tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69111513306484565122024-02-18T21:31:40.588-06:00MetamorphosisJustinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628086750403852099noreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911151330648456512.post-68209243018771436422016-02-19T07:18:00.000-06:002016-02-19T07:24:49.256-06:00Sometimes it's a sad storyI thought my <a href="http://transformationbytheword.blogspot.com/2016/02/my-words-for-2016.html">STORY</a> to be told this year would be vastly different than the one I am telling here. When the Lord chose "story" as one of my words for 2016, I already knew I was pregnant. In my head, my story was going to be a joyful continuation of the previous amazing year in which I met and married my hero, a man who far exceeded my wildest dreams (and yes, I am well aware that I still owe you the rest of <a href="http://transformationbytheword.blogspot.com/2015/03/amazing-grace.html"><i>that</i> story</a>.)<br />
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I had always dreamed of a large family. Michael and I said "at least" four kids--preferably six or more. When he died nearly 13 years ago, I was eight months pregnant with our second baby and thought that his death was also the death of this large-family dream. Frankly the death of this dream took longer <a href="http://transformationbytheword.blogspot.com/2011/06/fb-note-from-oct-25-2009-my-storypart-5.html">for me to grieve</a> than the death of my husband, after all, I would see him again someday, but my future babies were just gone. God had big surprises over the years. He led me to<a href="http://transformationbytheword.blogspot.com/p/super-ts-adoption-story.html"> adopt Super T</a>, temporarily provide a home for <a href="http://transformationbytheword.blogspot.com/2011/05/when-god-speaks.html">foster children,</a> and <a href="http://transformationbytheword.blogspot.com/p/baby-girls-adoption.html">adopt Baby Girl</a>. Every step of the way I marveled at my minivan filling up and rejoiced in adding to my crew. Less than two years ago God surprised me with the ultimate addition and the amazing joy of a wonderful new love. We tied the knot in November 2014, exactly a year after God began dealing with me to be open to remarriage. <a href="http://transformationbytheword.blogspot.com/2015/03/amazing-grace.html">Amazing grace</a> has been our theme and it is obvious that God brought us together. Life is good. We decided almost immediately to start "trying" for a baby although we knew the odds were stacked against us because of our ages. After the better part of a year, some things became obvious and we "gave up," content with the four children I brought into the marriage, but disappointed that we wouldn't have a baby together. A positive pregnancy test in December 2015 made our eyes pop and jaws drop. We were astounded and thrilled! We nicknamed the baby BA (yes, we are fans of The A-Team and that should give you an idea or our ages and why getting pregnant was such a long-shot) and thoughts of him filled our minds and hearts with dreams vying with the logistics of a larger and older family. My most tightly held dream was "doing it all again," this time with a husband by my side. Eleven and a half years of single motherhood left me feeling cheated of a "normal" parenting experience. I dreamed of going to parks as a family, playing games, traveling, re-reading all of our favorite picture books to BA and Baby Girl, and homeschooling the little ones together.<br />
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We told the kids before Christmas and told the grandparents and uncles on Christmas night. There was so much shock and excitement and love. We started leaking our happy news to friends and family. We just could not contain our excitement. My belly popped out before six weeks. I guess that is typical for a third pregnancy. I relished every moment being pregnant and felt great, but with definite pregnancy symptoms. I was anticipating actually looking pregnant and wearing maternity clothes, rather than just looking like I'd enjoyed the holidays a bit too much.<br />
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On Monday January 11 the spotting started. I didn't think much of it until Tuesday night when I realized it had been off and on for 24 hours. I texted a friend for prayer, and I told Alan that I was going to call the midwife in the morning. My first appointment was scheduled for the next week, but I couldn't wait to make sure everything was okay. They squeezed me in on Wednesday morning. There on the ultrasound was our tiny baby. No heartbeat. He measured just 7 weeks 3 days when he should have been 9 weeks. We were sent home to let him miscarry naturally. Within 24 hours all of my pregnancy symptoms disappeared, and on Sunday January 17, my sweet baby passed from my body. My body quickly recovered, but my heart has taken some time. It is shocking how easy it is to fake a smile and do what you need to do even in the face of heartbreak. That familiar lonely feeling of "these people don't know that my world is shattered" came back--immediately recognizable even though the last time I felt that way was 12 years ago. I was thankful we had told family and friends so early because I felt support from every side. God is good and holds us when we are weak.<br />
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<span class="text 2Cor-12-9" id="en-ESV-29015" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">But he said to me, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29015A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29015A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>“My grace is sufficient for you, for <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29015B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29015B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>my power is made perfect in weakness.”</span> Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29015C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29015C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Cor. 12:9</span></blockquote>
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I am continuing to learn to trust Him and His plan for my life. After all, He is the potter and I am just the clay. God is the one writing my STORY.<br />
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<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
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<span class="text Isa-64-8" id="en-ESV-18894" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-18894A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-18894A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>But now, O <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, you are our Father;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-18894B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-18894B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>we are the clay, and you are our potter;</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-18894C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-18894C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>we are all the work of your hand. Is. 64:8</span></span></div>
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I truly have no regrets. I am thankful I got pregnant and loved every minute of my all-too-brief pregnancy. I am thankful we told people. I am thankful I can share this story and relate to so many other women on this potentially lonely and often taboo grief journey. I miss my little one and <a href="http://transformationbytheword.blogspot.com/p/grief.html">grieve</a> for him, but<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Thessalonians%204:13-18"> I do not grieve as those who have no hope</a>. I anticipate holding BA in my arms one day in heaven. Meanwhile, I look forward through the tears to the next chapter of my story on earth.<br />
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<div class="poetry" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
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<span class="text Ps-126-5" id="en-ESV-16121" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-16121A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16121A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>Those who sow in tears</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-126-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">shall reap with shouts of joy!</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-126-6" id="en-ESV-16122" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>He who goes out weeping,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-126-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">bearing the seed for sowing,</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-126-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">shall come home with shouts of joy,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-126-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">bringing his sheaves with him. Ps. 126:5-6</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXL8lNHOiQevgxuvqod5lDeBCzTBG0aC1MxxgYpXAXmXARH4ZVkhfXJcyiftwFGEzVGJqty-5dGd3HRfeZOmJq-kkOWatUddyFPBH4jFj6eqtIJMgHmkHNrOxRmCAxW2-9CaFDkfLolE/s1600/CC-0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXL8lNHOiQevgxuvqod5lDeBCzTBG0aC1MxxgYpXAXmXARH4ZVkhfXJcyiftwFGEzVGJqty-5dGd3HRfeZOmJq-kkOWatUddyFPBH4jFj6eqtIJMgHmkHNrOxRmCAxW2-9CaFDkfLolE/s320/CC-0002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Justinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628086750403852099noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911151330648456512.post-20424751553825755432016-02-09T08:29:00.001-06:002016-02-09T08:29:36.317-06:00My Words for 2016On January 1, 2016, I posted the following on Facebook. I will soon be writing a piece of the STORY on this blog, so I wanted to give it a bit of context.<div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Welcome 2016! Can I have two words this year? My first word is SHEPHERD with a couple of verses to go with it 1 Peter 5:2-4 and Psalm 78:72 (I'll copy and paste those verses in the comments.) My first calling is to shepherd my own children and with the age and situation range in our house, that is no small feat. Then I need to shepherd those who the Lord brings across my path one at a time, encouraging or advising. I love that I can now be in the "older women" category (while s</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">till feeling young!) and pass along some of the things I've learned the hard way to younger friends and possibly spare them some pain and hard knocks. My second word is STORY. We need to live our own story and share it. I'm not quite sure what that is going to look like going forward, but I am eager to find out. God is good and writes a wonderful story. <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/2016wordoftheyear?source=feed_text&story_id=10153351992012496" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">2016wordoftheyear</span></a> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/shepherd?source=feed_text&story_id=10153351992012496" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">shepherd</span></a> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/story?source=feed_text&story_id=10153351992012496" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">story</span></a> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/amazinggraceisforeveryyear?source=feed_text&story_id=10153351992012496" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">amazinggraceisforeveryyear</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.08px;"> </span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.08px;"><span class="UFICommentBody">1 Peter 5:2-4 English Standard Version (ESV)<br /><br />shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.</span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.08px;"><span class="UFICommentBody"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.08px;"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span style="line-height: 16.08px;"> </span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="line-height: 16.08px;"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g">Psalm 78:72 New American Standard Bible (NASB)<br /><br />So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart,<br />And guided them with his skillful hands.</span></span></span></span></div>
Justinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628086750403852099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911151330648456512.post-58183740657568995072015-03-05T17:24:00.000-06:002015-03-05T17:24:36.822-06:00Amazing GraceOne year ago yesterday I signed up for eHarmony. One year ago today I was matched with a man who immediately contacted me using eHarmony's guided communication. We met in person nine days later and got married eight months after that. This is the beginning of our story, but actually our story together begins long before we met and is an example of God's amazing grace.<br />
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On November 15, 2013 I started a new journal. My entry that day was one sentence: "God is doing a work in my heart to be open to remarriage." <br />
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I don't believe that all dates are coincidental (the big example of that in my life is explained <a href="http://transformationbytheword.blogspot.com/2012/04/joyous-blessing-instead-of-mourning.html">here</a>), however I never gave the date I wrote that line a second thought until we were planning our wedding and had three potential dates on the table. Only one of those dates was a Saturday and was therefore preferred. We got married on Saturday November 15, 2014.<br />
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I spent the four months leading up to my eHarmony debut in prayer about this potential new season in my life. Years before I had firmly shut the door of my mind on remarriage and had followed that up with actions that made remarriage seem less likely than literally winning the lottery (which I had already done figuratively <a href="http://transformationbytheword.blogspot.com/2012/12/i-won-lottery.html">once</a>.) God gave me many many scriptures and spoke to my heart about how it would be soon and quick. I shared a bit with my pastor and he gave me some words of wisdom. By January 1, 2014, God had given me a verse for the year and a word for the year. The word was HOME. I had no idea what He meant by that. The verse was Ephesians 3:20-21.<br />
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<span class="text Eph-3-20" id="en-KJV-29272" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, </span>Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.</div>
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Interestingly this isn't a promise verse, but it is one that I had been given prophetically by my dentist when I was eighteen years old. That year I got a full ride scholarship to college, plus so much outside scholarship money that it took care of room and board and I got a refund check every semester. Who has even heard of that? It was crazy. Definitely exceeding abundantly above all I asked or imagined! God often gives me scriptures for seasons in my life and had NEVER given me this verse again until 2014. <br />
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I have to admit that all of this sounds lovely and spiritual, and it was, but in between my wonderful and encouraging times with the Lord, my regular life had gone downhill. I had been happy and content in my life, but ever since God started stirring in my heart about remarriage I had become more and more discontent, unhappy, lonely, and generally restless. My discontent peaked at the beginning of March and I decided to "do something." I kind of felt like I should sign up for eHarmony, but I was in such a funk that I really didn't think I was hearing from God. I went ahead and filled out their giant questionnaire, but got sticker shock when it came time to pay. I then went and found a free Christian singles site and signed up for that. I realized that one of the things that had been holding me back from online dating was pride, and pride is not a good reason for doing (or not doing) something. That particular dating site definitely wasn't for me, though, and two days later I followed my first leading and bit the bullet and paid for eHarmony (after finding a coupon code, of course). That was March 4, 2014. By March 5 I had several interesting "matches." Only one of them contacted me (not counting the creepy guy I had to get rid of). He was a local man, an engineer who was a committed Christian and who volunteered time every summer to go to Russia to help with a camp for children with Down syndrome. <br />
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To Be Continued...<br />
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<br />Justinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628086750403852099noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911151330648456512.post-48822354315629387332014-08-13T00:16:00.000-05:002014-08-13T00:16:15.054-05:00A letter to my late husband on his birthdayDear Michael,<br />
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I can hardly believe I still miss you this much. As we celebrate your 44th birthday, the 12th we have celebrated without you, why are these tears spilling out? I am happy. I truly am. I have a wonderful life. Your babies aren't babies anymore, but rather one is a handsome and intelligent teen who is the spitting image of you in both looks and personality and the other is a beautiful, growing-up-too-fast talented and tender-hearted young lady. To your two babies I have added another two treasures so now I have four just like we always said we wanted, minimum (although we both not-so-secretly wanted six). I am blessed to be able to homeschool like we always wanted to. I have a wonderful church, supportive friends, and even an amazing new love (never saw that coming after 11 years alone). So why? Why does it still hurt? Why do I still miss you? Why do I just want to talk to you? I guess it is a testament to our friendship and the life we built together. You know, I am convinced that I have been able to love again because of our good relationship and the friendship we had. Thank you for that. I really thank you for that. I wish I could tell you all about my life now. I know you'd love hearing about the kids, and I would give absolutely anything to discuss so many other things with you. I miss you. I miss talking to you. I miss that we could talk all day and all night and never run out of things to say. I am grateful for my life now and so grateful for the lessons that grief has taught me. I am a better person for having relied on God's grace through the suffering and pain to make it to the joy on the other side. But that joy doesn't change the fact that you are gone and I miss you. It makes me smile to think of you in heaven. I know you are happy now, and I know you are happy for me. I'm sure that by the time the kids and I are bowling for your birthday celebration and I am telling stories of their dad's exploits I will have smiles rather than tears, but right now I just miss you.<br />
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Love,<br />
JustineJustinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628086750403852099noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911151330648456512.post-35628113610441802552013-08-13T15:39:00.002-05:002013-08-13T15:39:42.486-05:00First world problemAfter a week with basically no internet, I learned a few things:<br />
1. I am way more productive when I don't have internet.<br />
2. I can't do several crucial things without internet (which means #1 is really only partially true).<br />
3. I spend way too much time on Facebook and reading blogs and articles.<br />
4. I am going to change the way I use the internet, just focus on the vital stuff, and spend less time online.<br />
5. I am going to change tomorrow. Today I am going to bask in faster browsing speeds. Thank goodness the technician came right before naptime. ;)Justinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628086750403852099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911151330648456512.post-91018362084608772662013-07-04T07:15:00.000-05:002013-07-04T07:15:46.582-05:00Fifteen years ago today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love my life and I am very happy, but I still miss him. We were married for less than five years. He has been gone for more than ten. Today we will leave an American flag at his headstone to honor the most patriotic man I have ever known. <br />
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I may shed a tear or two, but mostly I will enjoy my day with his children plus the two wonderful kiddos I have added since he died. Being happy and enjoying my life doesn't mean I don't miss him with all of my heart. It does mean that I live in the land of the living and look forward instead of backward most of the time. <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/355/764B46EFD4ACA334F8B93FE794E6631B.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><br />
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<div class="heading passage-class-0">
<h3>
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NIV)</h3>
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<span class="text 1Thess-4-13">Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.</span> <span class="text 1Thess-4-14" id="en-NIV-29618">For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.</span> <span class="text 1Thess-4-15" id="en-NIV-29619">According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.</span> <span class="text 1Thess-4-16" id="en-NIV-29620">For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.</span> <span class="text 1Thess-4-17" id="en-NIV-29621">After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.</span> <span class="text 1Thess-4-18" id="en-NIV-29622">Therefore encourage one another with these words.</span>Justinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628086750403852099noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911151330648456512.post-49710419907825122292013-05-19T17:00:00.000-05:002013-05-19T17:00:18.637-05:00Two traumatic true stories<br />
We have had a great weekend, but there were two brief episodes that were ummm...interesting.... Sorry I didn't get pictures of either event as they were both spontaneous and, well, rather traumatic in the moment.<br />
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Last night Baby Girl was last in the bath. That fact is important because it means that the bar of soap had been water logged by both Super-T and Little Pud and was a soft squishy version of its former self. For unknown reasons, Baby Girl decided to take a HUGE bite of soap. This is the same Baby Girl who is completely tube-fed and refuses to let any food or beverage down her gullet, but non-edible things? Yes! Let's gnosh tissues and sand and now SOAP! The crying didn't start right away. In fact she didn't seem fazed until I, realizing she had a huge wad of soap stuck to the roof of her mouth, decided to get it out. Girlfriend has mad tongue skills when it comes to getting something unwanted out of her mouth, but apparently the soap was just so soft and sticky that she couldn't move it and it had become attached to her palate. Enter my finger (OUCH!) then a spoon, and finally a toothbrush. It took several minutes and LOTS of crying and foaming at the mouth (literally) before Baby Girl was finally soap free. The residual crying and sob-breathing lasted a long time. I tried to sympathize, but I wasn't so successful and confess to laughing. But don't worry, I was paid back, because the next traumatic experience was just for me.<br />
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This morning I loaded up three kiddos and headed to church. The Philosopher has been at a living history event all weekend so he wasn't with us (if he had been, this story would most likely be quite different.) When we were nearly to church I saw a big turtle right in the middle of the road. The road was completely deserted, but I knew there would soon be lots of traffic with first service letting out and second service starting, so I stopped, flipped on the hazards, and told the kids, "I'll be right back." I hopped out to rescue the nice turtle. I love all animals and hated to think of someone running over this guy. I picked him up and immediately was rewarded with cold "water" splashing all over my feet. Yes, Mr. Turtle peed on me. Shocked, but remembering my mission, I ran him to the grass by the side of the road and jumped back in the car where Little Pud needed confirmation that the gallons of "water" were in fact what she suspected. Fortunately the minivan is well-stocked with wipes, Mr. Turtle mostly got my feet, and I was wearing easily-cleaned flip flops. There was no time to go home. Just time to laugh and have the kids laugh at me while I wiped off. So, if you saw me at church this morning, I had turtle toes. I cringe to think about it. On the other hand, I see a homeschool science lesson: cold-blooded animals have cold urine and apparently can hold more than the actual volume of their body. Who knew?<br />
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How was your weekend?Justinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628086750403852099noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911151330648456512.post-31685328248088387422013-05-05T23:52:00.001-05:002013-05-05T23:52:22.811-05:00HELP!I need help. Accepting help takes vulnerability. I first learned how to really accept help ten years ago when my husband died. Up until that time I preferred to be the helper rather than the helpee. I think most people prefer that. But Michael died when I was eight months pregnant with our daughter, had a two and a half year old little boy running around, was DEEP in debt and moved within weeks...I had to have help. It was humbling, but since I really had no choice, I allowed it. I even began to realize the blessing it is to allow others to help me.<br />
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Fast forward ten years. I am much more often in a position to help others now, but still have specific areas that are weaknesses, not to mention specific times when I need help (e.g. adoption transition!) I have found that accepting help from friends who have strengths in my areas of weakness is a huge boost to my whole life.<br />
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One major area of weakness in my life: organization, specifically home organization. I do okay in small segments. I kept my adoption paperwork pretty organized up until the last bit where it got a wacky. I have little pockets of organization in my home, but overall I really have a tough time keeping stuff under control. I have tried <a href="http://www.flylady.net/">Flylady</a> (which works, by the way, if you actually do it, which I did for several months back in 2004, but not so much if you just delete the emails and never do them) and several other systems, but mostly no system at all and just trying to tread water. The special bane to my existence is PAPER. Why is there so much paper?!? (The below picture is of my garage, not my paper piles.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4b42BOch-TkC-Dwn9KELztbrGFzYtrzPiLwqCk3CqLAqxh6AUsH9mfYCzgxWJJ11hIg3z2Z53P_gXr0NNJd8IIzKt9qtJaW4L2K-P_mNdD7TcwJkjakLY2tHca3Xl3BlfFIqrQZBe2U/s1600/March2013+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4b42BOch-TkC-Dwn9KELztbrGFzYtrzPiLwqCk3CqLAqxh6AUsH9mfYCzgxWJJ11hIg3z2Z53P_gXr0NNJd8IIzKt9qtJaW4L2K-P_mNdD7TcwJkjakLY2tHca3Xl3BlfFIqrQZBe2U/s640/March2013+002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BEFORE</td></tr>
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<br />
Over the last few years I have been more and more open to having friends come help me with organization. It started with my wonderful college roommate. She and I would get together annually and do a sorting/organizing project, alternating houses every year. This was lovely and helpful, but unfortunately my roommate (who has many many incredible qualities) has only somewhat better organizational skills to my own. The good part was that this eased me in gently because I knew she could relate to my struggle, plus we had lived together for four years in college (she was the neat one) so she had already seen me at my worst (hello, mountain of college clothes piled high on my desk chair until it tipped over). Besides, once every two years combined with my pathetic solo efforts wasn't really making a dent considering the constant influx of stuff brought by the mailman and by my kids.<br />
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Last summer another good friend from college who is stellar at organizing came in to town and spent two days whipping my pantry, kitchen, dining room, and various piles of paper into shape. She set up a simple "even Justine can do it" filing system and did it all with great respect and encouragement. It was incredible and even fun! But I wouldn't even let her touch my closet. <br />
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That experience opened the door to my seeing how valuable it is to let others into our lives to help us out in our areas of weakness. Much to my own surprise I allowed a newer friend with a talent for organization, (who had never even been to my house!) come over to help me organize a room before Baby Girl came home. It seemed to snowball from there. I have now had three or four organizationally gifted friends help me with bits and pieces of my house. One wonderful friend came over earlier this spring and together we cleaned out and organized my entire garage! Her church even provided the storage shelf and totes we used! What a gift! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5czWYGsNh4PMwBqIEGWXk9LaX8OUqPDQ9sVwnYv0PMs80ov1H6SVDY-VsNtsYvzmCLM0UU_j5trRrxHQNhMQtW2L9EnPWnH18FtD2sTYus10AnNzgU-RccsXsDHdm1GWxduTavwNHV8/s1600/March2013+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5czWYGsNh4PMwBqIEGWXk9LaX8OUqPDQ9sVwnYv0PMs80ov1H6SVDY-VsNtsYvzmCLM0UU_j5trRrxHQNhMQtW2L9EnPWnH18FtD2sTYus10AnNzgU-RccsXsDHdm1GWxduTavwNHV8/s640/March2013+004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AFTER (the giant pile o' stuff on the left is our soon-to-be-set-up pool)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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This past week was the most amazing, humbling, exhausting, and enlightening experience. My good-at-organizing college friend was back in town for a conference. After spending two days "conferencing" and getting too little sleep, plus another day running errands around town and getting too little sleep, my Friend With Boundless Energy And Mad Organizing Skilz (FWBEAMOS) decided it was time to tackle my closet. This time I let her. My role was to stand by and give the occasional opinion in between running out-of-place items to their places. Mostly I tried not to hyperventilate (not really) or cry (really). Although my FWBEAMOS was very gentle in her approach, there was no denying that it was painful to be that vulnerable, to let her go through my "stash and dash" boxes that had been in my closet for years and watch her throw away 95% of the contents. It was painful to see her make short work of piles that had mentally tortured me for years. It was painful because it made me face a glaring weakness in my life. I am good at a lot of things and mostly have my act together. I can dish out a lot of encouragement and advice, much of it good. But I am not perfect. I do not have ALL strengths. None of us do. That is why we need each other. <br />That is why the American ideal of "rugged individualism" is actually against the gospel. First Corinthians 12 is one of my favorite Bible passages. It talks about gifts and needing each other. It includes possibly the best (and funniest) analogy in the Bible, comparing the members of the church (universal) to the parts of the body:<br />
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<span class="text 1Cor-12-14" id="en-NLT-28609"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-12-15" id="en-NLT-28610"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-12-16" id="en-NLT-28611">And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body?</span> <span class="text 1Cor-12-17" id="en-NLT-28612"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? - I Cor. 12:14-17 </span><br />
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Can't you just see a giant eyeball? Or a giant ear? It wouldn't be much of a person if it was just a giant eye. I highly recommend reading the <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2012&version=NLT">whole chapter</a>. <br />
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We need each other. We each have a purpose. We each have gifts. And we need to be vulnerable and open enough to allow others to help us in our areas of weakness. The rewards are great. Really great. I am thankful.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One reward of a clean garage: a workbench for The Philosopher.</td></tr>
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<span class="text 1Cor-12-18" id="en-NLT-28613"><br /></span><span class="text 1Cor-12-21" id="en-NLT-28616"></span></blockquote>
Justinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628086750403852099noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911151330648456512.post-9401511287942959262013-03-28T19:50:00.000-05:002013-03-28T19:50:10.681-05:00Spring!I think spring may finally have arrived! I am ready to start a new season! So thankful!!!<br />
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<br />Justinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628086750403852099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911151330648456512.post-56051473135743829132013-03-24T19:07:00.002-05:002013-03-28T19:44:00.022-05:00Have kids. Will travel.Ahhh...travel...<br />
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My love for road trips began when my folks took my brother and I to copper mines and old growth forests, waterfalls and caves, sand dunes and the <a href="http://www.ssbadger.com/">S.S. Badger</a>. We didn't often travel far, but made the most of beautiful northern Michigan and the few long road trips we did go on. In high school I was privileged to broaden my horizons by going to Hawaii with my family and Washington D.C. with my classmates and teachers. My first international venture was at the age of twenty when I went on a 5 1/2 week missions trip to Scotland, where we stayed in a <a href="http://www.stravaiging.com/history/castle/crossbasket-castle">castle</a> (yes, really!) During college there were many road trips with friends; and after college, I traveled to Hong Kong (while it was still in the hands of the British...I first fell in love with the people of HK back then), China, England, Greece, and Paris. When newly married, Michael and I lived near Baltimore Maryland and loved taking in the historic sites in the area. After he died, I was determined that my "single mom" status wasn't going to prevent travel. I took my first huge road trip with the kids when The Philosopher was six and Little Pud was three. And by huge, I mean nearly three thousand miles. It was a wonderful adventure! Since that time, we have taken many road trips, some large and some small. And of course we have taken two special trips to Hong Kong to add to our family.<br />
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Super-T has been a pretty good traveler since he came home, joining us on our first big road trip after being home for six months. He has his quirks, but over all is pretty good about it. Unfortunately he has very few things he actually enjoys doing, but fortunately riding in the car is one of them and swimming is another, so if we can get a hotel with a pool after a long drive, we are golden.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super-T hanging out in front of The Philosopher's tent. </td></tr>
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I have been eager to see how Baby Girl would do on a road trip. She
has two attributes that could make travel difficult: she is completely
tube-fed and she is a TODDLER. We took our first little "test" road
trip this weekend to The Philosopher's Civil War reenactment, and I
learned that my sweet and spunky girl is a fabulous traveler! We drove
less than three hours away, so if it was horrible, we could get home
relatively quickly, but there was no need. The tube-feeding went off
without a hitch (just took a bit of planning ahead since I am feeding
her a diet of blenderized food rather than formula) and even the
toddlerness wasn't much of an issue. Best of all, Baby Girl had fun,
slept great, and LOVED the water just as much as Super-T. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BRRR!!! It was a COLD weekend! So cold they canceled the final day.</td></tr>
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Although I was very pleased with the success of our little endeavor, I did learn a few things.<br />
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Here are my top five lessons learned:<br />
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1. When you are a single mom of four kids, getting everyone ready will take you a full hour longer than you think it will (even when two of the four kids are <i>excellent </i>helpers and the other two are not terrible anti-helpers.) This proved true both going and coming and getting to an event on Saturday. <br />
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2. Five people need a LOT of stuff, even for just two nights (especially when one of said people is a toddler tubie and another is a Civil War reenactor who doesn't believe in leaving his civilian clothes behind). Corollary to #2 is that five people make a lot of laundry in a weekend. <br />
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3. Electronics are your friend, especially when used strategically rather than indiscriminately. I am so thankful that my mom suggested that I bring my laptop so Super-T and Baby Girl could watch their The Wiggles DVD (a mutual favorite). They only watched it once each day, but it bought me precious minutes each time. And I doubt if we could have made it happily through the weekend without Super-T's iPod for his music. It kept him content while we hung out in the car while I fed Baby Girl.<br />
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4. Get a suite. Seriously. With a door that closes. That way you can have a moment to yourself while the kids sleep in the other room. And everyone doesn't have to sneak around trying not to wake the baby in the morning. Bonus if your suite has a full kitchen (ours didn't this time). <br />
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5. I need to get in shape. After two days of carrying 25 pounds of toddler around for hours up and down hills and across fields during the day and then swimming with the kids in the evenings, I am sore. Thank goodness for my Ergo. No stroller could have gone where we did this weekend, Baby Girl had good bonding time, and there is no way I could have carried her in my arms all those hours. My back feels fine, but various muscles are really feeling it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The benefit of having the last day cancelled: The Philosopher got to stay with us and SWIM!</td></tr>
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Bonus lesson: A trip is not a vacation for mom. It is fun. It is educational. It makes memories. It builds family bonds. It is not a break. I plan to schedule some down time this week to get recharged. To me it is so worth it to make memories and learn in a fun and interesting way. <br />
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<br />Justinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628086750403852099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911151330648456512.post-90646566989330227012013-02-20T17:16:00.000-06:002013-03-28T19:44:44.431-05:00First snow!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today Baby Girl experienced her first snow! She wasn't quite sure what to think of it all, but by the end of our time outside she was smiling and saying "hooray!"<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is this cold white stuff?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sandbox bulldozer became a snowplow.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was our cat Luthien's first snow, too.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Philosopher and Little Pud enjoyed sledding.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleds are even fun on flat ground! (Notice my daffodils coming up in the background.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luthien followed us around like a puppy dog. Both snow first-timers later took long naps in the warm house.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Girl was so bundled up, she could barely stand.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Philosopher built her a tiny snow wall and lobbed tiny snowballs at her so she could experience her first "snowball fight." He then helped her throw snowballs.</td></tr>
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My only regret was that I had already taken Super-T to school by the time the snow started accumulating. One benefit of homeschooling is the ability to take the morning for a snow day (it was really wet and rather warm so we knew it wouldn't stay long) and still get school done in the afternoon. Unfortunately this afternoon Super-T had to be happy with just a short walk through the slushy snow. His first snow experience was one to remember, though. It happened just days after he got home. Jet-lagged and stunned, he still enjoyed the white stuff. Below are a couple of pictures since I wasn't blogging then.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sKnpFrfVCyaK1GCyBJ3LTqiRrBwRnr1ntSujcsTBPO1eLnyHv1bYmsVX0k7jhe5-lC-sqvgeTnLSya8iR765KD9wQ47TJQzomNZgW-LZxrB_JC2SGWjZzZ5NFxsHVpuJIE06R9iPdtc/s1600/TeamFoster+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sKnpFrfVCyaK1GCyBJ3LTqiRrBwRnr1ntSujcsTBPO1eLnyHv1bYmsVX0k7jhe5-lC-sqvgeTnLSya8iR765KD9wQ47TJQzomNZgW-LZxrB_JC2SGWjZzZ5NFxsHVpuJIE06R9iPdtc/s400/TeamFoster+004.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is that stuff falling from the sky? </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 29, 2010 Super-T had been home for two days. </td></tr>
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And now I am ready for SPRING!Justinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628086750403852099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911151330648456512.post-43885973412551754552013-02-14T07:00:00.000-06:002013-02-14T07:00:01.465-06:00Two months home...Please forgive my lack of posting. Life with four children is busy. Life with four children including a newly adopted toddler is super-busy!<br />
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I am not allowed to post pictures of Baby Girl's cute face until her adoption in finalized, so you'll have to be content with looking at the back of her head for a while.<br />
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Baby Girl has been home for two months now. I wish I could say that everything has been completely rosy and that the transition was seamless, but I can't. What I can say is that things are really good now and we are getting into a routine and I think the hardest parts of the transition are behind us.<br />
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The reality is that adoption is HARD. Even when things go better than expected it is hard. After all, you are bringing a new person into your family. A new person that you love in pictures, but who you don't really know. A new person that has no clue who you are or if they should trust you. A new person who has experienced complete loss of everything familiar.<br />
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We had a lovely two week "honeymoon" with Baby Girl. That was fortunate because we all got sick with a cold and it was Christmas and I was on a steep tube-feeding learning curve, so that two week period was pretty stressful even while "honeymooning."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ly8RztbRIz6A4X4iI7flSsYdHcGs__C3Dp-RpK2vpq-SEIyq7KwfkWoHHg0vwxtOohNVjSDklWyONHjVLMP-X5vgEJTMnH5ZA8wCgUDFTW7Z6xZ298Aqo_GyaHgV4dP1Fupwhhm0fVU/s1600/HKandChristmas+017+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ly8RztbRIz6A4X4iI7flSsYdHcGs__C3Dp-RpK2vpq-SEIyq7KwfkWoHHg0vwxtOohNVjSDklWyONHjVLMP-X5vgEJTMnH5ZA8wCgUDFTW7Z6xZ298Aqo_GyaHgV4dP1Fupwhhm0fVU/s400/HKandChristmas+017+%25282%2529.jpg" width="365" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Pud helped Baby Girl open her gifts on Christmas morning.</td></tr>
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During that time Baby Girl thought life was a party. She was funny, silly, slept like a champ, and I thought we had it made in the shade. I knew she wasn't really bonding to me yet, but she liked me and didn't resist physical affection, in fact, she welcomed it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09ekXj0vWQgg0KLW_cQjk38mUjhbpt5vBDu8LVSv7DO0vD2AVsuXN0OMPvmD5FSdhOcLL8s4HpXFJFMpQVDWHjhWm48BLaXWjmb4a2Yg8Kh14VxZ3zJSyY_cZiQ-8kg_7kpPiCNIKu00/s1600/HKandChristmas+052+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09ekXj0vWQgg0KLW_cQjk38mUjhbpt5vBDu8LVSv7DO0vD2AVsuXN0OMPvmD5FSdhOcLL8s4HpXFJFMpQVDWHjhWm48BLaXWjmb4a2Yg8Kh14VxZ3zJSyY_cZiQ-8kg_7kpPiCNIKu00/s640/HKandChristmas+052+(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Girl and Super-T enjoyed their mega-blocks on Christmas. It was the first time they played together.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Then the rug was pulled out. Baby Girl got a low-grade fever and her cold got worse. All of a sudden it was like she realized that she wasn't in her familiar surroundings and she cried and she Cried and she CRIED. And she slept and she Slept and she SLEPT. The sleeping was fortunate because it gave a break in the crying. I did my best trying to help her feel better and trying to comfort her, but she would not be comforted much of the time. After a few days I knew she was feeling better but she was still crying. Finally I realized that it was grief.<br />
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If you have never seen a two year old grieve from the depths of her soul, be thankful. It is a very painful experience. On the other hand, if you have adopted a two year old, you want them to grieve. As painful as it was, it was very good that she deal with her emotions. I ended up making a stressed-out after-hours call to our adoption worker. She was able to see us the next day and gave me great advice about facilitating Baby Girl's grief. That day was the turning point. We ended up watching Baby Girl's life video and the video that was made to introduce her to us after final matching approval several times. The first time Baby Girl sobbed and SOBBED and reached out to her caregivers and friends in the video. Absolutely heartrending. By the third day we watched the video, Baby Girl smiled while watching and reached out as if to hug her caregiver, but there were no more tears.<br />
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Since that time, Baby Girl has been crying appropriately, but not incessantly. She also has been sleeping appropriately (11-12 hours at night and usually a 1.5-2 hour nap) instead of sleeping 13 hours at night and taking two to three naps during the day. It turns out, sleeping was a coping mechanism for her (one that likely saved my sanity...I have a new respect for moms of colicky babies). Most of all, Baby Girl is BONDING with me, actually with all of us. Her attachment (the single most important thing in adoption) is going really well and I am THRILLED! <br />
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We have now begun to discover the nuances of Baby Girl's personality and are really getting to know her. And we are learning to love each other.<br />
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She is funny and smart. She loves books, music, and tickling.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have LOTS of books!</td></tr>
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She can be oppositional but is a fast learner. She loves the sandbox, the great outdoors, and all of our pets.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBPsEqodWiPpjJX3OWC3hQJ-xTCPl6IvRsQ8iUanqey3RHJmxW70qjksEuUQb5kWXwBWdheFAzMG38q9douOEIrjf0_TP_lhKgYzYX8AVqTSzdSwf82yRR-6o3Hm4j8a75TbPD9Vap6o/s1600/January2013+002+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBPsEqodWiPpjJX3OWC3hQJ-xTCPl6IvRsQ8iUanqey3RHJmxW70qjksEuUQb5kWXwBWdheFAzMG38q9douOEIrjf0_TP_lhKgYzYX8AVqTSzdSwf82yRR-6o3Hm4j8a75TbPD9Vap6o/s400/January2013+002+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yippee for a warm day to play outside!</td></tr>
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Baby Girl is a perfect fit for our family and I am so thankful! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4yVrWCIA-QfhTlCrTVpl8AkSN7yfrZKAaAY7LAJJQgwKCMAn81YlGBkUlxZsDRX4ooOS7BZOFZKBWr12wN_3IRpu_UWfdrMhOGifH1LhcBVjHb9wdkq-s4ESF91Eb8dYxWCHse3u1j0/s1600/JanFeb2013+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4yVrWCIA-QfhTlCrTVpl8AkSN7yfrZKAaAY7LAJJQgwKCMAn81YlGBkUlxZsDRX4ooOS7BZOFZKBWr12wN_3IRpu_UWfdrMhOGifH1LhcBVjHb9wdkq-s4ESF91Eb8dYxWCHse3u1j0/s640/JanFeb2013+001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Failed attempts at family pictures can be good ones for the blog.</td></tr>
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<br />Justinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628086750403852099noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911151330648456512.post-88780045278206202692013-01-18T20:54:00.000-06:002013-01-18T20:54:32.455-06:00Happy and sad...Happy because my sweet Suzanne has a family that wants her. Sad because of the Russian adoption situation. Please read my friend Stori's blog post linked below and pray for Suzanne and Daphne's family and for all the other families facing similar situations. And please pray especially for the children affected. Oh, I just can't tell you how this child has my heart. I have often prayed and asked if she is my child, but I knew the answer was no, and now to have her this close to having a family and it being thwarted by politics...ugh! It hits so close to home. I cannot imagine having been told that I couldn't make Baby Girl a part of our family. <br />
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<a href="http://storilayne.blogspot.com/2013/01/lord-its-now.html">http://storilayne.blogspot.com/2013/01/lord-its-now.html</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please pray for Suzanne!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />Justinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628086750403852099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911151330648456512.post-19519531159084618512013-01-01T23:15:00.000-06:002013-01-01T23:15:39.440-06:00New Year--New Books!On January first of every year, each of my children receive a new book. Sometimes these are special books like <i>The Hobbit</i> or <i>Roxaboxen</i> or <i>Blueberries for Sal</i>; other times they are just cool books that happened to be on sale. This year I went with the "on sale" theory (or, more accurately, "on-sale-plus-free-shipping-from-Amazon") and ended up with hits all around. This is a great tradition (if I do say so myself). One that I started when I discovered that books didn't really pack a huge bang for a Christmas gift, but I still wanted to give them, and the kids really do like them long-term. Besides what other gift do you get to write a sappy inscription on for posterity to see? Well, they may not pack much bang on Christmas, but they are appreciated on New Year's Day, when everyone is ready to snuggle down and take it easy.<br />
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<br />Justinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628086750403852099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911151330648456512.post-54801201445972671972012-12-19T22:06:00.003-06:002012-12-19T22:06:31.149-06:00Tubie newbieI haven't forgotten to blog! What I did almost forget is how intense it is to transition a new family member home even when everything is going great. And it is going great! We got home on Friday after the LONGEST flight ever. But that day is behind us now and all is well. The main hiccup is that Baby Girl and I each caught a little cold. We are both doing fine, but it wasn't exactly what we wanted for our first few days home. Fortunately I already had a doctor appointment scheduled for her and the doc said her lungs sound fine. Poor sweetie was just congested in her head. She really was only super-miserable for one afternoon (coinciding with the doctor appointment). She is doing great now. Just a little left-over cough and slightly runny nose. The past two nights she slept twelve hours each night!!! Unfortunately that also meant that no naps were taken. I think it will take us another week or two to figure out a workable schedule. Just last night was my first decent night of sleep in weeks (excitement, adrenaline, millions of details, plus jet lag are not a very sleep-inducing combination). I think we are all on the right track now, though.<br />
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The other tricky thing is that I am on the tube-feeding learning curve. Baby Girl is currently fed via g-tube so I am having to learn all the ins and outs of that. It is really not difficult, but is taking a fair amount of my mental energy. Pretty soon I'll be an old pro at it, and hopefully not too long after that Baby Girl will be eating by mouth. She actually is much further along towards that goal than I thought she was. There really is no medical reason currently for her to be on a g-tube, but when you are an orphan with feeding problems who lives in a hospital in a first-world country with good medical care, you get a feeding tube (orphans in third world countries in the same situation often die or become extremely malnourished). I am SO THANKFUL for her tube, but ready to get rid of it at the same time. Super T had a g-tube until he was about 3 or so I have high hopes. Super-T is now a champion eater.<br />
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So that is the bad and the ugly, but mostly it is all GOOD. Seriously this girl is AMAZING!!! I really think that word is over-used by so many people, but in this case it really applies! We all are crazy about her. In fact one of the no-nap days was because the big kids had been out seeing The Hobbit with Grandma (for the second time--both saw it on opening day: Little Pud overseas with our relatives and The Philosopher with his friends and his Pa--yes, I am the only family member who will not be seeing this in the theater, but Baby Girl is oh-so-worth it...there is always DVD) and just had to go visit her when they got back. She was not quite asleep and that was the end of that nap.<br />
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Well, I am starting to ramble. I'd better go feed Baby Girl (one benefit of tube feeding: you can feed the kiddo while they are sound asleep) and then get to bed. Morning comes early around here.<br />
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{Sorry no pictures today. I won't be allowed to post any pictures of Baby Girl's smiling face until after her adoption is finalized (likely a year because of our slow court system in my county...ugh!). I will take pictures that don't show her face, though, and post them, but not until life has settled down a bit.}Justinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628086750403852099noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911151330648456512.post-79792217447908884372012-12-12T18:50:00.000-06:002013-01-01T23:16:08.205-06:00I won the lottery.Seriously. This child is amazing!!!<br />
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12/12/12 was Gotcha Day. We started the morning at the place that has been Baby Girl's home for over a year and ended the day with two sisters going to bed in matching jammies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi8LudaXAsxCQlCo-7CmPIh9E1tBGiBMZWjk_9_k6qpYR6YXdYklcDlOyvvfYfpcHzE8zeX9XbGTPGC1GfZArU57PxiFESlNlQn2NK1e3i3Xnhnxun1xkxkYLZD79PfYSq1tGzR-p-Owg/s1600/Joy+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi8LudaXAsxCQlCo-7CmPIh9E1tBGiBMZWjk_9_k6qpYR6YXdYklcDlOyvvfYfpcHzE8zeX9XbGTPGC1GfZArU57PxiFESlNlQn2NK1e3i3Xnhnxun1xkxkYLZD79PfYSq1tGzR-p-Owg/s400/Joy+008.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The workers, volunteers, and children sang Baby Girl's favorite songs and then had a goodbye prayer and candle ceremony in which Baby Girl and I took a candle (electric!) around to let each of the children hold to pass her luck in getting a family on to each of them. Talk about heart-rending...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Girl's caregiver then took her around to have her say "goodbye" to all the rooms and equipment at the child care home. Here she is saying goodbye to her high chair. Lots more tears from the caregivers and me and Baby Girl was very somber and sad.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few minutes after we left her child care home, Baby Girl perked up and was happy again, but the emotional morning made her tired. She slept through our ride on the ferry.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LYA2G5B2QJO9smxbDNe1EUHAXt4_3s-YuVsgwJv8sUWglj4nwsERD5Jsss0-r9bGxX3taayMKOeeGzcleYRJvTccSDuIvBbIpK6Z473nIQofxGADemQ0YQl3I7cW0kNjD-DvYKXTHxs/s1600/Joy+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LYA2G5B2QJO9smxbDNe1EUHAXt4_3s-YuVsgwJv8sUWglj4nwsERD5Jsss0-r9bGxX3taayMKOeeGzcleYRJvTccSDuIvBbIpK6Z473nIQofxGADemQ0YQl3I7cW0kNjD-DvYKXTHxs/s400/Joy+023.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Pud loved the ferry</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LzdlRfdK3-TuBsVH7djZvicOrqnufhhNXcDqAtrRXxBh8UUTT8QEzwjzXqHM-CN3Y22nzAG0VUod8IfbCj5YcuNJNRln1bQBzQAd5eIfOcP-FQ7qOzLe2u82cXc21r2tyNun7HwgFHg/s1600/Joy+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LzdlRfdK3-TuBsVH7djZvicOrqnufhhNXcDqAtrRXxBh8UUTT8QEzwjzXqHM-CN3Y22nzAG0VUod8IfbCj5YcuNJNRln1bQBzQAd5eIfOcP-FQ7qOzLe2u82cXc21r2tyNun7HwgFHg/s400/Joy+024.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and the double-decker bus!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDJdZK_cg1pJXRSA4h86mKWyRzVbQOH9XNG4TMvDxvuRPsVTyUkVgezDlbDGfb0L9lc3-iGgvPB7J3FfJ_Vtwxq3J6VyHe52furmPF6KEXVp6ItiwyYYbfVI08PUEKOWyA62ETeKOLKo/s1600/Joy+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDJdZK_cg1pJXRSA4h86mKWyRzVbQOH9XNG4TMvDxvuRPsVTyUkVgezDlbDGfb0L9lc3-iGgvPB7J3FfJ_Vtwxq3J6VyHe52furmPF6KEXVp6ItiwyYYbfVI08PUEKOWyA62ETeKOLKo/s400/Joy+025.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Pud surprised herself by actually liking almost all of the food! Yummy dim sum and noodles!!!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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After the ferry and lunch, we went to a science museum and later out to eat wonderful vegetarian Shanghaiese food with our relatives (all the pictures from both of those places show Baby Girl's face so I can't post them here). Then it was to the hotel:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The end of the day!</td></tr>
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I am overwhelmed with the wonder that is this little girl. She is truly amazing. Funny, smart, easy-going. I am so blessed! <br />
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We are nearly ready to travel home. It has been an incredible trip on all fronts, and I am so excited to begin our lives as a family of five!<br />
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<br />Justinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628086750403852099noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911151330648456512.post-47833051309575327192012-12-11T17:00:00.001-06:002012-12-11T17:00:46.785-06:00What a difference a day makes!Yesterday Baby Girl was animated and funny! She obviously is enjoying being with Little Pud and I and is even starting to prefer us (I am amazed by that.)<br />
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Today is Gotcha Day!!!<br />
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I am so excited! I wish I had time to write more, but alas, I don't. Hopefully I'll write about today later tonight.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UDD42G53wM9odSCsIe4JCPmPbzzPkTJ3yjTyEMemV9XSzInGbM5IBX7e3ITcME_iK7mZIxHEuWRHW6kJAMnovHTs5jnmRAv1Y4sYJEukdFszu0vynxngcUfz0NJvfKZ3jGwZhTVV5Yg/s1600/Joy+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UDD42G53wM9odSCsIe4JCPmPbzzPkTJ3yjTyEMemV9XSzInGbM5IBX7e3ITcME_iK7mZIxHEuWRHW6kJAMnovHTs5jnmRAv1Y4sYJEukdFszu0vynxngcUfz0NJvfKZ3jGwZhTVV5Yg/s400/Joy+014.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They were teaching the kids about skiing. Everyone was laughing so hard and the kids had a blast. (The umbrellas are the ski poles. Baby Girl didn't wear the cardboard "skis" because they were too slippery for the smaller kiddos.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUoCTN-KBtjQrxIsTRsUj59AEUoIMSN56Cbw5Mpgw02ncJgh8rePBpbzsdYwPfUOgprLehBgeRIDzD9jldogqONtkZM38WqF8l4pi9-eEaDEn1C0lCQ60WmrttMeXm4CirG1zgy7DmJg/s1600/Joy+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUoCTN-KBtjQrxIsTRsUj59AEUoIMSN56Cbw5Mpgw02ncJgh8rePBpbzsdYwPfUOgprLehBgeRIDzD9jldogqONtkZM38WqF8l4pi9-eEaDEn1C0lCQ60WmrttMeXm4CirG1zgy7DmJg/s400/Joy+041.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun on the playground at Baby Girl's childcare home.</td></tr>
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<br />Justinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628086750403852099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911151330648456512.post-25750932090064298752012-12-10T04:55:00.000-06:002012-12-10T04:55:21.506-06:00Amazing!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting Baby Girl for the first time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Pud and Baby Girl heading toward the playground.</td></tr>
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We are tired, but oh-so-happy! I miss her already, but it won't be for long this time.<br />
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<br />Justinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628086750403852099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911151330648456512.post-34935422710188014882012-12-09T08:25:00.000-06:002012-12-09T08:25:42.015-06:00My camera battery is charging...because tomorrow is the big day!<br />
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Meeting your child for the very first time is exciting and unnerving at the same time. I am trying not to think too much about it because I am concerned I won't be able to sleep if I focus on Baby Girl. Fortunately I have been busy and having a great time so it likely won't really hit me until tomorrow morning.<br />
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We had another great day today, but first I should rewind to what we did last night. Little Pud and I are so privileged to be here during Chanukah. Last night was the first night, and we so enjoyed the lighting of the candles, the gifts, and the time with our family. It was also great to have my uncle tell me a more complete version of the story behind the holiday. I am now looking forward to each evening here. I wish we could stay for the whole eight days.<br />
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After the lighting of the candles and the gifts and after Little Pud and KOTM spent some time building their respective Lego sets, we got to talk to our stateside family via Skype. It was so good to talk to my boys! I miss them so much, but they are in the very good hands of Grandma and Pa. By the way, KOTM is short for King of the Minifigs, our cousin who has a lot in common with The Philosopher (formerly known on this blog as LOTL or Lord of the Legos), incidentally Little Pud also enjoys Legos. It is not recommended to walk barefoot in our house...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZ_eysVYY5DcfSEXf1WroOLRkR3gGeMlTDDj2Jz9VRJTZCAuLipSitDbkMLlw7WpsMIzkIntngMpMnHSaHpnTrSbpcusxhfuRgRXWazRx5MFphOih-clCQQxj0QpC8VBNFz6-snA_9Ow/s1600/FallWinter2012+013+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZ_eysVYY5DcfSEXf1WroOLRkR3gGeMlTDDj2Jz9VRJTZCAuLipSitDbkMLlw7WpsMIzkIntngMpMnHSaHpnTrSbpcusxhfuRgRXWazRx5MFphOih-clCQQxj0QpC8VBNFz6-snA_9Ow/s400/FallWinter2012+013+(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course, KOTM had to show The Philosopher all of his new Legos and vice versa.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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We then went to bed. My new and improved jet lag plan seems to be working because, although I woke up super early (4:30), I was able to doze until a reasonable time and then spend all of today on the go, feeling very little jet lag.<br />
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This morning it was time for Mitzvah Day! My aunt had organized a HUGE undertaking with many MANY volunteers to work in several teams around the community. It was such a privilege to be a part of this great day. When my uncle was giving his brief spiel during the Mitzvah Day breakfast before we were sent out, he quoted a Jewish friend of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Joshua_Heschel#Quotations">Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel</a> said of his civil rights march with Dr. King, "When I marched on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SelmaHeschelMarch.jpg">Selma</a>, my legs were praying." I loved this word picture of the act of worship it can be when we work with our own hands and feet to help others. Service is so important. Today many people were sent out to work in the community. Our personal assignment was to help sort clothes for refugees, but it didn't start until after lunch, so we had a few hours to kill.<br />
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Cousin "Elsa" had something to return to a store, so so she and I took the kids and set out for a little adventure. We took hundreds of stairs (found out just how unused my "going down stairs muscles" are) down the mountain and then into the busy shopping district. We found the store in question and while Elsa returned her item, Little Pud and KOTM entertained themselves by making faces in a mirror.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9lkyd36SnUhJoUSuWFAgtE3ipF8_GfFx2id8D7Bem5jPyHlSZhFZt39pQPLZg-RBolc37FLYTpu2o8USnVItBeCFoZfguzEhWofbknPOno5nsNdkpwGSlODzYrMl5Um7tbXBn6H-tfw/s1600/FallWinter2012+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9lkyd36SnUhJoUSuWFAgtE3ipF8_GfFx2id8D7Bem5jPyHlSZhFZt39pQPLZg-RBolc37FLYTpu2o8USnVItBeCFoZfguzEhWofbknPOno5nsNdkpwGSlODzYrMl5Um7tbXBn6H-tfw/s400/FallWinter2012+012.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aren't they cute?</td></tr>
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We then added taking a public transportation bus to Little Pud's list of firsts. It was a beautiful day for both the walk and the ride and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing more of Baby Girl's wonderful city.<br />
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Soon after returning to the flat, it was our turn to go out for Mitzvah Day. About fifteen or so of us loaded onto a bus and were on our way. It was especially fun because the kids and I occasionally volunteer at a local clothes ministry, so we at least partially understood what a huge project this was. I have never seen so many clothes! It was amazing! And I was equally amazed by how much we got done.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant pile o' shoes</td></tr>
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After a few hours of clothes sorting, folding, and hauling, we headed back home tired but happy and fulfilled, and then to the kosher barbeque for a LOT of fabulously delicious food. At the risk of sounding like a pig (small joke for those of you who are paying attention), I believe I sampled at least seven kinds of meat and fish, several veggies/salads, and three desserts. Don't worry though, I had already worked it all off with the walking down the millions of stairs and marathon clothes sorting session. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yum...MEAT!</td></tr>
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Tomorrow is THE day!!! I am so excited, but I am truly trying not to think about it. I want to get a good night's sleep. I would appreciate prayers for both the sleep and the first meeting. Don't expect another long blog...I am highly doubtful that I'll have time from here on out (but you never know...)<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/355/764B46EFD4ACA334F8B93FE794E6631B.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /> </a><br />
<br />Justinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628086750403852099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911151330648456512.post-6816184495436487712012-12-08T09:21:00.000-06:002012-12-08T09:21:05.125-06:00The happiest place on earth<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We're here!!!</span> </div>
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Little Pud and I spent a LONG day traveling, but we made it in the end.</div>
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Little Pud has had lots of firsts! First plane ride (that she remembers-she did actually fly at 4 months old), first trip to another country, first taxi ride, first rollercoaster, and first trip to Disney! <br />
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One of the best parts about Baby Girl's birth country is that we have family living there! So not only do we get to add a new member to our family, we get to see family that we already know and love. We went to Disney with our aunt and cousins and had a GREAT time! Little Pud was heard to say, "This is the best day of my life." Here are a few pictures to document our fun time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wY1J80aWYpWW8f30JkoApCwurql3JPDv7BRpoKxtuQdPcCuJMyU3GaqnPNwXMpt5R0zHssX-XYL-xdsH0i05TKtt4Vh2xWeVqkRhuNPaMOZ663Lxg92m41S2lXmWSlrZgQdTEzLXNHw/s1600/Fall2012+019+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wY1J80aWYpWW8f30JkoApCwurql3JPDv7BRpoKxtuQdPcCuJMyU3GaqnPNwXMpt5R0zHssX-XYL-xdsH0i05TKtt4Vh2xWeVqkRhuNPaMOZ663Lxg92m41S2lXmWSlrZgQdTEzLXNHw/s400/Fall2012+019+%25282%2529.jpg" width="355" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Pud with the cousins: King of the Minigfigs (KOTM) and Elsa.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjle_Buy0rR670WfpnR7ndK4H3hbM5SwvbNuMhyphenhyphenvAiEQ-WhModDYFc2NKO7UQxkLbYV3b6YrWt_3tRADS-I5hT3AIrZoR9uSMJxQMk2Mgfxz3NaY0PHgtkzZK1jhg5WJSIAklYrkHv0Zro/s1600/Fall2012+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjle_Buy0rR670WfpnR7ndK4H3hbM5SwvbNuMhyphenhyphenvAiEQ-WhModDYFc2NKO7UQxkLbYV3b6YrWt_3tRADS-I5hT3AIrZoR9uSMJxQMk2Mgfxz3NaY0PHgtkzZK1jhg5WJSIAklYrkHv0Zro/s400/Fall2012+036.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun on the teacups with my aunt and cousin!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sZTqwGNeUh5_EFvQFkDcCCUMNpxLS6fctdyjtVQ21MfKdcZNq5cjJkTFBj-Dt4sJZlhjKDaf2ekoFsJAhwDFdgPaG7hv70GroL-na_-ANS3RfkISfJ_R-VbtU4hU7b-VpeKeCjxCgkA/s1600/Fall2012+067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sZTqwGNeUh5_EFvQFkDcCCUMNpxLS6fctdyjtVQ21MfKdcZNq5cjJkTFBj-Dt4sJZlhjKDaf2ekoFsJAhwDFdgPaG7hv70GroL-na_-ANS3RfkISfJ_R-VbtU4hU7b-VpeKeCjxCgkA/s400/Fall2012+067.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The park was decorated for Christmas.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pBwI2fH7h6bKO-ntW3MOPNQnJ5jgxRXqzX7-UeAREG3Y-d6M7cB_y8xb_FxufwoDZU_qRwroqHj3-xwmwxDpryUntLPE38QlHPWgKOeLJQvReqt8rBST8jVwMjD5ztzXk-4IQgmXDqA/s1600/Fall2012+039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pBwI2fH7h6bKO-ntW3MOPNQnJ5jgxRXqzX7-UeAREG3Y-d6M7cB_y8xb_FxufwoDZU_qRwroqHj3-xwmwxDpryUntLPE38QlHPWgKOeLJQvReqt8rBST8jVwMjD5ztzXk-4IQgmXDqA/s400/Fall2012+039.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Pud drove the cars.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QPj8OUjv0BER1b-xy8rS2QPuSUqvpWSmCvn9fNp_BnvfPokZixPv6VBzlMQKF3BIehGqgYcUfsucN9ZkSl9PclTeglGjPWBYt8pD3FG47wZPQ1YMdCfuYspjojfYl4gAV2ny4NPs75w/s1600/Fall2012+073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QPj8OUjv0BER1b-xy8rS2QPuSUqvpWSmCvn9fNp_BnvfPokZixPv6VBzlMQKF3BIehGqgYcUfsucN9ZkSl9PclTeglGjPWBYt8pD3FG47wZPQ1YMdCfuYspjojfYl4gAV2ny4NPs75w/s400/Fall2012+073.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun to see Main Street U.S.A. when in another country!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_jthNfemDK-dx0WqWnbfDm9DHsqGnwnbvpH2JDLz-FyHYMeg_LyeSGWHktqVJuv5F8SDGgWUf7xearV4Et81bFtJkXqnBGWNYIlO2Oc5654tMZgwZag7yG_-OXC1zIjgyypFe-PJcEQ/s1600/Fall2012+022+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_jthNfemDK-dx0WqWnbfDm9DHsqGnwnbvpH2JDLz-FyHYMeg_LyeSGWHktqVJuv5F8SDGgWUf7xearV4Et81bFtJkXqnBGWNYIlO2Oc5654tMZgwZag7yG_-OXC1zIjgyypFe-PJcEQ/s400/Fall2012+022+%25282%2529.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Real live Toy Soldiers!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5EZdZHYPKGHXRdFz7tS2HGKt4RMN5SzmkqsWBTWCIalmoAzGU9XGL3OjGqq4f3ezs6OZP4LOw6b9R_ZMyFmn67NvMbjl04QcTe8cTsage68OJiU1Et7fkK4cMs6HThfKd14ardqaTeP0/s1600/Fall2012+082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5EZdZHYPKGHXRdFz7tS2HGKt4RMN5SzmkqsWBTWCIalmoAzGU9XGL3OjGqq4f3ezs6OZP4LOw6b9R_ZMyFmn67NvMbjl04QcTe8cTsage68OJiU1Et7fkK4cMs6HThfKd14ardqaTeP0/s400/Fall2012+082.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GOOFY!!!</td></tr>
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And we are excited about yet another event that will happen this week.</div>
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No, it doesn't compare to adding a member to the family, but it is pretty cool:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSrq4UUvuf68GO8wIyPswZPofKBHgIRU31XL6QlMZ7aE3Id-Ui19LRidu_8e5SVZfXNvJzAclE_N5dHeb2ecNn9AkplYE7ejl9_0FLXyoGytY4W1GXPleGBTuPhXCEd7__CaeDmD2fFg/s1600/Fall2012+001+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSrq4UUvuf68GO8wIyPswZPofKBHgIRU31XL6QlMZ7aE3Id-Ui19LRidu_8e5SVZfXNvJzAclE_N5dHeb2ecNn9AkplYE7ejl9_0FLXyoGytY4W1GXPleGBTuPhXCEd7__CaeDmD2fFg/s640/Fall2012+001+%25282%2529.jpg" width="336" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/355/764B46EFD4ACA334F8B93FE794E6631B.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /> </a><br />
P.S. I have a new jet lag remedy: don't get much sleep the night before your long trip; sleep on the plane as much as possible; get to your destination and chat with family until the wee hours then crash once more. Wake up at your normal time then spend the entire day at Disneyland so you can sleep another full night. Bye bye jet lag! <br />
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P.P.S. We meet Baby Girl on Monday!!! We are so excited!!! <br />
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<br />Justinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628086750403852099noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911151330648456512.post-90180787287800359382012-12-05T22:08:00.002-06:002012-12-05T22:24:29.329-06:00All packed and ready to go...Suitcases are in the living room waiting to be hauled out first thing in the morning. I just have a few little miscellaneous small things to pack (like this computer) and the kitchen to clean up, then to bed.<br />
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This week has been a whirlwind! Last Tuesday I received my HCO, but with it news that Baby Girl was in the hospital. No news (and lots of crying by yours truly) on Wednesday. I knew travel could be soon, but with no news on Baby Girl's condition I was just a blubbering mess with no motivation to get things done. Then that happy phone call last Thursday and the flurry of activity began! With exactly one week notice to travel and LOTS to do, including complicated logistics for the double-booked Philosopher (solved by backing out of an event) and getting people (wonderful people, I might add!) to fill in for my monthly widows' meeting (REALLY hate to miss it especially since we have fun plans and Christmas can be a tough time for widows), I was a bit of a stress basket, but a happy one!<br />
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Thanks to a LOT of help from my lovely friends and family we made it! I am so thankful for the people who helped me out, from the friends who came over to help organize my chronically disorganized house, to the babysitter who was incredibly helpful and had fun with the kids at the same time; from my mom who did many loads of laundry and rescued Super-T from being stranded at school when the bus forgot to bring him home (long story and it turns out it wasn't my fault!), to the friend who made Baby Girl a gorgeous quilt with her name on it; from friends who called with encouraging words, to friends who dropped by with financial gifts and hugs. It has been an incredible week, full of surprises and provision in every area! I seriously could not list everything that has happened and still make it to bed at a decent time. So many things happened with perfect timing...tax refund deposited (WOW!), info on a less expensive therapy chair/high chair, vitally informative books came in the mail (just in time for airplane reading), a dear friend who makes jewelry made me an absolutely beautiful bookmark (you really have no idea how happy that made me...it's the little things!). Really just so many many things. It could only be God.<br />
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I am so thankful. And excited. I am definitely excited, with butterflies in my stomach. Baby Girl is coming home!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/355/764B46EFD4ACA334F8B93FE794E6631B.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Justinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628086750403852099noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911151330648456512.post-90292042348690190792012-11-30T22:28:00.001-06:002012-11-30T22:28:37.557-06:00My little girlNot Baby Girl...my other little girl. Little Pud is growing up and becoming so beautiful, both inside and out. She wants to be a missionary. Below is a picture she drew this May. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmT0YipvwCvPWV_pP4pk6S_6uWFbfdufQblLPVFPNA3zjoEfTDAdNx-o5KGkCDw6CLbCZTdwsk6xAlkQrmYkYTWnxfT8o-MRsQ9wnl7rm2RDvVeOsc_srgOthyphenhyphenod8_yIl4jbPGFDLPVI/s1600/IMG_8490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmT0YipvwCvPWV_pP4pk6S_6uWFbfdufQblLPVFPNA3zjoEfTDAdNx-o5KGkCDw6CLbCZTdwsk6xAlkQrmYkYTWnxfT8o-MRsQ9wnl7rm2RDvVeOsc_srgOthyphenhyphenod8_yIl4jbPGFDLPVI/s320/IMG_8490.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The adult in the middle is Little Pud. The babies and kids are so happy to see her. I love the girl that is jumping into her arms. She told me that this is her as a missionary. I am amazed and honored that I get to travel to foreign lands with this wonderful daughter that God has given me to bring home the other daughter that God is giving me. I am truly blessed!<br />
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My bloggy friend <a href="http://emonamission.blogspot.com/">Linny's daughter</a> is actually taking the step to become a missionary. Today on her blog she <a href="http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/2012/11/miss-emma-joy.html">told about it</a>. I can see myself in this position in ten years. So hard, but good...really good. (Click on both links...the first one is Emma's blog and the second one is Linny's). <br />
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<br />Justinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628086750403852099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911151330648456512.post-32388176709763647042012-11-29T20:59:00.000-06:002012-11-29T20:59:19.687-06:00It's really happening!This morning I received another phone call! This was was to tell me to book my tickets!!!<br />
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Sweet Baby Girl has recovered and is out of the hospital. Thank you all for your kind words and prayers!<br />
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Tickets are booked now and the flurry of activity has begun. I am so thankful for friends and family who are coming alongside me to help out. A wonderful friend was here this afternoon and I put her right to work. Another dropped by and she helped fold a load of laundry. Tomorrow our super babysitter is coming over all afternoon to help me transform my house from its fall motif to CHRISTMAS and then play with the kids while I work on other stuff. I have a lot to do, and hopefully the focus to do it!<br />
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Speaking of focus...I have been distracted from this post about 20 times...better publish it now before I am distracted again!<br />
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<br />Justinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628086750403852099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911151330648456512.post-20058858659005144322012-11-27T17:36:00.000-06:002012-11-27T17:36:18.540-06:00Phone call!!!!This morning I was speeding along getting Super-T ready for school and myself ready for a marathon dental appointment (one crown, two old fillings replaced, and one new filling.) I had emailed my adoption worker telling her I would be in the dental chair all morning "just in case" I got good news. Tomorrow would have been eight weeks waiting. I was told the wait would be 8-10 weeks for the High Court Order (HCO). At 7:35 my phone range. When I heard my worker's voice I just started crying (yet another way adoption is a pregnancy: the hormones!) <br />
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The good news: I have my HCO!!!<br />
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The bad news: Baby Girl is in the hospital. <br />
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More good news: Baby Girl is stable and expected to be released within a few days. <br />
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More baddish news: She has to be out of the hospital to get a Visa appointment and travel cannot be planned until that point.<br />
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Please pray with me that Baby Girl will fully recover from this respiratory illness and be released ASAP! She needs to be home with her mommy!<br />
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I am so thankful for my thoughtful adoption worker who didn't want me to be in suspense the whole time I was at the dentist. She sure gave me happy things to think about! <br />
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<br />Justinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628086750403852099noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6911151330648456512.post-68221986101201308202012-11-24T18:22:00.000-06:002012-11-24T18:22:31.246-06:00Forty-two and scatteredYesterday was my birthday, however I am not going to blame the scattered nature of this post on my age (as far as I am concerned forty-two is still very young.) I am going to blame it on the excited anticipation of happy news within the<i> next week</i>. I have many lists going and much to do and the High Court Order isn't here yet, but it really looks like Baby Girl will be home for Christmas. <i>I am so excited!!!!</i> In light of that fact I though I'd do a catch-all post about several things because time will be even scarcer than normal soon (and I'm not exactly known for frequent posting under the best of circumstances.)<br />
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First, a reminder. I am a widow and I lead a young widows' group at my church. Being this close to so many losses really reminds me of how the holidays are not always happy times for everyone. Please take a moment to remember and pray for those for whom Thanksgiving and Christmas are just two more huge reminders of loss and loneliness. My friend Heather wrote beautifully and briefly about this <a href="http://littlewonders-heather.blogspot.com/2012/11/post-thanksgiving.html">first holiday season without her mom.</a> I highly recommend it to get a personal perspective on holidays and loss. Maybe you have a friend who lost a parent, a spouse, a child, or significant other. Make some time this holiday season to care about them and their pain.<br />
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Next up: now is the time to support<a href="http://static.reecesrainbow.org/angeltree2012/"> Reece's Rainbow's Angel Tree</a>. Yesterday the kids and I chose our Christmas angels and donated to them. There is a button over on the right of my blog or use the link above to donate to your own angel. This grant money will help their family bring them home. Maybe one of these angels is supposed to be your son or daughter! What they need most is a family! <br />
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Widows and orphans. My themes.<br />
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If you would rather donate to deserving orphans AND have a chance at a fabulous giveaway go visit <a href="http://storilayne.blogspot.com/2012/11/angel-tree-kick-off.html">The Wannderers</a>. My friend Stori has a wonderful giveaway going on to support her Angel Tree baby and two older orphans, including my sweetie Suzanne, who I have mentioned a number of times on this blog. Even if you are choosing another angel baby, go to <a href="http://storilayne.blogspot.com/2012/11/angel-tree-kick-off.html">Stori's blog</a> to see the effects of institutionalization on these orphans with Down syndrome. Heartbreaking.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xLaC5BO1C-eliNnRDVN2FrF3fYiutVGZbounrE9djZiQilNfwFAJJjVbUJBGHKFa5IfrGPODO_Y7jX_wLKSUDcGR0SFum6r3z38ggqNSD5Bxyg4wSh_SECTo2idKZeqTqU6R25EIW3o/s1600/suzanne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xLaC5BO1C-eliNnRDVN2FrF3fYiutVGZbounrE9djZiQilNfwFAJJjVbUJBGHKFa5IfrGPODO_Y7jX_wLKSUDcGR0SFum6r3z38ggqNSD5Bxyg4wSh_SECTo2idKZeqTqU6R25EIW3o/s200/suzanne.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Suzanne, where is your mommy?</td></tr>
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Now on to happier thoughts, and why I advocate for orphans...last year at this time Super-T officially and legally became a member of our family. Here was my <a href="http://transformationbytheword.blogspot.com/2011/11/happy-birthday-to-me.html">birthday post from last yea</a>r. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkF6nJEFnTria2E8t2UoQybuc4IRj1Q3nx9MFQVwIYt0-1Ydx0Ph_lObxoyrem0qCnrrCDzg3tZBXFhLuHxD_uDElVMMBuIKthvWYHVIEpAkSJ9uQDFyTGiCnHjvQeautlOlGZAd600w/s1600/IMG_6256+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkF6nJEFnTria2E8t2UoQybuc4IRj1Q3nx9MFQVwIYt0-1Ydx0Ph_lObxoyrem0qCnrrCDzg3tZBXFhLuHxD_uDElVMMBuIKthvWYHVIEpAkSJ9uQDFyTGiCnHjvQeautlOlGZAd600w/s320/IMG_6256+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super-T banged the judges gavel on the microphone. <br />
Good thing the papers were already signed. Ha! Ha!</td></tr>
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One final <i>super-happy</i> thought! Last year I was advocating for one specific little girl, "Jovie" on the Angel Tree. I set up a separate blog called <a href="http://joyjoydowninmyheart.blogspot.com/">Joy Down in My Heart</a> for that. Early in the Angel Tree, Jovie was place on the "My Family Found Me" page. <b style="font-style: italic;"> </b><br />
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<b style="font-style: italic;">I am THRILLED to announce that sweet "Jovie" is now home with her new family!!! </b></div>
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They just got home last week! How do I know? Because Jovie and Baby Girl were in the same orphanage.</div>
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The place is emptying out!!! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzZMv-5Jz6J52oBvQetgnMW8KPr1QMrHRw9g2nd3Tjr6xxNTHIr8-s7CduWeerXMSFxus5gL8gU__xho4rjyFHm1_bRO-8Z70BGlnH50Na_dCgPsIsmcAPB6osNwNDmLl33dcQMyEn74/s1600/DSC00316+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzZMv-5Jz6J52oBvQetgnMW8KPr1QMrHRw9g2nd3Tjr6xxNTHIr8-s7CduWeerXMSFxus5gL8gU__xho4rjyFHm1_bRO-8Z70BGlnH50Na_dCgPsIsmcAPB6osNwNDmLl33dcQMyEn74/s320/DSC00316+%25283%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Baby Girl, mommy is coming SOON!!!</i></td></tr>
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<b>It is so exciting to see God putting families together! </b></div>
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<b><i>Won't you say "yes" to whatever "yes" He has for you?</i> </b></div>
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It could be adopting.</div>
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It could be sponsoring.<br />
It could be encouraging those who are adopting.</div>
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It could be bringing a meal to a family who just brought their little one home.<br />
<b><i>Won't you say "yes" to whatever "yes" He has for you?</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/355/764B46EFD4ACA334F8B93FE794E6631B.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Justinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628086750403852099noreply@blogger.com3