is not just about taking an orphan home. It's about making a difference in some else's life. It just might be a ripple effect!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"<span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; text-align: justify;">The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Galatians 5:6</span></span></div>
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Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13750295094116522875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6961515207642689268.post-7596673770150750742018-11-08T03:00:00.000-08:002018-11-08T03:00:18.466-08:00Part 3: Is There a Tiny Possibility?<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If there's even the tiniest possibility that God put us together for His good, these just might be the connections with my "fake friends". He can use each of us in the most unexpected ways!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Fake Friend: Amanda</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcxD5Jn03rYJCJw8FcMXQIjM-10wAxpOrDnr-X25BpRoQNC0F0PbrCh5onskr0NQYxXDWmlqjkcS81jcJHzY72PiCiaWk8Ea_7UcPUKUTyA69wLs8qKfLgfWHylWTP2K05Ule8HPpNDBe/s1600/1472478_10202326180736471_490007817_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcxD5Jn03rYJCJw8FcMXQIjM-10wAxpOrDnr-X25BpRoQNC0F0PbrCh5onskr0NQYxXDWmlqjkcS81jcJHzY72PiCiaWk8Ea_7UcPUKUTyA69wLs8qKfLgfWHylWTP2K05Ule8HPpNDBe/s320/1472478_10202326180736471_490007817_o.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This picture of Samuel wa</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">s taken by a complete stranger who is now one of my closest fake friends. Russ and I jokingly call her a "fake friend" because I've never actually met Amanda in person, BUT I know she's real. I've seen a picture of her in a video with our Samuel. God connected us before we each completed our first adoptions. That was right about 5 years ago. Right, Amanda? Her son, James, is from the same orphanage that our 2 littles are from. We call them Huizhou siblings. And I now call Amanda one of my greatest friends. She has spoken Truth to me when I felt like giving up. She has been painfully honest about the hard times in her family’s adoptions, that at times stretch far beyond adoption itself. She took a gift to our Samuel before we even got a chance to hold him. Funny how we've yet to meet. And if we never meet on this earth, I'm so very thankful that Heaven has no end. We might be talking constantly for all eternity. We'll try to keep it down, but we can't promise anything! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkDxtBmcF7fi-d0whhtUCmND231MIGCzsch24m_t70AvEjcwTnVJBO2tvtTTdn_zg_8DnuGJg55WXt07vwPX-IHiiWJqDdon46a5c6pvQqOwRzMjFST51z23MSwnIzIT-vckTLtoZS4gy/s1600/13920061_10209712827118014_1322907912225748720_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkDxtBmcF7fi-d0whhtUCmND231MIGCzsch24m_t70AvEjcwTnVJBO2tvtTTdn_zg_8DnuGJg55WXt07vwPX-IHiiWJqDdon46a5c6pvQqOwRzMjFST51z23MSwnIzIT-vckTLtoZS4gy/s400/13920061_10209712827118014_1322907912225748720_o.jpg" width="266" /></a>'</div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This family picture was taken before sweet Wave </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARQpC9ncJQQoHx1LxhLsbb1FzTB0JM7Fp3Adr015Z_KqRul9JxNu7tlH9SGQG9XLDu30SakARGmXzaKaK84vmvgqwbxk3dJErFwaXm21GOpWZdWT8VpwnMtYH7Q640z-5E6YeKzKE1k76/s1600/26196011_10214525327947527_8480666595360996236_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARQpC9ncJQQoHx1LxhLsbb1FzTB0JM7Fp3Adr015Z_KqRul9JxNu7tlH9SGQG9XLDu30SakARGmXzaKaK84vmvgqwbxk3dJErFwaXm21GOpWZdWT8VpwnMtYH7Q640z-5E6YeKzKE1k76/s320/26196011_10214525327947527_8480666595360996236_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Momma and her little girl</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Amanda just reminded me of something last week. To quote her, she said "It really isn't that much about the kids, is it? It's about our own healing." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Fake Friend: Mandy</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I saw Mandy and her husband when we first walked in the hotel restaurant. I remember being drawn to them because they were holding their baby girl, Lila. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised given that many American adoptive families go through this one hotel. I noticed that Lila had a cleft lip and I was intrigued especially since we had cleft lip bottles for orphanage donations. As we talked, Mandy let me interact with Lila, which I thought was a no-no at the time. She was so gracious. Not only did Mandy come to ask the hard question "how's your marriage", but she warned me that there might be some depression after adoption. In fact, she told me that's it's normal and common. I couldn't figure out why she was being so bold with that information to a complete stranger. And while I didn't experience depression with Samuel, God knew those days were coming. I bet Mandy didn't even know that she was speaking truth I would need to hear almost 2 years later for our adoption of Stella. Now, here we are 4 1/2 years later still encouraging each other. In fact, Mandy is the one who hosted a book fundraiser to help fund Stella's adoption.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytIfi_xFEfa7_68hz7OA_0zX70rLR69E2HYTplxYY-2tDuQ8Iu-kfulloUgqwlb5nL12vEviF2yeIZpA56jNkvyA549yEZSUvixfaKs4_H1rpn2n525y88ZOZh_lxlpFMJa5_7zGud8WN/s1600/29314442_10157428012174129_1304848778632626176_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytIfi_xFEfa7_68hz7OA_0zX70rLR69E2HYTplxYY-2tDuQ8Iu-kfulloUgqwlb5nL12vEviF2yeIZpA56jNkvyA549yEZSUvixfaKs4_H1rpn2n525y88ZOZh_lxlpFMJa5_7zGud8WN/s320/29314442_10157428012174129_1304848778632626176_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mandy's beautiful girls, Grace and Lila</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Fake Friend: Stephanie</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Remember that fierce Daddy Russ that worked hard to ensure out Samuel would be OUR SON? While looking at the waiting child list each month, one little girl "Katie" grabbed my heart. I finally talked Russ into looking at her file. What I didn't know is that another momma was trying to wait patiently for her husband to look at Katie's file too. Actually, I think they had looked at her file, but he wasn't ready to commit. Just the mention that someone else is trying to adopt YOUR child and will light a fire under any parent. That's what happened. Stephanie told me later that once her husband realized other families were looking at Katie's file, he realized she was to be their daughter. Katie's momma became a dear friend after I saw her post about Katie on FB a few years ago. There's nothing creepy about a random stranger messaging to ask about your soon-to-be adopted daughter, right? See, even Facebook can be used for good! Stephanie and I have never met, but she and I connected and clicked. Stephanie has been a great source of encouragement in my bonding with Stella. She has answered my weird messages about difficult attachment. She never once made me feel stupid or inadequate as a mom. She continues to do quite the opposite! She has become my go-to with Stella questions.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zgSzulLpPoLC4whajN3T08hVLRvfRnrfsYj2PMgflyLCBC5zHOJI0lmKLQ4TyN_2R-fnhFK1b7kWgH0c1xcNNOTvbH_PyBZq6xAIcyySwk9unpr5o9iDJf_OsEPyujdJqRJdt33PKoVB/s1600/27545601_10215513404814426_854059146569763342_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zgSzulLpPoLC4whajN3T08hVLRvfRnrfsYj2PMgflyLCBC5zHOJI0lmKLQ4TyN_2R-fnhFK1b7kWgH0c1xcNNOTvbH_PyBZq6xAIcyySwk9unpr5o9iDJf_OsEPyujdJqRJdt33PKoVB/s320/27545601_10215513404814426_854059146569763342_n.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Katie is the little girl in the middle. She's now Ellie. Stephanie and her </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">husband brought </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">home their son first and then added an </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">older daughter after Katie came home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I know God can accomplish whatever He sees as good and praise-worthy without any help from me or my family. He says we're dust in fact. But if there's any way at all that He could've used us to help give Amanda a moment of purpose for delivering our gift or helped Mandy see the her words are life-changing or helped bring Katie to her forever home, I'm so very thankful to play even the tiniest role! He lets us do that when we just say "yes".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>are but dust. As for man, his days are like grass; as a </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Psalm 103:14-16</b></span></div>
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Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13750295094116522875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6961515207642689268.post-6753415938321026822018-11-04T05:56:00.000-08:002018-11-04T05:56:58.043-08:00Pause: Am I a foot or a hand?<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Let me just pause for a moment so I can catch my breath. Let's talk about ways you can support adoption apart from inviting an orphan into your home. You don't have to give a single penny either. I used to think those were the ONLY ways to support. It's not! The possibilities are endless!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Ways to Support Adoption</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1) <u>Pray for a family considering adoption.</u> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sometimes families are considering adoption and get so scared they can't move forward for weeks or months or even years. You</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> think we'd be able to do this without prayer? Not a chance. It's frightening! Sometimes adoptive families get too busy with the paperwork and the next step that we forget to pray. True! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2) <u>Help with or participate in fundraisers.</u> Buy an adoption shirt from a family. We sold notecards. There are Facebook groups that are set up for the sole purpose of fundraising for adoptions! Seriously! Offer to host a book sale or really any kind of product. We had a friend who hosted an Usborne book fundraiser for Stella's adoption.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Side note: Can I tell you how humbling it is to have others give and support? The funny thing is that God provided financially in big ways. It was a gift to know others WANTED to help. They were looking for ways to help. It took a God-move to tear down our pride enough to ALLOW others to help us. We're so silly sometimes. Pride does a lot of bad stuff, but God chisels away at our hearts, thankfully. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3) <u>Ask about the adoption journey.</u> It can be one of the loneliest and most isolating times in a family's life. Sometimes I was just sad that our kids were "stuck" in another country. The steps never moved fast enough for us. I see now that God was working in the waiting, but during that wait...it's hard. Ask to see updated pictures. Ask how the paperwork is going. Ask about their marriage. Your questions might be the encouragement the adoptive parents need that day! If you're uncomfortable verbally asking a question, send a text or send a card. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Just ask. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4) <u>Take a meal or send a gift card.</u> Any addition to the family is an adjustment. Whether it's a newborn or a teenager, adjustment is adjustment. People have to eat though!! I can speak for those suffering jet lag. Oy! Jetlag is no joke! I have never been up cooking breakfast at 2am until our adoptions. Both adoptions! With a 13 hour time difference, these kids (me included) were hungry in the middle of the night once we got home. So, that makes for a strange evening. I felt like curling up in a wooden kitchen chair for a quick nap right about dinner prep time. Russ took Melatonin to get back on schedule quickly because one of us had to go back to work and make some money. He drew the short straw on that one!! I remember a few evenings where I cooked dinner, fed the kids, left it on the stove for Russ, and was in bed by 5:30pm! If cooking isn't your think, buy a gift card for a family. I promise, they won't care which restaurant you choose as long as it serves food!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5) <u>Never underestimate your role in adoption.</u> Russ was just talking to our kids the other night about 1 Corinthians 12 where it talks about each person having a specific role. We talk about that a lot at our house because some people don't like to empty the trash. And we have to remind this little person that we each have a role in this family. That goes for the adoption community too. Not everyone is called to adopt. That's ok. Some are called to adopt twice or three times or even more. You don't have to share the last name with a waiting child to support adoption. And you don't have to give thousands of dollars either. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have to brag on my "Paper Person". I was in charge of taking pictures and documenting our adoptions, hence the many books I've made and the blog posts. Russ did the big stuff. He did the really important stuff, the legal stuff that actually helped bring our kids home. Russ filled out multiple forms that required the same information over and over. He kept it all neatly organized. He responded to emails and checked the status of our adoption on-line. He stayed up late and got up early to get these steps taken care of quickly. I got the <i>fluff</i> part of the adoption. Russ did the serious stuff that actually brought our kids home. If not for him, we'd have a few nice books of our adoption process, but not one child would be home yet! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29wIVu7Z6ZGKstP9OCfP8zGvlH2SnDyQ6uj-mreQkyrQVAGbbrSI1QHhdW6cF8runrB_KIVHTOfTBwPHBkkXFN0w4q8GFVW8mvkxzD51PpkSfMN-oSQkiTGGbNiNl28cU3CAPS45vIGEd/s1600/IMG_5967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29wIVu7Z6ZGKstP9OCfP8zGvlH2SnDyQ6uj-mreQkyrQVAGbbrSI1QHhdW6cF8runrB_KIVHTOfTBwPHBkkXFN0w4q8GFVW8mvkxzD51PpkSfMN-oSQkiTGGbNiNl28cU3CAPS45vIGEd/s320/IMG_5967.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is one of my favorites of my Paper Person just </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">being a </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">dad...something he's really really good at doing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Beach picture 2017</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The list of ways to help could go on and on, but you get the idea. There's room for everyone to be a foot or a hand or even a paper person! </span><br />
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<b>"<span class="text 1Cor-12-12" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">There is one body, but it has many parts. But all its many parts make up </span></b></div>
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<b><span class="text 1Cor-12-12" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">one body. It is the same with Christ. </span><span class="text 1Cor-12-13" id="en-NIRV-28632" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">We were all baptized by one Holy Spirit. </span></b></div>
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<b><span class="text 1Cor-12-13" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">And so we are formed into one body. It didn’t matter whether we </span></b></div>
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<b><span class="text 1Cor-12-13" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">were Jews or Gentiles, slaves or free people. We were all given the same Spirit to drink. </span><span class="text 1Cor-12-14" id="en-NIRV-28633" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">So the body is not made up of just one part. It has many parts."</span></b></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-12-14" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>1 Corinthians 12:12-14</b></span></div>
<br />Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13750295094116522875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6961515207642689268.post-10993971885834374432018-11-02T09:44:00.003-07:002018-11-02T09:44:44.930-07:00Part 2: Things are Not What They Seem<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Things are Not What They Seem</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There's so much about Samuel's story, so I'll share bits and pieces. We're now an open book about adoption, so please ask if you have other questions. If you want the simple, factual email version, ask Russ. If you want the emotional, wordy version, I'm your girl. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Why China? </b></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My answer to strangers sometimes is simply that China is where our child was. We just had to go a little farther than some couples to bring our child home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once God confirmed that adoption was our next step, I don't even remember how He brought us around to the China program except that my mom is Chinese and we had friends who had recently adopted from China. Our friends graciously offered to meet with us one Sunday. I still see the location of that room where we met. After that meeting, Russ and I moved forward to find an agency.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>How did we know Samuel was to be our son?</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This part is kind of funny. So, I just had a "feeling" that God would add a son. We later realized that Joey's name means "He will add a son!" Hilarious, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The agency we chose had recently started a partnership with a couple of orphanages. As in, the president of our agency was still in China meeting about these partnerships when we started the process. All we knew was it meant that the agency families would have first access to the files from those specific orphanages. We envisioned a long list of sad faces begging us to bring them home. In God's funny, loving way, that first list contained 2 kids. Just 2. One was a girl and one was a boy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Get this...we inquired to adopt both! My sweet husband sent that question to our agency. Imagine how that looked to our agency. They had just started the partnerships. There were only 2 kids on the list. This crazy couple asked to adopt BOTH KIDS ON THE LIST. Because of China's rules, we could only adopt one. Thank you, Jesus, for being our brakes! Remember He had only told us He would add a son at this point. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>How did we get to adopt a boy?</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We heard that boys were rare to be adopted because the Chinese culture tends to favor boys. Maybe that was part of our urgency or maybe it's just because Samuel was already a Webb in our hearts. We worked like crazy to get paperwork done to lock Samuel's file so that no one else could even consider adopting him. And by "we", I mean Russ! He was our "paper person" for both adoptions. Thankfully. He worked like a fierce Daddy lion to protect his son! </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In all actuality, there may have been no other families even considering Samuel. God was just growing that love and passion in our hearts for our Samuel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">NOTICE: I posted this picture in November of 2013. Joey drew </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5 people in our family before we even went to bring Samuel </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">home. Tell me God doesn't have a sense of humor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here are just a few things I either didn't fully understand at the time of Samuel's adoption or hadn't processed until recently (as in 2018).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1) My mom had been treated differently as a child because of her Chinese background. She grew up in a small town where minorities were treated different. I mean they were discriminated against and made to feel like they deserved less. On this trip, my mom "fit in" so well. She even tried out her Cantonese. Our little family was the one that was "different". I don't understand what my mom's childhood was like and I probably never will. Thankfully Joey didn't see those same treatments while in China. Quite the opposite. We had to fight off on-lookers who were enamored by Joey's blue eyes! If anyone was uncomfortable, we never knew it. We just smiled at people and invited them to play with our kids and take pictures with them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2) My mom had been told lies in her adulthood. She was told that others were embarrassed of her because of her Chinese background. Yet, here was her only daughter and son-in-law in China with the sole purpose of adopting a Chinese child. And better yet, she had been invited to come along to see the beauty of the country that she herself was born from. You think God was combating those lies on that trip? We not only spoke words against those lies, but God was showing my mom Truth. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I made her a detailed book when we returned to let her know how much it meant for her to be with us. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My mom and kids skyping with my dad back in Arkansas. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was tricky to find a convenient time with a 13 hour time difference.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3) I never realized on that trip that Russ had gotten a "feeling" that we would be back for another child. Now, we can call that confirmation from the Lord, but it was just a "feeling" back then. In fact, our Stella was in that orphanage we visited. She was literally in the next room and we never even knew it! For awhile after Stella came home, it pained me that we could've picked her up on that same trip. If we had, it would have messed up other great plans. Trust me...you'll have to keep reading.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4) Had Stella's file been ready, we wouldn't have gotten to make an impact on Samuel's nanny (and hopefully some of her co-workers). You see, Samuel's nanny thought the world of him. She still does. You know how I know? Because we are in touch with her and I send her pictures of him and Stella. She comments on them every single time. During Samuel's adoption, we visited the orphanage and we let Nanny Zhou hold Samuel. What she didn't realize at the time is that she would be holding him again 18 months later. Maybe it she had known it would have eased some of her pain. I made Nanny Zhou a book (yeah, big surprise there), but we were not yet connected on the app that allows us to stay in touch today. So, clearly we had to go back! Also, one of Stella's friends was depending on us! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She could not get him out fast enough! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nanny Zhou had tears her eyes!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A recap of Samuel's 1st year home in video.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnwaoIzD1Xg</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">"And we know that in all things God works for the good</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28145A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28145A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> of those who love him, </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">who</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">have been called</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28145B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28145B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> according to his purpose."</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b><i>Romans 8:28</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13750295094116522875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6961515207642689268.post-56887852559067606272018-11-01T07:38:00.003-07:002018-11-01T19:18:12.978-07:00Part 1: Lean In for a Secret<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Lean in. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've got a secret to share. Samuel and Stella are adopted. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our adoption story is not just about infertility struggles and how God lead us to adoption, it's a story of:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">* Our lives becoming an open book for a greater purpose</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">* God tearing down pride and bringing us to a place of humility</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">* telling and showing our children to live our their faith</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">* God strengthening our marriage in desperate times</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">* sharing God's goodness with those around us...even strangers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">* Unrecognized family baggage and how it affects our little family</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Once Upon a Time...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once upon a time, there was a little girl who thought fairy tales meant hoping for something simple and then receiving it within a timely manner and without pain or frustration. And then that little girl grew up and finally (after 6 years of dating) married Mr. Wonderful and she realized that God's stories are way better than any fairy tale. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I dreamt of a house full of kids and a few dogs. Ok, more than a few dogs. I still dream of running a dog sanctuary where I gradually and secretly adopt all the dogs so I can keep them forever. And that house full of kids...I'm still working on Mr. Wonderful. I sometimes tell him that when these three munchkins are grown, we can go back to China and adopt more children. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I thought adoption would be fun and a great way to help out a kiddo without parents. As a child, I wanted to be a teacher. Once I realized there are more than 3 children in a classroom, I changed my mind. A mommy seemed like an "easier" fit. Hilarious! Right? So, after marriage, we pressed on towards that goal. We waited and waited and waited. For almost 2 years we waited for what takes some couples only a month or 2. We met with specialists and went though routine tests. It was excruciating and far from a fairy tale. I pouted and cried many nights, like literally threw fits. Ask Russ. Working in the NICU proved to be quite the challenge for my heart. Dear friends encouraged us along the way A. LOT. I have one specific friend who asked me often "have you prayed about that yet?" AM asked me hard questions, but she kept speaking Truth to me too. When we finally got pregnant, I cancelled my fertility specialist appointment. I remember them asking if I was sure I wanted to cancel. Um, not sure I could've been any more pregnant than I was when I called them. So, I cancelled. Then, I gave Russ a special picture frame and said he would be a great dad...in 9 months. Once he picked himself up off the floor, he said he thought I had lost my mind. Fair enough. That was a very likely scenario given the situation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pregnancy was wonderful. Our doctor did things for us we heard he rarely ever did for others, such as taking an early sonogram so we could show our family an actual picture when we shared the news. Heart burn was doable. Swollen ankles were masked by fun socks and cute shoes. Eating for 2 was fun...maybe a little too fun according to my nurse practitioner. When you ask a pregnant dietitian to limit her carbs, you better ask and then run fast!!! We went on to experience the joys of parenthood and somehow survived the "baby fog" and lived to tell about it. Baby Joey was a ton of joy and brought so much healing to that time of waiting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our doctor warned us about the occurrence of "Irish twins". For me, it seemed like a dream come true. If 1 Joey was fun, then 2 Joeys would be even more fun. Right? Must I remind you that I was sleep deprived during this thought process. Irish twins was never our reality though. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We soaked in every second with this little one. I made his bedding and curtains. I pureed his baby food. I wore him in the Bjorn constantly. I clearly had too much time on my hands and I loved it! When Joey was around 3 years old, Russ and I discussed infertility treatment options. After more tests and a few conversations with the specialist, we moved forward to add to our family. Joey went with me to appointments. He often said "Mommy, I see your smile" when looking at the sono screen. After our first attempt, we found out we were pregnant! My numbers were low, but still considered pregnant. The nurse cautioned me that only a few times before did she see numbers this low go on to deliver a healthy baby. Although joyful news in the beginning, it quickly turned to sadness when we experienced a miscarriage in February 2012. One day we'll meet that little one in Heaven. After seeing that "Russ cloned himself" with Joey, I'm hopeful our Heaven Baby looks like me!! Two more failed attempts at pregnancy lead to further discussion of adoption. Adoption was always on the table for me. It wasn't quite that clear for Russ. There's a reason God put us together though. We truly are His perfect balance. I just couldn't see it in the midst of wanting babies. In my patience (read: impatience), I waited and tried to avoid the nagging wife scenario. Finally, God brought him around to adoption. And this is where the adoption story starts gettin' good!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13750295094116522875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6961515207642689268.post-33870609304402955242018-10-29T14:55:00.000-07:002018-10-29T14:55:38.619-07:00Off to a Good Start<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>We're Off to a Good Start</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Seven weeks into school and the kids are off to a great start! We're getting into the groove...meaning the kids have only been late for school ONE day and it was a rainy day. Slower traffic equals late arrival, so I justify in my mind. Ha!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Samuel has not cried a single day this year. That is huge for this one! He gained such confidence in kinder. He loves his teacher and what's not to love about her? She is quite amazing! I had a conference with his teacher just a few days ago and she bragged on how sensitive he is to his friends. Apparently, he greets friends as they arrive each morning and welcomes his teacher's son when he stops by to tell his momma "hi" after lunch. Samuel's handwriting is improved. He is able to "sound spell" quite well and is reading some pretty tricky words with accuracy and confidence. Samuel even won a character award for responsibility the first month of school. No surprise, he never even mentioned it to me. He brought his certificate in with his brag tag and put it on the counter without saying a word. WHAT? He's not only responsible, but humble too. My heart is proud!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stella is the master of all things writing! She has a notebook that she writes in all the time...like All. The. Time. You'd think she's a newspaper reporter if she weren't just 7. Be careful what you say around her. She can "sound spell" and just might be taking notes on what you're saying! Trust me. I know. Stella does not like homework. I mean, who does? That's probably one of our biggest struggles, next to chores. We're working on attitude and understanding that homework helps us improve. It's not a bad thing. It's necessary. Her teacher describes her a good helper and a faithful friend. Only once has she gotten a note sent home about behavior. She's still working on obedience, but it's coming. We're dedicated to helping her use her super powers for good and not evil. Must hone those leadership skills! She's headed in the right direction. She has a heart of gold when it comes to caring for others!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Joey is a reader. Joey is a communicator. Joey is a 10 year old! He has thoroughly enjoyed his 4th grade year so far. His teacher is an answer to prayer. She even encourages him to email her. Once he figured out he has a school email address, he's been all about informing his teacher of educational opportunities and asking questions. Now that he has his very own Kindle (many thanks to SuSu and Big Joe), this kid is unstoppable with his reading. We literally have to take it away from him so that he goes to sleep at night. Coming from the one parent who does not enjoy reading, this is a great sight to see. I'm thankful he can get lost in a book and truly enjoys it! We've paused our extra curricular activities due to other family commitments, but Joey stays busy with STEAM kits, video games, and pestering his siblings. This kid loves to talk and I'm so thankful that he comes to me with problems and frustrations. We have daily talks about difficult situations he faces or stresses from his day. I pray we can always talk about anything...even awkward stuff!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Family Commitments</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've taken on the role of caregiver for my aging parents over the past couple of months. There have been many levels to getting to this place. The bottom-line is that they are both nearby now and receiving necessary care. Having them close has given me peace to know they are safe and I can see them often. It has also been a learning opportunity for my kids. They see what it means to help family. They understand what it means to love in actions. They offer a sweet hug to grandparents in need of some encouragement. Russ has become the money mind of not only our home, but for my parents too. He has turned from CPA to cheerleader and supporter in many ways!! No doubt he loves us all well! And God has been showing off big time. I could fill a book...or 2...with miracles and answers to prayer! There's no question in my head, I couldn't have made it this far without Him. He's so good!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Finding Time for Fun</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With the stresses of our family commitments, we're trying to find more time to reconnect as a family of 5. The kids requested a picnic a couple weeks ago, so we stopped by Whataburger and headed to the park. I won't tell the score of the Capture the Ball game, but I will say the parents lost. Some may say we were slower. The parents may say that the rules kept changing. Hard to tell, but we laughed a lot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This year was a family party for Joey. We rotate family party and friend party in our little family. The kids get to choose what we do to celebrate on family party years. Joey chose laser tag! I was skeptical seeing as how I've never played before. I had pictured a sweaty dark room with heavy equipment packs and stinky boys sneaking up on me with a laser gun. Only one of those was true! We had THE best time. In fact, Joey had THE best time about 7 best times! We had gotten passes for other activities too, so we rode go karts and amusement park rides too. The littles climbed a rock wall. After 5 hours of fun, we realized he hadn't yet made it bowling. That will have to wait for another day as we were all exhausted. It was the best 5 hours we've had together in a long time! </span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13750295094116522875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6961515207642689268.post-71002528161847233262018-10-01T02:47:00.000-07:002018-10-01T02:47:01.930-07:00The Summer That Flew By<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The Summer That Flew By</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Through our numerous trips back and forth to Arkansas, we've tried to make our trips the most fun. We celebrated my dad's 75th birthday. We had a silly string fight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">75 years young</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Sillies with String</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>A Face Lift</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The beauty of it all is right here. We took another step to update our home by remodeling the kitchen and the bathrooms this summer. It may seem trivial, but we're thankful for the funds (my hubby works hard) to make these changes. We sure are enjoying the "new" space! Completely beautiful! I think I cook better now...maybe happier. Yeah, perhaps I cook happier!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Family Day</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Three years! It hardly seems possible that we first met Stella on August 17, 2015. The memories of the day come flooding back with a simple picture. She has come so far and changed so much. She has changed us too! Thank you, Lord, for the gift of a daughter!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>And Off They Go</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We have 1 in 4th grade and 2 in 1st! No way! We have been blessed with amazing teachers. I can honestly say that all three seem to be in the class of the best fit. The teachers seem to have been hand-picked for each of our kiddos! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">We are looking forward to a productive year full of growth!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">* We're now into the 7th week of school. Gotta get this blog updated before this school year is over! </span></div>
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Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13750295094116522875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6961515207642689268.post-16965575251325963322018-07-11T13:09:00.001-07:002018-08-25T20:06:18.455-07:00Why Are You Passing So Quickly?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Why are you passing so quickly, 2018?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have totally flaked on 2018. We've had a ton going on and maybe that's why we've seemingly disappeared from the blog world and buried ourselves in the craziness of life! It's hard to say. When I catch my breath, I'll try to figure it out!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Welcome, 2018! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We made it until midnight. Promptly at 12:01am, we passed out and slept all night.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Savage Cabbage</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This guy participated in his 2nd pine wood derby in January. Much was learned from last year's introduction to the race. This year...a cabbage. And not just any cabbage! SAVAGE CABBAGE! Myth Busters was a bit popular with our boys, hence a car displaying Adam Savage. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ueAlKCXQpLh6kTfIcADvCi_kW1FvDMh_rVkoVe7fHlC0tNYrPXllpAvPAFGzNI_tlLrm8-j9ip2bbzsPdoGNkn84wxOfAIxV5ZOCUiWC7wJNMCL6YSTBxusX3Zu75SKFmffx2eTJhszv/s1600/IMG_7026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ueAlKCXQpLh6kTfIcADvCi_kW1FvDMh_rVkoVe7fHlC0tNYrPXllpAvPAFGzNI_tlLrm8-j9ip2bbzsPdoGNkn84wxOfAIxV5ZOCUiWC7wJNMCL6YSTBxusX3Zu75SKFmffx2eTJhszv/s320/IMG_7026.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Samuel is 6!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the kids' birthdays, I let them choose a cake, complete with decorations. After last year's request for Scooby Doo, you'd think I would've learned. This year...an ice cream cake with a football on top. Done. His smile took over his entire face! And the cake filled his entire mouth. Still can't believe this little one is 6 years old! It makes me proud and sad at the same time. Samuel is so sensitive. He loves making things out of pretty much anything he can get his hands on. And he is super cuddly. We celebrated with a special dinner a few week later. The </span>Magic Time Machine was a hit! Ariel from the Little Mermaid was our server, but a certain pirate really stole Samuel's attention!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgey4BeC6FuIwSSEirAnNazKiPs83hcl5_-Q5H0v9NkFWefD_b5yjzDVC-1n6gwG_sZ6hyphenhyphenGMVVdxMK1LeGLAZZwiTLbVewS9q3sYjQMXP1zkMtUCEvlg9HK82HH0uo64pYOMpLnI2jPoIMq/s1600/IMG_7046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgey4BeC6FuIwSSEirAnNazKiPs83hcl5_-Q5H0v9NkFWefD_b5yjzDVC-1n6gwG_sZ6hyphenhyphenGMVVdxMK1LeGLAZZwiTLbVewS9q3sYjQMXP1zkMtUCEvlg9HK82HH0uo64pYOMpLnI2jPoIMq/s320/IMG_7046.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>It's a Peaceful Place</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The beach is always a welcome getaway! We spent a week basking in the sun with family + sunscreen. We had a room full of exhausted cousins and they had a <i>blast</i> together! We enjoyed a date night to celebrate our very first date, which was 20 years ago! Whoa! The time away was a blessing. We truly enjoyed the crashing waves and cool breeze. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TcVVfA7WaAHqJCjSmHF3e8lLo3JG3d0MnPuKpVKxWjXPDFkea6SXe6htuapO7HmVJoANWO-f0_gqBRPYxtqlz3Smp61DFu5ahIDPeYbGX2wbywiZZ5OYgXLkeMwVPuUQUA2rvH9XQ0qX/s1600/IMG_7865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TcVVfA7WaAHqJCjSmHF3e8lLo3JG3d0MnPuKpVKxWjXPDFkea6SXe6htuapO7HmVJoANWO-f0_gqBRPYxtqlz3Smp61DFu5ahIDPeYbGX2wbywiZZ5OYgXLkeMwVPuUQUA2rvH9XQ0qX/s320/IMG_7865.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Birthdays Galore</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stella turned 7 on June 30th. S-E-V-E-N! Our sweet and sassy girl is old enough to watch Star Wars (our family rule). I'm doubtful she cares too much about seeing it, but the age is a big mile stone celebrated in our house! Stella has changed so much from the naive 4 year old we welcomed to our family almost 3 years ago. She has blossomed and taken in so many experiences. Stella has been reading and practicing her handwriting. She's gaining more confidence in family. Coloring and drawing are a daily occurrence! May this year be a wonderful year of continued growth and bonding for our family!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>A Visit or 2...or 3...or 4</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We started out our summer break with a week in Arkansas to spend time with my parents and help with doctor's appointments. As it turns out, we've had a few more trips to Arkansas, as well. My parents are aging and health has its challenges. I'm thankful to be able to step up and help where they allow. We have some big decisions to make in their care and some challenges will arise. Ultimately, I echo to myself what I have been telling Stella (as she learns what a forever family truly means)...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1) Family is forever.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2) We help each other.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3) Everyone has an important role.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4) Sometimes taking care of someone who is sick/needs us means that we have to wait patiently for things that we want. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Aj5Isv7xopi31Qkm07G2Y8Tre79gdOixczgdqXlbpY7eCq8QZAuiBVR17IU8gV5FjnOrXvyzWgCUev4FhI665_8Y1dZdQIcrAPiUDY2qooPy5xh74no21u6QSFiQ54SPE0eqoUnin1Uw/s1600/IMG_7947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Aj5Isv7xopi31Qkm07G2Y8Tre79gdOixczgdqXlbpY7eCq8QZAuiBVR17IU8gV5FjnOrXvyzWgCUev4FhI665_8Y1dZdQIcrAPiUDY2qooPy5xh74no21u6QSFiQ54SPE0eqoUnin1Uw/s320/IMG_7947.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Summer isn't over yet! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There's more fun to be had! Our expectations - MY expectations - were much different from the reality of the past few weeks. God had different plans and I'm slowly learning to grab ahold of the good He has for us. We are making memories and finding teachable moments (for my kids AND myself) along the way.</span></div>
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Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13750295094116522875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6961515207642689268.post-82714928969083656772017-12-08T11:17:00.003-08:002017-12-08T11:17:32.008-08:00Winter with the Webbs<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A trip to the Botanic Garden</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whenever we have a day off school and the weather is nice, we grab a picnic and head to the botanic garden. There we find plenty of room to run and some rocks to climb. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1chugcoQLFlViot-RjNl5yco8CfszSEqr7-03fSMGbfuchyphenhyphenmFFJP6_j9NTk7OnErZ5H9sNS0-boVp61Iasaz8PW3Jcv4YJMxZ2L1Jiup0fvcHbLc2bwb6Z7rNmLBa98pK2E89uAkSZ65H/s1600/IMG_6595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1chugcoQLFlViot-RjNl5yco8CfszSEqr7-03fSMGbfuchyphenhyphenmFFJP6_j9NTk7OnErZ5H9sNS0-boVp61Iasaz8PW3Jcv4YJMxZ2L1Jiup0fvcHbLc2bwb6Z7rNmLBa98pK2E89uAkSZ65H/s320/IMG_6595.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Climbing a tree according to Stella</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I put my foot on this. I move my hand here. I slide my private part over here. I reach for this. Then I put my other foot over here. Got that? You reach and step and put your private part...wait...you put your what where? Good thing she didn’t slip and need assistance. I was laughing. Laughing hard. But at least now I know how to get out of the tree.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpdtcJNZlAOu_tQqINXIhikMc2AqZzk7E5kymKv8OSHJlqWh5apmtQqMHVh3ibKF2SdqRAVI99Uj4qO1FewVI4Agil2b8Wihx51a_EnjaDnEpAVeSCtbWf3WM0Ce17g2OgwH_PhMwxgXE/s1600/IMG_6796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpdtcJNZlAOu_tQqINXIhikMc2AqZzk7E5kymKv8OSHJlqWh5apmtQqMHVh3ibKF2SdqRAVI99Uj4qO1FewVI4Agil2b8Wihx51a_EnjaDnEpAVeSCtbWf3WM0Ce17g2OgwH_PhMwxgXE/s320/IMG_6796.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Note: This is NOT the above mentioned tree, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but doesn't she look cute?</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spelling Bee</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joey competed in his school's spelling bee this week! I about died laughing when I read the email informing the parents of the upcoming bee...because I’ve heard over and over how Russ struggled with spelling in his younger days. I’ve been told how practicing his weekly spelling words left his momma questioning her own ability to spell. Yet, here we are with a spelling bee participant. This kid has some mad skills in math and spelling! While he got stumped in round 5, we are so very proud that he was asked to participate and represented his class so well!!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8hL_3LnFXPY_o-YhMS42kTP-EcC2QqZlPzFifgZMKfKlzUboVBlRnQfx0Vv0w2AypAobKIH58YJnxKfXmSSFgrX2zPdBGqhvS-uNPItk8plyEsMdLfjmuMBDDdyJIe1Trz7PXQ6LuHum/s1600/IMG_9532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8hL_3LnFXPY_o-YhMS42kTP-EcC2QqZlPzFifgZMKfKlzUboVBlRnQfx0Vv0w2AypAobKIH58YJnxKfXmSSFgrX2zPdBGqhvS-uNPItk8plyEsMdLfjmuMBDDdyJIe1Trz7PXQ6LuHum/s320/IMG_9532.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Is that normal?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyone who's been around Samuel knows that he is sometimes quiet in new situations. He wants to do just about every single thing that Joey does. He collects "treasures" from our recycle bin. And he has an imagination like no one else. So, if anyone glances into our home on any given day, they will know that these next pictures are our normal!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDZEfQjrJYNUW2lh1f5zzklqFdLBj3j3s8t0wbhzcNY4mrjgOFxcfJw1yyyKGPz9dnvrL8ic2uS8qGrdbSixvWwS-x0VgTuBY1hCCyonSLyf6N81swzH5WUg3BSXWShNcfrhk_zjOTXh_/s1600/IMG_9234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDZEfQjrJYNUW2lh1f5zzklqFdLBj3j3s8t0wbhzcNY4mrjgOFxcfJw1yyyKGPz9dnvrL8ic2uS8qGrdbSixvWwS-x0VgTuBY1hCCyonSLyf6N81swzH5WUg3BSXWShNcfrhk_zjOTXh_/s320/IMG_9234.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is how we find him sleeping sometimes</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRhKNJ8tsw8RiihK7jDymojPXCO-BotXbss6cNBzoJXhTHzbvunERNsmW9kVnMxDqbzOFQLaEET7Te4Qmz7C08sDIaBMUo7HGXJNsziuSAvpnHroF9JiVXU5I491LNl1WMpQXD8xgg-5L/s1600/IMG_9249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRhKNJ8tsw8RiihK7jDymojPXCO-BotXbss6cNBzoJXhTHzbvunERNsmW9kVnMxDqbzOFQLaEET7Te4Qmz7C08sDIaBMUo7HGXJNsziuSAvpnHroF9JiVXU5I491LNl1WMpQXD8xgg-5L/s320/IMG_9249.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These glasses have no lenses</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloRVL6fdYeUurfHO-nduLwpIsa0qmtc-NOkfyqVsfruhkY3UuF_UPXTSVaqwsDA4sDF1mwT_trG8ymbGi2RK8LoGyyIu2IjMDV0MVa1ANOgezY2CZw7UgxjJAucDg2W_CsrOX0oLEMpWc/s1600/IMG_9307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloRVL6fdYeUurfHO-nduLwpIsa0qmtc-NOkfyqVsfruhkY3UuF_UPXTSVaqwsDA4sDF1mwT_trG8ymbGi2RK8LoGyyIu2IjMDV0MVa1ANOgezY2CZw7UgxjJAucDg2W_CsrOX0oLEMpWc/s320/IMG_9307.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He is always wearing something "special"</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christmas time is here!</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisY-NmqeSFqfIG2LLorIwdnImh0iwINOB7y9javPKPedZJ4MkljYJ5GwLlQYIW8pd3Zu91I75cRBaEuPj9pRVI78zmPwafcPTyxObiMfMq6reN2iH-oHQky49xpi6PKP4GU5NzwvRPgkBm/s1600/IMG_6809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisY-NmqeSFqfIG2LLorIwdnImh0iwINOB7y9javPKPedZJ4MkljYJ5GwLlQYIW8pd3Zu91I75cRBaEuPj9pRVI78zmPwafcPTyxObiMfMq6reN2iH-oHQky49xpi6PKP4GU5NzwvRPgkBm/s320/IMG_6809.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anticipating Jesus's birthday</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7znvYwJsD3GoZAYllFnrOpArze1U1bAvvBsVeeSn3AXtU1Xf5M-iF-am_0YkwYhU24eBarvnXBJcvDVshtwoLk8lgGMnRbwrCoN63mobMBKKCzCa7BKcWemeZ6xBuJIzZYLM6Cr7frxjW/s1600/IMG_6923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7znvYwJsD3GoZAYllFnrOpArze1U1bAvvBsVeeSn3AXtU1Xf5M-iF-am_0YkwYhU24eBarvnXBJcvDVshtwoLk8lgGMnRbwrCoN63mobMBKKCzCa7BKcWemeZ6xBuJIzZYLM6Cr7frxjW/s320/IMG_6923.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aren't these girls cute too?</span></div>
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<br />Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13750295094116522875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6961515207642689268.post-27881146305838645702017-08-18T07:11:00.001-07:002017-08-18T07:11:10.024-07:00That was Then - This is Now<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Happy 2 Years Home, Stella</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aI3YqORWrCvJAvn4MDU2KHfOSqSM2ciQJR9GlA9kzQd7Jo648tx30-6Hg6CUbmO9Av-sfYHu4BM5L13e1zYaOJzHFLu9KV13rBpeLYU-DJLx3xjpl8i_EXZGKEGRubdehzBTc58b8Eo_/s1600/IMG_1626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aI3YqORWrCvJAvn4MDU2KHfOSqSM2ciQJR9GlA9kzQd7Jo648tx30-6Hg6CUbmO9Av-sfYHu4BM5L13e1zYaOJzHFLu9KV13rBpeLYU-DJLx3xjpl8i_EXZGKEGRubdehzBTc58b8Eo_/s320/IMG_1626.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On the day we met (Aug. 17, 2015)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75F3z6gYUvc66-8bn2d_-Q0fAHO-HlP7YHKTeeK5slX16R7q8GGq7attKS4G_UZ7e1znedYQE5sgo2oA_hEeMgcvZ1LgRTHanAk0zCiHDSxnbt_U4i8Alafo2x9KOo9TAoyzQhMlywlL2/s1600/IMG_1905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75F3z6gYUvc66-8bn2d_-Q0fAHO-HlP7YHKTeeK5slX16R7q8GGq7attKS4G_UZ7e1znedYQE5sgo2oA_hEeMgcvZ1LgRTHanAk0zCiHDSxnbt_U4i8Alafo2x9KOo9TAoyzQhMlywlL2/s320/IMG_1905.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Happy smiles</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It seems so long ago that we traveled to China, but the memories are crystal clear. Riding the hotel elevator downstairs to meet our group was an anxious time. So much so that we were <i>on time</i>! And then spying Stella as she walked in the civil affairs office was like seeing a celebrity. We had only seen pictures and read a few words about her. We had talked about her to others, yet we didn't even know her. And then there she was physically standing in front of us. From that first moment, the adventure was on...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxfbqkdlbQ93CMCkY83XSkMPULryy10UbMLQtFjPyazipQuJZXBqw7T73mAqNX4mVBR4XtiAT6HP6Xi5knUl9JIhevwXVlu2VE_CALfQ6NWAnnWYsOZfw2nkKi6ga8s7tWjJ6sATwfZGq/s1600/IMG_7832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxfbqkdlbQ93CMCkY83XSkMPULryy10UbMLQtFjPyazipQuJZXBqw7T73mAqNX4mVBR4XtiAT6HP6Xi5knUl9JIhevwXVlu2VE_CALfQ6NWAnnWYsOZfw2nkKi6ga8s7tWjJ6sATwfZGq/s320/IMG_7832.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ready to tackle the world</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stella is kind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stella is smart.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stella is funny.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stella is eager to learn.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stella is confident.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stella is loved.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Parenting, in general, is both challenging and rewarding. That stands very true in adoption, especially when I feel like we've had to undo things that were done in the orphanage and address some things that might have been ignored. Stella has come so far! This girl's adventurous side has exploded. She climbs and explores. She gets dirty without a care. She tackles new challenges. She wants to learn. She tells jokes. We are thankful that God put our family together the way He did...only He could make something this wonderful and entertaining!!! We love you, Stella!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhc0GNGBZ3U4rjZx-0al4tuxWRgzdHsdHax7Hd77lrpDPrYFaPHLw8rwY-Uy2Yk3RG6T60IFLHPBgo_yLsGjm4tydDPzLe8AL9bPykcv2zoeAZ_KpZuIrX8leB4KBnbKI0Z8dMI4uUPcd/s1600/IMG_6207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhc0GNGBZ3U4rjZx-0al4tuxWRgzdHsdHax7Hd77lrpDPrYFaPHLw8rwY-Uy2Yk3RG6T60IFLHPBgo_yLsGjm4tydDPzLe8AL9bPykcv2zoeAZ_KpZuIrX8leB4KBnbKI0Z8dMI4uUPcd/s320/IMG_6207.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is now! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She's super excited to </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">wear her new Liberty shirt!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>In Other News...the Beach</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We had a fun trip to the beach with SuSu and Big Joe! We were spoiled with a beautiful house just feet from the beach. We would all be ok if SuSu and Big Joe bought a beach house. In fact, after last summer's trip, Stella assumed they already had their very own beach house. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXnxbhsrsuOvJoOI9XU6wOkt3X5Qy2J8typjiLDpBcoQJ0_JQ7PsDSgcQkQ7bz8cjf2d-vyKfRPaAIzPN8hILNsM1PYRtUaPkoYltPSb40RdvlZ59PSnyPgAsoANjJV08g7ONj60aGoVk/s1600/IMG_6063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXnxbhsrsuOvJoOI9XU6wOkt3X5Qy2J8typjiLDpBcoQJ0_JQ7PsDSgcQkQ7bz8cjf2d-vyKfRPaAIzPN8hILNsM1PYRtUaPkoYltPSb40RdvlZ59PSnyPgAsoANjJV08g7ONj60aGoVk/s320/IMG_6063.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The beach is good for the soul.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0TJrody20e9o8Zb_fi4r54BiNH9jMG68QYntsak7urUjsOhQfgG403FLGaHRkSYgEhVaozaPdJD9l8BNJC40XbZ-cjw8ycxtTcRZ8m23077DhI_1G-U6sX5cD1OL93RcFYykYmwzkZcO/s1600/IMG_6070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0TJrody20e9o8Zb_fi4r54BiNH9jMG68QYntsak7urUjsOhQfgG403FLGaHRkSYgEhVaozaPdJD9l8BNJC40XbZ-cjw8ycxtTcRZ8m23077DhI_1G-U6sX5cD1OL93RcFYykYmwzkZcO/s320/IMG_6070.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The kids always enjoy time with SuSu and Big Joe!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQIB76NEzhHzb3V8cT537EqMk8QutVb-AGWa9xJVDFhTdh-xjPznYJTqJZfAl4s-SENWOQ0zc4vy3sjwkY_Gk4wYwM5Vl-Hu5bww_vfSJgqI4JlrsltKwkV8qreQJ1VSUOkjpS1l6kmUG/s1600/IMG_5985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQIB76NEzhHzb3V8cT537EqMk8QutVb-AGWa9xJVDFhTdh-xjPznYJTqJZfAl4s-SENWOQ0zc4vy3sjwkY_Gk4wYwM5Vl-Hu5bww_vfSJgqI4JlrsltKwkV8qreQJ1VSUOkjpS1l6kmUG/s320/IMG_5985.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She is in her happy place. Stella could play in the sand </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">for day. In fact, that's what she did!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggM-2KYkYiQFxTNA2tlOzxFZR9BET6pC1NXCrVqG9W01vwQF227IMreO4hItgCs60RnZCi5xnuKZvz8H5R1OHOje7m1p_7hiJod9VYQQGk6WQr3Kk_gS_s5VPkad4aWFnqLRq0RJn4_9VB/s1600/IMG_5990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggM-2KYkYiQFxTNA2tlOzxFZR9BET6pC1NXCrVqG9W01vwQF227IMreO4hItgCs60RnZCi5xnuKZvz8H5R1OHOje7m1p_7hiJod9VYQQGk6WQr3Kk_gS_s5VPkad4aWFnqLRq0RJn4_9VB/s320/IMG_5990.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Samuel + Stick = Happiness</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqRIBl13pmjiQSbLK-i2ZCIcbqZSme2DXI7CTHTiDLsNeQFwoOC6R6eZEwSrahO25CP6ucX5USphn-zvZS_taUOqri96k2T-euPLFi-TzUuZQT0fsuaRqLJm-iTgwljQo7CWx7r5_CDFN/s1600/IMG_6030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqRIBl13pmjiQSbLK-i2ZCIcbqZSme2DXI7CTHTiDLsNeQFwoOC6R6eZEwSrahO25CP6ucX5USphn-zvZS_taUOqri96k2T-euPLFi-TzUuZQT0fsuaRqLJm-iTgwljQo7CWx7r5_CDFN/s320/IMG_6030.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Look what washed ashore!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>School Days are Back</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Joey started 3rd grade this week! He has a great group of friends in class, both new and old. Joey seems to roll with it no matter the teacher. He is also happy to report when other students have irritated the teacher too. He will make a great hall monitor one day! Daddy came to school and walked Joey to his first day. No tears, no visible emotions...just 2 dudes walking to class!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stella has been talking for weeks about starting school. We couldn't count down the days fast enough for her. And wow did she hop out of bed Tuesday morning when I reminded her that it was the first day of school. Daddy was able to be home Tuesday morning so that we could all walk to kinder together. She walked in like she had been there a thousand times before. She had actually been in the same classroom this summer for some tutoring, so the familiarity was good for her. Even on the first day, she started learning the rules and the reward for following those rules. She did express some frustration (maybe even disgust) that she didn't learn to spell any words on the first day of school. Slow down, Sister, you can't learn it all on the first day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Samuel is our sensitive, uncertain one. After meeting his teacher last week, he was somewhat comfortable on the first day. He walked in and took his lunch out of his backpack. Unfortunately, within 5-10 minutes, he was in tears. Loud crying, crocodile tears. I heard him from the hall. His teacher reported that he was tearful during the day, but calmed quickly. Samuel is not one to hide his tears either. He shared about his sadness when he got home. Day 2 was much better. Once we made it to his class, he tapped his teacher on the leg and waved to her without any prompting. And then he flashed a big smile as he turned to go into class. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This year is off to a good start. Now, we'll get the new puppy trained and wait for the home remodel to be completed. There's always a new adventure!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13750295094116522875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6961515207642689268.post-80356891791290713042017-05-20T11:38:00.004-07:002017-05-20T11:38:56.495-07:00What I've Learned from Parenting Stella<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>What I've Learned from Parenting Stella</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Today (May 18) marks 21 months since we made Stella an official Webb. Is it ok to still speak in months? At least I don't give my children's ages in months anymore! Sometimes it seems like the changes with bringing a preschooler home are smaller, less noticeable, but really Stella has changed a lot in this short time. A few things I've learned as Stella's Mom...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1. <b>Imagination takes quiet moments, encouragement, and guidance.</b> For a child who saw the same walls day after day, the same nannies day after day, ate the same food day after day...an imagination was not necessary. Maybe it was even discouraged. It definitely wasn't fostered. During the first year home, the idea of quietly looking at a book was daunting. And to look at it all alone in a quiet room, almost impossible. I remember a time in the car when we were singing a color song..."if you are wearing yellow, touch your nose". The boys were going crazy with the song, so I asked if Stella could have a turn to make up a verse. We drove and drove and drove and still she sat quietly. Crickets. She was thinking. She couldn't think of even a simple actions to plug into the song. I'm happy to say that Stella has come a long way!!! She still mimics a lot of what she sees the boys doing, saying, or drawing, but that has encouraged the development of her imagination over the months. Her imagination is growing! And sometimes Stella even builds a Lego creation all by herself. She sings funny songs in the car...Stella originals. She's quite the funny gal!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2. </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The need for attention is big with this one. </b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thankfully it's becoming less and less as she feels secure and adored, as she learns to share the spotlight and still receive praise. Stella's transition from neglect to receiving any attention has been a big transition for both of us. At times this process has felt like nails on a chalkboard. While her methods have lead to disobedience at times, I can remember our first days together. Stella's request for attention looked like flailing arms, a funny face, and uncontrollable laughing. Learning to allow others to share in the attention is a hard lesson. Learning to receive attention in a positive light is just as hard. But most of all, teaching Stella that her worth is not dependent on the attention she receives from others is one of my biggest goals. She has so much more value than any amount of attention and we get to teach her that!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3. <b>Thank you notes are a must. </b>If she has heard anything I've said, at least it's this..."we need to write a thank you note". If she finds a party invitation in her backpack, we must write a thank you note. When someone is sick, it would be nice to write a thank you note. If she receives a gift, she knows to write a thank you note.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>This...This is what comes to mind. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>I can even hear the music.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She occasionally forgets a word or gets confused. So, if Stella tells you that she has a note and gift card for you...don't be too quick to jump up and down. She probably means she put your card in an envelope, not a gift card! Hey, at least she's learning to write thank you notes! Check your mail!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4. <b>Charades is not just for parties. </b> It has become part of our every day life. Or maybe it's that our life has become a great big party! People asked months ago how we communicated with Stella from the beginning. When visiting with other adoptive families, I've told them "practice up on your charade skills". True, communication is much easier now that Stella has mastered most of the English language. It's actually pretty impressive! Even now, there are still many many opportunities for charades. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"Can we buy one of those __________ (fill in the blank with motions to </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>vaguely describe anything using your hands as a measurement)?" Could it be a ruler, a zucchini, a small shovel? Who knows...until charades is in full swing!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"Can I take a __________ (fill in the blank with some strange circular </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>motion)? Again, could it be a circle, a tornado, mix a cake batter? </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>The </i></span><i style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">challenge is presented. Challenge accepted!</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If it's a word we use often at home, I'll encourage Stella to use her "smart mind" (that's my secret method for getting her to think hard) to find the correct word. Like with wanting to purchase popsicles or asking for a bath vs. shower (see questions and mysterious motions above). I've got to teach her "rhymes with". That would help some days. One day I just might miss charades, but for now m</span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">aybe it's a good way to keep our party skills sharp! Wanna play charades?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5. <b>Having a grateful heart is not just for kids. </b>Picture this. Stella walks in the kitchen and spies an English muffin in the toaster, <i>to her dismay</i>. After hearing confirmation that I am, in fact, serving English muffins at breakfast, the ugly face appears. The face that seems to say that an English muffin is below her standards. Like it's a foreign object unfit for consumption. M</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ind you, I don't require my kids to clean their plates. To try new things? Yes. To be kind about things you don't prefer? Yes. It happens far beyond English muffins too. Many times, it seems like a heart issue. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So, after a battle for her to eat the English muffin with jelly, we talked. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I quietly told her that God says in the Bible (Proverbs 15:13) that a grateful heart makes a face happy. I even went as far as having her say it out loud, "I am thankful for my breakfast". And that's when it happened. God tapped me on the shoulder. Am I always thankful for this little one placed in my family? You can imagine that amidst the battles, I can not always answer with a grateful heart. Ugh! And Ouch too! I'm thankful for God's </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">gentle</i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> reminders. I'm glad everything isn't always perfect and that sometimes I'm required to try new situations, new opportunities. So, now's my turn to practice being thankful along side my daughter. And I'm hopeful that my gratitude for my daughter will reflect on my happy face! Maybe, just maybe, she is thankful for English muffins...kinda...sorta.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Twenty-one months and going strong!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Stella singing her heart out at graduation</span></div>
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Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13750295094116522875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6961515207642689268.post-52699300332260523252017-05-16T14:38:00.001-07:002017-05-16T14:38:40.526-07:00Finishing Strong<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">As we near the end of the school year, we're finishing strong with lots of activities and </span></span></span><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">accomplishments!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Reading Olympics</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;">This kid loves to read. Loves. He takes after his SuSu. And with all that reading comes a great accomplishment. The gold metal! </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Festival</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I noticed an Asian festival advertised on Facebook, so we took a little trip to Richardson to check it out. The kids had fun exploring paper crafts, new foods, and photo ops. I'm a sucker for Asian food. I sometimes present it as a way of exploring the culture. Really, we all like dumplings!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Introducing King David</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The kids have been attending kids choir on Wednesday nights. It seemed that Joey wasn't all that interested in singing. So, I didn't pursue the opportunity for him to try out for a speaking part in the musical. And didn't I feel horrible when Joey shared "they didn't even choose me for a part"? I had to confess that I didn't sign him up to try out because I didn't think he was interested. He continued attending and we all learned the songs thanks to a CD given to the kids. I'm certain we all could've performed the entire musical because we listened to the CD daily! At one of the last rehearsals, God showed up big for Joey. As it turned out, the boy rehearsing as King David just stopped coming to the rehearsals. The play was left without a Kind David, so Joey was asked to step in. The smile. His smile was huge. He took it seriously. To my amazement, he already knew the part from the previous months at choir practice. He stepped up with confidence and did not disappoint!!!! We talked about how God just laid this opportunity in his lap and how special it was to get to portray an amazing king!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">King David kneeling to pray before conquering Goliath</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">King David preparing for a speaking part</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Raingutter Regata</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Scout's rain gutter regatta was a lot of fun! Joey had fun decorating his boat (the red one with the American flag) and blowing like crazy to move it down the gutter. There was an opportunity for "lessons learned" as Joey's face spoke disappointment over not winning. We talked about making notes for next year's race and how everyone has the opportunity to have fun. Not sure it soaked in during the emotional experience, but Joey continues to surprise me with how mature he handles disappointment and how well he learns from his experiences.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Budding Artist</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This guy had an art piece chosen for the artshow! See the dinosaur? He was excited to show off his artwork and see the variety of art displayed. We took several minutes to look around at other pieces displayed. All three kids were really interested in the different techniques and methods for creating art.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>It's Graduation Day! Hooray!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These 2 have completed pre-K. And by "completed", I mean they've learned a ton, met new friends, entertained their teachers, and floored me with how much they've grown and changed! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's moment like this when I wish I could send a simple message to their China moms and dads..."LOOK! Look how much they've grown. Can you believe how much Samuel loves to talk now? Isn't it amazing how much Stella loves learning? They are smart and funny. I wish you could hear them laugh! Do you know how much we love them? Do you know that we talk about you in our home? Do you know we welcome the curiosity of who you are and what you're like? I imagine they have little traits that reflect you. Oh, and they're learning about our Creator. They know God loves them. They sing about Him. They sing A LOT. We make silly faces and we have fun together! And even on those hard days (that sometimes turn into weeks), we are grateful for the opportunity to parent these treasures."</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Happy Graduation, Samuel and Stella!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13750295094116522875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6961515207642689268.post-79307273660247825512017-05-11T20:38:00.004-07:002017-05-11T20:38:43.959-07:00Spring Breeze<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Something's Missing</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This girl has been waiting patiently - not so patiently - for the day when she would lose a tooth. To her amazement, the day finally arrived. And the best part was that a dollar was to come! She's rich!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"See my lost tooth"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Spring Breakin' in Arkansas</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We ventured to Arkansas for Spring Break. The weather was cool, but beautiful! And SuSu treated us to a trip to Mid America Museum! Joey hasn't stopped talking about this museum since we visited a couple years ago. And AR wasn't on Spring Break yet, so we practically had the place to ourselves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>A Day for Nature</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We managed to pull Daddy away from his job on a beautiful day this Spring Break. There's nothing like a little family time outside enjoying the sunshine and each other. We are so thankful to the state parks in our area. It was great fun!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Spring Time</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">How refreshing are the Spring flowers? On a day off from school, we took advantage of the cool breeze and the blossoming flowers. These 3 and their friends ran and jumped and climbed all over the Botanic Gardens. I'm still amazed that they truly enjoy exploring in nature, climbing on rocks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What a beauty!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This joker staged his most prized photo op.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Brothers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All smiles</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Happy Easter</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; text-align: justify;">He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Come and see the place where he lay."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Matthew 28:6</span></div>
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Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13750295094116522875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6961515207642689268.post-63072232744191856112017-03-04T07:36:00.002-08:002017-03-04T07:36:54.706-08:00Backtracking...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That time you got so busy and distracted that you forgot to keep the blog updated. And then you realize it was started to help aid your own failing memory all along. Backtracking now...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Derby Drivers, Start Your Engines (January)</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One of the highlights of Cub Scouts tends to be the Pinewood Derby Race. And with this being a first for our scout, we were sure not to miss it. Joey designed his own car and painted it himself. I'll admit, as a crafty person, it took all I had to sit back and let him be the creator. He didn't design it the way I would have, but that's the beauty of it. He took ownership and made it his very own! We are proud of Joey! While the car wasn't the speediest one on the track, he learned much from the experience. In fact, a wise friend (also in 2nd grade) reminded Joey that it was all about the experience of building something with his dad. Truth! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Birthday Bonanza (February)</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our smallest monkey is now 5! Samuel celebrated his birthday with lots of friends on a chilly February morning. We were even pleased that Su Su and Big Joe could make it for the festivities! This guy would've seriously been thrilled to have a $1 cowboy hat and a few weapons. He's easy to please! Also, he wanted a ninja cake. I've never used so much black food coloring in all my life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Family Fun Day</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So, we don't splurge for family fun days too often. Right now, our kids are easily amused with "treasure hunting" (geocaching) or trips for ice cream. We're learning to appreciate those simple pleasures, but sometimes you just need to get out and enjoy the sunshine...and play putt putt before riding go carts! Normally, I cringe at the thought of running errands and navigating in highway traffic, BUT go carts? Yes, please! With a little one sitting nearby cackling as the wind whips our hair around. Russ said Stella didn't even hang on. This girl lives for fast and furious! We were the only 3 bumper boats in the water, and with the sprayers turned off. Ahhh, darn (Mom smiling on the inside)! With a pretty empty place, the kids rode each ride they desired and multiple times. And did I mention that we had pizza? And Sprite? Yep, we went all out. Be jealous. The kids were exhausted and happy too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>There were days...</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So many (did I mention lots of many) days I wondered if we'd ever get to this point. Do you know how "reading books" started? It started with little feet kicking the closet door with such force that I thought a terrible thunder storm was lurking over our home. Stella laid on the floor "reading" the books so intently that she never even opened the books. She stared at the back cover...stared hard. I get that she didn't "read" books in China. It's not likely that she had anyone to read books to her. She loves when we read books together and has since she first arrived. Still she had no concept of looking at pictures, using her mind to imagine the story. We talked about it a lot. It took lots of repetition and role-play. And finally...here we are. We have arrived! Now she "reads" peacefully by herself, even initiating it herself. On many occasions, I've found her looking through the library bag or pulling books from her bookshelves. Then, she looks at the pictures...really looks. She even talks out loud sometimes, telling her own version of the story with her mind. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's the little things sometimes that remind me how the Lord has changed Stella and encouraged her growth over her 19 months home. Today, we celebrate "reading"!</span>
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Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13750295094116522875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6961515207642689268.post-88122593950451811302017-01-13T05:51:00.003-08:002017-01-13T05:56:54.966-08:00Snow and Celebration<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Let It Snow</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It finally snowed! Stella finally got to see snow! This girls was all smiles, squealing in excitement at the thought of snow. And when I calmly asked if she knew what snow was, she confidently answered "no". Stella was thrilled when she finally went outside to find out more about this thing called snow. She wanted to have a "snow fight", which I assumed would be a challenge given that the quantity of snow was barely a dusting. Somehow the kids managed to scrape up enough snow to make snowballs! Add that to slipping and sliding on the trampoline and you'll find the best fun! What did I see Stella doing on the trampoline? Quickly scooping up snow and shoveling it in her mouth!!! It may have contained just a touch of dirt, but she was more than happy to report that it was delicious! The kids stayed outside longer than I had expected. When you don't see snow too often (or ever in Stella's case), you take advantage of the opportunity!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The pink gloves! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She finally got to wear her pink gloves!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzvJluhzl2VnckysrUP98x9vUCVrXLCZv4eUEyIAwhK_0CLq2B9yP_arB1zsMvmDhNfeyg6Fuizc7CWtvRgpAe2LttzliZrcjHC3nAcLaP6wfwejinRFEH2ZGWXzPJJwOUFSqoHw2PDqz/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-01-07+at+12.33.40+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzvJluhzl2VnckysrUP98x9vUCVrXLCZv4eUEyIAwhK_0CLq2B9yP_arB1zsMvmDhNfeyg6Fuizc7CWtvRgpAe2LttzliZrcjHC3nAcLaP6wfwejinRFEH2ZGWXzPJJwOUFSqoHw2PDqz/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-01-07+at+12.33.40+PM.png" width="259" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Thinking Back</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are days I can't remember what I walked in my own bedroom for, BUT I can remember in great detail the day we met Samuel. I can see his tiny face. I remember "that panic" that came over his face when we approached him. I can hear his scream (for hours). I can see his nanny wanting desperately to comfort him. And I can remember turning my back to her in my attempt to comfort Samuel. I remember his very first smile in our hotel room. I remember the way he ran to me if he saw me get the carrier out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I also remember seeing his same nanny again 18 months later and hugging her neck as if she was an old friend. And I remember the tears in her eyes when she saw Samuel again a year and a half after he left to go home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Samuel is a joy! That sums him up! When he first came home, he was serious and quiet. After all, we ripped him away from all things familiar about the time he should've been learning the verbal language. We jokingly called him the "fun police" because he was all business and firmly against the slightest sound of laughter. Now today? That kid can tell the jokes. He will pull me close for a smooch, immediately followed by "Daddy, I just kissed your wife". Quite often he requests for Daddy to "do airplane". When he swings up-side-down on the monkey bars, he proudly announces that he will be in the circus one day. He wants to be like Joey in all aspects...scary and good at times. Before he even knows what Joey wants to eat, he says "what's Joey having". Samuel has been caught a time or two wearing a princess gown with his sister...which he will not deny. When I ask him nicely to stop growing so fast, he throws the comment back to me that his growth is my fault because I ask him to eat a healthy dinner. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A few memories from the first time we met Samuel...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And then there are pictures of us enjoying our time together...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You can't convince me that this sweet lady doesn't love our little guy (8/2015).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She probably never expected to see him again after we left in January of 2014. We still send pictures to the orphanage so the nannies can see the fruit of their work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And now...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He can't keep a smile off his face or his feet on the ground. Circus-bound this kid is!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thank you, Jesus, for allowing us the joy of teaching and loving this little one! And what says "we are so very thankful for you" than a plate of steamy dim sum? And so if you need us to tomorrow, better check the nearest Asian market. That's where we'll be...celebrating this little ball of energy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Sunshinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13750295094116522875noreply@blogger.com0