tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3775938542692127632024-03-04T23:26:24.039-07:00 I Keep SurrenderingAprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671708163243071729noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377593854269212763.post-63961855776931974862016-09-11T08:29:00.002-06:002016-09-11T08:30:19.684-06:00Has It Really Been This Long?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_JStsQDL7cYyM_Y8-KqOptAdP7cV-8CImY58HnTtTaJq7c4NxaoEnOphLdKXAMEjMI38Z-UjC3VgGDMZLFHeAOTZLIKrX1TmGNkHbhxTqM91-ZMoxJteykhu-5HZ2u5XZCXHm-Xcnh0/s1600/DownerFamily2016+%2528196+of+232%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_JStsQDL7cYyM_Y8-KqOptAdP7cV-8CImY58HnTtTaJq7c4NxaoEnOphLdKXAMEjMI38Z-UjC3VgGDMZLFHeAOTZLIKrX1TmGNkHbhxTqM91-ZMoxJteykhu-5HZ2u5XZCXHm-Xcnh0/s400/DownerFamily2016+%2528196+of+232%2529.jpg" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, it has almost been a year since my last post. What a year it has been, lots of struggles, new joys and experiences, along with growth. I hope to post some of those in the coming weeks but for today I am just going to post some family photos we just got back from <a href="http://livingreflectionphotography.com/" target="_blank">Living Reflection Photography</a></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjN-y1WHB70grZ7SG-u0GLKctbiDErk_OmL_8Fl-gKmX9tuhc4kypXMWV2Ukv-OH-XV9wO4fHmB3b59d2-9S9Nh2FfKfNViF0Vvrjh_FcE6bFspRF5liciFdj4pamnFxxv3Cy76FYbDI0/s1600/kids22016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjN-y1WHB70grZ7SG-u0GLKctbiDErk_OmL_8Fl-gKmX9tuhc4kypXMWV2Ukv-OH-XV9wO4fHmB3b59d2-9S9Nh2FfKfNViF0Vvrjh_FcE6bFspRF5liciFdj4pamnFxxv3Cy76FYbDI0/s400/kids22016.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Silly Littles, hard to get them all to look at the camera!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlu6LQ2-6SyFklqHpi31eQAqPCNy90Xl46yLBVPQolWa9hMnwrdvz8Cl8Vd8gkRPcVZqpYJMNZBDL_StWvNoeQuGH1zmEJ4VYVG5IZ-Vi2IDb_-cvYldJ-qLjH5G4O3nobSh2shflGKOc/s1600/girls+pic+2.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlu6LQ2-6SyFklqHpi31eQAqPCNy90Xl46yLBVPQolWa9hMnwrdvz8Cl8Vd8gkRPcVZqpYJMNZBDL_StWvNoeQuGH1zmEJ4VYVG5IZ-Vi2IDb_-cvYldJ-qLjH5G4O3nobSh2shflGKOc/s400/girls+pic+2.jpe" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Beautiful Daughters, Wow!!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFg78R8w-gCSGfvXpor7fGvHinGkGE3iUBoVVlnL_4DUPqXdFTRUS14OH_Ru5Oeg-TEYqxiCZ0DMUGseUnolLYypCol70-nwZnjaIT3wt4faarAiWTujdq9YzcJx9dCXDDiEZOi0I9Wg8/s1600/DownerFamily2016+%252830+of+232%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFg78R8w-gCSGfvXpor7fGvHinGkGE3iUBoVVlnL_4DUPqXdFTRUS14OH_Ru5Oeg-TEYqxiCZ0DMUGseUnolLYypCol70-nwZnjaIT3wt4faarAiWTujdq9YzcJx9dCXDDiEZOi0I9Wg8/s400/DownerFamily2016+%252830+of+232%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">And the Men...so thankful for these guys and look at their handsomeness!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLelGnljw4jBv8f3Ebw9r1xcy9oXgy6pL-YGTUsA6V1mlDjwMGdQDEaBXLy_W4xWS93ZrWmKIGVoU9TnT6NCJRITp_udnrHk0YMbH-ZQs1_2zhtD2Kg-H9OqKah_n5TJw_B2PNg3N70Lk/s1600/family+pic.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLelGnljw4jBv8f3Ebw9r1xcy9oXgy6pL-YGTUsA6V1mlDjwMGdQDEaBXLy_W4xWS93ZrWmKIGVoU9TnT6NCJRITp_udnrHk0YMbH-ZQs1_2zhtD2Kg-H9OqKah_n5TJw_B2PNg3N70Lk/s400/family+pic.jpe" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">All of us..still missing Tyler, Emily and Sawyer, but one day we will have a photo of all of us.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671708163243071729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377593854269212763.post-62695924959188719222015-11-16T17:20:00.000-07:002015-11-16T17:20:50.738-07:00My Little Sawyer CrewI just got to spend 4 precious days with my sweet, 4 month old grandson. He is getting so big and is so adorable. Laughing, cooing, talking, rolling, grabbing at stuff and giving the sweetest, little looks with his eyes.<br />
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So, look who has the cutest grandson ever!!! I am the proudest Amma ever...<br />
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<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671708163243071729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377593854269212763.post-62620209852339342072015-10-31T21:44:00.000-06:002015-10-31T21:44:01.253-06:00Our Sweet, Feisty Little GirlAdelia has been with us for 17 months now. It feels like yesterday but then at the same time she was always here. Funny, how love and time make it feel like a person belongs in your life.<br />
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God is so gracious and kind to give us this sweet and feisty girl. Adelia, or Addie as she is most often called, is so smart. She has learned English so quickly and loves to do school. She definitely has strong opinions about everything. She is a peace maker (well most of the time). She loves to worship God. She has a beautiful voice. She is strong. She is kind-hearted. She has the most amazing smile and sparkling eyes. She is a fighter, in the most positive ways, she stands up for what is right and she works hard at doing the things that are hard for her to do. I truly love this girl with all my heart.<br />
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I am so thankful to have her big hugs and sweet words. We have been "writing" notes in a journal to her foster parents. She has been grieving them something fierce. Yesterday she told me to write that she loved and missed them (which is typical) and she added that she has a new friend. I asked who was her friend and she said "mama, you are my new friend". Oh, I felt such love toward her and our God, for helping she and me to bond. I am attaching the video I finally completed of her adoption and days here with us these last months. The photo you see at the airport with me meeting her, for the first time she held onto me is monumental. From that moment forward, it has honestly been that way. I am so praising God for doing that and answering my prayers so abundantly in our relationship. I am not saying there hasn't been hard days. We have had some difficult ones for sure. I already worry about her teenage years ahead sometimes LOL. But she is My Daughter, through and through, and I give God all the glory.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMTn6Udv_NI">Adelia Adoption Video</a>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671708163243071729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377593854269212763.post-42121620095087132402015-10-26T13:42:00.001-06:002015-10-26T13:42:21.688-06:00Support Our AdoptionWe have two fundraisers we are running for our adoption.<br />
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<b>1. Unique Butterfly Jewelry</b> This jewelry maker
has graciously offered to sponsor us and support our adoption. Each sale
of her Butterfly Jewelry will have 20% given back to our adoption.
There are some absolutely beautiful pieces she has, which are very
affordable. They would make great gifts too. If you go to her site and
make a purchase please put a note "I want to support April's Adoption."
She is selling some other items on her store but only the Butterfly
jewelry gives us the financial support.<br />
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* I did ask about how she
acquires the butterflies and she said they come from Butterfly
Sanctuaries all over the word, living full lives. They were not hunted
:)<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Art4Justice" target="_blank">https://www.etsy.com/shop/<wbr></wbr>Art4Justice</a><br />
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<b>2. Fund The Nations T-Shirts</b><br />
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We have a personally designed, awesome t-shirt, <b><i>Voice For the Voiceless</i></b>. </div>
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We picked this verse from Proverbs 31:8-9.<i>"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.<sup> </sup>Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."</i><br />
It
is a great unisex shirt. We are
asking for a $25 donation for each shirt, which includes shipping. We will have sizes from YXS to XXXL.
They are softer tshirt material and not preshrunk. XXL and up, do cost another $2. We will be running this order for only a
couple of weeks. I will let you know when it gets closer to our closing
date so we can get the order in. <br />
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If you would
like to order a shirt please go to <a href="http://www.voiceforthevoiceless.bigcartel.com/">Voice For the Voiceless</a> for credit card orders. If you would like to pay by check, send me your email address in a Post and I will email you my address. Once the order is closed I should have shirts in less than 2
weeks.<br />
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Thank you so much for
considering these two fundraisers. </div>
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Also, please show your love and support by passing along this information to your friends.. Thank you!</div>
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April (and Jay and family)</div>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671708163243071729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377593854269212763.post-77501419146569147252015-10-22T23:18:00.000-06:002015-10-22T23:23:20.012-06:00New Photos and Adoption UpdateWe have recently received some new photos of our little guy !!<br />
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I am so happy to see him smiling and all his cuteness.<br />
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He is still on the smaller side, and not crawling or walking. But he seems like he has grown a lot and turning more into a toddler. From our update questions we are told his heart is holding okay. However, we were told the same before we brought Isaiah home and he was not doing well when we adopted him. So I just think sometimes they don't know. We also found out today that our dossier in China has moved out of translation and into Review. There is 4 stages of dossier processing. The first is Translation, the second is Review, third is Match, and fourth is Approval. The first is generally the longest and it took about a month. So I am so hoping we have our approval in about 30-45 days, which means we can very likely travel in February or March like I had been hoping for.. I know it will all be in God's perfect timing. However, we are anxious to get him home.<br />
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We are also doing some fundraising. I am going to post a separate post about that next. Please consider buying a personally designed tshirt we are asking for donations for. Or purchase some beautiful, unique butterfly jewelry that a sweet etsy, adoptive mom is helping us raise funds with. Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671708163243071729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377593854269212763.post-15856848183711463552015-08-19T15:16:00.002-06:002015-08-19T15:16:21.702-06:00My Heart....<span style="font-size: large;">I had the blessing of visiting my new grandson, Sawyer a few weeks back. I missed my kiddos greatly, but little baby boy stole my heart. I got to love on him and help his Mommy and Daddy a little. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Can you just imagine the sweet bliss I had for 5 days?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Look at this face...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOf2CiMtRdVvA1LhVQKx99D5OisSUcOP7Z3rNFXkNV12xZOP5uhfSG0BkfQBHptBGPt11KLNedzb8w6kbZBK7byrg-ga3fwC6jFmSLovJcFLpQdkHyrut957Zg_VlMieKocRwfk5zkI8/s1600/DSC_4588%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOf2CiMtRdVvA1LhVQKx99D5OisSUcOP7Z3rNFXkNV12xZOP5uhfSG0BkfQBHptBGPt11KLNedzb8w6kbZBK7byrg-ga3fwC6jFmSLovJcFLpQdkHyrut957Zg_VlMieKocRwfk5zkI8/s400/DSC_4588%25281%2529.jpg" width="263" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I didn't get to see his first smiles (although he was so close) but here is the first captured by his Mommy!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am already counting down the days when I get to see them all again...September is coming quickly.</span>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671708163243071729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377593854269212763.post-41582179710364923722015-08-17T15:29:00.001-06:002015-08-17T15:29:50.030-06:00Blessed Beyond MeasureNot sure why or how this happened, except for Jesus. I am blessed.. I pray I never forget that..<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5Z5YVq4s5K6UrBSwUsnB8bPc-WDec7KJf_03U4gLqy34cpCIMutp1lkrhbnnCglcjheBKoaRD8ydUNkZamDowZ-BjpGNmyED9lyV-259keS0AFfVAllBkdPTt7fMs3wgnP5VpL0k5lA/s1600/IMG_4461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5Z5YVq4s5K6UrBSwUsnB8bPc-WDec7KJf_03U4gLqy34cpCIMutp1lkrhbnnCglcjheBKoaRD8ydUNkZamDowZ-BjpGNmyED9lyV-259keS0AFfVAllBkdPTt7fMs3wgnP5VpL0k5lA/s320/IMG_4461.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Makenna, Addie, Eliza, Lenea, Me, Ellie and Moriah</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2TFNDXXxqKkpiPgVRHJIDLFsLsOr5mXEV4x3KFyoR_mM2qQt8SVbBfqAJcsR0BWRAnAM3JjX4un6BZCWQVmf-xMy8xYbO9WWoVCmGtSO4DIdnHLDTZgN3haKAAXIKa1YFafjBXpAZ6Q/s1600/IMG_4540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2TFNDXXxqKkpiPgVRHJIDLFsLsOr5mXEV4x3KFyoR_mM2qQt8SVbBfqAJcsR0BWRAnAM3JjX4un6BZCWQVmf-xMy8xYbO9WWoVCmGtSO4DIdnHLDTZgN3haKAAXIKa1YFafjBXpAZ6Q/s400/IMG_4540.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacob, Toby, Asher (front) Jay and Isaiah</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671708163243071729noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377593854269212763.post-81126586703380011222015-07-01T15:53:00.001-06:002015-07-01T15:53:39.811-06:00 Calling All Cowboys and Cowgirls....Big Birthday BashWhen you turn "5" in our family, we typically allow a first big kid birthday party...<br />
Well, this year all of our littles were turning "5" and it just seemed like a better idea to do one all out party. We would have the same guests likely and it would be much easier on everyone just to do one party (especially Mommy).<br />
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So we reserved our neighborhood gazebo at the park. Our neighbors brought a horse and pony. We played carnival games. We ate yummy food.<br />
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Thank you to all our friends who could celebrate with our Little Birthday Group.<br />
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Asher turned 5, February 23..<br />
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Elliana turned 5, June 5..<br />
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Adelia turns 5, July 31...<br />
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Isaiah turns 5, August 28....<br />
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Sweet boys!!<br />
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Horse Cupcakes !! Yummy..<br />
Thanks Makenna for making this. <br />
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Mommy, with all four kiddos. Happy Birthday <br />
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Moriah blowing bubbles with Ellie.<br />
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Addie rode the pony!<br />
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Lenea with friends.<br />
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Isaiah blowing bubbles.<br />
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Our family..so blessed.<br />
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<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671708163243071729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377593854269212763.post-17971191436829239062015-07-01T13:11:00.001-06:002015-07-01T13:15:20.163-06:00Intruducing...Sawyer CrewOn June 24, at 12:41 AM our son, Tyler and our daughter in Love, Emily welcomed their first baby, our first grandchild into the world. Little Sawyer Crew, weighing 7 lbs 6 oz.<br />
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He is just perfect and beautiful. It has been so hard not to be with them at this time. But I just booked my flight to go there on July 21st for 4 nights and I can't wait!! It will not only be a get away for me by myself (which I haven't done in a LONG time) but I will get to spend all that time with Ty, Em and Sawyer loving on them.<br />
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Anyway, here is my sweet grandson. God makes wonderful gifts..<br />
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James 1:17 "Every generous act of giving and every perfect gift is from above and
comes down from the Father who made the heavenly lights, in whom there
is no inconsistency or shifting shadow. "<span class="p"><br /></span><br />
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<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671708163243071729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377593854269212763.post-58253361379369935922015-06-26T15:27:00.001-06:002015-06-26T15:27:35.492-06:00Adoption.. It was with joy and great anticipation to announce that our family is back on the adoption journey to another little boy in China.<br />
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We will name him Silas Christopher Yuan..<br />
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He just turned 1 year old, April 24th and we just completed our homestudy. A travel time about March or April 2016 is anticipated.<br />
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Our children are SO excited about him. Even Addie, who has been home with us one year is already asking when I am going to China to bring home baby Silas. I am not sure how excited she really will be once I leave for two weeks though LOL. but at least she is processing it early.<br />
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Anyway, here is his sweet little picture. We just heard he had heart surgery as well, but our cardiologist who reviewed the reports isn't sure if he will still need more upon coming home.<br />
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<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671708163243071729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377593854269212763.post-82802391860459378172015-06-07T21:51:00.001-06:002015-06-07T21:51:50.809-06:00Adoption....Finally, two years later, I have a video for our precious Elliana and Isaiah...Feeling so blessed and honored to be their Mommy.<br />
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<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671708163243071729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377593854269212763.post-89356476630079341252015-03-01T18:25:00.000-07:002015-03-02T14:46:54.542-07:00A Fun, Refreshing, Week of a Wish For Isaiah<span style="font-size: large;">The time had finally come for Isaiah's wish to go meet Mickey Mouse at Disney World in Florida.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was December 28th, with a couple kids in our family finally seeming to come down with the flu we were trying to hard to avoid. So the many prayers, extensive hand washing, masks on the faces for the healthy people, vitamins galore and homeopathic remedies went into full swing, all in the hopes of a short existence for those who were sick and a non-existence for those who were healthy. It was only 3 days until our flight to Orlando.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">December 30th came and Toby was still extremely feverish along with Addie. The rest of us were holding out. We went ahead and traveled to the hotel by the airport, in faith that things would turn around by morning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We were all up bright and early. Toby's and Addie's fevers were both broken. Addie was doing remarkably better, but Toby had a cough. So we kept him in the mask for the entire travel day. We also kept Isaiah in a mask so he would not pick up the virus still.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Onto Orlando we went. We picked up our 15 passenger rental van at the airport and drove to our resort. We arrived in the evening to our amazing resort, Give Kids The World. It is a lovely, little place designed for Make A Wish children and their families. It is staffed by thousands of volunteers. There is a a carousel, train ride, arcade, swimming pool and splash area, mini golf, special visits with Mickey, horse back riding, ice cream to eat all day, and parties every night, all free! We could have spent our entire week just here, but we were also given free passes to Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studies. We hope to return to Give Kids The World as volunteers some day as the younger kids are older.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The weather during our entire week in Florida was beautiful. We even went to the beach one day, which was about an hour drive. I think that was one of the favorite days for all of us. Not only is the beach the most favorite place for many of us in our family to go, but it was just peaceful and relaxing. In spite of the annoying seagulls that kept trying to snatch our food from our bag.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This was Addie's very first time at the beach. She wasn't so sure about the water, but she LOVED the sand.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This was Ellie's second time at the beach and she LOVED the water and the sand!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Isaiah and me on a train ride at Animal Kingdom.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2lQHBKOXXN6-QObLhxiIK5jDX1dcPco5joK5flk6GXmU0r4jxpYWI_4QRVxbzDidzI9nddsdm-sEJbE8B3rGNn8BGIK8LYXrr02p0JoXHGYAjdfFU6Kgtq_8F2pAx7ihD8LJpPnni2E/s1600/DSC_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2lQHBKOXXN6-QObLhxiIK5jDX1dcPco5joK5flk6GXmU0r4jxpYWI_4QRVxbzDidzI9nddsdm-sEJbE8B3rGNn8BGIK8LYXrr02p0JoXHGYAjdfFU6Kgtq_8F2pAx7ihD8LJpPnni2E/s1600/DSC_0144.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">At Animal Kingdom there was a safari jeep ride that was very neat. These rhinos were on a road right next to our jeep.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our first day to the parks we went to Animal Kingdom. We had a lot of fun there, however Jay stayed back at the hotel with Toby as his cough was wiping him out. Jay kept Ellie by default, as we knew she would have the hardest time in general at the parks, so any day she could get in her nap and hang out would be a bonus for her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The next day we went to Magic Kingdom, our entire group. There were 13 of us. Our 12 in our family and we also brought along one of our helper young ladies, Charis. She was a huge blessing and we were so thankful to have another pair of hands and eyes to help navigate our crew around.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Magic Kingdom was my favorite park. That was also the day that Isaiah had a special meeting with Mickey Mouse. He was quite apprehensive to be close to Mickey. He looks a lot bigger than on the television. All the other kids did great and gave him hugs and high fives. It was really neat that this Mickey was able to talk to us with a real Mickey voice even.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fun meeting with Anna</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our family just arrived at Magic Kingdom.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Meeting Donald at Epcot</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Epcot was very neat</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UK7l5bJki2MFulaevrM1TRQQm0AldLuAFnuela_OMF1JCZosb7x5B9VxE1WeRWPTrqf3zyqmui9vHqokR8Ksl3tocPATATswdmSpWC3T0eG3CMT8XtA2A50CdNMgvZnzeCKnGW70hjA/s1600/DSC_0573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UK7l5bJki2MFulaevrM1TRQQm0AldLuAFnuela_OMF1JCZosb7x5B9VxE1WeRWPTrqf3zyqmui9vHqokR8Ksl3tocPATATswdmSpWC3T0eG3CMT8XtA2A50CdNMgvZnzeCKnGW70hjA/s1600/DSC_0573.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">In front of the famous Castle at Magic Kingdom</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We also had the wonderful opportunity to see my father, his wife and my half-brother James. They were taking James to the airport to head back to TX to finish up his tech school for security forces in the Air Force, just like Jay was. Anyway, they haven't ever met any of these children, only Tyler, so this was a privilege all around. They live about 2 hours away from Orlando, so they drove up and had breakfast with us in our villa. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br />Some of the younger kids had never been on a horse. We got everyone up except for Ellie. She was going to but when she saw the horse she just kept shaking her head "no, no"..No way, was she going to get on that animal!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Isaiah on a horse for the first time, the volunteers were so kind and caring to all of us.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of our favorite parts of the time in Orlando was going to Sea World. My older kids convinced me to ride something called the Mantaray....Uhm...I like roller coasters for the most part, but this one was what I would call extreme. You sat in the seat that put you face down and your road the roller coaster like you were flying. I could not open my eyes the entire ride and I was laughing and screaming that I did not want to be on it either. I am glad I gave my kids a good laugh. Makenna loves roller coasters and was laughing so hard at me the whole ride. Sorry. never again. When it stopped I asked Eliza, who was sitting right next to me, "What did you think, did you like it?" She just shook her head "No" She had no words....point made.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, we enjoyed the Killer Whale and dolphin shows, we went on a few fun rides and got to feed the stingray and dolphins. It was a wonderful place. Lots of memories were made that day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are a few photos from our adventures at Give Kids the World. We got to spend 6 nights and 7 days on this wonderful trip. We had a very long travel day home and got home at midnight, which felt like 2 AM to us due to the time difference. We were so blessed and can't thank everyone enough for making this trip possible for our Wish Kid. We are so honored and humbled.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hugs from Miss Mary.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice Cream every night!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9E1_BzH_YOojqhNfrddFHNi6yiDGh0TjCZxiCjoSxqBqQolCs9_C_pDExD4gGsdL9EdHZ8LBsyxHO0bZKA6fsxuF1qagrz63R6X30KSwgkYxU6pksrS5VVSX97bRIvq-2_TCM1mtsgc/s1600/DSC_0523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9E1_BzH_YOojqhNfrddFHNi6yiDGh0TjCZxiCjoSxqBqQolCs9_C_pDExD4gGsdL9EdHZ8LBsyxHO0bZKA6fsxuF1qagrz63R6X30KSwgkYxU6pksrS5VVSX97bRIvq-2_TCM1mtsgc/s1600/DSC_0523.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you Charis. We love you and so appreciated all your help!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGUJK3Jo1YUmHhuPyX63EeFzPSQ95tE-TwZiKE5eRQkGOaVhh-CBecCOTWvLmWUymAVgYDWjvEhUESjYlHgv7ZsZnm5G3yHyLgFoeRVz4OfVd9TKVWLm8A-5pex1aifUX6zxw_wPrzrI/s1600/DSC_0602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGUJK3Jo1YUmHhuPyX63EeFzPSQ95tE-TwZiKE5eRQkGOaVhh-CBecCOTWvLmWUymAVgYDWjvEhUESjYlHgv7ZsZnm5G3yHyLgFoeRVz4OfVd9TKVWLm8A-5pex1aifUX6zxw_wPrzrI/s1600/DSC_0602.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a cute little Christmas Tree in our villas.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Candyland Play ground. One of the daily gifts we received was a Give Kids the World Village Candyland Game.</td></tr>
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Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671708163243071729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377593854269212763.post-50698888524157362212015-03-01T18:22:00.000-07:002015-03-02T14:48:47.366-07:00More and More Birthdays.....So God has blessed us with lots of birthdays from December 31st through February 25th..<br />
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I did not do birthday posts so I am playing catch up on these..I love you all my birthday kids, just a very busy mommy.<br />
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December 31st is Lenea. She turned 7!! We were actually traveling to Florida on her actual birthday for Isaiah's Wish trip. So here are a few photos from the couple days before when we celebrated her day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrHLoTDhRa6STX1zbtVmJ2azOxdyOJgDoSxj4RrwD-kjtApnDe4HwheMPar_R0KEC8aLnLZPsnKiVlPi40vIHAD1nav8iPNmXL6O4LvpswBQHyjcz3VoZA3iLlSWG3NXquyPMf64MhZE/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrHLoTDhRa6STX1zbtVmJ2azOxdyOJgDoSxj4RrwD-kjtApnDe4HwheMPar_R0KEC8aLnLZPsnKiVlPi40vIHAD1nav8iPNmXL6O4LvpswBQHyjcz3VoZA3iLlSWG3NXquyPMf64MhZE/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" height="265" width="400" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday Sweet Baby Girl. I can't believe you are getting so old so quickly. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Lenea, Jesus Loves You! Lenea, Jesus Cares! Lenea, God has a plan for your life and he will always be there!<br />
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Then, on January 9th is our oldest son's birthday, Tyler. I already posted about him a couple posts back called "Always A Mommy".. But Happy Birthday to me sweet 23 year old who made me a Mommy first.<br />
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Following Tyler's birthday is Eliza. I am so amazed at how quickly she has grown into a beautiful, precious, and gentle woman...I blinked and there she was all grown up! This last January 14th, she turned 17.<br />
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Where has the time gone Eliza Lu?<br />
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Eliza is such a gift to our family!! She only has about 16 months of high school left. I am not sure where God is leading her after graduation yet but she has such a heart for special needs kids and orphans I know it will be something amazing.<br />
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Next in the birthday line up is Makenna. She is no longer a teenager! She turned 20 years old on February 3rd. I can still remember the day she want was born. She was perfect in every way. I was so excited and apprehensive to be raising a daughter! God has grown a strong, smart and kind woman into my life. I am so blessed to call her my friend. I love you mostest Kenna.<br />
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Then we had a big celebration for our Moriah (Mo-mo), on February 7th. For each of our children's 12 th birthdays we do a bigger sort of Blessing for them. This is a time we encourage them into adulthood and special time for the transition. For Moriah, I had several women of all ages write her a letter of encouragement to be a Godly young woman. Then I took her to breakfast that morning and we read the letters. In the afternoon we had some friends over for a time for encouragement and tea and prayers for Moriah. Then that night her Daddy and I took her to her favorite, Chinese food. We came home to cake and ice cream celebration with all the siblings! Moriah is such a joy and faithful young woman. She is gentle, loving, patient, hard working and loves Jesus. Again, I don't know where the time has gone. She is turning into such a radiant and pure woman of God. I am so blessed.<br />
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On February 23, our first Asian munchkin of the "four-4 year olds" turned "5"! Asher is such a joy and happy kid to be around. We will be having a combined big birthday bash for all 4 of them this spring. Asher, I am so blessed to be your Mama. God knew exactly what He was doing by creating you. I love you so much....<br />
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And the last but definitely not least birthday for our "season" is for Tobias. This year he turned 10 on February 10th. We typically give a birthday party for number 5 where they get to have a theme and invite friends. For whatever reason Toby did not get one of those. So I promised him for number 10 he could have one. I love you Toby. You make me laugh and you help me to stop and smell the roses. I know God is making you into one strong leader. I am thankful to be your Mommy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3QdiCNc82LP1UE1kVswYLIn96ZXP4qEeaJbRK0bqeLxpmW12XcRrrAufbllrQg_nuJJebGvDjdYns03p2a7iBpHpd_jjZpHu6l0h68yUZCrgxvTnhxw5IqxplXSM2HXCq-rQ0W8DCOg/s1600/DSC_0853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3QdiCNc82LP1UE1kVswYLIn96ZXP4qEeaJbRK0bqeLxpmW12XcRrrAufbllrQg_nuJJebGvDjdYns03p2a7iBpHpd_jjZpHu6l0h68yUZCrgxvTnhxw5IqxplXSM2HXCq-rQ0W8DCOg/s1600/DSC_0853.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silly Boy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunken Treasure Ocean Party with 4 friends.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZkCUj6EkmcttJL8JaitFxmLFfWvz_lpWsBdLTzNt8O8JsEkEXmo41WbXL_VKKkDEw6Ue9BFCjLn7Q-loaH0zwSU9XNrtL4saoMnQseZGXEhZeSt7RQOo-Nhke9zVzkZX5LCLy-lnTfY/s1600/DSC_0866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZkCUj6EkmcttJL8JaitFxmLFfWvz_lpWsBdLTzNt8O8JsEkEXmo41WbXL_VKKkDEw6Ue9BFCjLn7Q-loaH0zwSU9XNrtL4saoMnQseZGXEhZeSt7RQOo-Nhke9zVzkZX5LCLy-lnTfY/s1600/DSC_0866.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making Sea Slime with the boys</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhyZLNPuR-v6TIGwt4ggBuvvj-mikZgwlwxKM_MnPxF6Qi1I0JweXiAhkIT5Fg8CscxRRWARSn5VHTs6CHBS4mdMW3qKR9Jt9C98WK5rnG8LJuVRMH37RDK0_tifmSWeuDkBBvwDlfVs/s1600/DSC_0882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhyZLNPuR-v6TIGwt4ggBuvvj-mikZgwlwxKM_MnPxF6Qi1I0JweXiAhkIT5Fg8CscxRRWARSn5VHTs6CHBS4mdMW3qKR9Jt9C98WK5rnG8LJuVRMH37RDK0_tifmSWeuDkBBvwDlfVs/s1600/DSC_0882.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toby loves Legos from his best friend, Hudson.</td></tr>
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<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671708163243071729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377593854269212763.post-39321429350640739002015-01-20T14:57:00.001-07:002015-01-20T14:57:47.771-07:00Always A Mommy23 years ago on January 9th, I became a first time Mommy.<br />
<br />
It was a difficult first 5 months of pregnancy, but did finish off an uneventful last few months. I went 14 days past my due date to end with a challenging, excruciating, and long back labor. There was no epidural, 4 hours of pushing which then resulted in an emergency c-section.<br />
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Tyler Jay was born, all beat up with a scab right above his eye due to the internal monitor they put on him, as he was presenting face first and the doctors didn't know. He had too thick of red blood cells and was required a saline/blood type transfusion through the umbilical chord site. He had to be monitored for 24 hours.<br />
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I was extremely sick, feverish and weak from a lot of blood loss. My iron levels were way below normal, I was not allowed out of bed that first 24 hours. Sadly, I did not get to see him that first day. It was all very disheartening to this new mama, whose hormones were kicking into high gear. I cried a lot that night. At this military hospital, Jay was not allowed to stay in my room after hours either. So I was all alone and scared.<br />
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Our beginning was rough, but once I took him into my arms, that first time holding my almost 9 lb baby boy, it was bliss. He nestled under my chin, as he slept and I can still remember that intense feeling of love, welled up in my heart. I was a "Mommy" and it was miraculous. Both of us had almost lost our lives, but God protected us. It was the first time, in a long time, where I really began to seek God and ask for His guidance as this huge burden for my baby boy was on my heart, mind and soul all the time!<br />
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I would love to have a Magic Wand and relive some of the "first" moments holding my children. God has blessed me with 11 and each of them was just as amazing as the one before. I come to literal tears each time I reminiscence those days. Sigh...and too quickly they all grow up. It is good and right, but it is hard too.<br />
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Parenting one, two, three, and so on has grown me up. I was only 20 years old when I became known as "Mommy". However, God began to gently show me I was no longer a "one woman" show. I needed His help. Being an only child, in a very dysfunctional family growing up, caused me to always be very independent and to believe all I ever needed in my life was, "Me, Myself and I". Over the last 23 years of parenting, I know without a doubt that I don't need Me, Myself and I at all...I just need Jesus. I wish it didn't take so long to figure it out but I am thankful I do get it now, even while I still have so many Blessings to take care of at home.<br />
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And now I find even with my oldest son that while my duties of nurturing, teaching, discipling, and snuggling are long gone...my work as his Mommy is never done. In fact, it is different, but it is harder. I find myself more burdened, asking the Lord, on my knees to protect Tyler and his family. I beg the Lord to keep him fully devoted to Christ. I seek the Lord for his future children, in faith, that the Lord will bring up a mighty generation through my son and his wife.<br />
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So now, is the time. Emily and Tyler will be having their first child some time in July 2015.<br />
It is a boy and they will name him Hudson Crew.<br />
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I find such a burden to pray for Hudson, knowing that God is the only one to take care of him.<br />
Thank you Jesus, you are such a patient, loving, and good God. I so look forward to meeting little Hudson.<br />
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And Happy Birthday Tyler... (sorry this was a few days late). I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living my baby you'll be. I can't wait to watch and pray for you as you are a Daddy to Hudson.<br />
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<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671708163243071729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377593854269212763.post-24454799003939854842015-01-13T17:01:00.000-07:002015-01-13T22:00:53.966-07:00Where Have I Been?I can hardly believe how quickly this year has gone....<br />
And it has been over 5 months since my last blog entry.<br />
I guess I have a few friends that stop by as they have commented on my lack of writing on here.<br />
I love to blog, but life has been so busy and ever changing that my time is limited on the computer. Now that I have a phone that does texting and emailing that is about all I do to communicate via technology lately. I honestly didn't know I would ever join the ranks for texters and the such, but it really has made my life a bit easier in that regard, and I do end up spending less time on the internet that way, as I don't really enjoy reading stuff on my little phone anyway.<br />
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Since I didn't have time to send out Christmas cards and letters this year, I will do an update on all of us.<br />
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So what has been going on in our little world?<br />
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Well, we have had stress and joys and Blessings of building a house, moving into that house, unpacking, painting, organizing, schooling, hospital visits for Isaiah's heart, many-many therapy days and specialty doctor visits for many of the children, sickness for all of us, and regular old relationship building....which is most important..<br />
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Adelia is doing well. She has been home for 6 months now. It is so hard to believe. She got her wheelchair two weeks ago and it is so cute and she is using it a little bit most days. I think she likes her new independence. She speaks English only now. She still is into all Girly things. I can't wait to see how she enjoys Christmas this year.<br />
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Addie got her right Achilles contracture fixed with casting, only to quickly develop some horrible pressure sores from her AFO just a few weeks later. So she has been out of AFOs until we see what they are going to do with her hips. She will need recasting again and a different type of material in the AFO. We love our orthopedic Dr. She is so kind and patient. When we visit her she spends a good amount of time making both of us feel comfortable and all questions answered. Addie has some cavities that are going to get taken care in Feb. She will need to be under general anesthesia for them as one is a root canal and two crowns. Since she is very afraid of anything painful and being held down, screaming and fighting, we decided to do it that way. After the teeth are fixed then the orthopedic is going to perform an Arthrogram on her hips. This is an xray type test that uses dye and manipulation of her joints and muscles to see how her body moves and how much of it is all being used properly in those parts of the bodies. Both her hips are dislocated. However, since she won't be likely walking and she doesn't feel them out of socket, it could possibly stay that way. The big issue is that her right hip is so bad she also can not straighten her leg. She needs to be able to stand on both legs in the least, or at least sit with both legs in a comfortable position for her spine too. So this test will give lots of information to the doctors as to the potential surgeries that will be helpful or not helpful. One that they might be able to do only is lengthening the IT band over her femur. It is so tight right now. So all that to say, we just don't know yet. We did have an MRI in October which confirmed she has a Spinal Chord Injury and NOT Spina Bifida. It is disheartening to wonder what she has been through to cause that injury. Wow, it feels like she has always been here with us. So thankful, so blessed.<br />
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Of course, all the kids are so excited about Christmas.<br />
And we have a double blessing this Christmas...<br />
We recently found out that our oldest son Tyler and his wife Emily are expecting a baby!! We are going to be Grandparents. I will be "Amma" and Jay will be "Baba". It is so fun already and I already feel this urgency and burden to pray for this little life. Emily is just about 16 weeks along and the baby seems to be growing well. I don't like that they live two states away, so I anticipate we will try to visit at least once a year. It is just a long drive for 12 people in the van. But to build a relationship with a new little one is so important. I can't wait to meet the baby and hold it. So thankful, so blessed.<br />
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Here is all the children on Christmas morning...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">front row, then back row: Adelia (Addie 4), Isaiah (4), Asher (4), Lenea (7) Elliana (Ellie 4) Makenna (19), Tobias (Toby 9), Jacob (Jake 14), Eliza (17) and Moriah (11)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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We all had a wonderful, blessed Christmas season.<br />
God has been so good to all of us.<br />
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Jay still works for a wonderful company and God has provided a mostly stress-free job for him, with only a 45 minute commute.<br />
We will celebrate 24 years of marriage on January 18th!! God has been making our marriage more beautiful every year. I am excited to see what it will be like another 24 years from now.<br />
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I am still able to stay home with my precious children, mothering and homeschooling. I enjoy cooking, playing with the kids, reading and scrapbooking when can. But mostly just being here is my joy. I am still big into Trim Healthy Mama. I never did do an update as to how that was going for me. It has been going well. I did the program on and off, faithfully for about 9 months and lost about 15 lbs, even with many cheats. The nice thing about this program is all the food is delicious, satisfying and if you make a choice to "cheat" or go off plan you can pick right up again next meal. I have stopped for the most part since we moved two months ago, and I gained a couple lbs back. But only 3 lbs in two months is nothing. I have a goal to start again next week and stay on track for a while until I reach my goal, which is only about 10 lbs away!! I also hope to add in some more exercise now too.<br />
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God has provided a strong, Bible-teaching ONLY, church that also is very supportive of adoption. We love Ellerslie and feel so blessed to be a part of this newer Missionary training church.<br />
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I can't say enough how blessed my life is. I may be turning 44 in a few months, but I feel healthier and happier than ever. Yes, I have hard moments, circumstances and even an entire day at times. There are situations that continually bring me to my knees in prayer and tears. There are things in my life that I struggle with daily, and ask the Lord to change in me or give me strength to deal with more.<br />
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Here are some of the other awesome reasons I am blessed.<br />
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My oldest daughter Makenna, is truly a gift. She is hard working, self-sacrificing, smart and a girl after me. She and I think, probably too much, alike. She is going to school full time to be a nurse and while Chemistry is a big challenge, however she is doing well. She stays home the rest of the week to help us. I so appreciate her giving of her time to us. Most young women would want to pursue selfish things with their time, but she is just keeps on giving. She loves the orphan and disabled. She is a big help to me with our disabled children. She hopes to adopt many children with special needs herself some day.<br />
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My next oldest daughter Eliza, is also a gift. She is a bit younger (17 tomorrow!!). She has truly become one of my heroes. She has had to endure some difficult things in her life, however, she still manages to put on a smile 99% of the time. She truly radiates Jesus every day. She is generally so patient and gentle, yet when she fails in that area she is quick to make it right. She is such an example to me, as it has taken me quite a long time to be like she is at all, and the Lord has put that in her heart at such an early age. She is working hard at high school, a junior. She is not sure what she will do when she graduates in 2016. I have encouraged her to take some time then to pray about it and see where God leads her. She loves also working with special needs. She hopes to lead a special needs worship dance camp this summer!<br />
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Then we have Jacob. He is growing in leaps and bounds the last year. He is close to 6 foot tall now. He is going through shoes every three months! Jacob has a true desire to learn about Jesus the last couple of years. It is exciting to watch his growth in that part of his life. He is also becoming more handy around the house. Jacob will be starting high school next year. It is so surreal to think about his beginning struggles in schooling. He was a very late reader, due to some possible dyslexia and a vision tracking problem. He didn't really read on his own until almost 10. However, in the last 5 years or so he has caught up in most areas of schooling. He is a very good student and a hard worker. I am thankful also for his sweet and joyful spirit.<br />
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Next is our gentle, patient and fun Moriah. She has a big birthday coming up in February. She will be 12. In our family 12 is a turning point from childhood to adulthood. It doesn't mean she will be considered fully an adult, obviously she still has maturing and growing to do. But it does mean we will encourage her to go deeper in lots of ways and be given more responsibilities and privileges.<br />
She is such a gentle spirit. She is a favorite play mate to ALL of our children. She gets along with everyone and is creative and sweet. Moriah is entering 7th grade soon. She enjoys dance too.<br />
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Tobias is the next in line. He is the middle child with a huge passion for life. He still loves his Legos and doing things like puzzles, playing Army men, computer games, anything active, and listening to audio stories. He is doing well in 4th grade. He has dreams of becoming a Navy Seal someday. That sort of scares his Mommy, but we will trust God to have perfect plans for his life, whatever that may be. Since our move, he was able to move into his own room for the first time. It has been good for him to have a quiet place to retreat to when he needs it. Toby is the one to always make us smile.<br />
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After Toby comes Lenea. She just turned 7 on New Years Eve. It is hard to believe she came into my arms that long ago. It feels like a blink. She is all girl. She loves dance, school, dolls, new clothes, her friends and family, to be a helper in the kitchen and to be a big sister. She does well in school. She took off in reading last summer but isn't to the point of preferring to pick up a book just yet for enjoyment. She did get some pretty reading glasses last week, and she wants to wear them all day long. I appreciate the way Lenea always wants to snuggle. Maybe it is because she was the "baby" of the family, but I will always welcome hugs and kisses from kids. Especially, now that I have experienced one moving far away.<br />
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Following Lenea we have the 4, four year olds...<br />
Asher is the oldest and the one who has been with us the longest. Last November, it was 3 years since we went to China and became adoptive parents. It has brought so much joy and privilege and blessing into my life. It has also challenged me in so many ways. It keeps me on my knees. It gives me many things to keep learning and experiencing.<br />
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So Asher is all B.O.Y. He is strong, brave, smart, fun, active, a leader, and snuggly too. He is definitely the "First Born" of the adoptive 4 year olds. He has to be redirected often not to "boss" everyone. He is sweet though, and can usually be persuaded to do the right thing. He is also starting to ask some good questions about Jesus and why He died for us. It is such a joy to see faith through a child's eyes. Asher still has some speech issues that he will deal with, likely until his cleft is fully repaired at about age 8-10 with a bone graft. He speaks well besides those cleft related sounds.<br />
He did experience his first ear infection and sinus infection just a few weeks ago. It was miserable for him. His first antibiotic he had a reaction too. The second seemed to work fine, but his ears are still itchy. So next week back to the ENT. I know that God has amazing plans for this boy. I am so blessed to be his Mommy.<br />
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Elliana is the next after Asher. Ellie has many issues daily that requires full-time care. I am sure it is only doable because there are many older children here to help us. We all find great joy in working with her, teaching her, playing with her and holding her. She is so smart and is even beginning to say some more works. She does lots of therapies: speech, occupational, physical, behavior, and we just started trying something new to us, called Anat Baniel Method. The testimonies that I have read are all very positive and encouraging. It is certain manipulations of the body to open up new neuro pathways, which will make new connections in the brain and help the person to do things they couldn't do before.<br />
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After Ellie is Addie, and she began this post. So I will go onto our baby. Isaiah!!!<br />
Isaiah is doing pretty well. He had another heart cath in December. He did well. He also has been sleeping so much better since his tonsils were removed last May. To not have to use the CPAP is wonderful! He had an appointment with his cardiologist just today. His pulmonary valve is working well although that left pulmonary artery keeps narrowing after 6-9 months. The next step is a profusion Scan, which will measure how much oxygen is going to each lung. This will help them to decide what future steps are needed or not, to keep his lung developing properly. He has been otherwise healthy. His speech is very delayed though, so there is a thought that maybe his lack of O2 in the first months of his life might have caused some damage to his brain development. So he will be having an appointment with a neurologist next...Isaiah is the gentle, snuggly, loving, curious George if our house. He tries hard to keep up with Asher, they are two bosom buddies. However, sometimes Asher is too intense for him, and he and Addie or Ellie hang out in a quieter way, which I think Isaiah prefers. Again, so blessed to be called Mommy by this gentle little guy.<br />
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We all just got back from an amazing trip to Disney World for Isaiah's Make A Wish. I will be posting lots of pictures soon!<br />
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I wanted to do this updated blog first.<br />
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I look forward to new adventures and experiences and relationships this New Year. May our God, continue to keep me on my knees and humble.<br />
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<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671708163243071729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377593854269212763.post-20680535710210908242014-12-25T21:33:00.001-07:002014-12-25T21:33:58.731-07:00Isaiah's Special Wish<span style="font-size: large;">In 6 days our family is being sent to Disney World for our special, amazing, heroic and sweet Isaiah. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He has a serious, life-threatening heart condition that qualified him for Make A Wish.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He loves Mickey Mouse and we were blessed with this amazing opportunity. Every one in our home, aside from Makenna (because she is over 18) is being paid for. We will pay for way and we are bringing one of our dear helper girls, Charis.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We can hardly believe the generosity that has been given to us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I plan to post an update after we return on January 6th.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will also be doing a big update post soon that will share a little more about how his heart is doing these days.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxffOCh50TjLeS1Ls5xHjMmYOk1yZzHK7PK3SkehIyPUaLKxITuYLcAPQlJaHggatnPmce5qhsRf15P9UTCXSra3EeHVmE7izGBpWj5Qa1-Fcn2koE2g9rOheB3DeEXC0c6W9nxNZ1mc/s1600/Dec2014+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxffOCh50TjLeS1Ls5xHjMmYOk1yZzHK7PK3SkehIyPUaLKxITuYLcAPQlJaHggatnPmce5qhsRf15P9UTCXSra3EeHVmE7izGBpWj5Qa1-Fcn2koE2g9rOheB3DeEXC0c6W9nxNZ1mc/s1600/Dec2014+006.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Isaiah with his Wish Grantors</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2vk5Zjjlfh79NlzIM2Ifsr3dYbnmqCTW4VjPdSeZdbAaM7HagLMEf5PhcKQ-4YrPm09ttIkjxl89xT_nLmmpwJkP_qk5bJlfNFn6cdl-GP8zH-IEOv8qoMKPmcczitEXQDio1RsXwM0/s1600/Dec2014+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2vk5Zjjlfh79NlzIM2Ifsr3dYbnmqCTW4VjPdSeZdbAaM7HagLMEf5PhcKQ-4YrPm09ttIkjxl89xT_nLmmpwJkP_qk5bJlfNFn6cdl-GP8zH-IEOv8qoMKPmcczitEXQDio1RsXwM0/s1600/Dec2014+008.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">All of us (aside from Charis) who will be flying on an airplane to FL!!</span></td></tr>
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<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671708163243071729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377593854269212763.post-15369808776146840562014-08-05T22:06:00.000-06:002014-08-05T22:09:24.019-06:00Precious ChildrenSo thankful to have these people in my life...God has blessed me so much.<br />
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<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671708163243071729noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377593854269212763.post-62743069231849920632014-07-03T20:44:00.003-06:002014-08-10T09:54:45.361-06:00They Are Almost HomeI am sorry I didn't give the expected update when Jay was travel to get Adelia. Life just got so far away from me. Here are some of the big reasons:<br />
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1.We have some medical issues we have been dealing with in some of my children.<br />
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2. We are selling a house (had one contract that fell through, got a 2nd one 48 hours later).<br />
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3 Packing to move into a temporary rental for 2 months in Aug and Sept at least, and then hopefully moving into our last, and completed new house in October.<br />
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4. We have been hosting our sweet, 12 year old boy from Latvia since the middle of June. Sadly he leaves August 8th. I wish he did not have to go back.<br />
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5. Then of course the biggest news of adopting Adelia.<br />
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Jay left on June 20th with my 11 year old Moriah. I literally packed their stuff beginning 48 hours before they left, which is not my typical scenario. I just am finding that sometimes I have to let things like that go more and just trust that God has given me bigger priorities. Plus, there are stores in China and credit cards and a guide to help shop if I forgot an essential.<br />
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So I have been a single mom to 9 children for 13 days which is very hard, rewarding and focused work. But it is exhausting too. I am thankful and blessed to have the awesome help and support of my 3 teens. They cook, clean, babysit, hold crying kids, read stories for bed time, mow lawns, take out garbage, play games with littles, and then sit with me at the end of the day and share stories and dreams with me. I LOVE My kids. I am so blessed.<br />
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Well in about 15 minutes I head to the airport to pick up my handsome husband and amazing father, my sweet, selfless 11 year old and my new, spunky and confused 3 (almost 4 year old ) daughter from China.<br />
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She did Skype with me (well watching me and saying a few Chinese words to the computer screen). But she did say "bye bye Mama" one time with a big smile! She also watched a couple of short videos of me over and over and over again. Jay said she would get upset if it had to be turned off. So at least she will know my voice. <br />
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She seems to be doing well. I am a bit nervous how she is going to accept me after beginning to attach to her new Baba (Daddy). However, I know that God will give me patience, endurance, love and wisdom as I learn to parent her and understand her. I know he will help us bond forever. Your prayers are so appreciated.]<br />
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Here are a few photos I received from Jay while he was in China.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9atw-ZySiBwCO351qrewbLw1xuZXDhHM3F-zNOo70ygYIs4GopXCLurCebcwWawl0Qq6UEVrOSxy5H0zzlwXHiN_1EMtIWziP_3nJun1fHPA68dSn1MOzdxWkB60QZyOnkMkKn9KuAZE/s1600/AdeliaJune2320141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9atw-ZySiBwCO351qrewbLw1xuZXDhHM3F-zNOo70ygYIs4GopXCLurCebcwWawl0Qq6UEVrOSxy5H0zzlwXHiN_1EMtIWziP_3nJun1fHPA68dSn1MOzdxWkB60QZyOnkMkKn9KuAZE/s1600/AdeliaJune2320141.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The most nervous time for parent and child. "Gotcha Day" it is
indescribable and so precious. She did cry for a bit, but not too long.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXFDn7sH3Jatntfah4ZsRtWSnPXVuZcSEQeg70Fv9NHa1UX57vnUoMBoJ93T38qVqH5RI1DfCoXbcFRJTafNG_PXb3gA6qByqWUylJrozE1f5N1DYAIdnEUH9UiNa0p5OIJkwBsQ-QfI/s1600/AdeliaJune23201412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXFDn7sH3Jatntfah4ZsRtWSnPXVuZcSEQeg70Fv9NHa1UX57vnUoMBoJ93T38qVqH5RI1DfCoXbcFRJTafNG_PXb3gA6qByqWUylJrozE1f5N1DYAIdnEUH9UiNa0p5OIJkwBsQ-QfI/s1600/AdeliaJune23201412.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> She liked the toys I sent her, thankfully. Reluctantly going with her new "baba".</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKv7Td-UdF_hdeqtTsoC7p1kwoYXyZWYk-eosyRd-PEXJs9e4cfiGjQASdAMaeVeS_RL1jSI6_Leb9JHa2y-VKM8RqEeJhOsGG5rtgUVPLSpSCiMj-L-IuJruaaE7XWfi9fOqdd_TcF0/s1600/AdeliaAdoptionday1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKv7Td-UdF_hdeqtTsoC7p1kwoYXyZWYk-eosyRd-PEXJs9e4cfiGjQASdAMaeVeS_RL1jSI6_Leb9JHa2y-VKM8RqEeJhOsGG5rtgUVPLSpSCiMj-L-IuJruaaE7XWfi9fOqdd_TcF0/s1600/AdeliaAdoptionday1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Adoption Day~ She is ours forever!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzjH9hAqfPSjfN2diUEw7D6I-LwGGYaO7yhCh90AMPKypWWXcj9KN1924_urcbPMUYqchjR6EWsiO-1-2KDb8h2Z8PJ1wzAepjHdvTf5lr9LPMtnPrYCLwj6RQxnZHkh-est6f4TTGXc/s1600/20140624_234107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzjH9hAqfPSjfN2diUEw7D6I-LwGGYaO7yhCh90AMPKypWWXcj9KN1924_urcbPMUYqchjR6EWsiO-1-2KDb8h2Z8PJ1wzAepjHdvTf5lr9LPMtnPrYCLwj6RQxnZHkh-est6f4TTGXc/s1600/20140624_234107.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Playing on the bed with some new toys.</span> <span style="font-size: large;">Her foster family told Jay that when she throws a fit to give her a new toy or buy her a dress. Apparently she was spoiled ! (he got to meet them and let her say goodbye, which was hard on her but we believe will help her too. We have video of them blessing her and telling her to go with her new Baba. She cried when she left but then was over it soon later) </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGzFboBrVrvAnYjj4ZrJtMifIeCT8YRsRm3x4A8ntpGmndg39Fz-j42VFdDbV7R78UripboSlVr2zRongvhucWOxzRNrezkU68FuR-1rHUvJmwNM3iNA3N3quxpLATe7Z2OsgTJUzwz0/s1600/AdeliaJune25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGzFboBrVrvAnYjj4ZrJtMifIeCT8YRsRm3x4A8ntpGmndg39Fz-j42VFdDbV7R78UripboSlVr2zRongvhucWOxzRNrezkU68FuR-1rHUvJmwNM3iNA3N3quxpLATe7Z2OsgTJUzwz0/s1600/AdeliaJune25.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sitting with Daddy at breakfast time.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoobwedIVFIj-pihsnpw34_HbGTrno3X30CVz_VriS7kwY2KIzWWqTnFnzLYnbnvX_cZWLl2Cg_l8fXotAuxCsLrZiHhhwiBo8nPrCK03CR5KimHOlV9c9-Lxl3HtLb1i06HWq4k3qJM/s1600/AdeliaJune271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoobwedIVFIj-pihsnpw34_HbGTrno3X30CVz_VriS7kwY2KIzWWqTnFnzLYnbnvX_cZWLl2Cg_l8fXotAuxCsLrZiHhhwiBo8nPrCK03CR5KimHOlV9c9-Lxl3HtLb1i06HWq4k3qJM/s1600/AdeliaJune271.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">On the way to the airport from province.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMef-GNsaYpxcmKCY7xZjhyGN18XQIkKtCiMev6dIoT-JZNULIw0vWqIU03XVkTD9-ILFGKvVy2UBF330o9Nm0XxW8YKv6YrxvYvkiAKqucv93DN9LDpuC-2KAR_KyaLpLEZm__uH3F-A/s1600/20140630_192828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMef-GNsaYpxcmKCY7xZjhyGN18XQIkKtCiMev6dIoT-JZNULIw0vWqIU03XVkTD9-ILFGKvVy2UBF330o9Nm0XxW8YKv6YrxvYvkiAKqucv93DN9LDpuC-2KAR_KyaLpLEZm__uH3F-A/s1600/20140630_192828.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now she is an official US citizen!!</span></td></tr>
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<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671708163243071729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377593854269212763.post-22659114940075215192014-06-06T15:44:00.000-06:002014-06-06T15:44:17.242-06:00Happy Birthday My Sweet Ellie<br /><span style="font-size: large;">One year ago today we were in Guangzhou, China waiting for our day to come to fly home. We had 2 more days to go. Elliana had been in my arms (literally, didn't leave them but clung to me) for 9 days already. She was very scared, malnourished, and angry. She also had her fun moments where we got little glimpses of smiles and laughs, especially when she was swung in the air. She slowly began to trust me, nesting in the Ergo, letting me hold her close and helping her to feel safe. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For three years, Ellie had little opportunity to succeed or be valued. She grew up in an orphanage with many crib mates and nannies (albeit loving nannies too) but never a Mama to love her unconditionally, tell her how beautiful she is and to meet all her needs. She could not speak therefore was frustrated with no one to hear her attempts at language and listen to her cries. She had no voice. She couldn't feed herself easily but was left with a bottle alone in a crib to receive most of her nourishment. She was hungry. She couldn't keep up with the other children due to her disabilities which made her frustrated and try even more, with minimal reward.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OqsrTdFlUamwtSmCKB2oHZRyu05WbIWUVUlKHG90FgEhe8a9_qGEBn8v_nRQnorRqNSaSXlKXVvLoEKWfjmfmH6maowCl3RWGa3yUxITtxrou06hG7OW_cLquWyELWBbOxrvemuL9NU/s1600/Ellianaorphanage+075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OqsrTdFlUamwtSmCKB2oHZRyu05WbIWUVUlKHG90FgEhe8a9_qGEBn8v_nRQnorRqNSaSXlKXVvLoEKWfjmfmH6maowCl3RWGa3yUxITtxrou06hG7OW_cLquWyELWBbOxrvemuL9NU/s1600/Ellianaorphanage+075.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is probably the youngest photo we have of her besides her newborn photo and she was 8 months old here.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because of a strength given by God Elliana is a fighter. She is a survivor.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Today, she is learning to be gentle. A year ago I had bought her this adorable little Asian dolly which I had planned to give her at home for her birthday celebration with the family. However, I decided to hold off as right away it was obvious she didn't know what to do with a doll and was afraid of it. She did not know what to do with most toys. She did make a game with our suitcases though, she loved clothes from the start. A true girly girl.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today, she is learning pretend play. So I gave her that same dolly for her birthday today and now she can hold it, cover it with a blanket, give it a spoon for food and ask for help in changing her clothes. Another thing she likes to pretend is playing "kitchen". She will even "make" meals and deliver it to you while she does her bunny hop on her knees to get around and pushing the food to her friend. It is such a joy to watch her flourish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today, she is learning to use her walker and peddle a trike. Yes, she can peddle a bike for short distances. She can't crawl yet but she can peddle a trike. She LOVES to play outside and do anything her brothers and sisters do. It actually can be quite a challenge to keep her safe and happy. She will do anything whether she gets hurt or not and will have tantrums that last an hour if she can't do something that everyone else does. Oh...the joys of parenting a child with special needs. I love this little girl.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today, we celebrate her life, her joy for newness, her fight to live, and tenacity to overcome all odds. When I got her a year ago (May 27, 2013) it was obvious that there was a severe neurological issue going on that we were not aware, I did feel anxious at times. However, I knew without a doubt that she was my daughter and that God had brought her to me to be her Mama. I also knew God did not mistakes. Even though I felt so inadequate for the job ahead of me, I knew He alone would equip me. I still believe this way today, even more so , seeing the huge transformation in Elliana in just one short year. Even with a Mama who is very busy but loving, a bit forgetful but with intentions, and so inadequate but willing! I am willing Lord, I always will be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Elliana is 4 years old today. Here are some photos as we celebrated her life.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am more than blessed by this precious girl.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgPysaXcjIT_eKnYQ0duZnJ1oLYiyi9fMTMK8keHo_wWWXDtTe5WSTr4eCCMSNZ29i4tBDCaZNGZTpYICYdLGq_NY9a9lpaxSMHTagzKcB8KLwIti4FelcfsWrKDSI2KFBUIYNBDfjFU/s1600/Ellie's+BDay+2014+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgPysaXcjIT_eKnYQ0duZnJ1oLYiyi9fMTMK8keHo_wWWXDtTe5WSTr4eCCMSNZ29i4tBDCaZNGZTpYICYdLGq_NY9a9lpaxSMHTagzKcB8KLwIti4FelcfsWrKDSI2KFBUIYNBDfjFU/s1600/Ellie's+BDay+2014+045.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DY9F1DWqDKPGETw_vz5iUTouw-J89uHfWg2JlrGVqthfovMTWi0dxA1e_Gj4YnRE1PdFIK5er6dggqsqsEi1SZQEdWf7RpWZkzolyc9IxcPwAsWzUfijvTCvl3ZRkDkIh-b5QOyxjLg/s1600/Ellie's+BDay+2014+058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DY9F1DWqDKPGETw_vz5iUTouw-J89uHfWg2JlrGVqthfovMTWi0dxA1e_Gj4YnRE1PdFIK5er6dggqsqsEi1SZQEdWf7RpWZkzolyc9IxcPwAsWzUfijvTCvl3ZRkDkIh-b5QOyxjLg/s1600/Ellie's+BDay+2014+058.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Elliana loves opening presents and this was no exception. She also happens to love clothes!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGeHq06PHP4BfEB7CuO_9jJ64l4M2RJRjp66avIAneVgQQ48IRLojwfwNpLRf-OX6YLA-xoQDyeY-SIisUXOgls14x5NrGr8YanvP9H2GJUCpqtXpdBhqPL0IAnqhHkbx-TWfHsesA_6Y/s1600/MayJune2013+531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGeHq06PHP4BfEB7CuO_9jJ64l4M2RJRjp66avIAneVgQQ48IRLojwfwNpLRf-OX6YLA-xoQDyeY-SIisUXOgls14x5NrGr8YanvP9H2GJUCpqtXpdBhqPL0IAnqhHkbx-TWfHsesA_6Y/s1600/MayJune2013+531.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is to give a perspective of our one year's time. This was Elliana on her 3rd birthday last year in China!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcoYem5QNNg2BeJ_oSd8aFFJlb1axdMfY2MxjE90Cl0z_CSUncGvmjiGZrcQHEYlAf5ZhZtzRJ_hhnvnhiAiE3aH_YC6sw6aoheyINGJXtYUzvogWp-33Vkgr8nbGGDC83AJgeeINBeM/s1600/Ellie%2527s+BDay+2014+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcoYem5QNNg2BeJ_oSd8aFFJlb1axdMfY2MxjE90Cl0z_CSUncGvmjiGZrcQHEYlAf5ZhZtzRJ_hhnvnhiAiE3aH_YC6sw6aoheyINGJXtYUzvogWp-33Vkgr8nbGGDC83AJgeeINBeM/s1600/Ellie%2527s+BDay+2014+006.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We were signing "Happy Birthday" to Ellie and she was smiling so big! Almost as big as I have ever seen her and laughing. She was so excited we were celebrating her!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJ9bOxRRzuhnfv-k7vZgTrdDJhzRZwEv-nyEZdInnbVh6K-GQs1Dp0pD465D-VIePibgOPyrS0_ULNAh3W7hFoyE0tiFM-YiwbuTeKkx5ql_uNq6rTiIPPBElNT6Ht-VHaHxf8-2pg88/s1600/Ellie%2527s+BDay+2014+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJ9bOxRRzuhnfv-k7vZgTrdDJhzRZwEv-nyEZdInnbVh6K-GQs1Dp0pD465D-VIePibgOPyrS0_ULNAh3W7hFoyE0tiFM-YiwbuTeKkx5ql_uNq6rTiIPPBElNT6Ht-VHaHxf8-2pg88/s1600/Ellie%2527s+BDay+2014+012.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here Daddy held her arms back as she isn't trustworthy with lit candles. But she did attempt several times to blow out the candles. There was some movement which I call success. Next year, she will get them.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-WrpnGQSRvUbQzmacZ4LIWXruGnK_IRrQNb_eegKAvdl5UhLlLWeNPkpPzOgB8gefwUWpvoWIAvbnkI9X7i39k7DwpjWvytT46y927b3q5dUsKfVxp6dbsQjpRuYRAs3qWNl049hUvQ/s1600/Ellie%2527s+BDay+2014+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-WrpnGQSRvUbQzmacZ4LIWXruGnK_IRrQNb_eegKAvdl5UhLlLWeNPkpPzOgB8gefwUWpvoWIAvbnkI9X7i39k7DwpjWvytT46y927b3q5dUsKfVxp6dbsQjpRuYRAs3qWNl049hUvQ/s1600/Ellie%2527s+BDay+2014+018.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">And this is the best for last, we started a tradition a little while back of everyone clapping for the birthday person to stand on their chair and take a bow. Ellie is very aware of us doing this. Daddy helped her to stand and she did her "bow". It was adorable and we all were so blessed by her elegance.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">God has amazing plans for this little girl, Elliana Kate Jun!!</span>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671708163243071729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377593854269212763.post-69675266867427836632014-04-21T15:24:00.000-06:002014-06-06T14:45:12.322-06:00Our Trip<span style="font-size: large;">I am so behind in posting about our amazing, special time we had visiting my son and daughter in love. So here is the overview and some photos. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We went in March for 12 days. We took two days to drive to Tyler and Emily's place near Phoenix and stayed 3 days there. Then we all drove (including Ty and Em) another 6 hours to San Diego to the Naval base where we got the stay in a hotel, on the beach. One of the perks of being retired military. I must say it was gorgeous. I grew up in California where I had the blessing of visiting the beach regularly. But it has been many years since we have been back to the beaches of California. In fact, all of my children, except my oldest, have never seen the beach. Oh how I miss the beach. It really just does something to give my soul peace and rest to be there. I really need to visit more often. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">While we were in San Diego Jay had to work. His home office for his employer is there and they paid for our gas to drive out there and his hotel, which was the only way we could afford to do this trip. But he had the evenings with us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also drove the kids up to Carlsbad one day to Legoland. We are a huge Lego family and none of us had been. Besides the shock of the cost factor (and we had reduced tickets for military as well!) it really was a cool and creative place. They had rides, mini Lego buildings, giant Lego buildings, and other attractions. We were there most of the day one day and the day we were to head back to AZ Jay took the kids there for a few more hours (we had a 2 day pass). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So all in all we were in San Diego for 4 1/2 days. It was great. I went to San Diego State University the year before I met and married Jay, so I have always loved that city!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then we headed back to AZ. This time we drove a little more south to see our longtime and close friends. Their son was Ty's best man in his wedding and Darlene (Lynn) is my best friend, and the one we are naming Adelia after (Adelia Lynn). We had the joy of spending 2 days with them and their precious foster children. It was quite the rowdy and loud house with the 13 of us and the 6 of them! But we had a blast. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After that we headed home sweet home. The two drive was not so fun, as about 15 out of 18 hours was constant high winds and our van doesn't seem to tolerate it well. My strong and diligent husband was faithful in bringing us home in safety.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The day after we got home was back to the same. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are the photos.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHdMeE71xwcoMrn4e0lakP9ex2E7n8GVKuln8H0LBGPgSC-scTY-5xA04izEVB7gxeuRbfUks48WYn0cNXgZ-3obI_SD5pbRpo1Oi7PCizO7yd4IClQenXuT0DecU4JjJzbHOEQ3ksUc/s1600/image(2).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHdMeE71xwcoMrn4e0lakP9ex2E7n8GVKuln8H0LBGPgSC-scTY-5xA04izEVB7gxeuRbfUks48WYn0cNXgZ-3obI_SD5pbRpo1Oi7PCizO7yd4IClQenXuT0DecU4JjJzbHOEQ3ksUc/s1600/image(2).jpeg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Tyler (my 22 year old) meeting his youngest brother (Isaiah age 3) for the first time. They easily became friends, which blessed this Mama's heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvA2N50OBf5rKPyFgaP9g_T4iAiHrc2l4mtL_vaet9Tss7nAmuUHNO6CsZrZXYZokbMSWHf8uJ0uDRFQ_qBerZTdXm483p3Ri0QUd-2ltEXsLM4xyRIJYuLq7GNv-eJsbaPKAamrIqo-o/s1600/March2014+047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvA2N50OBf5rKPyFgaP9g_T4iAiHrc2l4mtL_vaet9Tss7nAmuUHNO6CsZrZXYZokbMSWHf8uJ0uDRFQ_qBerZTdXm483p3Ri0QUd-2ltEXsLM4xyRIJYuLq7GNv-eJsbaPKAamrIqo-o/s1600/March2014+047.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Makenna (19) and Emily (20) two sweet friends from 11 years ago, who had no clue that one day they would become sisters!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdX2w8ZfIKUogvQrWOjRztDBQFWPZUbdH_O3D3IxfuYrSt9-I4FU1C-AsUuOOs32Woc2rM-9vNv_yiKkgEOr7Pj4PMVYc8yWfHCr-HMNMzxNyzM2BUuXVVP5fvPFIOcyC_au6UkdWwmq4/s1600/March2014+063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdX2w8ZfIKUogvQrWOjRztDBQFWPZUbdH_O3D3IxfuYrSt9-I4FU1C-AsUuOOs32Woc2rM-9vNv_yiKkgEOr7Pj4PMVYc8yWfHCr-HMNMzxNyzM2BUuXVVP5fvPFIOcyC_au6UkdWwmq4/s1600/March2014+063.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Me with my sweet Ellie (age 3)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpJDNTQ7a9vftXYv1uvy9BViNqNElfHx7cV8dbv_QCbifNeMRMZAT96sr9g1sNcnvNLNQJvoEaGOvbPIC1zaRVMq1zovCHeegqWIyS45342_E8OR-txsvEc_spicGycngbCi00e8fzbM/s1600/March2014+065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpJDNTQ7a9vftXYv1uvy9BViNqNElfHx7cV8dbv_QCbifNeMRMZAT96sr9g1sNcnvNLNQJvoEaGOvbPIC1zaRVMq1zovCHeegqWIyS45342_E8OR-txsvEc_spicGycngbCi00e8fzbM/s1600/March2014+065.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Me with my handsome Isaiah (age 3)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mnqAdMHBh95jl9i92qj60txd8qvUhjjd6KZzAVqSDOZl_zk0xjFMJ7ysJRA_QzKbPdVd56H7qZKi_35Gb6dG9hZX9oMtswrE5wsznjzoWIETYGleSWmHSrCEZXFXCpiVO-6rFzqKxuc/s1600/_DSC0681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mnqAdMHBh95jl9i92qj60txd8qvUhjjd6KZzAVqSDOZl_zk0xjFMJ7ysJRA_QzKbPdVd56H7qZKi_35Gb6dG9hZX9oMtswrE5wsznjzoWIETYGleSWmHSrCEZXFXCpiVO-6rFzqKxuc/s1600/_DSC0681.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Lenea (age 6) loved Emily's dog (Ella).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Ellie loved the sand at the park!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbjttV6P4JDa7LDtZWmahn4gHFsCaPGhRKIbYQwA8zVHlobwoMO3ie9cEFr3FedYKa2enzPh9awjRE1d4s9NTCJxYAX9WGMdBNTONYbsCnABQ3TBvMHHeeMxMx5IOTOVtUvS0PF0xbJg/s1600/March2014+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbjttV6P4JDa7LDtZWmahn4gHFsCaPGhRKIbYQwA8zVHlobwoMO3ie9cEFr3FedYKa2enzPh9awjRE1d4s9NTCJxYAX9WGMdBNTONYbsCnABQ3TBvMHHeeMxMx5IOTOVtUvS0PF0xbJg/s1600/March2014+036.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Moriah (age 11) swinging herself the "fun way".</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our first stop in San Diego was the air craft carrier the USS Midway Museum. It was very huge and spectacular.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Adorable man, Asher (age 4) posing for the camera.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Toby (age 9), Isaiah, Makenna, Asher and Eliza (age 16) posing inside a big helicopter.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLJawDXk4_62fyNWgIU0fK3nzyWFXHQQv_osqWz0n868QVMcP6smOeerd4dNFsmVFK2FTbP7hL7idy9cElylTIVAtUc5EadrGYAS-i8R0ZrhMPhzxzuN4scY0dYeSdx-peobP3h70pQ4/s1600/March2014+109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLJawDXk4_62fyNWgIU0fK3nzyWFXHQQv_osqWz0n868QVMcP6smOeerd4dNFsmVFK2FTbP7hL7idy9cElylTIVAtUc5EadrGYAS-i8R0ZrhMPhzxzuN4scY0dYeSdx-peobP3h70pQ4/s1600/March2014+109.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Isaiah posing on some ejector seat thingy? I actually didn't see this so not sure what it was. </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Legoland! Asher riding a horse as a jouster, It was a very cute ride. I think one of the most creative fun ones for his age.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Makenna and Lenea (Toby and Moriah also rode this ride) road this crazy thing. It whips you around every which way, and you have no clue what way is coming next. I was surprised they road it. I could not bring myself to do it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Toby in a lion's mouth!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Jacob (age 13) and Lenea flying a helicopter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZHRTHpw63_v0KEA5gGqFM3FOCgdSM1mwJEx4LX19FyxgaA4hWTO7SHkn50u9rZPIf2z0HR6OfFoTBddibCpUSNGz5T6lWpVG9czMFsV0-sdhye8Sso9CpXJfey0ioTlue0LdpYX2bqk/s1600/March2014+213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZHRTHpw63_v0KEA5gGqFM3FOCgdSM1mwJEx4LX19FyxgaA4hWTO7SHkn50u9rZPIf2z0HR6OfFoTBddibCpUSNGz5T6lWpVG9czMFsV0-sdhye8Sso9CpXJfey0ioTlue0LdpYX2bqk/s1600/March2014+213.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Lenea and Makenna riding some up and down ride? I went on one like this and it feels like you are going over railroad tracks very fast, over and over again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Asher and Eliza flying a police helicopter. We like helicopters :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Everyone in front of mini legoland. This was so cool. Right here was the US state Capitol. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Emily, Lenea, Moriah and Tyler riding a boat scenic ride.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Asher loved driving the car!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Emily hanging out with Ellie and Isaiah on the beach. They loved it!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Asher had the greatest time with the waves. Here Emily caught him running and jumping at just the right time (see his cute feet in the air). Lenea and he kept saying they were afraid of the "jelly fish". which was actually the seaweed. I did take the time to show them a small seaweed and let them hold and examine it in hopes to comfort their fears. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The next photos are all taken by my beautiful, aspiring, and awesome daughter in love and photographer, Emily! Thanks Em they are amazing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3J182QLUW6kw-JCPP-1bRz1-4kq7tsfvlMCvoVHrfWR4f7Qs1y6o0wvOHbS0mQPQ24iLkvRCfkzcpBmGfJXVp4L9Ctr4pyZD5ZSp_LlnsEsDU08XZtYNZC-khySHMKuoGEjP7bi3hV0/s1600/_DSC0985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3J182QLUW6kw-JCPP-1bRz1-4kq7tsfvlMCvoVHrfWR4f7Qs1y6o0wvOHbS0mQPQ24iLkvRCfkzcpBmGfJXVp4L9Ctr4pyZD5ZSp_LlnsEsDU08XZtYNZC-khySHMKuoGEjP7bi3hV0/s1600/_DSC0985.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Lenea and Tyler, sweet sister and brother. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiperF54wqkA1Ce_bysS0lN_W6upOnrfIgsI12Q2g8GsbEKz9qKrC974pL9j_9YE85tkLIGauBxJ5DhpfZa4al5F3w1xl7flqvNFXIP4u5FjhBUkV8bCo5mSElBqpx3cnxPx6iAQUbF6nk/s1600/_DSC0866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiperF54wqkA1Ce_bysS0lN_W6upOnrfIgsI12Q2g8GsbEKz9qKrC974pL9j_9YE85tkLIGauBxJ5DhpfZa4al5F3w1xl7flqvNFXIP4u5FjhBUkV8bCo5mSElBqpx3cnxPx6iAQUbF6nk/s1600/_DSC0866.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our desire was to take a photo with all of us. While we found a great spot for photos, the sun was going down and it was very cold. Emily was able to get a good one with everyone except her in it. Phooey! Anyway, here is all my kiddos except Emily and Adelia. Maybe next time ~</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671708163243071729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377593854269212763.post-43182523245525027622014-04-02T09:16:00.001-06:002014-04-02T09:16:15.879-06:00A Little Boy From Tanzania<span style="font-size: large;">For the last 2 years we have had the joy and privilege of sponsoring several children through Compassion International. It is for only $38 each month. This cost provides school supplies, medicines, food and bible training along with discipleship and more through the Compassion program that works locally with the missionaries or church in the child's neighborhood.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We have the blessing of sending them letters and photos as often as we like. We get letters in return, sometimes hand written in English even; as in many countries when the children get older they learn English.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We can send them small care packages of paper goods. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We have the joy knowing they are being taught about God and being loved upon by the ministries in their poverty stricken areas.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We have the honor to pray for them and know that while our place in their lives might "seem" small to us, it is huge to them. I have read and heard story after story of sponsored children stating that because of their Sponsor their lives were changed for the better. It gave them a hope and courage to know that someone loved them enough to care, pray and know them.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Two of our children we specifically chose because they shared birthdays with Lenea and Toby. Lenea's girl is just a year older than her but same birthday, and lives in Tanzania. She is a precious girl who lives with her mother and younger sibling.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The boy, Jumanne, we chose because he too shared an exact birthday with Tobias. He is from Tanzania as well and is his Mama's only child.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We had sent a special "Family Gift" a few months back and we received a photo with his mother and him on it. It showed a mattress, some food, some new clothes, fabric all that they were able to buy with our really, not so large donation. These precious people had likely been sleeping on the ground. How selfish I felt, how spoiled I felt for the times I complained about something I "didn't have".</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sadly, we found out a few days ago that Jumanne died from malaria just a few
weeks ago, and on his birthday. Oh what sorrow came to our hearts
thinking of the many prayers we sent for his mother and him. Thinking
about what his mother must be feeling right now, losing her son.
Thinking about the sweet last words we read from him (Compassion sent us
his last letter written to us just 3 weeks before he died.)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>"Praise the Lord. I am real glad to receive your letter. I am doing well at school and at the center. I am glad to be learning about Tobias. I also wish to see him and be a close friend. Also thanks for the gifts that you sent me. May God bless you." </b></i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJm8GwPsymji0s0cWyFjokSHj-2MT4Blkeho1_RGNbVPU6aSzo2F11l0r4ZaEWQXLsZaOH8X4Qcr4taebt2og5u9mLaMhzQzG87ZQLdhucwKidoUqq0l38JBn4QXwowsbayQzCnjgtb4/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJm8GwPsymji0s0cWyFjokSHj-2MT4Blkeho1_RGNbVPU6aSzo2F11l0r4ZaEWQXLsZaOH8X4Qcr4taebt2og5u9mLaMhzQzG87ZQLdhucwKidoUqq0l38JBn4QXwowsbayQzCnjgtb4/s1600/002.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Jumanne was a precious child and important to God. Even though we only had the blessing of sponsoring him for almost 2 years, our small part of his life was a joy even if it was only for our benefit.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Right after we heard of his passing I went on Compassion's site and picked another little boy with the same birthday from Rwanda. Jumanne left a legacy in the hearts of our family. We are so thankful He is today sitting with Jesus.</span>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671708163243071729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377593854269212763.post-8526070162640306592014-03-22T16:57:00.001-06:002014-03-22T16:57:28.348-06:00One Step Closer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwcbxqICYAd7xSW8DpVnZCP6wqFEmEaHGTnboZ-PMYRjAFiFpqyn-f0nZTMG5KrMEmxl_YyuKsE8N5Wa8AeyklJciX9FVQ4-JbkogN_lbsDZkuoWoQWorhYSV-jpwleoNv8mW3SgE9cs/s1600/March2014+138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwcbxqICYAd7xSW8DpVnZCP6wqFEmEaHGTnboZ-PMYRjAFiFpqyn-f0nZTMG5KrMEmxl_YyuKsE8N5Wa8AeyklJciX9FVQ4-JbkogN_lbsDZkuoWoQWorhYSV-jpwleoNv8mW3SgE9cs/s1600/March2014+138.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">"LOA" Letter of Acceptance from China!!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After 99 days of waiting for this step..we onto the next one. Now we are waiting for USCIS (immigration) to approve Adelia to become our daughter and a US citizen upon landing on US soil. This next 2 steps (sort of combined..USCIS approval and Article 5 being sent to Consulate in China) takes about 5-6 weeks. Then we wait for Travel Approval from China.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We are still praying mightily for the Lord to grant travel in mid May. It is possible, but it would only be His sovereignty to make it happen.</span><br />
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<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671708163243071729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377593854269212763.post-26807457190597259752014-03-03T21:04:00.002-07:002014-03-03T21:06:13.251-07:00More Equipment <span style="font-size: large;">Isaiah got his ventilator, which is used for a CPAP for him. The FDA has not approved CPAP machines for kids under age 7, so they use this fancy ventilator that has settings including the CPAP. It has a little humidifier attached to it, that heats up the water and then cools it. It is computerized and very fancy. I am on a huge learning curve trying to remember all the details for how it works.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We turned off all the alarms, except for the one for power (it has back up batteries) and when the water is empty. Unfortunately, the water only lasts about 8 hours maybe, at least that is what we found last night. So it will need to be filled up part way in the night so we don't get woken up to a loud beep located by all of our heads.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Children's told us the only way to get him used to this mask and machine was to introduce it slowly and playfully. We tried that a couple of times during the day but while he tolerated it for a few minutes I knew it was going to take a long time and my gut just felt he needed to just try it at night and I felt he would handle it well. So last night was our first night.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We put it on him and right away he became quiet (not like him at bedtime). His pressure is almost as low as it can go right now and the oxygen goes through the machine. He began shutting down in a way, no crying though. This was similat to what he did when we began the oxygen. However, I just encouraged him and asked him if we wanted me to hold him. At first he said "no" but then he allowed me to. I held him until he fell asleep, well actucally we both fell asleep.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">About an hour into sleep I moved him onto his bed, which is next to mine. He slept without waking the entire night!! Not even a complaint about the mask. In the morning he woke up pretty cheery too. While this <strike>contraption</strike> mask is quite cumbersome and awkward, it does seem to help him breath a lot better and get better rest, so far. At nap time again today, he put it on, quieted down quickly and I held him until he went to sleep which was only a few minutes this time and he slept 2 hours without a peep. Now mind you, this is the child that has not had a night like that but maybe a handful of times. Typically he whines, tosses and turns, cries, reaches for me or kicks off his blankets numerous times at least, not to mention the snoring and gasping for air that often happens. None of this has happened since using the CPAP. I pray this continues.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmvAHjvDX8sOHFDXRUtNsCGcuYXvtIKAvV9YrpXI6L0_ZPayF-eIyYkHVgyZtYIoYlzLZVKkptvUNuGxPwZzuEfh3vR3IyacJvDdGAU-v8MnFkbrrMF_SPcUpBZyup1ZxgpXyU4ikn28/s1600/cpap+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmvAHjvDX8sOHFDXRUtNsCGcuYXvtIKAvV9YrpXI6L0_ZPayF-eIyYkHVgyZtYIoYlzLZVKkptvUNuGxPwZzuEfh3vR3IyacJvDdGAU-v8MnFkbrrMF_SPcUpBZyup1ZxgpXyU4ikn28/s1600/cpap+001.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> It is not his favorite thing. However, today when talking about it with the kids he said it was to help his heart. Such a hero of mine. I think I would have such a hard time wearing this mask. I put it just briefly up to my mouth to see what it felt like and I already felt too confined and like I was choking with it. I always hated it when the put the oxygen masks on me during labor when I wasn't breathing so well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6TscozlWG0XU-pU33rAXC1h7UnqV-RKIMN5CMDvpbnF62niIkkF6jZ3jAhXNfC2p34pl_bt9wrLD5-Lrw7tMOSONQFo7BEta6xG9xmsru6kUwhY5ENgpq3bcLA0kQJugqROIJpjuLm0/s1600/cpap+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6TscozlWG0XU-pU33rAXC1h7UnqV-RKIMN5CMDvpbnF62niIkkF6jZ3jAhXNfC2p34pl_bt9wrLD5-Lrw7tMOSONQFo7BEta6xG9xmsru6kUwhY5ENgpq3bcLA0kQJugqROIJpjuLm0/s1600/cpap+003.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Isaiah was also a good sport to pose for these photos. I asked him to get into his bed to take a picture and he climbed right in. I love this little guy.</span>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671708163243071729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377593854269212763.post-6418667724356907342014-02-21T14:44:00.002-07:002014-02-21T14:45:49.097-07:00Photos Not For the Faint Of Heart<span style="font-size: large;">When innocent, helpless children are persecuted and treated in ways that animals don't even get treated, we all feel disgusted. Those of us that call ourselves "Christians" and who seek to be God's heart MUST do more for these precious ones.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you have a few minutes look at these few heartrending photos of Russian orphans and say some prayers. It is Satan's scheme to keep Russia from allowing us to adopt from their country, but God is still King of Kings and He WILL win the war for these children. This is just one example of Satan's ploys against adoption and attacking innocent children. You will see that most of the photos are of disabled children. In Russia, disabled people are seen as scum and treated as such. Little children are put into hospitals for the mentally insane when they have certain diagnosis. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.katebrooks.com/#/russia/russian-orphans/RussianOrphans01">Russian Photos </a>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671708163243071729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377593854269212763.post-6329814449399178592014-02-20T11:52:00.002-07:002014-02-20T11:52:27.147-07:00Change of Direction for Isaiah<div>
Just when you think things will go one way God has other plans LOL.
I spoke with the ENT on the phone last night (very nice and thorough doctor). She isn't comfortable
that by removing tonsils and adenoids that his sleep issues will be
resolved and believes he will still need CPAP for relief.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Rather than just putting him in a surgery, with possible
complications and risks she would rather we try the CPAP to see if it
even gives him any relief first and foremost. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
This will be a long
on-going process, watching him for a healing of that nerve, and making
sure those tonsils/adenoids don't activate and get larger than they are
(I guess combined they are not too large of a blockage). So we are
comfortable with that. </div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
We have an delivery of CPAP tomorrow evening. Just wanted to give a quick update. Thank you for your prayers for him.Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05671708163243071729noreply@blogger.com0