tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28185301645097705642024-03-13T08:53:38.088-05:00Taste and SeeABC's with the Schoney's....Adoption after Breast CancerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049651554892312704noreply@blogger.comBlogger428125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2818530164509770564.post-4449100391240156032015-01-06T17:20:00.000-06:002015-01-06T17:22:22.806-06:00It's been 5 YEARS!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWXT6L5NnVqx7Bu7nbD5gQhCiP8cxf-N0BjPzZFod-Z_gle9lQlsSb812i7VkUtUiSjCJzVgLDx2bA1z2PnBZtRQwxQjqm3I88mYuGTwmDeB3G8YIgEhaXgggqM-jB3xw-79dymH5l8g/s1600/I'm%2Ba%2Bsurvivor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWXT6L5NnVqx7Bu7nbD5gQhCiP8cxf-N0BjPzZFod-Z_gle9lQlsSb812i7VkUtUiSjCJzVgLDx2bA1z2PnBZtRQwxQjqm3I88mYuGTwmDeB3G8YIgEhaXgggqM-jB3xw-79dymH5l8g/s1600/I'm+a+survivor.jpg" height="320" width="196" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Dave came home from work and handed me a card and chocolates. I was confused, until I opened it up and read the card. He'd remembered that it had been FIVE YEARS since I was <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2010/01/short-explanation.html" target="_blank">diagnosed with cancer</a>. <br />
<br />
FIVE YEARS.<br />
<br />
I watched the days go by in 2010 and <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2011/01/years-worth-of-numbers.html" target="_blank">counted down</a> till I was done that year. <br />
2 surgeries. <br />
76 doctor's appointments.<br />
9 scars.<br />
8 rounds of chemo. <br />
35 shots I had to give myself.<br />
33 days of radiation. <br />
<br />
1 wig, and 2 fake eyelashes to make it through, and most importantly, countless prayers from family and friends.<br />
<br />
Now.....5 years (!!) later, I have been blessed so much that I can't even keep track of it all. Oh, God has been so good to me. He is good, <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2011/04/faith-coffee.html" target="_blank">he is faithful</a>, no matter what, through the good and the bad. But over the last 5 years, I've been given more good things than I can count. Not the least of which, I count my husband, 3 kids, and all those who prayed me through the tough times.<br />
<br />
I am thankful beyond measure.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049651554892312704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2818530164509770564.post-43971573697544206862014-01-10T15:57:00.001-06:002014-01-10T15:57:51.306-06:00Sometimes Traveling is Hard.<div dir="ltr">
Traveling has changed for me a bit over the years. I remember the wonderful time when Mom pretty much did it all. Then, I was single and could be packed and ready to go in about 15 minutes. Thirty-five if you include my shoe and makeup bag.</div>
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Then I got married. Adding in time to pack Dave's supply of pop definitely took the process up to about 45-50 minutes.</div>
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Then we added a dog, and packing time increased to an hour and change.</div>
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Then the children came. We added HOURS to the routine, and don't even get me started on the level of chaos and confusion that became part of leaving for a trip.</div>
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And now that we've added a baby......I can't even begin to estimate. All I know is that it takes YEARS off my life, and adds approximately 7 additional grey hairs to my head. (Yes. I said additional.....sigh.) </div>
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And the actual time on the road? Stops used to be easy and fast and trips could go by quickly. And now? I can't even talk about it.</div>
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But a few weeks ago, we hit a whole new level of chaos in traveling. We were on our way back from my cousin's lovely wedding. It was snowy, and we were worried about the weather and roads getting home. Having found out about a Caribou at an upcoming exit (thanks, mom), we decided to make a quick stop to get gas, food, and coffee. Drive throughs, kids staying in the car.....badda bing, badda boom.</div>
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In and out, that was the plan.</div>
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Except that when we stopped for gas, it woke Clark up. So he started screaming. And kept screaming all the way through pumping gas.</div>
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Next we ran to Wendy's. It was supposed to take approximately 3 minutes. Instead, it took about 10, apparently chicken nuggets are a slow item to order. Clark was still screaming, and through the sad cries, Dave asked Andy (in the way back of the van) to get him a bottle of pop from the cooler bag. While doing so, there was a crash, and Andy ended up trapped under the stroller.</div>
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I have no idea how that was possible.</div>
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But, after FINALLY getting through Wendy's, we whipped into the Caribou parking lot to get Andy out from the stroller. But, instead of going in through the back of the van, Dave decided to go in through the side of the van, over the top of Isaac, who was lost in a book and didn't want to stop.</div>
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Then there was a yell, and a large exhale of air, and I saw that Dave's feet had slipped out from under him and he had fallen on top of Isaac. Not to be distracted from his book, Isaac continued to read while being squished like a taco.</div>
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After getting his footing, Dave <i>still</i> tried to go at it the same way, Isaac <i>still</i> wouldn't quit reading, Andy was <i>still</i> trapped under the stroller, and Clark was <i>still </i>screaming. </div>
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<br />
Thankfully Dave met with more success that time, and finally, Andy was unpinned, Isaac unsquished (still reading), Clark was starting to settle down, and Dave offered to still get coffee. I declined, since this stop had already seemed to take <i>forever.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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However, Dave - still flustered from the whole experience, took a shortcut and turned into the Caribou drive-through, cruising right past the ordering mic, and around the corner.... where we were stuck waiting behind other people who had actually ordered.</div>
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<i>For the love.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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But after my blood pressure came back down to a normal range, Clark stopped crying, Andy was back in his seat, and Isaac was still reading, I just started laughing. Uncontrollably, with tears coming down my face. My children weren't sure if I was mad or sad or happy, or had just lost it altogether, but eventually they started laughing with me. </div>
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I may dream of the days of easy traveling, but I'm pretty sure I won't see them again for <i>years</i>. But, I'm wondering if these won't be the memories we all love reminiscing over someday. For now, though, I vow to <i>never </i>be stuck in a Caribou drive-through without getting coffee again. </div>
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<i>Ever.</i><br />
<i> </i> <br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049651554892312704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2818530164509770564.post-66260597819477255732014-01-08T13:41:00.001-06:002014-01-08T13:41:54.107-06:004 years and counting!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWXT6L5NnVqx7Bu7nbD5gQhCiP8cxf-N0BjPzZFod-Z_gle9lQlsSb812i7VkUtUiSjCJzVgLDx2bA1z2PnBZtRQwxQjqm3I88mYuGTwmDeB3G8YIgEhaXgggqM-jB3xw-79dymH5l8g/s1600/I%2527m+a+survivor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWXT6L5NnVqx7Bu7nbD5gQhCiP8cxf-N0BjPzZFod-Z_gle9lQlsSb812i7VkUtUiSjCJzVgLDx2bA1z2PnBZtRQwxQjqm3I88mYuGTwmDeB3G8YIgEhaXgggqM-jB3xw-79dymH5l8g/s1600/I%2527m+a+survivor.jpg" height="400" width="245" /></a></div>
Blessed doesn't begin to describe how I feel right now. It's been 4 years and 2 days since I was <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2010/01/short-explanation.html" target="_blank">diagnosed with breast cancer</a>.<br />
<br />
I fought my battle with cancer with wonderful doctors, nurses, and techs guiding my care, and amazing friends and family holding me up in prayer and support, not to mention the oodles and oodles of delicious meals brought to us. We were not only never hungry, we were never alone. God sustained us and gave us an abundance of grace for each and every difficult day. I learned to find <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2010/07/i-might-actually-miss-radiation.html" target="_blank">joy and rest</a> in the rocks and hard places.<br />
<br />
At the end of my battle, we had a <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/search/label/KKC%20Party" target="_blank">party</a>. By God's grace, I kicked cancer, and I kicked it hard. I was so thankful, but God's grace and goodness just continued to overflow in my life. <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2011/04/faith-coffee.html" target="_blank">He is so faithful</a>!<br />
<br />
I never thought I'd be able to have kids. And yet God brought not just one, but two of the most amazing boys I've ever known to my home and entrusted them to me to be their mom. There have been good days, bad days, and even some awful ones, but my word, I never knew I could love a child like that.<br />
<br />
As followups continued, I had <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-week-i-thought-cancer-was-back.html" target="_blank">some scares</a>. But I promised to praise God no matter what, and even so, he has allowed continued health. I don't deserve it, but I am so grateful. He is good, no matter my circumstance, and I<a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2011/11/thankfulness.html" target="_blank"> WILL give thanks</a>, but sometimes, God just makes it so easy.<br />
<br />
And then. My word. This past year, I had the shock of my life when I found out <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2013/03/god-still-does-miracles.html" target="_blank">I was pregnant</a>. I never thought I would experience that, and I had come to terms with it. But God is so gracious, so loving, and he loves to bless his children. Those blessings do not always come in the form of easy things, or times that feel good, but he is so, so good, and I am absolutely humbled by the blessings he has put in my life.<br />
<br />
This past September, I gave birth to one of the 3 most beautiful boys in the entire world, and I lost my heart all over again. I never knew I could love three little people this much.<br />
<br />
And now, 4 years after life felt like it was starting to crumble down around me, here I sit. My two bigs are playing games while my tiny one naps, and I'm here, fresh from the doctor's office, having received yet another bill of GREAT health.<br />
<br />
I am beyond grateful.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
<span class="text Ps-34-1">I will extol the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> at all times;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-34-1">his praise will always be on my lips.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-34-2" id="en-NIV-14391"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>I will glory in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-34-2">let the afflicted hear and rejoice.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-34-3" id="en-NIV-14392"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>Glorify the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> with me;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-34-3">let us exalt his name together.</span></span> <br />
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-34-4" id="en-NIV-14393"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>I sought the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, and he answered me;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-34-4">he delivered me from all my fears.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-34-5" id="en-NIV-14394"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>Those who look to him are radiant;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-34-5">their faces are never covered with shame.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-34-6" id="en-NIV-14395"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>This poor man called, and the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> heard him;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-34-6">he saved him out of all his troubles.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-34-7" id="en-NIV-14396"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>The angel of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> encamps around those who fear him,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-34-7">and he delivers them.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-34-8" id="en-NIV-14397"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup><i><b>Taste and see that the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is good;</b></i></span><i><b><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-34-8">blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.</span></span></b></i><br />
<span class="text Ps-34-9" id="en-NIV-14398"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>Fear the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, you his holy people,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-34-9">for those who fear him lack nothing.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-34-10" id="en-NIV-14399"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>The lions may grow weak and hungry,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-34-10">but those who seek the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> lack no good thing.</span></span><span class="text Ps-34-11" id="en-NIV-14400"> -Psalm 34:1-10</span><span class="text Ps-34-11" id="en-NIV-14400"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049651554892312704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2818530164509770564.post-73882138369280170352013-12-21T08:42:00.000-06:002013-12-21T08:42:33.277-06:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioq5ZPpk39IZpsewsdMRVop-FHSBixC-wwi5TkP_VFSGi-UP6PCwUAgZ1iGyJ7SjNOKxn7yiO4LZ7gtnzcQ43LuQMaNkm7i5dbNZhSqTxtPcbJ6JXpG13LNFpC6J3Ps8oNsXCQFchn5uc/s1600/front+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioq5ZPpk39IZpsewsdMRVop-FHSBixC-wwi5TkP_VFSGi-UP6PCwUAgZ1iGyJ7SjNOKxn7yiO4LZ7gtnzcQ43LuQMaNkm7i5dbNZhSqTxtPcbJ6JXpG13LNFpC6J3Ps8oNsXCQFchn5uc/s1600/front+final.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This past year has quickly flown by in the slowest way possible. It seems like yesterday that I was writing <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2012/12/merry-christmas-from-our-family-to-yours.html" target="_blank">last year's Christmas letter</a>; it seems like it was years ago at the very same time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBaX6tqAV8rCqchp9K2hKq7H1urRa7GARs1ph4LgDWxFR2e03zwN6tJgHJ_c6aBeNVNvfOecCMXHEYSNzGX4dfjZJibOR1HtU9XkmaVTbZ6HgDZCqZrK0XUcjDDQ47_hf-D_b-DrZ6dZk/s1600/Two+Feet+-+Med.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBaX6tqAV8rCqchp9K2hKq7H1urRa7GARs1ph4LgDWxFR2e03zwN6tJgHJ_c6aBeNVNvfOecCMXHEYSNzGX4dfjZJibOR1HtU9XkmaVTbZ6HgDZCqZrK0XUcjDDQ47_hf-D_b-DrZ6dZk/s1600/Two+Feet+-+Med.jpg.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
In <b>January</b>, we found out that<a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2013/03/god-still-does-miracles.html" target="_blank"> I was pregnant</a>! Our family was excited and happy, and discovered something together: We are not a patient group of people! For the next 9 months, we were often<a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2013/07/poppyseeds-to-pineapples.html" target="_blank"> learning about Peanut's growth</a> and talking about what we were looking forward to. Compared to adopting kids, this process of adding a child to our family seemed painfully slow!<br />
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<b>February</b> went by in a whirlwind of nausea. I'm not entirely sure what else happened that month, besides the fact that we ate an exorbitant amount of take out in effort to avoid cooking smells!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90A-dEsZZCkqD_yLAbnL74Vb7svD-YUo6IPBd9pXoKGsKJoOJeExvV6Mx1Fash8POtamwIB6ZjwV8TMxD2VHtha76kbVrPzKOhh269ObMRPAziBm-sb6-rowQ6ed5T2g2FbZCXBHXbQ0/s1600/DSC_0295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90A-dEsZZCkqD_yLAbnL74Vb7svD-YUo6IPBd9pXoKGsKJoOJeExvV6Mx1Fash8POtamwIB6ZjwV8TMxD2VHtha76kbVrPzKOhh269ObMRPAziBm-sb6-rowQ6ed5T2g2FbZCXBHXbQ0/s1600/DSC_0295.jpg" height="200" width="199" /></a></div>
<b>March</b> came, and with it came <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2013/03/my-boy-is-10.html" target="_blank">Andy's 10th birthday</a>. Double digits for my boy! Hard to believe, and we celebrated with a giant Angry Birds cake and a basketball game/concert combo featuring Jason Gray.<br />
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In <b>April</b>, we went on a family vacation to Philadelphia, New York, and Washington DC. We toured Independence Hall, saw Carpenter's Hall, went through museums, saw the Statue of Liberty, ate ice cream cones on the famous steps of the New York Library, ate pizza at the first pizza restaurant in the USA, saw the New York skyline from the Top of the Rock, napped in Central Park, mastered public subway systems with children in tow (totally different than just having to fend for yourself!), looked at the Declaration of Independence, went through George Washington's home, watched the Changing of the Guard at Arlington Cemetery, and looked at the White House. Are you tired yet? We were. But we had so much fun, and many family memories were made.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkN_B8HGZbk2WQkAT3owIVVGmZdllo-9eFaekZTSDoDtnab_r-GpABKI21MDr1wGwmVoyIYN8YcQhyphenhyphenZW6y_3XtoR3siXChBfGemjVToTz4_QvqBjzh4l1TctjMbIJZ4dHOiviJcTqh8c0/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkN_B8HGZbk2WQkAT3owIVVGmZdllo-9eFaekZTSDoDtnab_r-GpABKI21MDr1wGwmVoyIYN8YcQhyphenhyphenZW6y_3XtoR3siXChBfGemjVToTz4_QvqBjzh4l1TctjMbIJZ4dHOiviJcTqh8c0/s1600/Untitled.png" height="151" width="200" /></a><br />
<b>May</b> brought Isaac's birthday, and he turned 8! His love for Star Wars continues to grow, <br />
and so we celebrated 8 years of existence with a Lego-Mini-figure Luke Skywalker cake.<br />
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<b>June</b> and <b>July</b> were filled with many fun summer activities, and Dave continued to work at finishing our basement. We went swimming, played at parks, took a road trip to Kansas City, and enjoyed time together. <br />
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By <b>August</b>, it was <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2013/08/back-to-school-already.html" target="_blank">time to start school</a>! We are homeschooling again this year, and started early so we would be able to take some time off when Peanut joined our family. <br />
<br />
Andy is in fourth grade this year, and doing well. He has really had a chance to develop his own interests in reading, and has learned a lot through all the biographies he's read!<br />
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Isaac is in third grade this year, and his favorite subject is math. He is blessed to be very talented in this area of study.<br />
<br />
<b>September</b> rolled around, and I was ready to have Peanut by the first week of the month. However, he tends to have his own schedule, and didn't arrive until September 25th! He has been worth every bit of the wait.<br />
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<b>October</b> was filled with sleepless nights that come with that newborn fog, but we enjoyed being a family of 5 as we made it to the apple orchard, watched football, and spent time with each other.<br />
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<b>November</b> and <b>December</b> have been a fun time of holidays and celebration, and a reminder to be thankful for all the ways in which God has blessed us. I hope you have time this holiday season to reflect on the birth of Christ and find awe and wonder at the hope that tiny little baby brought to this earth on that night so long ago.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/45/2a/ad/452aadc66d8d5a2a94f27c0f30662cee.jpg" target="_blank">source</a></span></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049651554892312704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2818530164509770564.post-66454350817350777662013-12-19T11:29:00.000-06:002013-12-19T11:29:11.251-06:00Naughty or nice......George Winston's beautiful music was playing in the background, and I was working on yet another to-do list. Christmas time truly is the most wonderful time of the year, but my word, it's exhausting for mamas. (or is that just me? Tell me it's not just me.)<br />
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And then, as my favorite Winston song, "Joy" starts playing, Andy turns to me with an angelic look on his face, and innocently asked, "Mom, is that YOU playing? It sounds JUST like you! When did you record this?"<br />
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Ah.....someone knows it's only a couple of days till Christmas, and is still trying to solidify his place on the "nice" list. Well played, kid, well played. You know me well.<br />
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On an unrelated note, if anybody needs me, I'll be busy shopping on Amazon for...... some last minute things.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049651554892312704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2818530164509770564.post-4031743511675987962013-12-13T15:17:00.000-06:002013-12-13T15:17:20.281-06:00Naps and such.Occasionally, a giant ellipses is needed to sort of catch up on life. Consider this post to be such.<br />
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On my last post, we were just starting school, and I was extremely pregnant.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">...</span></span></h2>
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And so our life as a family of five has been wild and fun. My two older boys have become wonderful big brothers, and my littlest one's smiles makes all the exhaustion worth it. Seriously, I can't even remember what a full night's sleep is like. <br />
<br />
One of the cruel tricks of life is the imbalance of sleep and the desire for sleep. Right now, for example, I'd do about anything for the opportunity to nap. Such opportunities are completely wasted on this little one. Just wait, kid, someday you'll miss these chances.<br />
<br />
Just the other day, I tried to put him down for a nap. I tried to tell him it was nap time.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPmI2ml7nhwIiEH8crZUo2uq1K72jcuqEgDq7dMjsEWbH0iL1oPmVNAdwVG-3Dm5HxnCVCVYk_5bhU_hOCXju9z5Il5fqZSvgRjXWfq2X-sSmokkquWSwHrh5qTtiIB4rvGFcu4Z9mEo/s1600/2013-12-11+11.24.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPmI2ml7nhwIiEH8crZUo2uq1K72jcuqEgDq7dMjsEWbH0iL1oPmVNAdwVG-3Dm5HxnCVCVYk_5bhU_hOCXju9z5Il5fqZSvgRjXWfq2X-sSmokkquWSwHrh5qTtiIB4rvGFcu4Z9mEo/s1600/2013-12-11+11.24.37.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Wait, you want me to do what?"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPe4e_IJJ-ot2oqrBPQrqrmSOr_jmXggoG59_4ryFonE5I_ZL3k-GEhRJdpo0Jyk0ZZioWsFjKDhZgZX_P724aKcdcZQL9BI3Snt4JrET_TIbYnq2b56kKf9U-sMMb3Z5R9_V2PtKeL_0/s1600/2013-12-11+11.24.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPe4e_IJJ-ot2oqrBPQrqrmSOr_jmXggoG59_4ryFonE5I_ZL3k-GEhRJdpo0Jyk0ZZioWsFjKDhZgZX_P724aKcdcZQL9BI3Snt4JrET_TIbYnq2b56kKf9U-sMMb3Z5R9_V2PtKeL_0/s1600/2013-12-11+11.24.54.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"You say you want me to SLEEP?"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrt95aI6vLkxv_0ZJ5slWxNhO0x6JfwAPoL3RtxFYtE4nd1W7yzBw7sNAllYJXXKL7oDRom2GEMRE_qd3FKzXRxW-ab8fr8dILhUJWnKRmwitjFAMJ1Fr4wrgdFFNWzH5WSjSEZ1iXSIw/s1600/2013-12-11+11.24.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrt95aI6vLkxv_0ZJ5slWxNhO0x6JfwAPoL3RtxFYtE4nd1W7yzBw7sNAllYJXXKL7oDRom2GEMRE_qd3FKzXRxW-ab8fr8dILhUJWnKRmwitjFAMJ1Fr4wrgdFFNWzH5WSjSEZ1iXSIw/s1600/2013-12-11+11.24.59.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Haha, that's funny." </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jHvucoQ8r7nH_7SW2SaaShagT6YjLdSuEZz_tA4eyJLuZyDvN46pptLpGoaGV_lwTtcekPnd1jrcSEa4FqDsY9BcBNc06ZQuwSmM_ECAUllY0YHodQklvlX3qTgQwN1KxL6JNfI1y-Y/s1600/2013-12-11+11.25.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jHvucoQ8r7nH_7SW2SaaShagT6YjLdSuEZz_tA4eyJLuZyDvN46pptLpGoaGV_lwTtcekPnd1jrcSEa4FqDsY9BcBNc06ZQuwSmM_ECAUllY0YHodQklvlX3qTgQwN1KxL6JNfI1y-Y/s1600/2013-12-11+11.25.09.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Oh man......Can't.Stop.Laughing!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2drhYuDDPCUiQDblVriJjEPA9LAe4S2NAuy4nJdl7N9IB_K9rd7LeLNHIvJBtDRgpPwq2spJ734fwDI6D9icAkYYkaapUCOkBy9c6K4XdkYVb28m8tmquXPDXSOP1oaoeHaYaY1X-WRw/s1600/2013-12-11+11.48.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2drhYuDDPCUiQDblVriJjEPA9LAe4S2NAuy4nJdl7N9IB_K9rd7LeLNHIvJBtDRgpPwq2spJ734fwDI6D9icAkYYkaapUCOkBy9c6K4XdkYVb28m8tmquXPDXSOP1oaoeHaYaY1X-WRw/s1600/2013-12-11+11.48.38.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Ok, I give up........."</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049651554892312704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2818530164509770564.post-11918908494721069422013-08-06T09:42:00.000-05:002013-08-06T09:44:09.413-05:00Back to School! (Already)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5TJCDFoPbgWI3G-DRrZlUTSuX-MsB5NuxGnUmK-nsB8aINuyVk-ufGpsfQWJ0bj6lioVq41-ckxIJCDiShJZTT5WKotJPgsVk3dlfc5l-u1MBaIIsk0TAZYpn-Rmm6_O8bfN8Fcnw5o/s1600/DSC_0784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5TJCDFoPbgWI3G-DRrZlUTSuX-MsB5NuxGnUmK-nsB8aINuyVk-ufGpsfQWJ0bj6lioVq41-ckxIJCDiShJZTT5WKotJPgsVk3dlfc5l-u1MBaIIsk0TAZYpn-Rmm6_O8bfN8Fcnw5o/s400/DSC_0784.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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We had our first day back to school yesterday. Since Peanut is due in September, we decided to get a head start on school, so we'd be able to take off a few weeks guilt-free after he comes. The kids have decided it's a pretty good trade-off.<br />
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We started the day off with the traditional going out to eat on the first day of school (started by my parents back when I was homeschooled!).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCP0I1RbijYSA8w8xPyM3BEhuheNEy9pw_cPVFkXMXoeb8Zhq-BGlQwvq6hXnwA_WyeLdsO44kDbDMosJ17hjMyw476SDjKK7ck78MmFUcLc3_S9anMfV_TB_-d3Q6kjKQRDAlysMLiVY/s1600/DSC_0760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCP0I1RbijYSA8w8xPyM3BEhuheNEy9pw_cPVFkXMXoeb8Zhq-BGlQwvq6hXnwA_WyeLdsO44kDbDMosJ17hjMyw476SDjKK7ck78MmFUcLc3_S9anMfV_TB_-d3Q6kjKQRDAlysMLiVY/s400/DSC_0760.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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After a good breakfast, we dove in. The boys had written letters to their future selves at the end of the last school year, with advice and encouragement for this current year, and we read those before getting started with Bible.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJF24NrrNcmJTappON8gxGqTeaQY3kPW18r2T8755JDa8mGa79rz6Ak-AN5pmP7sh4yTo6J4LpKgzTyzn5Scy193JtK91vPjPFrhoMiaW3TejS_Zaqb4-hhV-UNt5thoYcNMX_951qxI/s1600/DSC_0772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJF24NrrNcmJTappON8gxGqTeaQY3kPW18r2T8755JDa8mGa79rz6Ak-AN5pmP7sh4yTo6J4LpKgzTyzn5Scy193JtK91vPjPFrhoMiaW3TejS_Zaqb4-hhV-UNt5thoYcNMX_951qxI/s400/DSC_0772.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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Yesterday was pretty fun, and to be honest, there's something nice about getting back to a routine (though that enjoyment naturally comes after a nice, long break from it!). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgS4jOQU2o6ebifU_qSsBHD6D9IrWFxtaaJYij-1IrS9HVYYTKq9LT6Fj_I_nxlqdI0DXKi5v5Q2vKJKy-O0JWyIVVa3Y4yMh8SUnXvTq5M_dRFFf6lh7kSpC9QyEozTuce811CUtfENw/s1600/DSC_0805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgS4jOQU2o6ebifU_qSsBHD6D9IrWFxtaaJYij-1IrS9HVYYTKq9LT6Fj_I_nxlqdI0DXKi5v5Q2vKJKy-O0JWyIVVa3Y4yMh8SUnXvTq5M_dRFFf6lh7kSpC9QyEozTuce811CUtfENw/s400/DSC_0805.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our school year is off to a great start!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtUEWVStmwnj12vl9yvIHGzS-rBY6Vtc3G7c_jhSQTMvBB3v_H1PKjamH94TIxLET9oPf1tJ8ZfU793sBPQIfVy4mn-F6tKBYWv_mlKg3D-4YVGCEBIKd51pemEQnnmsXChGLNgeTiLA/s1600/DSC_0790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtUEWVStmwnj12vl9yvIHGzS-rBY6Vtc3G7c_jhSQTMvBB3v_H1PKjamH94TIxLET9oPf1tJ8ZfU793sBPQIfVy4mn-F6tKBYWv_mlKg3D-4YVGCEBIKd51pemEQnnmsXChGLNgeTiLA/s400/DSC_0790.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049651554892312704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2818530164509770564.post-13670451386476274692013-08-01T23:16:00.000-05:002013-08-01T23:16:18.616-05:00I would never have guessed...The other day, I came in the front door after a long afternoon out with the kids, only to find this on the table:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieZEMK1YieNeQ4ego4vnx3hWi4uEkE9tjZB3rvq27Apdbwdf0x3t8rQmf6ZYbVBSsMxG9b91h-Q2YjXtxneakG-CVPGAhm4yrcHOVN-Kc-MvHimwc-zm6bNS_n-k1cFNtwWhFKCeeFV0/s1600/3+year+flowers.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieZEMK1YieNeQ4ego4vnx3hWi4uEkE9tjZB3rvq27Apdbwdf0x3t8rQmf6ZYbVBSsMxG9b91h-Q2YjXtxneakG-CVPGAhm4yrcHOVN-Kc-MvHimwc-zm6bNS_n-k1cFNtwWhFKCeeFV0/s400/3+year+flowers.jpg.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I started thinking through possible reasons - but my birthday and anniversary are all pretty far away right now. I had almost chalked it up to another "just because" bouquet, when I spotted the card tucked into them. <br />
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"Happy 3 years since the end of treatment!!"<br />
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I had completely forgotten, but my sweet husband hadn't. Three years ago that day, I had <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2010/07/i-am-done.html" target="_blank">finished my cancer treatments</a>. Suddenly my mind was in another place, another world. I remembered crying the entire way home from the hospital that day, because I was so overwhelmed at the idea that I was DONE with cancer, and because I was so grateful to God for allowing me to have victory over that terrible disease.<br />
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I also remembered wondering what God would have for my life, and I really had no idea. We had wanted children for so long before cancer ever hit, but at that point, it just seemed so painfully far off.<br />
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But the fact is, I serve an amazingly huge God who just loves to bless His children. I deserve nothing, and yet He gives me so much. I would <i>never</i> have guessed that just 3 short years later, I would have adopted two children and been <i>pregnant</i> with our third! God is great, and He is so good to our family. <br />
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If you had given me a secret peak into a window of my future 3 years ago, all I can say, is that my life has moved far beyond what I would have imagined. I'm so thankful that God has blessed me so richly, and so wonderfully, these past 3 years. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049651554892312704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2818530164509770564.post-72954808441969508912013-07-24T21:59:00.000-05:002013-08-01T23:22:10.892-05:00Poppyseeds to Pineapples <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We're having a boy this September, and I still can hardly believe it. We had really become comfortable that we would adopt all our children, and were happy with the plan we thought we understood. It's been an amazing blessing to add another child to our family, though compared to how quickly we had our first two, the wait is seeming rather long.</div>
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One way we've been processing through the growth with the boys is with an app on my phone that compares Peanut's size to a fruit based on the week, and we learn about his development. He started out the size of a poppyseed. We told the boys around the time he was the size of a grape, and they've eagerly followed his progress with help from the produce department.<br />
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I have really seen them gain new understanding of life as God sees it through this process - as they learn more about their baby brother, it has really cemented the truth that the baby is living and breathing and real - and that he is made in the image of God, to be protected and provided for, from the time he was the size of a poppyseed. They have started to value life in a way that touches my heart, and I'm certain pleases the heart of God.<br />
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It has been a joy to share this pregnancy with our family - both the boys and Dave have been able to feel kicks and punches (there have been <i>plenty</i> to feel!), and as he has grown to the size of lemons, apples, and mangoes, we've just fallen in love with him.<br />
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Currently, he is approximately the size of a pineapple, and is growing like crazy. He is healthy and active, and I can hardly wait to meet him and hold him in my arms!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonsnOPOdBQuoVim448rev_a21FIje0pgdC5DqMyJ_9Tdnycw8YhFJ_yz0IC2izAlFccrfhBysCNXKW4jjzeS6JJkbScfjoKEXDDW52MrNnyNnxSazbFZAGgLyjxkGZUP8Yytjep_i0OI/s1600/Peanut+20+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonsnOPOdBQuoVim448rev_a21FIje0pgdC5DqMyJ_9Tdnycw8YhFJ_yz0IC2izAlFccrfhBysCNXKW4jjzeS6JJkbScfjoKEXDDW52MrNnyNnxSazbFZAGgLyjxkGZUP8Yytjep_i0OI/s400/Peanut+20+weeks.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peanut at 20 weeks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXLkcxr_NHZo7Dvgo2ey2YVbJqGMoWeFp1THbhG6B5X7JiZOdoTNNMt23ifTbiHsnFNMzgwy8uQ8bvHwEfBfJYIiIIxA0eVcN2h2mXNTJ-oKd2sTPe-8fukqdz5Oor9hfAJQeHu5JUzg/s1600/KC.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXLkcxr_NHZo7Dvgo2ey2YVbJqGMoWeFp1THbhG6B5X7JiZOdoTNNMt23ifTbiHsnFNMzgwy8uQ8bvHwEfBfJYIiIIxA0eVcN2h2mXNTJ-oKd2sTPe-8fukqdz5Oor9hfAJQeHu5JUzg/s320/KC.jpg.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>For you created my inmost being;</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>you knit me together in my mother’s womb.</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>your works are wonderful,</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>I know that full well.</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Psalm 139:13-14</b></i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049651554892312704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2818530164509770564.post-86696077840173007032013-07-09T15:04:00.000-05:002013-07-09T15:04:00.839-05:00Mom, what are we doing this afternoon?Such was the opening question from one of my boys the other day.<br />
<br />
Not sure where this was going, but assuming it had something to do with playing outside, I easily responded, "Not much. Why?"<br />
<br />
"Well, since we have free time this afternoon, I was thinking we could go down to the shelter and get a couple of kids to bring home."<br />
<br />
I took a second to digest that.<br />
<br />
He continued.<br />
<br />
"We have plenty of room, Mom. And those kids need homes. Please Mom, can we? <i>Please</i>?"<br />
<br />
I didn't immediately know how to respond to his request and help him connect with the reality that it's not as easy as picking up a dog from a rescue center, or getting a new cat, without crushing the spirit of the request. <br />
<br />
And my word, I loved the heart behind it. Carefully, I told him that there is more of a process to adopting kids, to help make sure that the kids go to good homes - processes that are intended to protect them. But I encouraged him to continue to pray that God would bring the right kids to our home in His perfect timing.<br />
<br />
God has placed within the souls of my children a heart that is broken for kids who need homes. I love it, I'm challenged by it, and I'm blessed by it. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049651554892312704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2818530164509770564.post-50107798417358596092013-03-31T22:17:00.000-05:002013-03-31T22:17:22.044-05:00Our (not so) quiet morning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLGiNOCgaBycPG6xQYsR4LmXio1GJfvkBt52OBoL8h7eFBKFCO-Qs0HLovxfmF_NJj0ZA-L6pQ6O2Xrnef_W46i31VRVhKSm9To43t3L5uKOXYp_jrzAkdBkZTIBR9Qud0lEreVr8VqI/s1600/DSC_0355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLGiNOCgaBycPG6xQYsR4LmXio1GJfvkBt52OBoL8h7eFBKFCO-Qs0HLovxfmF_NJj0ZA-L6pQ6O2Xrnef_W46i31VRVhKSm9To43t3L5uKOXYp_jrzAkdBkZTIBR9Qud0lEreVr8VqI/s400/DSC_0355.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
This morning, I was working on making a few things for our Easter dinner. It was quiet and peaceful, until the kids came thundering down the stairs.<br />
<br />
"Happy Easter!" <br />
"Yeah! Happy Easter Mom!"<br />
<br />
They were exuberant, and joy-filled. They were loud and noisy and fun and excited to celebrate the day. Almost immediately, they started talking about the importance of Easter, and what makes it a big deal.<br />
<br />
"Mom, Jesus GOT BACK UP FROM BEING DEAD."<br />
<br />
"And he was different than that other dead guy who was raised again in the Bible, because Jesus could be the payment for our sins, Mom."<br />
<br />
"Yeah, because he hadn't done anything wrong at all, then they killed him. But he GOT BACK UP!"<br />
<br />
The wonder and awe in their voice was beyond priceless.<br />
<br />
They then proceeded to pretend to make a video (for their TV show, obviously) explaining to other kids (their "viewers" who might not go to church) why Easter was a big deal. It was full of many interruptions about the food I was making, since they got very distracted by the giant ham I was working on, but they still got the main points in. I was impressed. <br />
<br />
They talked about how Jesus came to earth, fully God, and fully man. They discussed how He lived a perfect life, but people crucified him anyway - and He let them, because it was part of His plan.<br />
<br />
And then, they discussed with triumph that their Savior rose from the grave.<br />
<br />
They talked about it all with such conviction and sincerity. They were funny and said some of the words and phrases wrong - which tells me they're not just mimicking the proper stories they've been told - this was coming out in their own precious words. <br />
<br />
Child like faith nearly moved me to tears this morning.<br />
<br />
It wasn't until we were at church that I realized something amazing: They were so excited about the real reason of Easter, and I hadn't even heard them mention a peep (pun intended) about Easter baskets or chocolate or what they might get.<br />
<br />
I'm sure they were excited about what might be coming (they were not disappointed). But on our loud, funny, wonderful Easter morning, my boys exuberantly spent time reveling in the sacrifice of their Savior.<br />
<br />
And it was amazing.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049651554892312704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2818530164509770564.post-66141479416511345622013-03-13T11:41:00.000-05:002013-03-13T11:41:21.335-05:00God still does miracles!Awhile ago, I met with my surgeon for a regular follow up visit, and while there, discussed the possibility of trying one more time to get pregnant. Before cancer, we had <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2010/01/brace-yourself-this-could-be-long-one.html" target="_blank">tried for quite awhile</a>, and that didn't do much of anything except break our hearts. But still, though I outwardly wrote it off, there was a small lingering hope in the back of my mind that one day, God would choose to bless us with a baby.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong. I meant every word I said about adoption being <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2012/01/they-get-it.html" target="_blank">Plan A</a> for our family. If I could birth all the babies I could ever want, I would still want adoption to be a huge part of God's plan for our family. I hope that God brings more kids to our family through adoption. Lots of them. Adoption is firmly embedded in the deepest parts of my heart. But I still had a desire to experience the blessing of pregnancy.<br />
<br />
So back to my discussion with my surgeon. When I asked him what he thought, we looked through my charts, and while I'll spare you the medical details that we discussed, he at last told me that while a pregnancy would be a viable option for me in terms of medical safety in regards to my history of cancer, that it would still take a miracle from God for me to become pregnant when considering our medical history in regards to fertility issues.<br />
<br />
You see, all the fertility drugs are hormone-based. And, since the cancer I had was estrogen-positive, going back to fertility drugs would like sending an engraved invitation for the cancer to come back. <br />
<br />
No thank you.<br />
<br />
So, Dave and I did what we have done since the beginning of our marriage: We trusted God to bring each of our children to us in His perfect timing, and in His perfect way.<br />
<br />
With that in mind, I am delighted to tell you that we serve a God who still does miracles, because<b><i> I am pregnant! </i></b><br />
<br />
In man's eyes, this was nearly impossible, but with God, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+19:26&version=NIV" target="_blank">all things are possible</a>. <br />
<br />
God is good, no matter what. Even if I never experienced the blessings of pregnancy, He would still be good. But I am in awe of His great gift to our family. I'm indescribably thankful for His goodness to me. That he has chosen to allow this in our lives is yet another sign showing that God dearly loves to shower good things upon His children.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights... James 1:17</i></span></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049651554892312704noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2818530164509770564.post-43513134702063936342013-03-12T13:55:00.001-05:002013-03-12T13:56:10.078-05:00My boy is 10.I can't believe it. Yesterday, Andy turned 10. TEN. I mean, just a few days ago, he was 9. And a few days before that, he was this 8 year old little munchkin just joining our family.<br />
<br />
But now he is 10. He's growing up so fast. And, as he says, he's "practically a teenager." (gives me heart palpitations every time he says it.)<br />
<br />
So, we spent the weekend celebrating! <br />
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Andy wanted an Angry Birds cake, so I did my best! I keep waiting for the kids to request a plain chocolate cake with just candles. Hasn't happened yet. But he was really excited to see his cake, and it made the crazy late night worth it. <br />
<br />
My parents came up for the day, and after some time spent on the basement, we went out for dinner, then came home for cake and ice cream.<br />
<br />
The next day, the four of us went to the Faith and Family night that was hosted by our local Christian radio station to finish celebrating. We watched the Iowa Energy basketball game, and stayed for the <a href="http://www.jasongraymusic.com/" target="_blank">Jason Gray </a> concert afterwards.<br />
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After the concert, the boys stayed to get autographs, and Jason sang Happy Birthday to him. I believe Andy is now the first person in our family to be sung to professionally for his birthday.<br />
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It was a fun way to usher in the double digit years!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049651554892312704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2818530164509770564.post-20961379666618051902013-01-21T22:34:00.000-06:002013-01-21T22:34:00.959-06:00They want to move to Russia.When we were first married, Dave and I decided we would trust God to provide just the right kids for us - whether that came through birth or adoption. And over the years, God has cultivated in our hearts such a strong desire for adoption, that we just can't wait to keep growing our family.<br />
<br />Adoption is our mission field. It is our heart, our passion.<br />
<br />
But when you have kids, you take them to the mission field with you. So what would happen if the kids we adopted weren't so interested in continuing to adopt? It happens. <br />
<br />
So we prayed. And prayed and prayed. And we asked God that if our heart for adoption and our passion to grow our family was truly from Him, that he would give us kids who also had hearts for adoption.<br />
<br />
God has answered our prayers in such big ways. Our kids both have such a desire to bring more children to our home - in fact, sometimes they overwhelm us with the prayers they pray:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"God, would you send all the kids that need a home to our family? We'll promise to love them."</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"God, could you please send us lots of babies? And a kindergartener too. They're both cute."</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"God, could we please get a baby sister? Or a big brother? Or even better, both?"</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"God, could you please fill our whole house with kids who need homes?"</i></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
Thankfully, our God is a wise God who can filter through the exact requests, and find the precious heart behind the prayer that wants to love on kids who need it. And I think he'll honor that.<br />
<br />
The other day, though, they took the adoption plans to a whole new level.<br />
<br />
Dave turned to me, not realizing the kids were paying attention, and casually said, "Hey, did you hear that Russia isn't letting Americans adopt anymore?"<br /><br />"WHAT?!" the kids replied, before I could even react.<br />
<br />
"WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS IN THE ORPHANAGES! We need to go get them right away before the law goes into effect!!"<br /><br />
They were just <i>beside</i> themselves, their hearts breaking for these children who needed homes.<br />
<br />
Dave tried to explain that there wasn't anything we could do. <br />
<br />
"I got it!" said one of the kids. "We could move to Russia for a year. Then we'd be Russians, so we could adopt the kids in the orphanages, then we could move back to the USA."<br /><br />"Yeah!! That's a <i style="font-weight: bold;">great</i> idea!" said the other. "Let's do it!!"<br />
<br />
I think that in their wonderful childish minds, they were picturing about 5 lonely kids that we could just bring back home with us. I don't have the heart to give them a more realistic picture.<br />
<br />
But I love that my kids were completely willing to pack it up and move to Russia to rescue kids. <b>They were willing to pick up their cross and follow Jesus.</b> How many times in my life do I want to take the easy way out? To just decide something is impossible, or just hard, and hope someone else picks up the slack?<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>1 John 3:16-18: This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.</i></blockquote>
<div>
This is a hard passage to live out. It calls us to pair faith with action. To show our love for God by loving other people. May the challenges that God has laid out in these verses rock your world as they have mine. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My kids have their days. Some of them are tough. But they have giving, generous hearts when it comes to loving children who need a home, and for that, I'm incredibly blessed. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049651554892312704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2818530164509770564.post-26388813634134165822013-01-13T12:25:00.001-06:002013-01-13T12:26:07.961-06:00No experience requiredI saw this video this past week, and I loved it. Absolutely loved it.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rztYMMhMT2Y?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div>
<br />
I loved how they talked about how they had no experience, but they were committed to sharing love unconditionally. <br />
<br />
People have told us many times that we are "unusual," or that the ways God has led our family must take a lot of work. Maybe that's true, but we feel pretty unequipped except for the grace of God. We have nothing to give except for for the unconditional love shown to us by Christ. <br />
<br />
I hope you'll take a few minutes to watch this video!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049651554892312704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2818530164509770564.post-18066836850405433322012-12-28T22:35:00.000-06:002012-12-28T22:36:38.576-06:00Happy Anniversary Andy!Today was the one-year anniversary of Andy's <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2012/01/adoption-day-details.html" target="_blank">adoption</a>, and the four of us spent the afternoon celebrating! We went to Caribou for a very late lunch and had very cheesy grilled cheese and hot chocolate (coffee for me, of course). <br />
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After our grilled cheeses, we stayed and played Skip-Bo and Uno, and snacked on carmel hi-rise snack mix (yum!).<br />
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<br />
<br />
We had so much fun laughing and spending time with each other!<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
After a quick stop at Target, we headed out through the snow to Build-A-Bear, where we had gotten Peter - Andy's <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2011/12/adoption-week-day-2.html" target="_blank">adoption bear</a>. We let him pick out a new outfit for his bear, and enjoyed our time there. I was really proud of him - we gave him a very specific budget, and he was very careful to stay within it. <br />
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<br />
<br />
We let Andy choose where he wanted to eat, and he chose Wendy's at the mall. I was a little surprised that he didn't go for something like Fuddrucker's, but he was happy with his choice.<br />
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<div>
It was a fun way to spend the day! <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Andy, I can hardly believe you have been a Schoney for a year. We've had ups and downs, but I wouldn't trade you for all the riches the world could offer. You have grown in my heart in ways I never could have imagined, and I love you more than words could express. You have grown so much in this past year - and I'm so proud of the person you are becoming. God blessed us greatly when He brought you to be part of our family! I'm so very glad you're home for always.<br />Love,<br />Mom</i></blockquote>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2012/01/adoption-day-details.html" target="_blank">Andy's Adoption Day</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2011/12/happy-happy-adoption-day.html" target="_blank">Andy's Adoption Video</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049651554892312704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2818530164509770564.post-26059134976440950052012-12-25T13:23:00.002-06:002012-12-25T13:24:17.456-06:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxEtgF37W0tgh3eq9_hyphenhyphenXqQ5KXZo4odiSKQH-m9o06UIDCPNT4NZZ1FvEgVyMPOnKNjR650ax7KxAH4WaNbpvacc8V5QT4UoXua085AR6IUtgELLSknRqfkZgX3gP2DB8-Mv8PA0lrxY/s1600/Edited+family+photo+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxEtgF37W0tgh3eq9_hyphenhyphenXqQ5KXZo4odiSKQH-m9o06UIDCPNT4NZZ1FvEgVyMPOnKNjR650ax7KxAH4WaNbpvacc8V5QT4UoXua085AR6IUtgELLSknRqfkZgX3gP2DB8-Mv8PA0lrxY/s400/Edited+family+photo+2012.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
The people walking in darkness<br />
have seen a great light;<br />
on those living in the land of deep darkness<br />
a light has dawned...<br />
...<strong>For to us a child is born,<br /> to us a son is given,</strong><br />
and the government will be on his shoulders.<br />
And he will be called<br />
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,<br />
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.<br />
Of the greatness of his government and peace<br />
there will be no end.<br />
He will reign on David’s throne<br />
and over his kingdom,<br />
establishing and upholding it<br />
with justice and righteousness<br />
from that time on and forever.<br />
Isaiah 9:1, 6-7Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049651554892312704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2818530164509770564.post-43955420016638031952012-12-25T12:02:00.001-06:002012-12-25T12:02:58.516-06:00The Accidental Christmas Program <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88tPbXRrVPTA4XWx9OEtTAcRNMiJ2ypJh9aX9-rgg5omJo2zvHBYUKeMAs4ufJ9NkFiibn6LcoX0D90o21EHb0Wp4cbZwCxDvFNQvl5_5lqXN6HR5WMwiiJaFOwEF4wYsvi3n9AgkuOM/s1600/Christmas+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88tPbXRrVPTA4XWx9OEtTAcRNMiJ2ypJh9aX9-rgg5omJo2zvHBYUKeMAs4ufJ9NkFiibn6LcoX0D90o21EHb0Wp4cbZwCxDvFNQvl5_5lqXN6HR5WMwiiJaFOwEF4wYsvi3n9AgkuOM/s320/Christmas+picture.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Last night, we went to a Christmas Eve service. It was at a different church than any of us normally go to, so we weren't as familiar with how they did things. We were all in a row, comfortably singing along with carols, when they gave a call for the kids to come forward to the stage.<br />
<br />
Never one to shy away from being involved in church activities, I told the kids they could go ahead and join the rest of the K-4th graders that were being called to the stage, and to just stick together.<br />
<br />
Andy promptly led with his shoulder down (Dave was proud) to get past another kid and catch up to Isaac so they could walk up together.<br />
<br />
Much to our surprise, a children's director of some sort came out and started handing out little props to each of the kids.<br />
<br />
I thought it was nice.<br />
<br />
Then she started lining them up in a specific order.<br />
<br />
That seemed a little weird. <br />
<br />
Then she made sure they all remembered the words, and made little last minute adjustments. <br />
<br />
And I noticed that other kids were kind of staring at my kids in an unfamiliar, what-are-you-doing-here kind of way. Not unfriendly, just confused.<br />
<br />
Then it hit me. <strong>It was the church's children's Christmas program. </strong><br />
<br />
My heart sank, but then I realized there wasn't much I could do about it, and I had to fight the laughter. I looked over at my brother and his wife, and they had just realized the same thing, so the four of us sat through the Christmas program, trying as hard as we could to maintain our composure, as our kids stumbled through a Christmas program they were clearly unprepared for.<br />
<br />
I asked them what they thought of it later, they said they "had fun, it was just a kind of confusing type of fun."<br />
<br />
Sorry kids, we'll pay better attention next year.<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049651554892312704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2818530164509770564.post-57376640847663910392012-12-22T08:43:00.000-06:002012-12-22T08:43:56.949-06:00Mom, was I an orphan? (This Christmas)I've enjoyed music from Toby Mac for quite some time. My kids think he's cool because he's adopted some of his kids, so they get excited whenever his music comes on. <br />
<br />
He has a song called "This Christmas" that I've loved since before we had kids - and I still <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2010/11/heart-of-adoption-this-christmas-joy-to.html" target="_blank">feel the same way</a>.<br />
<br />
You can <a href="http://youtu.be/TX876kp0jBQ" target="_blank">listen to it here</a>, lyrics are also posted.<br />
<br />
I'm quite positive we listened to *"<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017P5N2C/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tase-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0017P5N2C">This Christmas (Joy To The World)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=tase-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0017P5N2C" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> last year, but I guess the kids weren't paying attention, because when the song came on, and they heard that Johny was spending his first night in a real home, they sat straight up and listened to it carefully.<br />
<br />
At the end of the song, one of the boys looked up at me and said, "Mom, was I an orphan?"<br />
<br />
As I choked on my coffee, I mentally scrambled to think through how to answer that one.<br />
<br />
"Well," I started slowly (while still thinking), "an orphan is a child where both parents have died. But I think the verse in the song talks about orphans as being children in distress. Kids who need help. And I think you were a child who needed help."<br />
<br />
They quietly took that in.<br />
<br />
"However," I continued, "It's ok to be a child in distress, or an orphan, or a widow. It means that you will have gone through some extra-tough things while here on earth, but it also means you have an incredibly special place in God's heart."<br />
<br />
They started to perk up.<br />
<br />
"God doesn't put lots of verses in the Bible saying, 'Be especially careful to show love to the successful man in the business suit,' or 'make sure to take care of the healthy family with 3 children.' The Bible talks <i>hundreds</i> of times about caring for orphans, and widows, and people in distress. That's because they have such a special place in God's heart."<br />
<br />
"So, do you mean like poor people," one of the kids asked, "because I was definitely one of those."<br />
<br />
"Yes, God cares very much about poor people."<br />
<br />
"Mom," the other one started, "So you're saying that God really has a special place in his heart for <i>me?"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I looked over at him and saw he had tears gathering in his eyes, and nodded.<br />
<br />
"Remember, we talked about the verse where God says he sets the lonely people in families," I reminded them. <br />
<br />
"Yeah," he said. "That's what God did with me." And with a small tear still in his eye, he looked up at me and said, "Mom, I'm so glad it's my second Christmas being home with my family."<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,<br /> is God in his holy dwelling.<br />God sets the lonely in families<br /> -Psalm 68:5-6a</i></b></blockquote>
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><i>*Referral link</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049651554892312704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2818530164509770564.post-1954037858886276382012-12-14T01:24:00.001-06:002012-12-14T01:25:25.638-06:00Merry Christmas, from our family to yours!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnb4Fzp-mNny7u6GTySAiKbO9FJHOvDX4B17jiVy_inPzU0neqWP7XRbvF1fNGgzLOKO4pGE7Mpw1hYJOjXfi3v9wqRETCr1eJezu_817bzeOqdWCjmujmEX7Td6YtmZxBjm-e2jToIug/s1600/20121024_0124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnb4Fzp-mNny7u6GTySAiKbO9FJHOvDX4B17jiVy_inPzU0neqWP7XRbvF1fNGgzLOKO4pGE7Mpw1hYJOjXfi3v9wqRETCr1eJezu_817bzeOqdWCjmujmEX7Td6YtmZxBjm-e2jToIug/s400/20121024_0124.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It's been a busy year for us! So much has happened, and time has flown. It really does seem like this season of life contains the longest days, but the shortest years. I have to say that it sure doesn't feel like 2012 should be nearly over, but here we are. Here are a few highlights of our year.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-sRM8WWh2hMFgnEQnDGTIBVN4W1unh5Acj55Q8PUsLI86Ryi5yF6ySFLTX5C-2c8P_ikAh0nU_rOpKH6azNYRM7el_kNrn30PxTR_0c68GzxGff_jKlEigm-n3k00jpJf62RSMveOlA/s1600/IMG_1123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-sRM8WWh2hMFgnEQnDGTIBVN4W1unh5Acj55Q8PUsLI86Ryi5yF6ySFLTX5C-2c8P_ikAh0nU_rOpKH6azNYRM7el_kNrn30PxTR_0c68GzxGff_jKlEigm-n3k00jpJf62RSMveOlA/s200/IMG_1123.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
In <b><span style="font-size: large;">January</span></b>, we were still reveling in the fact that we had just been able to <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2012/01/adoption-day-details.html" target="_blank">adopt Andy</a> at the end of the December 2011. It was a month of adjustment and time spent together.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CBQ060ERcgMR0Ib3ptkMModZ3v1pfWDUQX8pbsCYqUAH2e4O_5sXdsHiUchlJzCSFWBG6XVsSwxbSxz-C6c2lJi9P4Qb3bgvhdquAeYPq71FCdimrJIMpldMS2y0vIB5F7yo3OEe_qY/s1600/DSCN2931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CBQ060ERcgMR0Ib3ptkMModZ3v1pfWDUQX8pbsCYqUAH2e4O_5sXdsHiUchlJzCSFWBG6XVsSwxbSxz-C6c2lJi9P4Qb3bgvhdquAeYPq71FCdimrJIMpldMS2y0vIB5F7yo3OEe_qY/s200/DSCN2931.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
In <b><span style="font-size: large;">February</span></b>, we decided that a mini-van would both be spacious since we all agreed that more kids would be welcome. Though I inwardly groaned at the idea of having a van (and outwardly a few times, too), we found a van we liked in Chicago (I use "like" loosely) and fun when we spent some time there as a family. We got to see the Bean downtown, and Navy Pier, and eat Garrett's popcorn and Giordano's pizza. Yum!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgti2-Ys97fajjMadYJk1gduhrzQT8moGNulzPWok_g3hp_OgCSHXpQexMW7WSrxhWuUuo4_1XRkJwZzVUD5hmva8fw2a0I8iBY0UN1fBfCcqt10U13lp4Ws5pH36gvsvj8YoYB5HIO0tY/s1600/DSC_0620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgti2-Ys97fajjMadYJk1gduhrzQT8moGNulzPWok_g3hp_OgCSHXpQexMW7WSrxhWuUuo4_1XRkJwZzVUD5hmva8fw2a0I8iBY0UN1fBfCcqt10U13lp4Ws5pH36gvsvj8YoYB5HIO0tY/s200/DSC_0620.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
In <b><span style="font-size: large;">March</span></b>, <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2012/03/happy-birthday-andy.html" target="_blank">Andy turned 9</a>, and we celebrated with lots of fun and a massive Cars 2 cake made by mom.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In <b><span style="font-size: large;">April</span></b>, Schoney Piano Studio hosted the last piano recital, and closed for good. I really miss teaching, but it took a lot of pressure off of our family for me to be more available.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxU_LvFZeQG7ePvWvM6tJcaFDQGTKX-Wz5E14HUfTTkcG3qpcjX6njZEiQziOstiOb-OiItxzc5YF7sE5FDUzxDCcWWBfat3UOFq37KDPwF7GMMxvrRWrjSOUNwJ1gULZYgqfHzzk1_A/s1600/DSC_0278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxU_LvFZeQG7ePvWvM6tJcaFDQGTKX-Wz5E14HUfTTkcG3qpcjX6njZEiQziOstiOb-OiItxzc5YF7sE5FDUzxDCcWWBfat3UOFq37KDPwF7GMMxvrRWrjSOUNwJ1gULZYgqfHzzk1_A/s200/DSC_0278.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">May</span></b> brought Isaac's birthday, and my brother's college graduation from ISU. Between the two occasions, we did lots of celebrating!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QqBZ1KPBWU9xwrPOfDnjyW1ljwhd5fE6Bo2qqNRzhdUUOL2GxEXQuZ8QBkpz5FCB5d3Si0aPJUSjYSTKISTfKIY-CcUtMkwVL9MOjYO5d_3LME24ZW8lpqICGu4AvO_wlUkD7AJasDY/s1600/DSCN3191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QqBZ1KPBWU9xwrPOfDnjyW1ljwhd5fE6Bo2qqNRzhdUUOL2GxEXQuZ8QBkpz5FCB5d3Si0aPJUSjYSTKISTfKIY-CcUtMkwVL9MOjYO5d_3LME24ZW8lpqICGu4AvO_wlUkD7AJasDY/s200/DSCN3191.JPG" width="133" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">June</span></b> was a <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2012/06/whirlwind-of-weddings.html" target="_blank">whirlwind of weddings</a>. It was so much fun to watch my best friend marry the man of her dreams, and it was fun to be a part of it.<br />
<br />
My little brother got married a week later, and I'm thankful for my new sister in law and the way she compliments my brother. It was also a really fun time for the kids to meet more of their extended family, which <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2012/06/thankful-for-my-unusual-family.html" target="_blank">they enjoyed a lot</a>.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGjWC66P-GtmeSka7tffbWMIF3evigHg2gIx9T4QExc2zns2FVSU7OcN1j01QzmJLEkaA-5A3v9wjavpc1xOpv0T93fCEc-5Mozfy7O_LapZCKRBeEtAehsxUQMfAIbt2xfQipKKxZdU/s1600/DSC_0120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGjWC66P-GtmeSka7tffbWMIF3evigHg2gIx9T4QExc2zns2FVSU7OcN1j01QzmJLEkaA-5A3v9wjavpc1xOpv0T93fCEc-5Mozfy7O_LapZCKRBeEtAehsxUQMfAIbt2xfQipKKxZdU/s200/DSC_0120.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
In <span style="font-size: large;"><b>July</b></span>, we went to Illinois to spend time with Dave's side of the family. We spent time out at the family farm, followed by time in Chicago visiting museums and, of course, eating more pizza and popcorn.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7h9IVGNGXcyoCg5yuTbUU8p-KaQhDSzOW_5aEDCbTXlpEZmnDzsZh34gG6pr4nixAM5x2-zHKjr2ROvJj-o0gk54WEMo8uariRFqMm0PowNWbZE-6rP2xO3muM2eScHkgeB27muv0xc/s1600/the+cousins.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7h9IVGNGXcyoCg5yuTbUU8p-KaQhDSzOW_5aEDCbTXlpEZmnDzsZh34gG6pr4nixAM5x2-zHKjr2ROvJj-o0gk54WEMo8uariRFqMm0PowNWbZE-6rP2xO3muM2eScHkgeB27muv0xc/s200/the+cousins.jpeg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Before we realized it, it was time to go back to school, or in our case, head to the kitchen table. We <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2012/08/first-day-of-our-new-school.html" target="_blank">started homeschooling</a> in <span style="font-size: large;"><b>August</b></span>, and it has been quite an adventure, to say the least! <br />
<br />
We've gone on field trips, done science experiments and art projects, and read lots of books. We're thankful for the option of homeschooling.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUpTubDnh9ch3DxQdvdb7XVhL1ohSOw0-fFXJ89-jD3MafLa2HE1BqTF5-nePo06xp8KkalBKjcwx7gRCh4dzd8snKuy3zH7ENwu3fUs183zkjRlFxtH3-yU5LB3NjAfIGTvIRhXsHPs/s1600/Andy+Isaac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUpTubDnh9ch3DxQdvdb7XVhL1ohSOw0-fFXJ89-jD3MafLa2HE1BqTF5-nePo06xp8KkalBKjcwx7gRCh4dzd8snKuy3zH7ENwu3fUs183zkjRlFxtH3-yU5LB3NjAfIGTvIRhXsHPs/s400/Andy+Isaac.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">September</span></b>, <b><span style="font-size: large;">October</span></b>,<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>and<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>November</b></span> <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2012/10/longest-days-shortest-years.html" target="_blank">flew by</a> exceptionally fast. We enjoyed lots of football - watching <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2012/09/tasty-challenges.html" target="_blank">Iowa State beat Iowa</a>, watching the Bears play, and cheering Isaac on at his flag football games. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLh2K0GJb8_3hnGrjZaRhreRN5HCxhzSCKjHp-_8n0Nx3MqtQinA-LSPlfqFxVov2cT4Cdeitg6hLkZgLtGbYeWbzU9HKPZQpCvv6M8Ognpt2-hRv0SSNJp__v4_WHXnPW8tujLJhyphenhyphenph4/s1600/Center+Grove+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLh2K0GJb8_3hnGrjZaRhreRN5HCxhzSCKjHp-_8n0Nx3MqtQinA-LSPlfqFxVov2cT4Cdeitg6hLkZgLtGbYeWbzU9HKPZQpCvv6M8Ognpt2-hRv0SSNJp__v4_WHXnPW8tujLJhyphenhyphenph4/s400/Center+Grove+2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We spent the fall enjoying time together at the <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2012/11/30-days-of-thanksgiving-day-2.html" target="_blank">Apple Orchard</a>, picking pumpkins, learning about the <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2012/11/elections-and-illusions.html" target="_blank">elections</a>, and spending time together. <br />
<br />
Many people continue to ask how I'm doing health-wise, and I am always touched that people remember, and feel blessed by their caring. I'm happy to report that despite a<a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-week-i-thought-cancer-was-back.html" target="_blank"> recent scare this fall</a>, I am completely cancer-free still, and will pass my 3-year mark of surviving cancer in just a few weeks!<br />
<br />
We are truly enjoying spending time together during the Christmas season this <span style="font-size: large;"><b>December</b></span>, and treasuring our reason for celebrating. <br />
<br />
One of my kids told me a couple of weeks ago, "Mom, this will be the best Christmas <i>ever</i>, because it'll be my very first Christmas as a Christian! Now I'm really excited about the baby in the manger!"<br />
<br />
It was amazing to hear his wonder and awe as he spoke of Christmas. And truly, we have an incredible reason to celebrate:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ramonawilliams.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341f62ba53ef0128763091f2970c-400wi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ramonawilliams.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341f62ba53ef0128763091f2970c-400wi" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ramonawilliams.typepad.com/ramona_williams_blog/2009/12/verse-for-the-week-isaiah-96.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Source</i></span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
May you feel child-like delight when you think of the Baby in the Manger this season! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2J8399ArYxiU679IwxHkoF2W6NaB5pzxUoCD2H1-hhiozXW1b_oImQZNMPvmIicLG4_IhFL2ERaTvdm05R-Bk9JJmQzGERtPHrlR-WQGcJDv7OqQgyeLGUoMICNith-bHgf6f6kXpQEk/s1600/Merry+Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2J8399ArYxiU679IwxHkoF2W6NaB5pzxUoCD2H1-hhiozXW1b_oImQZNMPvmIicLG4_IhFL2ERaTvdm05R-Bk9JJmQzGERtPHrlR-WQGcJDv7OqQgyeLGUoMICNith-bHgf6f6kXpQEk/s400/Merry+Christmas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049651554892312704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2818530164509770564.post-43867851001420862482012-12-04T23:21:00.001-06:002012-12-05T20:06:54.604-06:00Sneaky Penguins"Mom, there are <b>PENGUINS </b>in our <b>BATHROOM,</b>" Andy said immediately upon coming downstairs this morning.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"What do you mean, there are <i>penguins</i> in your <i>bathroom," </i>I asked.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"They're in our bathroom! And they weren't there last night. I'm sure they weren't! Where did they come from?"<br />
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"Do you mean that you're pretending that there are penguins? Like your bathroom is at the North Pole or something?"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"No. They're on the <b>MIRROR."</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
"Well, how did they get there?" I asked.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
"You don't know?" he said, with a surprised face.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Well, don't <i>you </i>know?" I said, evading his question.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then Isaac came onto the scene, and Isaac wouldn't believe Andy until we all went upstairs and stared, in shock, at the mysterious penguins dancing across their bathroom mirror.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9erTRBoSnU4kOv28Ya8EymqAhbSJfAUZKrnvbPlDV0BJNesshUYLO6mVD6oFa7iH5ziF9ZdmQri75bKcEetBzeRiJX0uVgfPNs3-eiBprGm3oCJF0LS56AU8G9DfbSd4b2EpXrXvGa4/s1600/2012-12-04_21-29-54_559.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9erTRBoSnU4kOv28Ya8EymqAhbSJfAUZKrnvbPlDV0BJNesshUYLO6mVD6oFa7iH5ziF9ZdmQri75bKcEetBzeRiJX0uVgfPNs3-eiBprGm3oCJF0LS56AU8G9DfbSd4b2EpXrXvGa4/s400/2012-12-04_21-29-54_559.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Probably the only time I will ever publicly post photos of a boy's bathroom...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Actually, this morning, there were only two penguins, because (obviously), I was the mysterious penguin person. I figure that it's the right of all parents to mess with their kids a bit, particularly in the name of good holiday fun.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Besides, it's not like I'm telling them that Santa is real. As a side note, am I the only person completely creeped out by the idea of a real Santa? Some big huge hairy guy shoving himself down your chimney, eating your cookies, drinking your milk, and parking his reindeer on your roof? I've been in cow pastures. I know what a whole herd of large animals leave behind. Um, no thank you.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyway, back to the point, I realized that Dave and I hadn't cleared our stories with each other, and today when he got home from work, they told him about the penguins too, and asked where they came from. </div>
<div>
<br />
"Penguins?" He said. "Haven't they always been there?" The kids didn't know what to think about that one. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So tonight I added the other two penguins shown in the picture. My plan is to add a couple more pieces a day until Christmas. Tomorrow, I'll starting building snowmen, a piece or two at a time. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049651554892312704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2818530164509770564.post-1327102770716097312012-12-04T13:51:00.000-06:002012-12-04T13:51:22.035-06:00Rest for the Long Roads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvswUYS5IrWM-9Hu3XHroyO2Mj05yMciopb6oqpaLcZiVsjPYNLfx0vFcLxNqgrvNyfI-sfpw1Fm4NjOjBGw6Zo-ZE1D0othSDcRQ12PUVKBKpoIAkfo8x-E5y29l7VMRRWaR_boqXRFM/s1600/Rest+for+the+Long+Roads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvswUYS5IrWM-9Hu3XHroyO2Mj05yMciopb6oqpaLcZiVsjPYNLfx0vFcLxNqgrvNyfI-sfpw1Fm4NjOjBGw6Zo-ZE1D0othSDcRQ12PUVKBKpoIAkfo8x-E5y29l7VMRRWaR_boqXRFM/s400/Rest+for+the+Long+Roads.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<h3>
Keep a Gratitude List</h3>
During the month of November, I posted <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/search/label/30%20Days" target="_blank">something I was thankful for every day</a>. In the past I had a journal that I wrote 10 things on most days, and right now, I'm going to try writing down a few things on the same notebook I use for my to-do lists, so I see the things I'm grateful for next to the things I need to get done.<br />
<br />
The point is not about using a particular format, but finding a way to incorporate it into your daily routine. It can be public, like my <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/search/label/30%20Days" target="_blank">30 Days of Thanksgiving,</a> or it can be more private. It can be a daily list of things that bring you joy (check out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0761147217/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0761147217&linkCode=as2&tag=tase-20">14,000 Things to be Happy About</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=tase-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0761147217" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />for inspiration!), or sightings of God in your life - large or small.<br />
<br />
Gratitude is not always something that has come easily to me when the storms of life hit - in fact, sometimes I've <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2011/11/thankfulness.html" target="_blank">found it very difficult</a>. Little by little, I've worked on it, and I've come to find that it brings me joy. <br />
<br />
One of my favorite bloggers, Crystal at Money Saving Mom, wrote about working to <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2012/07/how-im-learning-to-replace-whining-with-gratitude.html" target="_blank">replace whining with gratitude,</a> and it really challenged me to start a more purposeful habit in my own life. You can read her wise words <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2012/07/how-im-learning-to-replace-whining-with-gratitude.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
I find that focusing on the things that are going well, or the things that I'm happy about (even if it's something as small as <a href="http://psalms34verse8.blogspot.com/2012/11/30-days-of-thanksgiving-day-7.html" target="_blank">pickles</a>!) makes it so much easier to have a good attitude about the things that are genuinely difficult. And sometimes, when the road has been long, I have found it to be easier to have a positive outlook when I am more intentional about choosing gratitude. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKJvqSLX8GAaRlR6IEXbzYO_EPKLbLvduu7OLe35RpvEjBICsyBU4uCX-YAkG-kdIeKyiP6fviWQEcHvDUD5IfTpomaLUW_ubHJ4Qgkrys8FwwMEHSqqm0Ja06vLWYeo_FOxNHkjNfSk/s1600/1+thess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKJvqSLX8GAaRlR6IEXbzYO_EPKLbLvduu7OLe35RpvEjBICsyBU4uCX-YAkG-kdIeKyiP6fviWQEcHvDUD5IfTpomaLUW_ubHJ4Qgkrys8FwwMEHSqqm0Ja06vLWYeo_FOxNHkjNfSk/s320/1+thess.jpg" width="294" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*This post contains a referral link.</span></i></blockquote>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049651554892312704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2818530164509770564.post-26575073569901086462012-12-02T23:41:00.000-06:002012-12-02T23:41:12.119-06:00In Which I Find How Much Yarbo Means to MeI always knew that I loved our dog, but I really thought I had maintained some modicum of detachment that is fitting between (wo)man and beast.<br />
<br />
I believe I may have been mistaken.<br />
<br />
This past week, after having been gone all day long for very tiring things, we sat down to a supper of food that was primarily a lesson to me in what not to do in the kitchen (oops). The doorbell rang, and instead of hearing Yarbo thunder down the stairs, ready to defend us to the death by barking repeatedly at the door, I heard a weird "Thump...thump....thuumpp..." and Yarbo finally appeared at the end of the stairs, but instead of going into his usual frenzy, he just cried.<br />
<br />
Alarms started going off in my head.<br />
<br />
So I called him over to me, and told him to hop up on my lap. The dog normally has springs for legs, and even when I'm standing, has occasionally jumped so high that he's missed my arms and flown over my shoulders (true story). So my lap should have been no problem. Except that he missed terribly the first try, then I couldn't even get him to make a second attempt. I pulled him up into my lap, but couldn't figure out what had gone wrong, so I tried setting him back down on the floor to watch him move, hind legs first - and his back legs collapsed under him.<br />
<br />
At that point I started panicking.<br />
<br />
We called our vet, and I took Yarbo to the pet hospital. It was sad to watch him - he didn't sniff the vents even once during our trip there, and smelling things is his favorite thing to do besides snuggle.<br />
<br />
In my mind, something horrible had happened, and I had visions of having to have him put down that night. And with that in mind, I called my mom in tears, because that's the only thing you can think to do when you think your dog is dying.<br />
<br />
Once we got there, the vet took a look at him, and wanted to run a whole set of labs and xrays. While I was waiting, there was trauma case after trauma case that kept making our wait longer- in one instance, a woman actually tossed her already-dead cat across the desk to the surprised vet tech, asking them to bring her back to life.<br />
<br />
Hours later (almost 4, to be precise) the vet was able to discuss the findings with me, and thought Yarbo had probably experienced some kind of back injury that had given him incapacitating pain. So, Yarbo came back home with us, and we've been following all the care instructions. He's not supposed to be moving any further than a short trip to the backyard for the necessities for three weeks (so we'll be calling the vet for sedatives....), and he's on some pretty intense pain meds.<br />
<br />
The same pain meds, in fact, that I was on while I had cancer. I'm assuming it's a much smaller dose.<br />
<br />
I knew that Yarbo would always have a special place in my heart because of how good he'd been to me while I was sick, but I had no idea the emotional reaction I would have to him being sick. I had to leave him with the vet to be taken back for xray, and he didn't cry at all. He just sat there quietly, looking at me with pain-filled eyes, and I felt like I was deserting him. <br />
<br />
He had sat there with me for days, weeks, even months through the surgeries, through the chemo, even the radiation. He always knew where to lay so it wouldn't hurt, and when I would cry from the pain, he would lick my hand and snuggle in close. And it was so hard to watch him in pain, and not know if I could help him.<br />
<br />
We have to go back to our regular vet for followup, but we're pretty hopeful that Yarbo will make a full recovery. And he better live for another 70 years, because I found out this past week I'm in no way ready to part with him.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdcDu-yzJEqLHExz7X_cYbFDxzUQ2SeqUN20wOesT8pyPTgBYPxzeZcJybl2an_8k4y51pMZcau5bSdrDUOAbmO4kgMnCOengubzFPiW4Wz29Zr9b_FyExUyxJCnrgsiP3UGdXvnFNaw/s1600/2012-11-30_11-57-36_969.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdcDu-yzJEqLHExz7X_cYbFDxzUQ2SeqUN20wOesT8pyPTgBYPxzeZcJybl2an_8k4y51pMZcau5bSdrDUOAbmO4kgMnCOengubzFPiW4Wz29Zr9b_FyExUyxJCnrgsiP3UGdXvnFNaw/s400/2012-11-30_11-57-36_969.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yarbo all hopped up on pain meds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049651554892312704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2818530164509770564.post-74164981769587188242012-12-01T18:02:00.000-06:002012-12-01T18:02:50.684-06:0030 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 30 (Yep, last one, and a day late....)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaX7KwXebKnxcVtiayvnM0KPyzPlGMMMLihPRX1VKrbAg3t4dNbNFGda1Ci6yKJ2aGTMKlF8Q4vqXLzkOCPCLiWqYwz1DvUBTyWee1nPceRAyzk5lSi5dBHvMqfNO9ybyUd6FnHRc1ntE/s1600/30+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaX7KwXebKnxcVtiayvnM0KPyzPlGMMMLihPRX1VKrbAg3t4dNbNFGda1Ci6yKJ2aGTMKlF8Q4vqXLzkOCPCLiWqYwz1DvUBTyWee1nPceRAyzk5lSi5dBHvMqfNO9ybyUd6FnHRc1ntE/s400/30+days.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I'm a little sad to see this series come to an end. I've really enjoyed being purposeful about finding things to be thankful for. I also can't believe that after posting on the right day for an entire month, I was late on the last day.<br />
<br />
However, I wanted to post something thoughtful, and the only things I could think of to give thanks for yesterday were cold meds and ibuprofen. It was one of those days were nothing quite went right, due in part to not having slept the night before, in part to the fact that it felt like 100 tiny elves were working together with 1,000 tiny hammers to pound my head into pulp, and in part to a few other factors as well.<br />
<br />
But I digress. <br />
<br />
Today (and yesterday too, had I been able to think with any amount of clarity), I am thankful for the birth of Christ. We're heading into my favorite season of the year, and even though this is the last post of the series, I have 1,000 more things to be thankful to God for when I think of Christmas.<br />
<br />To think of that miraculous birth, over 2,000 years ago makes me feel humble and small, loved and cared for. Jesus Christ came down to earth, fully God, fully man. He was born in a dirty, lowly manger. The King of all Kings spent his first moments in a place normally reserved for animals. He came down from heavenly perfection and instead spent time with liars and thieves, adulteresses and hypocrites.<br />
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And he did it because of his great, all-consuming love for me.<br />
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And for you.<br />
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That tiny little baby lived a perfect life, and died a horrific death on the cross, then rose to heaven, where he's preparing a place for all of those who trust in him. <br />
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No matter wether Christmas is a season that is easy to find joy in, or one that brings up painful feelings, that tiny baby born to save the world is something to be incredibly thankful for.<br />
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The whole story can be found in Luke chapter two, and you can read it by <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%202:1-20&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.<br />
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I'm thankful for the reason we have to celebrate Christmas!<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://jay3gsm.blogspot.com/2010/12/nativity.html" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source</span></i></a></blockquote>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049651554892312704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2818530164509770564.post-57878326242663709472012-11-29T23:51:00.001-06:002012-12-01T18:03:38.401-06:0030 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 29<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaX7KwXebKnxcVtiayvnM0KPyzPlGMMMLihPRX1VKrbAg3t4dNbNFGda1Ci6yKJ2aGTMKlF8Q4vqXLzkOCPCLiWqYwz1DvUBTyWee1nPceRAyzk5lSi5dBHvMqfNO9ybyUd6FnHRc1ntE/s1600/30+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaX7KwXebKnxcVtiayvnM0KPyzPlGMMMLihPRX1VKrbAg3t4dNbNFGda1Ci6yKJ2aGTMKlF8Q4vqXLzkOCPCLiWqYwz1DvUBTyWee1nPceRAyzk5lSi5dBHvMqfNO9ybyUd6FnHRc1ntE/s400/30+days.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Today I am thankful that it hasn't been snowy and icy yet. I don't mind the snow so much, but I hate trying to get places when it's icy out. It's been unbelievable weather lately, and I'm loving it!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049651554892312704noreply@blogger.com0