tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24070665678043376802024-03-12T20:53:28.088-04:00blessed.The story of our family: blessed five times by the miracle of adoption!Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788306804689485437noreply@blogger.comBlogger801125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407066567804337680.post-14552795863443888682015-06-08T21:42:00.000-04:002015-06-08T21:53:58.450-04:00Em here~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wow, where has the time gone? </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Chances are, no one will even see this. But just in case, I wanted to share what's up!! Remember me?! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Believe it or not, I am officially a college graduate! I graduated last month from with my Bachelor's in Social Work. I'm now home for the summer, soaking up some time with the family and raising support before moving across the ocean for the next year</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">YEP! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I've always been a dreamer. Dreamed big things and never set my limits. and then, my dreams started to die. I stopped chasing them, thinking I had to live another way and fit this certain mold… that dreams were dreams and they couldn’t be reality.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I started to believe that my dreams were too far out of reach. With that, came a loss of self.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And then I realized that maybe my dreams aren’t so out there after all. Maybe I really can chase after them. Maybe my dreams aren’t just dreams, but really truly the path the lord is taking me on.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So I ran towards them.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And now I find myself two and a half months away from boarding a plane with a one way ticket to a place where I’ll spend a year living what was once just a dream, a little inkling on my heart. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Because this semester, the Lord has taught me to dream again. And that maybe I get to say no to one dream to say yes to another; the one I am confident the Lord is calling me to for right now… the one of moving across the world. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I’m giddy thinking about it. Opening the door to big dreams once again, because all of a sudden, they don’t feel so out of reach.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I’m in awe at how the Lord lets me dream. And how it all started with a dream.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">You see, towards the end of October, 2005, my mom had this vivid dream. Two little Asian girls standing in a crib in her bedroom. It sounds crazy, but that’s all it took. The Lord used this dream to so clearly speak to my mom and lay adoption on her heart. She called my dad the next day and shared with him. The rest is history.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">But it took a dream. If it weren’t for that dream, we never would’ve found ourselves in Hunan a year later meeting AnnaClaire.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And we definitely wouldn’t have found ourselves back every 2 years after that until our family felt complete with 10.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And if it weren’t for the adoption journey and all the Lord taught me through that, through seeing the gospel lived out so clearly in front of my eyes, through stepping foot in a Chinese orphanage and seeing the effects of a world so broken by sin… I never would’ve found myself passionate about orphans or adoption or this country.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And if it weren’t for those adoption trips, soaking in every sight and smell and taste of too much rice, i never would’ve fallen in love with this country that is so beyond anything that feels normal, and yet so much a part of who I am. I never would’ve fallen in love with that place.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And I never would’ve had on my heart to live there for a summer, getting to share the best news there ever was with the friends I met. I never would’ve been broken for the reality that they had never heard his name, or had the desire to go back for longer and actually move there!!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">But because of one dream. ONE dream that I wasn’t even the one to have. This is where I find myself today. Saying no to one dream that I can run in the direction of another and see how the Lord uses all of these little passions, desires, and dreams to allow me to do what he has made me to do.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And to think, it all started with a dream.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I can only say so much here, but I'd LOVE to share more so please be in touch with me!! (emilyann.horner@gmail.com)</span></span></div>
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I must be fully supported by August 1 in order for this dream to be a reality! If you have any desire to give, email me! I also wanted to share the link to a t-shirt that some friends helped me design to help raise support!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">www.booster.com/goinjoy</span></div>
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Thanks for walking so many years of life with me! I never would've guessed when I started to blog 9 years ago that this is where I would be today, but praise the Lord for all the ways he works and his abundant faithfulness throughout.</div>
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788306804689485437noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407066567804337680.post-46355875082312012792013-12-25T17:42:00.000-05:002013-12-25T17:42:06.088-05:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/overalllook.png" style="border: 0;" />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788306804689485437noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407066567804337680.post-45654661769296881022013-11-14T14:04:00.003-05:002013-11-14T14:04:35.930-05:00This Morning at our House~<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is where you can find Charlie most any time of the day.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From the time he comes downstairs in the morning, 'til it's bedtime, he's pretty much in the red chair. Reading. This guy LOVES books! </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And this morning, Kate joined him.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They both LOVE this, and can often be found reading together.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And then there's the piano practicing that needs to be done~ Christmas carols to be learned for a program at the nursing home.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just a typical morning at our house! </span></span></b></div>
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<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/overalllook.png" style="border: 0;" />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788306804689485437noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407066567804337680.post-61494916391944238092013-11-11T09:03:00.002-05:002013-11-11T09:03:44.857-05:00The Boys~<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here they are!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Together again!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This time at Pike's Peak.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I might have laughed at Son #1's hiking attire. The button down shirt. Need to ask if he's wearing his hiking boots or his brother's. But I am loving seeing them TOGETHER!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Looking very forward to seeing these 2 guys in a couple of weeks. We haven't seen Will since last Christmas. And that is just WAY too long.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Glad you're enjoying your brother time, guys!</span></span></b></div>
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<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/overalllook.png" style="border: 0;" />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788306804689485437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407066567804337680.post-7962709260260459732013-11-02T21:46:00.000-04:002013-11-02T21:46:57.442-04:00Family Game Night~<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Better late than never, I guess.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">After all these years of parenting, we've FINALLY decided to implement Family Game Night.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">And Emily, this is in honor of you! Our girl who LOVED to play games, has always said that's one thing (among many, I'm sure) she would have changed about her growing up years. We didn't play enough games.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I LOVE the idea of playing games.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I love all that the children learn while playing games. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I love the family togetherness. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> I LOVE the <i>idea</i> of family game night. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">But actually <i>doing </i>it????</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Well, that's another story.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">BUT Bill and I had talked and decided that TONIGHT would be THE night. And once we told the children, we KNEW there would be no turning back.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">So, this morning at breakfast, we told the kids that TONIGHT would be..... </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">FAMILY GAME NIGHT!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">We all got in jammies, turned on Christian radio and then started our evening with a pizza dinner.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Then we moved in to playing our games!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The first game of the evening was "Drop the Bean into the Tin Can." What, you've never played that game????</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Well, I will tell you, I wasn't sure if we'd be playing any other games tonight, because they LOVED this game and kept wanting to play. (Charlie was working on his Wolf badge for Scouts and needed to play a homemade game. This one was one of the suggestions and sounded easy enough, so we tried it.) </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Here's Grace taking her turn. Can you see the concentration on her face? </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Next we played Uno. We chose this as it's one that we could all play together. Team Ellie/ Daddy were the winners of that one. Ellie actually did a lot of the playing since it's just basically matching colors and numbers. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">After Uno, we divided into 2 groups. I had the 3 younger children, and AC and Grace played games with daddy.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ellie chose her new Elephant's Trunk game.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Then Kate chose Orchard. We are big fans of Haba games in our house! This is a REALLY cute co-operative game that Ellie could play as well.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> And here's Charlie with his choice. A race car game~ just perfect for our little man.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Meanwhile, AnnaClaire and Grace were busy playing Grace's choice of the Great States game. I think they were playing the Jr. Version tonight, though we have both.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Then it was time for our "Special Dessert!"</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Although I had visions of baking a special dessert, in the end I made things easy on myself and we served Root Beer Floats.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">This was a first for the children and they LOVED them.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Except for Kate, who announced that she doesn't like soda, "like Sissy." Ok then. She enjoyed a dish of vanilla ice cream.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After dessert, Baby Sister headed to bed, and we played one more round of games.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">AnnaClaire chose Trouble.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And Charlie, Kate and I played the pirate game. The name is in German, so we just call it The Pirate Game! For some silly reason, I REALLY like this one, so this was my choice! </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We all had SUCH fun.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Want to join us next month? We'll be having Family Game night the first Saturday night in Dec. Not sure what our "special" dessert will be, but we'll be having pizza again for dinner.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's already on the calendar! </span></span></b></div>
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<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/overalllook.png" style="border: 0;" />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788306804689485437noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407066567804337680.post-23228546785929369892013-10-29T22:20:00.001-04:002013-10-29T22:20:43.766-04:00She's Eight!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Birthday Girl!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">AnnaClaire chose On the Border for her birthday lunch. We do love us some Mexican food in this family! </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And here's the usual "pose on the bench" after we had lunch. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back at home we snapped a few more photos (because that's what we do when Sissy's home!) before heading in to open presents and eat cake.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everyone had a turn to pose with Sissy~ </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Love this one of my oldest and youngest daughters having some fun! </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>And here's the birthday girl with her balloon! </b></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Love this shot of Ellie that Emily took!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For her cake, AnnaClaire chose a banana cake recipe from the American Girl "Kit" book.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Birthday, Dear AnnaClaire!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">May all your wishes come true! </span></span></b> </div>
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<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/overalllook.png" style="border: 0;" />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788306804689485437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407066567804337680.post-54491551113178286352013-10-27T15:01:00.002-04:002013-10-27T15:01:30.407-04:00Saturday Fun~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Emily came in to town this weekend to celebrate Kate's gotcha on Friday and a certain someone's upcoming 8th birthday on Sunday.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>She had a fun morning planned with AnnaClaire Saturday morning. They started out with a pancake breakfast.</b></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And then they headed to Claire's!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can you guess why???? </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There were no tears.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just a squinchy face. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And then it was over and done! </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can you see the cute blue sparkly earrings she chose?</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>In the afternoon, Em spent a little time in the kitchen. She made us some yummy pumpkin granola.</b></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And we ended the day with a campfire and some s'mores! Yum!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What a fun Saturday!</span></span></b></div>
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<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/overalllook.png" style="border: 0;" />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788306804689485437noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407066567804337680.post-55158785742080514692013-10-25T22:09:00.000-04:002013-10-25T22:09:58.911-04:005 Years!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Today we celebrate 5 years with Kate!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>She was so fragile and so very scared, that day we first met. </b></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And look at her now!</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kate, we love you to the moon and back. You are a treasure. A gift from God. You are a precious daughter and a wonderful sister. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You are SO loved!</span></span></b></div>
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<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/overalllook.png" style="border: 0;" />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788306804689485437noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407066567804337680.post-8949106814827586002013-10-06T21:43:00.000-04:002013-10-06T22:05:51.250-04:00A Birthday Road Trip~<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Catching up from Labor Day Weekend~</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had Grandma H. in for the weekend to celebrate her birthday. Since she reads the blog and always tells us that our road trips look like such fun, we decided to take her on a road trip for her birthday and let her experience all the fun first hand!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our destination was Lynchburg, VA.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We left on Saturday morning, and our first stop was the Patrick Henry Memorial.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sa7KDUI0sw4/UlIFazGsttI/AAAAAAAAJ8c/st6PJvBEwTI/s1600/DSC02352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sa7KDUI0sw4/UlIFazGsttI/AAAAAAAAJ8c/st6PJvBEwTI/s640/DSC02352.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We arrived at lunch time and had a picnic lunch on the beautiful property.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then we toured the property.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Patrick Henry's House</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6 mos. before his death, while living on this property, Patrick Henry wrote:</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I live much retired amidst a multiplicity of blessings from the Gracious Ruler of all things." </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His large family and this beautiful home and land were amongst his greatest blessings.</span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ksZBZB4P6J8/UlIEqvlBjnI/AAAAAAAAJ7s/tEA14zANIsQ/s1600/DSC02329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ksZBZB4P6J8/UlIEqvlBjnI/AAAAAAAAJ7s/tEA14zANIsQ/s640/DSC02329.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The back of the house and some of the out buildings.</span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1tKN601IR3A/UlIFh5_eeSI/AAAAAAAAJ8k/hKkwPddbsc8/s1600/DSC02331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1tKN601IR3A/UlIFh5_eeSI/AAAAAAAAJ8k/hKkwPddbsc8/s640/DSC02331.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This beautiful, old tree has been on the property since Patrick Henry lived there. It's called an Osage Orange Tree. It's over 300 years old and is the largest tree of its kind in the America. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Patrick Henry is buried on the property.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I loved this quote from his will:</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"This </span></span></b> <b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">is all the Inheritance I can give to my dear family. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Religion of Christ can give them one which will make them rich indeed."</span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tiWlHodsIZM/UlIFXTW6ZWI/AAAAAAAAJ8U/b-DSo8ZbWv0/s1600/DSC02344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tiWlHodsIZM/UlIFXTW6ZWI/AAAAAAAAJ8U/b-DSo8ZbWv0/s640/DSC02344.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Grandma and the youngest 5, of her 14 grandchildren.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After our visit we headed in to Lynchburg and enjoyed dinner at the Depot and afterwards, watching the kids swim in the hotel (indoor) pool.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We woke the next morning, Grandma's birthday, and had a big breakfast at Cracker Barrel before heading to Poplar Forest.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If this looks somewhat familiar, that's because it's Thomas Jefferson's "country" home, and it bears some resemblance and similarities to Monticello.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This property is still in the process of being restored. Though interesting, there's not nearly as much to see as at Monticello.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The grounds were very beautiful and hilly, though most of his original property has been sold and developed.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A birthday pose with the grandchildren!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After Poplar Forest, we loaded the van and headed to the National D-Day Memorial.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The site was really, really well done. And every single thing that is a part of this memorial has some sort of meaning or significance. Nothing was placed there "just because." You really do need to take the tour to find out about exactly what you're looking at.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This part was showing the actual landing on the beach at Normandy.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Grandma and AnnaClaire opted out of the tour and sat on the covered porch of the visitor center. I'll let you in on a little secret....Grandma is not a big history fan. No she's not. But she LOVED spending the days touring with her family. She was real a trooper!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After seeing the Memorial, we loaded the van in search of some dinner and then headed home. We got in late that night. It was a LONG day! </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Monday, Labor Day, we celebrated Grandma's birthday.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> And we added Drew to the group. He was in town for a weekend event, and spent Labor Day with us. Such fun to have a quick visit with him! When they're grown and living out of town, you take what you can get, right???</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy 78th Birthday, Grandma! So glad we could celebrate with you!</span></span></b></div>
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<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/overalllook.png" style="border: 0;" />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788306804689485437noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407066567804337680.post-55090264823964007652013-10-01T20:49:00.002-04:002013-10-02T11:29:10.704-04:00Friends~<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I know all you bloggers out there can agree with me that the true BLESSING of blogging is the friends you meet along the way!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday, we had the privilege of welcoming <a href="http://wolfeshome.blogspot.com/">this family</a> to our home for lunch and a short visit! They are on a BIG east coast road trip with their 5 children (they're a homeschooling family, too) and they were in our neck of the woods for the day.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All the kids!</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Jocelyn and I have connections through AWAA, the agency we used for our first 2 adoptions and that they used for both of theirs. But our closest connection is through Shepherd's Field, where her Elijah and our Kate waited together for their families. We "chatted" quite a bit during the time we were both waiting to travel. When big brother Drew was able to visit Kate at Shepherd's Field, he also was able to meet Elijah and play with him and snap some pictures for Elijah's waiting family.</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h9tvZK1fmWQ/UktsghzJ5OI/AAAAAAAAJ7U/vehufQMt8PA/s1600/DSC02534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h9tvZK1fmWQ/UktsghzJ5OI/AAAAAAAAJ7U/vehufQMt8PA/s640/DSC02534.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">How fun to get these two back together and meet as families face to face!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Jocelyn and I have also been able to share lots of conversations about older child adoption and some of the challenges involved with that. It's so nice to have a friend that's walking a similar path. So glad we were FINALLY able to meet in person! </span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(<span style="font-size: small;">sadly though, I didn't get a picture of the mamas)</span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you, friends, for taking the time to stop by and say hi! </span></b>
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<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/overalllook.png" style="border: 0;" />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788306804689485437noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407066567804337680.post-41259952959809805032013-09-30T21:33:00.003-04:002013-09-30T22:16:21.781-04:00Annual Apple Pickin'<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The highlight of our fall is our annual trip to go apple picking!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> We started this tradition the first fall that we had AnnaClaire home. Just me and my 2 girls! AC was not quite two at the time. I had never been to an apple orchard in my whole life. I had no idea of the FUN I was missing nor the memories to be made!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I have such precious memories of this first time we went in 2007. It was a chilly, gray and drizzly day, but perfect in every other way.</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BUTSizRvvM0/Ukof5m8O7lI/AAAAAAAAJ60/Fk5IDUwXZ1Q/s1600/apple+picking+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BUTSizRvvM0/Ukof5m8O7lI/AAAAAAAAJ60/Fk5IDUwXZ1Q/s640/apple+picking+004.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">This year, as in most of the past years, we were joined by my friend Tracey, and her 2 girls, Mia and Emily!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Here we are arriving at the orchard.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">As you can see, the weather was perfect!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">We went on a hayride first. Here's some of the group. </span></b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nZma3cGCl7k/UkoejpOYqdI/AAAAAAAAJ5I/ttDJ5kRDvRI/s1600/DSC02466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nZma3cGCl7k/UkoejpOYqdI/AAAAAAAAJ5I/ttDJ5kRDvRI/s640/DSC02466.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Then we went pickin'!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Well, only some of us actually picked....</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Grace and AnnaClaire spend the majority of their time IN the trees!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Kate was meticulous with her picking, as she is with everything. She was careful to make sure each apple was just perfect!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">And Charlie was our fastest picker. He does everything quickly!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">After picking came the BEST part! Warm apple donuts and fresh cider. </span></b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9EZ6oVNTbGI/UkofgiS5pEI/AAAAAAAAJ6I/81DH-d0yQV4/s1600/DSC02496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9EZ6oVNTbGI/UkofgiS5pEI/AAAAAAAAJ6I/81DH-d0yQV4/s640/DSC02496.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Then we let the kids play and play, while we mamas sat in the shade and visited. No photos of that part, because we were too busy relaxing!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>We loaded our cooler with gallons of cider. And brought home more donuts for breakfast the next day, and then it was time to leave. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Before heading home, we had to take our annual photos by the Sky Top sign.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Grace~ 13- 1/2</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>AnnaClaire~ 7- 1/2</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Charlie~ 7- 1/2</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Kate~ 6- 1/2</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Ellie~ 3</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Notice the hands on hips. "I did the sassy pose, mama!" </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>And the whole gang!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Then we loaded up the 7 tired kids and headed home. Our trip from start to finish was 11 hours long! We slept WELL that night!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>And Emily, you were MISSED!</b></span></span></div>
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<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/overalllook.png" style="border: 0;" />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788306804689485437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407066567804337680.post-32605300332632320022013-09-26T20:47:00.000-04:002013-09-27T08:37:14.808-04:00Living Science~<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">In our family, we usually focus on "living history" but today we had a wonderful opportunity to study science up close and "living!"</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">On our way home from picking a friend up from school, I saw a turtle crossing the road in our neighborhood. I spotted it at the last second, literally as I was about to drive over it~ HOPING that my tires did not get it. Thankfully, the tires missed the turtle, and he was still trying to cross the road after we drove by.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Initially, I kept going. Then I thought, being the homeschooler that I am, that THIS was a teaching moment! And I needed to take advantage of it. So, I pulled the van over, unloaded the kids, and we went to help the turtle cross to the other side of the road. AnnaClaire, picked the turtle up without hesitation, and carried him over to the grass. The turtle was a spritely little fellow and the children enjoyed watching him for a bit. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Then someone asked if we could bring him home.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">So we did.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">We had my friend's 15 year old son in the car with us, and he identified our turtle as an Eastern Box Turtle. And JM graciously held our turtle the rest of the way home, since we had no container to put him in. He held him even as said turtle, ummm how shall I say this...., went to the bathroom. And as I apologized to JM while the turtle was "in the process," he replied with the typical teenage answer, "no problem, Mrs. H." Gotta love a boy like that! </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Well our little turtle friend, lovingly named Traveler (since we found him along the road) certainly provided an afternoon of entertainment and learning for the kids. I did tell everyone that when daddy came home, they were going to load in the van and go release Traveler at one of our nearby parks that has a pond. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I was only hoping that Traveler would survive the afternoon of turtle loving until daddy arrived home. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">He did!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">And so, before dinner, he was set free.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> And somebody was soooo sad to see him go....</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">And now, and I'm sure it comes as no surprise, we are waiting for our 2 books about box turtles to arrive from Ama*zon. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Oh, yes, we are! They were ordered before we even let the turtle go!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">And if you're wondering which books we ordered, they can be found <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0688081843/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">here</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1568998600/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">here</a>. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> I SO wish we lived on some land, like my sweet <a href="http://leapingintolearning.wordpress.com/">friend</a>. Truly a dream of mine. But, alas, all we've got is just a small suburban neighborhood lot. But I'm SO thankful that today God provided this bit of nature for us to study! </span></b></div>
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<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/overalllook.png" style="border: 0;" />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788306804689485437noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407066567804337680.post-84000043079191708252013-09-12T23:04:00.001-04:002013-09-13T12:09:13.105-04:00It's Been a While!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Goodness, but it's been a while.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've been fine here, just busy.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Getting Emily back to Auburn.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Settling in to our school routine.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A visit from a grandma.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another little history road trip.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A short visit from a big brother.</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Piano, ballet, co-op, choir, Frontier Girls, Cub Scouts, speech therapy 2x/ week x2.....</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A daddy that's been traveling more.</span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Life!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've got much to catch up on, but today I'm going to share a little about our Thursdays w/ homeschool.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year, Grace is involved in a co-op. And let me tell you, it's been a HUGE blessing. And an answer to prayer. One thing that has been lacking for Grace within our family has been activities and friends of her own. The fact is, when you've got 4 children between 3-7 years old, and only one that's of a very different age, most of our days and activities tend to be geared toward the younger majority group. We've been looking for ways to change this and to give Grace some things of her own, and her co-op is really filling this gap.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Several ladies from our church were planning a co-op for their middle school children. The kind where each mom would teach one of the classes. A friend of mine from church mentioned the co-op to me one Sunday. I thought it sounded GREAT, and perfect for Grace, but I commented that I just couldn't spend a day out of our house, teach a class, and have my 4 younger children in tow. (I am certain that some of you reading this would have no problem with that, but for ME, it just was not going to happen.) I told my friend it sounded like an answer to our prayers for Grace, but that it just probably wasn't going to work for our FAMILY. My friend said, "Let me talk with the other moms, and I'll get back with you....." I must say, I was so excited and quite hopeful.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, the ladies all agreed to have Grace participate WITHOUT me having to participate. Truly an answer to prayer. And truly the body of Christ willing to step in and help fulfill a need we had.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So Grace has been attending co-op now for 3 Thursdays. And she LOVES it! The boys and girls in the group are wonderful! Encouraging and God loving. Just the nicest MIDDLE SCHOOL kids. </span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I meet my friend at 8:15 in the morning, and she takes Grace the 40 or so minute drive to the home where the co-op meets (a beautiful home on land, out in the country) and then brings Grace back to our house about 3:30 in the afternoon. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And what makes this even MORE perfect, is that my friend is currently adopting a darling girl from the Philippines who is a year younger than Grace. Her new daughter, EG, has been in the US for the same amount of time as Grace (3 years) and she is a year younger than Grace. (12 years old) EG is being adopted out of a disruption, and she is ABSOLUTELY THRIVING in my friend's family. She and Grace have quickly become "besties" and it is a delight for me to see Grace just blossoming through this friendship. EG is bright, articulate and LOVES the Lord. Although she is younger than Grace, she's an EXCELLENT role model for her. And I am SO, SO thankful that the Lord has put these two girls together. The girls feel such a connection and feel so comfortable with each other; I know it's due to having very similar backgrounds. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Is there a downside to this co-op, you may be wondering? Well yes, there actually is. Grace cannot come even close to keeping up with the level of work of the co-op. It's become very apparent over the last few months, that we are dealing with quite a bit more than what we thought was just a delay in learning English. Lot's more is going on. All along, I've been thinking, "once she really learns English...." but the fact is, she's been here 3+ years, the English is not really improving, and learning is a struggle.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thankfully, the ladies in the co-op have been so gracious. I told them that MY goals for Grace in the co-op were probably very different than the goals they had for their children. They "got" what I was saying, and we're all working under the premise that "she gets what she gets." And THAT took a TON of pressure off both Grace and myself.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So with Grace, happily at her co-op each Thursday, I've designated Thursdays as our "hands on learning" day with our four four littlest learners. And it's been SUCH fun!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today, after dropping Grace off w/ my friend for her day of learning and fun, we headed to our nearby hardware store in search of worms! Well, don't you head to your local hardware store when you need worms????</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This place is a historic TREASURE! How anyone can shop at a big box store, when THIS place is nearby.... And you'll just have to indulge me these photos, because well, I just ADORE historic buildings! </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sorry for the blurry picture, but it's the only one I took with the kids outside.</span></span></b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--yErncUAjjo/UjJ5qjiijhI/AAAAAAAAJ2g/rIp-F3lL3BE/s1600/DSC02424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--yErncUAjjo/UjJ5qjiijhI/AAAAAAAAJ2g/rIp-F3lL3BE/s640/DSC02424.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just look at this place! When you visit in the summer, you can enjoy a cold bottled soda, and when you visit in the winter, you can enjoy the warmth from the old heat stove. Once when I was in, there was a mama cat and her kittens lounging by the stove. Really. It was like a movie.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> As home vegetable gardens have become more popular these last several years, Renfrow's has expanded their gardening section, and it's now a large part of the store. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QBdw3YJsynM/UjJ572qqn7I/AAAAAAAAJ2w/ZiH-iijpd4M/s1600/DSC02429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QBdw3YJsynM/UjJ572qqn7I/AAAAAAAAJ2w/ZiH-iijpd4M/s640/DSC02429.jpg" width="426" /></a></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Mission accomplished! We left with plastic tub of "about 35 worms." </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Will that enough?" </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Ummm, more than enough, I do believe." </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we were driving through town, we noticed this in the town park.</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7-0Frfeghv4/UjJ6ju23bMI/AAAAAAAAJ3Q/PIVpoRfT83M/s1600/DSC02434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7-0Frfeghv4/UjJ6ju23bMI/AAAAAAAAJ3Q/PIVpoRfT83M/s640/DSC02434.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> So of course we stopped to remember.</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HvNsQIrseok/UjJ6EhMbkkI/AAAAAAAAJ24/Q7y-J4PNyRo/s1600/DSC02431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HvNsQIrseok/UjJ6EhMbkkI/AAAAAAAAJ24/Q7y-J4PNyRo/s640/DSC02431.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And then we went home to learn about worms.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For science this year with the 3, we are using Simply Charlotte Mason's "Outdoor Secrets." And we are loving it. The guide that goes along with it leads us through lessons that include lots of living books and nature journaling.</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OV8YBtpBNgQ/UjJ7FfUWQpI/AAAAAAAAJ3w/AXSwbKK4jYw/s1600/DSC02446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OV8YBtpBNgQ/UjJ7FfUWQpI/AAAAAAAAJ3w/AXSwbKK4jYw/s640/DSC02446.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Charlie is holding the teacher guide, which I highly recommend. Intended age range for this science "curriculum" is K-2nd grade, and I've found it just perfect for my 2 first graders and 2nd grader. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The girls are holding the 2 books about earthworms that we read this morning.</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jZLHqNxoQc0/UjJ62-Era0I/AAAAAAAAJ3Y/x3zgdIzKNzI/s1600/DSC02438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jZLHqNxoQc0/UjJ62-Era0I/AAAAAAAAJ3Y/x3zgdIzKNzI/s640/DSC02438.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Here are the kids studying their worms and working on their nature journals. And Ellie in the middle of it all, just being silly. Because that's how she is!</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QTqwGcDP7T0/UjJ6XZqN5KI/AAAAAAAAJ3A/1S9ERGjGnWo/s1600/DSC02436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QTqwGcDP7T0/UjJ6XZqN5KI/AAAAAAAAJ3A/1S9ERGjGnWo/s640/DSC02436.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> If you look closely at the end of the pencil in Kate's hand, you can see Kate "holding" a worm. Yep, that's as close as she'd get to holding a worm.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> AnnaClaire was our bravest with the worms and at one point, she was holding all of them at once!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> You can see that Charlie is a bit timid with the worm in his hands, but he did "man up" and hold one!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And Ellie? No thank you. Worms are just not her cup of tea!</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4sFwo5DeC_s/UjJ6_5c1R4I/AAAAAAAAJ3o/5Jp_Wvj-s9k/s1600/DSC02445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4sFwo5DeC_s/UjJ6_5c1R4I/AAAAAAAAJ3o/5Jp_Wvj-s9k/s640/DSC02445.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And here are the 3 with their nature notebooks!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After our morning with the worms, we loaded up the van and met daddy for lunch (after washing hands, of course) as he was on his way home from the airport.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And that was our fun and wormy Thursday! </span></b></span> </div>
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<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/overalllook.png" style="border: 0;" />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788306804689485437noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407066567804337680.post-72834064895615012532013-08-02T19:57:00.003-04:002013-08-02T20:14:20.098-04:00Full~<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Back from Kenya.</b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And her life has been changed.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can see it in her face.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can hear it in her words. </span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I asked Emily about the safari the group had been on at the end of their trip, she said, "I didn't go to Kenya to see animals. I went to see the people. To love them." </span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I can see that my girl them loved well. </span></span></b> </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are a few photos from Emily's trip to Kenya. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Emily is a journal-er and with her permission, I have used some of her words as captions below the photos.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Today I had this feeling-- this feeling of doing exactly what I was made to do. And I was brought to tears by the fullness of joy that came with arms being wrapped around the least of these."</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"These arms of mine were made for this; this heart of mine was made for this."</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Made to hold, to love, to embrace; to tell how much their creator loves them. "</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> "That He has a PLAN for their lives-- OH, does He have a plan!"</span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s5lfZMltt30/UfxEZ9IxX8I/AAAAAAAAJ1A/m9sLyQ9k5oI/s1600/DSC_0894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s5lfZMltt30/UfxEZ9IxX8I/AAAAAAAAJ1A/m9sLyQ9k5oI/s640/DSC_0894.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> "My heart is full on this day because I've realized, as one who likes to be DOING all the time, that life isn't about just doing, doing, doing. But living. Being in the moment. Simplicity."</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"It's not about always doing something super awesome and radical-- but about being where the Lord has called us and serving, loving in that moment."</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Today I am thankful. For the laughter and the joy and the love that exists in this place where life is just lived and simplicity is embraced and Jesus is known."</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Thankful that beauty does lie in ashes and our God is the God of the redeemed."</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> "Thankful for clarity in knowing the Lord has given me a dream and it is not in vain, but I fully believe He will bring this dream to reality as I trust in Him and walk with Him and embrace where He has me and where He leads me."</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"My heart is full tonight. Thank you, Lord, for bringing me to Kenya." </span></span></b></div>
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<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/overalllook.png" style="border: 0;" />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788306804689485437noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407066567804337680.post-10903745956689026962013-07-22T19:51:00.000-04:002013-07-22T19:53:05.997-04:00Off to Kenya!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5xlVQCv9USg/Ue3E_lzZcBI/AAAAAAAAJ0g/wTp4_mXnqvM/s1600/Emily+to+Kenya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5xlVQCv9USg/Ue3E_lzZcBI/AAAAAAAAJ0g/wTp4_mXnqvM/s640/Emily+to+Kenya.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This photo was snapped by Emily's "host mama" this afternoon as she was leaving. Wish it had been me sending her off. If Emily comes to mind, please pray for her and the whole mission team. They'll be returning Aug. 1st. </span></span></b> </div>
<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/overalllook.png" style="border: 0;" />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788306804689485437noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407066567804337680.post-26987340565740034822013-07-03T17:30:00.002-04:002013-07-03T21:53:22.997-04:00Happy 4th!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Proclaim liberty throughout all the land,</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unto all the inhabitants thereof."</span></span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></b></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These are the very words inscribed upon our Liberty Bell. And do you know where they are found?</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> In the Bible.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yep.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Leviticus 25:10 <span style="font-size: small;">(KJV)</span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let's not forget! </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, it seems like the states in our country are experiencing either extreme heat or extreme dampness. And we are in a state that's been very wet!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This morning we spent <i>yet another morning</i> inside. We put our time to good use though, and the children learned </span></span></b><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">why</span></span></b></i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> we celebrate the 4th of July. Is it all about picnics, parades and fireworks???? Absolutely NOT. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are celebrating freedom, liberty, and independence.</span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MB9UpfvoOWQ/UdSTCRzK8oI/AAAAAAAAJ0Q/NJreiv-kNo8/s1600/DSC02219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MB9UpfvoOWQ/UdSTCRzK8oI/AAAAAAAAJ0Q/NJreiv-kNo8/s640/DSC02219.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">(And don't you just love this cute vintage </span>tablecloth that's behind the books~ and it's trimmed with big red ric rac!)</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These 2 books along with some fun word searches, mazes and coloring pages helped us to pass our rainy morning and learn yet a little more about the beginnings of our country and the principles it was founded on.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tomorrow, weather permitting, we'll be spending our day at Historic Brattonsville. And one of the highlights will be listening to the Declaration of Independence being read aloud by costumed interpreters. Did you know that in earlier years it was the custom to read the Declaration of Independence aloud at 4th of July celebrations? People then actually knew what it said!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The rest of our holiday weekend will follow with parades, picnics, fireworks and fun! But tomorrow, we will remember those extraordinary men, who gave their lives to the forming of this great nation.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy 4th, Y'all! </span></span></b> </div>
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<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/overalllook.png" style="border: 0;" />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788306804689485437noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407066567804337680.post-15564268208263864532013-07-01T23:06:00.000-04:002013-07-01T23:06:35.691-04:00One More~<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No, not coming to us from China!</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just one more photo of the boys!</span></span></b></div>
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<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/overalllook.png" style="border: 0;" />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788306804689485437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407066567804337680.post-53847101001599771482013-06-30T19:46:00.000-04:002013-06-30T21:01:19.593-04:00The Big Boys~<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh, yes! We do have more children in our family than usually grace my blog posts.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's a photo my guys just emailed to me!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It does my mama heart good.</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So good. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My older boys are FRIENDS! They are choosing to spend time together.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And although they do not live close to each other, they made plans to spend a week of vacation together. And let me just tell you~</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I LOVE that!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Will, in the Baylor shirt, is 22. He graduated last December~ a semester early, I might add. And he's now a grad student at Colorado State. And he worked things out so that he's not paying a dime for his grad school. </span></span></b> <b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nor is he paying for his living expenses. And let's just say, his dad is PLEASED!</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Will has an internship this summer w/ Noble Energy in Denver. His time on the job is flexible. As you can see!</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Will's an outdoorsy kind of guy, and he had all the equipment for</span></span></b> <b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the boys' week long camping adventure. Good thing. Drew showed up in Denver with just himself. And his clothes. So Will took him to REI. So he'd at least have a sleeping bag. :)</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And Drew~ he's 25, and we're awfully proud of this boy, too!</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He's living and working in Omaha, NE. A bit too far from home for this mama's liking. </span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Drew's a federal bank examiner. He's on the road almost continuously working to make sure that the Nebraska banks are in compliance with all the gov. rules and regulations. And that YOUR money is safe! </span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> A large portion of his job also involves A LOT of writing. Writing up pages and pages of reports. It's a good thing he scored a perfect score on the writing section of his SAT. Oh, yes he did!</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, a bit of our National Park <strike>obsession</strike> fun must have rubbed off on the guys. They've planned a whirlwind tour of Glacier, The Tetons (where the above photo was taken) and Yellowstone. We've done a lot of traveling with our older children, but we didn't get out west much at all. Ok, just once when we went to San Fran. (and we don't consider TX "out west" but of course we've been there, too) So I'm glad the boys are able to do this! To SEE and experience firsthand God's awesome creation. </span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> But mostly, I'm glad they want to do this TOGETHER!</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks for sending the photo, guys! I bet you didn't think you'd end up on the blog! </span></span></b><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/overalllook.png" style="border: 0;" />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788306804689485437noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407066567804337680.post-48148563019428389652013-06-29T11:09:00.002-04:002013-06-29T11:43:11.243-04:00Destination Atlanta~<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last weekend we headed to Atlanta!</span></span></b> </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Emily is interning at a church in the area this summer.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And we decided it was time for a visit! </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Friday, we loaded up the van and set off~ </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Destination Atlanta! </span></span></b> </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We stopped at the SC / Georgia border rest area for lunch. But no photos of that.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We arrived at our hotel, and Emily was there to meet us. We let the kids swim (and again, no photos of that) and settled in for a nice chat poolside with Emily. SO miss that biggest girl of ours! </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She is doing great. And although her internship has been a stretch for her in a few ways, she is seeing for herself the growth she has had. And even she says that that's been a good thing!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After swimming, we headed over to Emily's host family's house for a cookout. You would think I would have thought to have snapped a photo of Emily and the precious family hosting her, but again, I did not. Geesh.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I did get this of the kids. The older girl in the photo is the oldest daughter of the "B" family. She graduated from Auburn a year ago. Her younger sister is Emily's friend at Auburn. Emily's friend, Katherine, is doing an internship at a church in Austin, Tx and is being hosted by a family there. And Katherine's parents are paying it forward and having Emily for the summer. SO nice how that worked out! AND we know that Emily is in very good hands while away from us.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They served a delicious meal to our crew and we had a nice evening of fellowship and fun!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We left short 2 girls, as AC and Kate stayed for a sleepover with sissy!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sissy gave them mani/ pedi's and let them catch some fireflies before heading to bed!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next morning Emily met us at the hotel bright and early, and we headed off for a day on Lake Lanier! </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you can see, the day was perfect!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had a bit of a wait for our boat to be readied, but the kids had fun in a splash pad area.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And playing on the dock </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Charlie strikes a pose while waiting patiently!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And finally....</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were on the boat!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And having some big fun!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had some big fun OFF the boat as well!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We discovered our own island!</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>And swam...</b></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And tubed!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a day of fun and togetherness~ just as we had planned!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Afterwards, we cleaned up and headed to </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pappacitos for dinner!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was a family favorite when we lived in Houston, so we had to give the Atlanta location a try. And it did not disappoint.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Though the wait was LONG (as it always is) we snacked and sipped and took a few photos! </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After our tummies were filled, we headed back to our hotel with one less girl, as Grace had her turn for a sleepover with Emily!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Emily leads the middle school girls' Sunday school class, so it was perfect for her to take Grace along the next morning. We met up with them later that morning for worship. While there, we were able to meet the other interns and a lot of the staff, which was fun! Everyone was so welcoming and so excited to meet Emily's siblings! </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After church, we headed here</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">for a yummy lunch!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And then all too soon, it was time to say goodbye.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> It was great seeing you, Emily!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We sure had fun! We love you. And we miss you, too!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></b> </div>
<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/overalllook.png" style="border: 0;" />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788306804689485437noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407066567804337680.post-88378022698265114862013-06-19T22:18:00.001-04:002013-06-19T22:37:30.222-04:003 Years!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Today we celebrate 3 years with Charlie and Grace!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Charlie's Family Day was on Monday the 17th, and Grace's is on Friday the 21st. We've chosen to celebrate each year on June 19th, which is half way between the two dates.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> We discovered a new (to us) Chinese restaurant not far from our home that has become a family favorite, and we go there often to celebrate various occasions. So tonight, once again, we headed for The Great Wall for our celebration. Grace tells us that the food there is closest to how food tasted in China.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The owner, himself from China, is always very gracious to our family and makes a point each time we are in to come to our table and visit for a little bit. He enjoys talking with Grace in Mandarin. She's so-so on talking with him, but she goes along with it anyway.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Bringing home older children is not an easy thing. And with Grace and Charlie, we've not been the exception. We ARE exceptionally fortunate though, that they both REALLY wanted to be a part of a family. They came to us easily, and with Charlie, he's never looked back. Grace knew well what life within a family looked like, as she had lived for 9 1/2 of her 10 1/2 years in China with the same foster family, so that really helped with her transition. She jumped into life with her new family with both feet, eager to experience all that her new life had to offer. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">But still, there have been challenges. Language has come slowly. The "kids learn languages so quickly" thing has not held true in our experience. And when language comes slowly, so does reading, writing and spelling.... </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Immaturity, poor impulse control, diagnosed speech delays, deceptiveness, unhealthy competitiveness w/ siblings, and learning challenges are <i>some</i> of the issues we are still navigating 3 years later.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">BUT....</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">We also see children who are thriving within our family. They are loving, trusting, secure, outgoing and happy. They are learning and growing. They are GLAD to be HERE with their family, and we couldn't be happier to call them OURS. We had never set out to adopt a little boy or to adopt an older child. But God spoke CLEARLY and we stepped out in faith. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">And the blessing has been ours.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Charlie is a happy little guy with a good disposition. He wakes up early and is excited to start his day! He loves to play with his sisters, and his brother, Will, is extra special to him. He's gentle and tries hard to please. He came to us at 4 1/2 speaking only one word phrases, and now he chatters all day long! His favorite activities are reading/ being read to, building puzzles, playing board games, swimming and art. Almost daily he tells us that "today is my best day ever!"</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Grace also has a great disposition and is full of silliness and joy. For a 13 year old girl, I am always amazed at how even keeled she is and that she never complains. She is very helpful and has great life skills. She is thankful for everything. Grace LOVES her family and loves doing things as a family. She prefers to do things with her siblings as opposed to her peers. She prefers "experiences" to "things." She loves to travel, and is always the one most excited when we go on a road trip! She enjoys learning about her new country. She loves history. She told me she's so glad to have come here so she can learn history. She never learned history in China, "because they don't have a history." She sees the differences between the Chinese government and ours and comments often about the freedoms we enjoy here. She's also very interested in learning our family history. LOVE that about her. Grace can talk well with adults and is not shy to make conversation as she meets extended family or other adult friends. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Grace asked Jesus into her heart and was baptized last spring. She talks of wanting to go back to China to tell her China Grandma (Grace was particularly close to her and has a deep bond to her) about God and Jesus. And I pray that she'll be able to do that one day. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Gracie and Charlie, we are so thankful to be your mommy and daddy. You are loved. 3 years home and a lifetime to go. I cannot wait to see what God has planned for you both.</span></b><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/overalllook.png" style="border: 0;" />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788306804689485437noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407066567804337680.post-79549346339221280492013-06-17T21:52:00.001-04:002013-06-17T21:56:49.399-04:00Father's Day~<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Saturday morning, after breakfast, I asked Bill what he'd like to do for Father's Day. And he mentioned wanting to go back to Appomattox at some point down the road.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You may remember that our visit there back in Feb. was not to be, due to inclement weather.</span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sm_TAIoMqik/Ub-yROa5gjI/AAAAAAAAJtw/L_f6MpsEDKQ/s1600/DSC01058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sm_TAIoMqik/Ub-yROa5gjI/AAAAAAAAJtw/L_f6MpsEDKQ/s640/DSC01058.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Well, why not THIS weekend?" I asked.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And so, within the hour, we had the car packed, kids loaded, picnic lunch prepared and we were pulling out of our driveway and on our way to Virginia. Because, that's the way we roll around here. And sometimes it's just fun to be spur of the moment!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We stopped along the way for lunch.</span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U2JVbsXn99Q/Ub-yRXN_iFI/AAAAAAAAJt4/vrav7aL-3SU/s1600/DSC02087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U2JVbsXn99Q/Ub-yRXN_iFI/AAAAAAAAJt4/vrav7aL-3SU/s640/DSC02087.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> And we arrived in Lynchburg about 4 hours later.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We checked in to our hotel and let the kids swim for a couple of hours, and then headed into the historic area of the town to find a dinner spot.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We came upon the Depot Grille, an old train depot turned into an eatery, and decided to give it a try. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We sat outside to enjoy the beautiful weather and the good food, and the kids were delighted when a train came rumbling by!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Afterwards we took a walk along the tracks</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P2eDBcl3SMc/Ub-yXDeNt7I/AAAAAAAAJuI/-qprPZV1otw/s1600/DSC02098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P2eDBcl3SMc/Ub-yXDeNt7I/AAAAAAAAJuI/-qprPZV1otw/s640/DSC02098.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and then along the James river, crossing over a bridge to a nature preserve area. We watched the sun set and let the kids catch lightening bugs. Such a fun evening!</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sunday morning, we headed to Appomattox.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RaWuoarhXoA/Ub-3jl7iNPI/AAAAAAAAJvg/InQPIpjHpuA/s1600/DSC02166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RaWuoarhXoA/Ub-3jl7iNPI/AAAAAAAAJvg/InQPIpjHpuA/s640/DSC02166.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> On our February visit</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and at the same spot on our Father's Day visit!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GL-idMDtZWk/Ub-ybZY92lI/AAAAAAAAJuY/VhmKnu92G_0/s1600/DSC02107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GL-idMDtZWk/Ub-ybZY92lI/AAAAAAAAJuY/VhmKnu92G_0/s640/DSC02107.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The kids enjoyed seeing a mobile printing press demonstration.</span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yH6NwAlZ2qA/Ub-yfBQEXkI/AAAAAAAAJuk/ScP7128Dx0Y/s1600/DSC02112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yH6NwAlZ2qA/Ub-yfBQEXkI/AAAAAAAAJuk/ScP7128Dx0Y/s640/DSC02112.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We listened to a Corporal tell about his time with the Union Army and his eye witness account of the events that occurred at Appomattox.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">About mid way through our visit, we left the site and headed into town for some lunch. A ranger recommended this spot for a homey, southern lunch.</span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aFPtXdlJ4J0/Ub-yfY0z5rI/AAAAAAAAJuo/kqQ6ZBUrUuE/s1600/DSC02116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aFPtXdlJ4J0/Ub-yfY0z5rI/AAAAAAAAJuo/kqQ6ZBUrUuE/s640/DSC02116.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This was definitely the spot for the over 70, local, after church, Sunday dinner crowd. And when we walked in, everyone stopped their eating and STARED. It was rather awkward, I must say. And the food was, eh. You win some and lose some when trying to eat "local."</span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6A68NA_KyV0/Ub-yhBu1C2I/AAAAAAAAJuw/Q5wEEM0P7Xs/s1600/DSC02125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6A68NA_KyV0/Ub-yhBu1C2I/AAAAAAAAJuw/Q5wEEM0P7Xs/s640/DSC02125.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back at the site, Daddy and kids at the McLean House, where General Robert E. Lee surrendered and the papers were signed. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9aFwSb4G5UQ/Ub-yoT-Zk3I/AAAAAAAAJu4/efyIURj9S_E/s1600/DSC02129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9aFwSb4G5UQ/Ub-yoT-Zk3I/AAAAAAAAJu4/efyIURj9S_E/s640/DSC02129.jpg" width="426" /></a></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And we visited the county jail and locked up some unruly citizens. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We visited the other buildings on the property, turned in completed booklets for Ranger Badges, and headed back home with a deeper understanding of the men who fought on both sides of the war. Often brother against brother. Each fighting for what they believed was right. </span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vKhwcyLSCyA/Ub-ypSr2pBI/AAAAAAAAJvE/NFOswUG1wAs/s1600/DSC02157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vKhwcyLSCyA/Ub-ypSr2pBI/AAAAAAAAJvE/NFOswUG1wAs/s640/DSC02157.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I still need to finish posting from our graduation trip, but I want to keep current, too, otherwise it seems like I'm never caught up. Do y'all ever feel that way?</span></span></b></div>
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<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/overalllook.png" style="border: 0;" />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788306804689485437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407066567804337680.post-16230155111103195562013-06-14T21:49:00.000-04:002013-06-14T22:01:51.728-04:00Flag Day~<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, being Flag Day, this is a good day to post some of the photos from our DC area site seeing while we were in town for my nephew's graduation last month.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Day 1</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The rain we had experienced on graduation day had moved through, and our day was sunny, cool and very breezy. Our hotel was not far from Ft. McHenry, so we began our day there!</span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0KWpejwkQ8s/Ubu771T70hI/AAAAAAAAJsA/ejT0wPKZvXU/s1600/DSC01726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0KWpejwkQ8s/Ubu771T70hI/AAAAAAAAJsA/ejT0wPKZvXU/s640/DSC01726.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And of course, this being a National Park, it goes without saying that the kids earned their Jr. Ranger badges!</span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cq380YYSM0I/Ubu8B-Mn7wI/AAAAAAAAJsQ/1Drr0aWSYJU/s1600/DSC01738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cq380YYSM0I/Ubu8B-Mn7wI/AAAAAAAAJsQ/1Drr0aWSYJU/s640/DSC01738.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> AnnaClaire and Grace had studied about the writing of the Star Spangled Banner in history this year, so it was very exciting to see the flag (replica of course) flying over Ft. McHenry, and having this part of the history they had learned come alive.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GOexaqpTjHc/Ubu8FGTZteI/AAAAAAAAJsg/fY6wLTmckWo/s1600/DSC01759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GOexaqpTjHc/Ubu8FGTZteI/AAAAAAAAJsg/fY6wLTmckWo/s640/DSC01759.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pHK8Zla2hXk/Ubu8EOT2nnI/AAAAAAAAJsY/8eGIdCP3URA/s1600/DSC01755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pHK8Zla2hXk/Ubu8EOT2nnI/AAAAAAAAJsY/8eGIdCP3URA/s640/DSC01755.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Of course the cannons were very exciting for everyone to see!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UVRXEuEeRBI/Ubu8G8O1GJI/AAAAAAAAJso/1bU3UsdNrf4/s1600/DSC01771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UVRXEuEeRBI/Ubu8G8O1GJI/AAAAAAAAJso/1bU3UsdNrf4/s640/DSC01771.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> And beautiful Kate! Who takes after her biggest sister (hi, Emily) and isn't the least bit interested in "history!"</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After several hours at Ft. McHenry, it was time to find a spot for lunch. We ALWAYS opt for "local" when given the chance, and we happened upon Big Matty's Diner in the historic part of Baltimore not far from Ft. McHenry.</span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x47mxYwKyVs/Ubu8MAN2tDI/AAAAAAAAJtA/m9p_5Yd_ycQ/s1600/DSC01789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x47mxYwKyVs/Ubu8MAN2tDI/AAAAAAAAJtA/m9p_5Yd_ycQ/s640/DSC01789.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We spoke with the owner, and the diner had been there for 50 years, though he'd owned it for just a few months. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IkGpf_ZAy4s/Ubu8JAZS6HI/AAAAAAAAJsw/LCEejw2bayE/s1600/DSC01781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IkGpf_ZAy4s/Ubu8JAZS6HI/AAAAAAAAJsw/LCEejw2bayE/s640/DSC01781.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The inside was quite retro and included a cute soda bar and the food did not disappoint!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After lunch we decided to visit Arlington National Cemetery. Being the Memorial Day Weekend, we thought this would be the perfect opportunity for our kids to have a first visit. We and EVERYONE else in the DC area had the same idea, evidently. It took us forever to get in and parked. But it was SO worth the effort. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bill and I had last visited Arlington on our 8th grade class trip. Notice I didn't say trip<u>s</u>~ and that's because we were in the same 8th grade class in middle school in Houston. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Perhaps it was because we were just at a military graduation and most definitely because we are no longer middle schoolers, but this time our visit was so very meaningful and profound. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was breathtaking to see all of the veterans' graves decorated with the flags for Memorial Day. I'd seen photos of course, but it's hard to describe actually seeing it in person. The magnitude of Arlington, and the sheer </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">number of graves really hit me on this trip. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although we arrived later in the day, we were able to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (in the background) and we happened to get there right at the changing of the guard. Grace, in particular, enjoyed that.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></b> <b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also visited Kennedy's grave and saw the Eternal Flame. Pictured at the top of the hill is the Lee House, which sadly we did not have time to tour.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After our time at Arlington, we drove to our hotel in Mt. Vernon. And now you know where our next day of touring was, and what you'll see in my next post!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope you all are not weary of all of our history road trip photos. I do hope it serves as an encouragement to you to pack up your family and go and SEE the historic sites in our land. It will make history come alive for your children and for YOU! I can almost guarantee it will give you new appreciation our great country and all we have been given. And it really is our job to pass this down to our children. </span></span></b></div>
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788306804689485437noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407066567804337680.post-27186106584430867502013-06-09T16:55:00.003-04:002013-06-09T16:55:55.899-04:00A Friend~<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A rough start to my day</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A vent to a friend</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A couple of hours later....</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A warm hug</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A cheerful bouquet</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A little bit of sweet and caffeine (my daily habit)</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Just what I needed </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Wrapped in the love of</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A good friend!</span></b></div>
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<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/overalllook.png" style="border: 0;" />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788306804689485437noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407066567804337680.post-90360334445042409782013-06-01T09:10:00.003-04:002013-06-03T19:41:20.286-04:00Our Heros~<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My nephew, Michael, graduated from the Naval Academy last weekend, and our family road tripped up to MD for the occasion!</span></span></b> </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Michael is flanked by his Uncle Peter, on the left side of the photo, who graduated from West Point and is now a retired General, and his father, pictured on the right, who also was a West Point grad, and is now a retired Lt. Colonel. And here they are showing off their class rings!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Graduation day dawned COLD and windy and rainy. Not the best for the outdoor ceremony, but it was made more exciting by the fact that President Obama was in attendance. The children loved seeing the presidential helicopter flying in above us, flanked by 2 other helicopters. While not in agreement with our current president's policies, we respect the office of the President, and remember that it is GOD who sets our leaders above us. Incidentally, this was the first graduation that did NOT have a military fly over~ due to the sequestration. :) </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Each year, the president alternates between attending one of the service academy graduations, and this was the year for him to be at the Naval Academy graduation. Custom is for the president to hand out the diplomas to the top 100 students and shake their hands. (President Obama, though, did request that he be able to shake each graduate's hand.) Michael, having a class rank of #51 out of roughly 1400 graduates was one to receive this honor. Interestingly enough, all 3 of the men pictured above had a president in attendance the year of their graduation, and each graduated in the top 100. Peter, was handed his diploma by Gerald Ford, and Bill (Michael's dad) received his diploma from President Reagan. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I came across this quote by Ronald Reagan this week, and thought I'd share:</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #990000;">Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We did not pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it</span><span style="color: #990000;"> was ONCE like in the United States were men were free. ~ Ronald Reagan</span></i></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;">A sobering thought, isn't it, as we currently watch our freedoms erode.</span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;">Peter, Bill, and now Micheal, our family thanks you and the countless others who serve and give their lives every day to defend our freedoms. We do not take it for granted. </span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;">We were able to do some additional touring while in the area, so stay tuned for another post on that! </span></span><i><span style="color: #990000;"> </span></i></span></span></b></div>
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<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/overalllook.png" style="border: 0;" />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788306804689485437noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2407066567804337680.post-5677079694114695112013-05-22T21:25:00.002-04:002013-05-22T21:25:41.999-04:00Choir Concerts and Piano Recitals, Oh My!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, it's that time of year....</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">AnnaClaire has been singing in a city wide home school choir this year. There are 300+ children from grades 1-12 that sing in the choir. They are broken up into smaller choirs by age. AnnaClaire has been singing with the Music Makers, who are boys and girls from 6-8 years old. They perform 2 concerts each year~ in the spring and fall, as well as sing at a local nursing home twice a year. Here are photos from the spring concert.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">AnnaClaire has learned SO much about music and composers, and more this year through her participation. We are looking forward to next year, when Kate will be old enough to join the Music Makers!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And on to the piano recital, which was held earlier this week~</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">AnnaClaire was the first to play. Here she is anxiously walking to the piano.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> She played America the Beautiful and performed perfectly!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next up was Grace</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our girls had a patriotic theme going, as Grace played The Stars and Stripes Forever. She also played her song through perfectly.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Both girls worked hard, and we couldn't be prouder of them!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And here they are with their piano teacher. She is SO patient and encouraging. AND she comes to our house! We couldn't love her more!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nice job, girls!</span></span></b></div>
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<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/overalllook.png" style="border: 0;" />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788306804689485437noreply@blogger.com2