tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34019639275223383372024-03-12T17:32:15.231-07:00Hope 4 The WoundedDardihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506811940537594798noreply@blogger.comBlogger375125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401963927522338337.post-9178189769740239062015-12-18T07:40:00.000-08:002015-12-18T07:40:10.506-08:00our parenting looks questionable<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This past summer, we visited our daughter's church in SC. We were excited since we've heard messages delivered by this pastor before, but never at one of the church locations. The sheer number of people was a bit overwhelming, but then I was really thrown when I was informed that I HAD to put the kids in their children's rooms because they couldn't accompany us into the service. One of my children immediately went into meltdown, & I informed the woman that they really should revisit that policy based on extenuating circumstances involving children of trauma. I wanted to say more, explain more, but it's hard when your child is right there and you are caught off guard (I did say more in an email later). The effects of trauma can run deep, and parenting children of trauma can look very different to onlookers. <a href="http://pirtles.blogspot.com/2015/12/please-dont-correct-me-correcting-my.html" target="_blank">This post</a> makes some excellent points about how it can look like we are being too hard on our kiddos or nitpicky about behavior (which we have been questioned on regarding the way we parent one of our sons)...I would also like to add that it can also look like we're being too soft. The woman in charge of children's ministry at that church probably thought I was caving into my child's perceived temper tantrum when in all actuality, I was reacting to her fear and inability to trust that the adults she's left with will keep her safe.</div>
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The timing of the above referenced post (I read it late last night) was on the heels of another tough encounter. My two littlest princesses were all dressed up and excited for their Christmas preschool program. Just look at their cuteness!</div>
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In the midst of the cuteness and excitement, I am prone to forget and let my guard down. There were 3 preschool classes performing songs together, so you can imagine how full the space was with people. The teachers brought the children out from the gym and lined them up on the stage steps. I noticed that KA kept biting and licking her top lip and thought, "Shoot, I should have given her a tissue" because I thought her bit of a runny nose was bothering her. She did this the whole time, and it still wasn't registering with me. When they were done singing, they were taken back to the gym and one parent was to go pick up their child/children to avoid too much chaos. As I got closer to KA, I noticed something was off. When I asked her what was wrong, she immediately began sobbing. I cursed under my breath because it hit me like a ton of bricks. Even though she is almost 6 years old, I scooped her up and held her like a baby. She battles often with a fear that her family will disappear, and last night all she could see was a sea of unfamiliar faces. As I collected KH and we were walking out, I was getting all these looks and 'knowing' smiles like, "Aww, she got stage fright" and all I wanted to do was scream, "NOOOOO!!! SHE THOUGHT WE WERE GONE FOREVER!!!" But there is no time to explain when you have kicked into high gear trauma damage control. Had I been on my game, I would have marched up there right in the middle of everything to say, "We're here. It's okay." or even just taken her out of the whole thing and held her. But even knowing what I know--that things are not always what they seem--I got lost in the cuteness and excitement.</div>
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You might be wondering why we can't just explain it to her. Believe me, we reassure often. But the thing is, you can't talk children out of trauma. Childhood trauma is an ugly thing that causes false beliefs and survival behaviors. The hope is that time and growing trust will negate most of the insecurities, but in the meantime, we do things different. Right after the program, we had to head to the high school for the rest of the JV and Varsity boys basketball games. KA wanted to play with my hair, which she tends to do when she feels anxious. So right there in the middle of many people at a basketball game, she was running her fingers through my hair, twisting it, fluffing it, you name it...and all the while she was singing her Christmas songs in my ear. To some, it may have looked like a mother not attending to a child making a mess of her hair; in reality, it was a mother allowing her child to perform her Christmas program in safety.</div>
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Dardihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506811940537594798noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401963927522338337.post-14342285706597244042015-12-03T09:41:00.000-08:002015-12-03T09:41:02.361-08:00{im}perfection<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Family time is truly the most wonderful time. We were blessed to have all of the kids together for Thanksgiving, and almost everybody for the traditional trek to the Christmas tree farm. <br />
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This was our first Christmas tree adventure in the rain, but the big boys were insistent that we needed to go while Kearsten was at home (how can you say 'no' to that!?). We headed out on the horse drawn wagon, found the perfect tree, forgot where we saw the perfect tree after walking all over to see if there was a more perfect tree, and then rode the wagon back to the barn to choose a "misfit" tree. It's perfect.</div>
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I treasure our family adventures. Like our crazy tree, they are imperfectly perfect and bring a smile to my heart.</div>
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Dardihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506811940537594798noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401963927522338337.post-68647170084131622202015-11-12T11:07:00.001-08:002015-11-12T11:07:28.204-08:00what love sometimes looks like<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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November has become the month we bring more awareness to adoption. As I scroll through my facebook feed, I see a mix of posts. Some bring an awareness of the need, others bring focus on the blessing and privilege of being entrusted with children not born into your family, and yet others bring awareness to the hard parts. For me, I think it is so important to not glamorize it as if it's some charitable act. It's a heart response to the reality that sometimes children can't grow up in their first families. It's the belief that every child should be a treasured part of a family. It's the willingness to become part of a story that's not just "ours"; there have already been important parts of the story that came before us (first families, cultures, experiences). It's about being open to hearing and learning from adult adoptees who have such valuable insights because I'm in unfamiliar territory.</div>
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It's complicated, but I am thankful for this family that God has entrusted us with. I envision our family tree; it has children and other people grafted into it that I never would have imagined. I've had the honor of meeting and knowing some of my children's first families; others I will never know this side of heaven. They are in my heart all the same. </div>
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All this to say, I do want to share today what love & family looks like in our home. Mind you, these are the precious moments caught on camera. There are sometimes tough, sometimes tender moments meant for us to walk through. Those moments are probably treasured most because it's what being a family really is. Hard and beautiful.</div>
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Love sometimes looks like blankets and sleeping children strewn across the living room.</div>
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Love sometimes looks like reading a book with your siblings close by.</div>
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Love sometimes looks like helping your brother with his spelling words.</div>
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Love sometimes looks like helping with a special dessert for your sister's birthday.</div>
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Love sometimes looks like celebrating the day you were born (5 years ago already!)</div>
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Love sometimes looks like sharing your new art supplies you got for your birthday with your sister.</div>
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Love sometimes looks like going from being the baby of the family to stepping into the role of big brother with grace & being willing to spend time playing (or even helping with homework!).</div>
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Love sometimes looks like being a pillow for Gus. :)</div>
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Love sometimes looks like collecting leaves in a baggie on a beautiful fall day with your sister.</div>
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Love sometimes looks like building legos while still in your pajamas with Ella in your midst.</div>
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Love sometimes looks like falling asleep on your daddy after he's been away for business.</div>
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Love sometimes looks like snuggling with your sister's pug because her presence is therapeutic.</div>
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Love sometimes looks like a well-worn bunny with only one ear left.</div>
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Love looks like skyping with your sisters that don't live here anymore, like teasing and laughing about silly family shenanigans, like imperfect moments that are memories in the making...Love is family. O'hana.</div>
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Dardihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506811940537594798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401963927522338337.post-9163445654451981542015-11-06T19:59:00.000-08:002015-11-06T19:59:04.945-08:00love my minions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm that mom that is usually scrambling at the last minute for costumes to Trick-or-Treat in, and I'm not one to spend much money on costumes, either. For whatever reason, I had a moment of inspiration a couple weeks ahead of time this year. Visions of minions were dancing in my head, & I decided I could put together costumes with either practical items that could be used again or things I could make relatively cheap. The kids were on board with the idea (they may have just been in shock that I was even discussing costumes ahead of time), so I found some inexpensive yellow long-sleeved shirts online. I was a little bummed to discover they ran big, but it ended up being a blessing because the kids could wear their coats underneath (it was windy & cold).</div>
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The girls already had denim bibs, but bibs for K'Tyo? A) They are not readily available for boys and B) I knew he would not be interested in making them part of his wardrobe. Have I ever mentioned that I think glue guns rank right up there with duct tape? Well, they do & I made my boy his bibs with a glue gun and two pairs of jeans he had outgrown.</div>
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And the minion goggles? Friends, the only ones I could find were $12. A piece. Times 4 minions. Umm, no. Hello hot glue gun AND duct tape (along with canning rings and some black elastic...thank you go*gle). </div>
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All that to say, I think this may be one of my most favorite years ever! And the funny thing was we did not see one other minion all night, but boy did this group get noticed by kids & adults alike. Kendi took to waving & saying hello like she was in a parade. K'Tyo said, "Wow, Mom, you really did good with our costumes!" I hope he still has this deep appreciation when we pull out the pics sometime during his teenage years. ;) Without further ado, here are my marvelous minions:</div>
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Yay for Grandma & Grandpa living right around the corner...potty break & lots of candy!</div>
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Dardihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506811940537594798noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401963927522338337.post-2696908498098769762015-10-30T07:56:00.002-07:002015-10-30T07:56:58.725-07:00i'm a soccer mom<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's true. I'm embracing it. I'm a soccer mom. This Fall season brought not one, but two traveling soccer players. Kaya was <em>thrilled </em>to be on a travel team like her brother, & WOW did she & her team surprise us!! They are a completely adorable bunch, but all business on that field. I really can't remember seeing a group of 8-year-olds so responsive to coaching (which we had really great coaches that did lots of teaching & even more encouraging!).</div>
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To our surprise, Miss Kaya ended up playing goalie in a game towards the middle of the season. I hadn't really pictured her in that position, but my goodness, this girl just keeps surprising us. She ended up playing goalie in many of the games for a half after that first time & really kept her composure. She likes it! </div>
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Her team played great during the tournament, winning some really close games to make it to the championship game. For the championship, we only had six girls able to make it (they play 6 vs. 6, so this meant no subs for entire game) and it was super, super cold. Kaya had a couple of monster saves at goalie and an assist at forward...and they won by a goal!!! Again, it was really something to see the girls' teamwork and determination. So very proud!</div>
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K'Tyo again had a great season of soccer. I don't have any action pictures of him because he never stays in one place on the field long enough! I love to watch this kid fly up and down the field (he plays mid, so he's all over the place). He continually makes us proud with his 110% effort, but especially his sportsmanship with his teammates as well as opposing players. His team also made it to the championship game, but they came up just short of winning it. So proud of them!</div>
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So there you have it...I have attained soccer mom status, but even more, I'm their biggest fan in whatever adventures I get to experience with these kiddos. What fun it is to see the things that bring them joy and develop their character!</div>
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Dardihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506811940537594798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401963927522338337.post-38725990373842074052015-09-14T12:26:00.000-07:002015-09-14T12:26:25.603-07:00back to school...back to blogging<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I took the whole summer off of blogging! Sorry, but not sorry. While I wish I had bunches of pictures tucked safely here, I'm also glad for just being in the moments. Our summer was relatively simple, but simple is good. We did take one trip with Daddy on business, which was great...I will probably post about that another day because we visited some pretty significant sites. For now, I will share that all my babies (including the grown-up variety) are back to school. Due to new buildings being constructed, our younger kiddos didn't get back to school until last week...talk about a staggered start! From the third week of August until last week, it felt like someone in our crew was heading back to school.</div>
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Kyler & Kameryn, Sophomores in College</div>
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Kearsten, Intervention Specialist, SC</div>
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Kaelee (& her beautiful friends/co-workers), 1st Grade Teacher, Ohio</div>
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At this point, I just want to say that I LOVE that my girls still send me a back-to-school picture, even though they are the teacher now!</div>
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Kade, Sophomore</div>
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K'Tyo, 4th Grade....Kaya, 2nd Grade</div>
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Kendi & Kemeri, Pre-Kindergarten</div>
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Back-to-school time always brings a lump to my throat while also making my heart swell with joy as I see each of my children continue to blossom into the people God has created them to be.</div>
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Dardihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506811940537594798noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401963927522338337.post-42395352178251155562015-05-21T06:27:00.001-07:002015-05-21T06:27:39.292-07:00about kaya<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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After writing about K'Tyo, I thought it would be fun to do a post on each of the kiddos in their different stages of life. Today is all about Kaya.</div>
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Kaya also just finished up another season of soccer. To be honest, we have been a bit thrown by her budding interest in sports. She's always been a bit of a, shall we say princess? That's not a bad thing, but wow, are we now seeing a whole new side to her personality! She is eager to learn and practice, and even more exciting is that we see her applying the things she's learning when game time rolls around. She has also learned that her legs are strong and will not only carry her quickly where she wants to go, but they can also send a ball from a long way out right into the goal! She scored in this fashion during her last game over the weekend, and I love that she still looks for us with that little smile of excitement to make sure we were watching. Kaya has also shown enthusiasm for basketball and plays often with her brothers in the driveway. It will be fun to see if she continues enjoying these things or discovers other interests!</div>
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Daddy got to help coach Kaya's team this spring, which was so fun. Being immersed in school work these last few years has not afforded him the opportunity to be involved in this way, so it was a neat experience for both of them!</div>
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Kaya is also doing really well in school and has some neat friends. On her report card her teacher wrote, "Kaya is such a great student. She is a role model to her classmates and is kind to them." Learning to read and write and add and subtract is all important, but I hope even more for their development as people...People that care about others, that know how to build up others, that know how to apologize, and that know how to forgive, so for her teacher to point out those kind of attributes is such an encouragement to Kaya and reinforces the good stuff!</div>
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What a joy it is to see this girl grow, challenge herself, and laugh...a lot! :o)</div>
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Dardihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506811940537594798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401963927522338337.post-47883030105032713232015-05-19T09:41:00.001-07:002015-05-19T09:41:46.815-07:00about k'tyo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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May 9th (I know, I'm a few...ok, 10...days behind) marked FIVE YEARS since we landed in the United States with K'Tyo. He's now been part of our family for longer than he wasn't, which is kind of hard to fathom at this juncture because I cannot imagine life without him in it.</div>
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Just recently, we discovered that he needs glasses for school (he can still get by without them for sports). When we were at the eye doctor's & found out we would be picking out frames, he looked at me so serious, and slightly worried, and said, "Mom, will you help me pick some that look good?" Bless him. You can't see in the picture, but these are very cool because the inside of the frames is bright green. I think he looks great in them!</div>
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Soccer continues to be a favorite activity for K'Tyo, and it's been a great tool for drawing parallels with the game of life. He just finished his first outdoor season with a travel team & we could not be more proud of the character he has shown. A coach from another team tracked down our phone number to call & commend K'Tyo on his sportsmanship. During our game with that team, one of their players was hurt during the game. When the game was over, K'Tyo took it upon himself to go see if the player was doing okay. He is a serious competitor and plays with his whole heart, but he knows that when it's all said and done, people matter.</div>
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He is also a good teammate, celebrating when another has success and encouraging others along the way. Last week I arrived to pick him up from practice a little early. They were running ladders, which can be exhausting. K'Tyo has pretty good endurance when it comes to running & tends to finish at the head of the pack. When he finished, one of his teammates had just gotten to the opposite end of the field & was alone. Without being prompted to do so, K'Tyo took off down the field again, gave him a pat on the back, & led the way back. What a privilege to see him growing, learning, & experiencing so many things!</div>
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This past weekend, we got to witness his team come from behind in two tournament games to win the championship!! After the first game on Saturday, K'Tyo said, "Mom, we were losing, but we didn't give up. You shouldn't ever give up." That thinking served them well the next day when they found themselves behind again against a team they hadn't beaten during the regular season. Well, that & the fact that I remembered to kiss him on the forehead. You see, before all big games, I kiss the child on the forehead & tell him to play hard and have fun. Before the championship game, we were having a hard time parking, so we let him out of the car while we took another loop to find a space. I suddenly realized I didn't kiss him on the head! Well, I have no time to worry about what people might think, so I marched myself out during warm-ups & kissed my boy on the head! It's something we kind of joke about, but I share this because this really is an important thing. You see, I've realized that in all the moments of playing catch up for his first 4.5 years of life with rules and words and how-to's, the best thing we are learning is how to love each other. And when I kiss his head, he doesn't get all weirded out like you might think. He smiles with a knowing that I'm his biggest fan. </div>
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Dardihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506811940537594798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401963927522338337.post-6968709875760866442015-05-14T10:03:00.000-07:002015-05-14T10:04:08.006-07:00daddy's "congratulations"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This past Saturday it was, as Kendi says, "Daddy's Congratulations". We decided that was quite a way with words. While Daddy officially finished his doctoral degree last August, the actual graduation ceremony happens in the spring.</div>
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Initially, Joe wasn't sure he was going to participate but was encouraged to do so by several people. Little did I realize how much we <i>needed </i>this. It really did feel like a wonderful "congratulations", but it also felt like closure after a very rigorous undertaking. It meant so much to have everyone there except Kearsten (she is teaching in SC, so too hard to squeeze in that trip) because it truly was a team effort as Daddy worked through this program.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5I7YEfCE66FNtYObuThe72JGl8JyqEhuJok_y94iNt-wwKXSAxbBXEBOq7LSq1pNcVFrOBO3zeqK0dbjNxdHe6Vt0QF-9E3UpEalNFxcQSfQaO__RrYVDJ8vfLD5Pro11ucHO7XpgfJWj/s1600/IMG_0737-749329.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6148747551360155922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5I7YEfCE66FNtYObuThe72JGl8JyqEhuJok_y94iNt-wwKXSAxbBXEBOq7LSq1pNcVFrOBO3zeqK0dbjNxdHe6Vt0QF-9E3UpEalNFxcQSfQaO__RrYVDJ8vfLD5Pro11ucHO7XpgfJWj/s320/IMG_0737-749329.jpg" /></a></div>
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For whatever reason, every family event involves piggyback pictures.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsx3T7Ge2vB01ThOtdfabKE3rg6KIQLD1-EzGexL8ilwbRu0sSQ-AmJldx2DBx1vy1hyphenhypheniJ2DLYkGnwg9di1X35ZcpGZCxM4bPVhMI14-O4pVX-mGV20UE5Lau1PK1agDtRTOXp00zXPj0/s1600/IMG_0739-752442.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6148747565965425682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsx3T7Ge2vB01ThOtdfabKE3rg6KIQLD1-EzGexL8ilwbRu0sSQ-AmJldx2DBx1vy1hyphenhypheniJ2DLYkGnwg9di1X35ZcpGZCxM4bPVhMI14-O4pVX-mGV20UE5Lau1PK1agDtRTOXp00zXPj0/s320/IMG_0739-752442.jpg" /></a></div>
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And here's the moment. Graduating with a doctorate is it's own thing. Dr. Wilson officially placed Joe's hood on him, which was extra special because Dr. Wilson was not only the chair of Joe's dissertation committee, but he's been such an amazing mentor.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-BN9qU6FO5h14cvvDwMASon2M_xvEWHCn5c0ZOgxhMPeqd-_jiWjgnBzGPJEYzntFAwvJLwUuDSY5oU875ZJhMjl53kkucpUgsKdoJGIcE35nlmK7mBIQxgdgEAWVAsDq4Gt3kImvbLJ/s1600/IMG_0757-703337.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6148747786417301698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-BN9qU6FO5h14cvvDwMASon2M_xvEWHCn5c0ZOgxhMPeqd-_jiWjgnBzGPJEYzntFAwvJLwUuDSY5oU875ZJhMjl53kkucpUgsKdoJGIcE35nlmK7mBIQxgdgEAWVAsDq4Gt3kImvbLJ/s320/IMG_0757-703337.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyorNtLYz5kephWDeAojSyINf81MCe221qGWsUgID54OXyyCUkNlPmaUXfyeYd_2z3MFDH2hQ8y4vKuJeAPFfsqDqPJPiHQPgJZ7kBpVeybcY9Qlq-0LUBdLy_avzEXwocb3VhAbxXePT/s1600/IMG_0756-798703.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6148747762615618370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyorNtLYz5kephWDeAojSyINf81MCe221qGWsUgID54OXyyCUkNlPmaUXfyeYd_2z3MFDH2hQ8y4vKuJeAPFfsqDqPJPiHQPgJZ7kBpVeybcY9Qlq-0LUBdLy_avzEXwocb3VhAbxXePT/s320/IMG_0756-798703.jpg" /></a></div>
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So, do I get to be "Mrs. Dr."? ;o)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9W42G594mYmCeYwUVj9EehwJEYgO4d9yH_1CITej0ucfIrnd1fYsSX7NZzHEGPJxIMQajidY9Hl466XkUNC5Hf_CrQg3IRxxhzM9lE_yP98vP4rJb0CBzhKBY7PwF76q1Y_CvsmrMqO0c/s1600/IMG_0764-706724.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6148747796893816434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9W42G594mYmCeYwUVj9EehwJEYgO4d9yH_1CITej0ucfIrnd1fYsSX7NZzHEGPJxIMQajidY9Hl466XkUNC5Hf_CrQg3IRxxhzM9lE_yP98vP4rJb0CBzhKBY7PwF76q1Y_CvsmrMqO0c/s320/IMG_0764-706724.jpg" /></a></div>
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Dr. Savage is in this picture with our family, another important person in Joe's journey.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWw6RDW8p3gGmKr1JWzaNtIEPN4lgAQfEQuh5yItFZ6EAfKe2J2AHhj2AdgxdjVtpKu2aN5Uk9cMLboa1FhMoibRmU-eZCF-yYhEwW4F8FkaLDd25TrZtNiyvZwhtUttF6BmMKW3BbW7hp/s1600/IMG_0768-716548.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6148747840683206546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWw6RDW8p3gGmKr1JWzaNtIEPN4lgAQfEQuh5yItFZ6EAfKe2J2AHhj2AdgxdjVtpKu2aN5Uk9cMLboa1FhMoibRmU-eZCF-yYhEwW4F8FkaLDd25TrZtNiyvZwhtUttF6BmMKW3BbW7hp/s320/IMG_0768-716548.jpg" /></a></div>
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All too soon, Kaya. All too soon.</div>
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Happy Congratulations Day, Daddy...Your team is so proud of you & loves you bunches!! May God bless you indeed as you continue to seek His plans to use your gifts & passions for His glory.</div>
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Dardihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506811940537594798noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401963927522338337.post-63371843654460234802015-05-05T12:49:00.000-07:002015-05-05T12:49:49.044-07:00busy, busy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I don't know about you, but we seem to have hit busy mode full stride as this school year winds down. Joe has had many speaking engagements, Kyler & Kam just finished their semester at college, Kade has been playing travel basketball, & K'Tyo & Kaya have been playing soccer. All good stuff, but goodness it makes time go fast & the laundry seems to be multiplying.</div>
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We've had some doctor appointments, & Kemeri continues to heal well. She still needs to wear a splint with some protective bandaging as the incision is not quite done healing. The other night after doing some exercises, it was time to reapply her dressing & Kendi was adamant that she wanted to take care of it. I love the intent expression on her face...she only needed a little bit of help from Mommy. And please take note of Kemeri's ensemble. She has a serious eye for fashion...layers, fuzzy scarf, zebra print...the only thing missing is her leopard print newsboy hat, furry vest, & sunglasses. I'm telling you, she rocks individuality!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4MstfzHGNIaaYy1WHFHlePILW_Tes5wFu7sMjb9UAheia_OrwpX9ilKlymX0P-UJYGXFt7YzmomEZzigU9ZYgkwU067UnSldDm0noOJUfNxGFghHlu2-JZ8fynt5Bn9IX8IZB9ux1GPs/s1600/IMG_0704-754252.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4MstfzHGNIaaYy1WHFHlePILW_Tes5wFu7sMjb9UAheia_OrwpX9ilKlymX0P-UJYGXFt7YzmomEZzigU9ZYgkwU067UnSldDm0noOJUfNxGFghHlu2-JZ8fynt5Bn9IX8IZB9ux1GPs/s320/IMG_0704-754252.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6145473948588685090" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUoEquRoJnbuXXcSMirryMvfArIGU6js2EcOWGFa_bMKvyMBXo0lRMvV5TEVx-TitrTZwrkNkg28cs4EckAplcWae7drVqdbfQek1uG8jPqZHv6aqP2B0FQzfucsHAEbP6Kpt7GEaGmGM0/s1600/IMG_0706-762563.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUoEquRoJnbuXXcSMirryMvfArIGU6js2EcOWGFa_bMKvyMBXo0lRMvV5TEVx-TitrTZwrkNkg28cs4EckAplcWae7drVqdbfQek1uG8jPqZHv6aqP2B0FQzfucsHAEbP6Kpt7GEaGmGM0/s320/IMG_0706-762563.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6145473987724239762" /></a></div>
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Dardihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506811940537594798noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401963927522338337.post-55955581457340208292015-04-21T10:36:00.001-07:002015-04-21T10:36:41.853-07:00they stick together<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Kemeri's cast removal was yesterday. This had to be one of the sweetest things ever...When Kemeri became apprehensive about the loud noise so near, Kendi grabbed her hand for reassurance & held it the whole time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4Z7MnrZKOJAIlOGywhB8I0O_YUzuKf3F9VHZfsEJejE0mFeOXeBVPfDoOcXdNxE4pOpv9ac-Y8aNz2Zyd61wu8Gnyipk7oqUhSLifgRNNRC8Jhyphenhyphen9XGcLvuvEQpIRch6PWJvXyopiTGXM/s1600/IMG_0683-703585.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4Z7MnrZKOJAIlOGywhB8I0O_YUzuKf3F9VHZfsEJejE0mFeOXeBVPfDoOcXdNxE4pOpv9ac-Y8aNz2Zyd61wu8Gnyipk7oqUhSLifgRNNRC8Jhyphenhyphen9XGcLvuvEQpIRch6PWJvXyopiTGXM/s320/IMG_0683-703585.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6140244182007786162" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZregEn46T1hJo41-Vm1tV_u_W0VI1t8xaiuJoB6kqo_NQOSYoYLEt5GSM5vWnAbWL3fxG41s3VdsvRW4jmX0fu345BI1LAEImrON8eml0izyBg9A2x8t6iPZzzOBq9JTO7bzdkSMy4Bcj/s1600/IMG_0685-713020.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZregEn46T1hJo41-Vm1tV_u_W0VI1t8xaiuJoB6kqo_NQOSYoYLEt5GSM5vWnAbWL3fxG41s3VdsvRW4jmX0fu345BI1LAEImrON8eml0izyBg9A2x8t6iPZzzOBq9JTO7bzdkSMy4Bcj/s320/IMG_0685-713020.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6140244223541411474" /></a></div>
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Her incision is healing beautifully, but there's still a bit of swelling. The most amazing thing was seeing visible movement in her thumb already. I'm anxious to see what happens once OT begins in a few weeks! In the meantime, she is sporting a snazzy pink splint with orange straps (we all kind of raised our eyebrows at the color selection, but it actually looks quite fun!).</div>
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Dardihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506811940537594798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401963927522338337.post-76873389755186042692015-04-09T17:44:00.001-07:002015-04-09T17:44:29.258-07:00a recap of surgery day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We were up bright and early at 5:00 a.m. this morning and out the door by 5:40 a.m. We had to be at the hospital at 7:10. Kemeri was such a trooper about the early road trip.</div>
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Once checked in, she was dismayed to discover plain blue jammies laid out for her. She wanted to know where the ones with sparkles were.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPRPyYknIH0ufu2g3GTfuU42BIuYdXkDrWyqGMEtjySvAM5210qNpteKJvXOnIE46fE6zUmuIxqgw2dDITaUgLWEFg7aFgczcbu4bXVip8YN8Y2vlYs__NZZ4EfEK_dtFTd3bsUFIiCoJ/s1600/IMG_0663-740015.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPRPyYknIH0ufu2g3GTfuU42BIuYdXkDrWyqGMEtjySvAM5210qNpteKJvXOnIE46fE6zUmuIxqgw2dDITaUgLWEFg7aFgczcbu4bXVip8YN8Y2vlYs__NZZ4EfEK_dtFTd3bsUFIiCoJ/s320/IMG_0663-740015.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6135893108365291970" /></a></div>
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Her special item of choice to keep with her today was her dolly she just got for her birthday (remember, the one with a hand and scar just like her!).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIxvwBGDvflsxuqhXlkuqldfwEFNCcGCXetmkBmPFjI8jv6xBgBTPv-iV8Vr-WHw7NTOlzCARXyKTKruM3Rj5r0eQznseCh6MyN4Qjp_oXPpiEITR0ODXjXiJCMmNJH6z_PngA5GJiH34/s1600/IMG_0274-744531.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIxvwBGDvflsxuqhXlkuqldfwEFNCcGCXetmkBmPFjI8jv6xBgBTPv-iV8Vr-WHw7NTOlzCARXyKTKruM3Rj5r0eQznseCh6MyN4Qjp_oXPpiEITR0ODXjXiJCMmNJH6z_PngA5GJiH34/s320/IMG_0274-744531.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6135893124970137698" /></a></div>
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Sparkles were heavy on this child's mind. When they asked her what color cast she might like, she immediately said, "Pink AND purple WITH sparkles". Hmmm. I happened to look into the gift shop while walking downstairs, and this guy caught my eye. Pink, purple, AND sparkles. Being tired and having one's baby in surgery for 4 hours is not a good recipe for restraint, so of course I did. I was also concerned that the request for the multi-colored cast complete with sparkles may have been too tall an order.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbo4F8tEyIrHYDW3sSLDCP7we8lm-8GuyFftxdoao7qDCx0o80WIHSgbMxJP28Oi-sX3xMK1pGaiIn2c2cyurhdd4hz6unGbou3FsHUnhyphenhyphen2pio6b_26uwgNJoPN7NwVT_zlrNx4sM2D6cT/s1600/IMG_2446-749162.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbo4F8tEyIrHYDW3sSLDCP7we8lm-8GuyFftxdoao7qDCx0o80WIHSgbMxJP28Oi-sX3xMK1pGaiIn2c2cyurhdd4hz6unGbou3FsHUnhyphenhyphen2pio6b_26uwgNJoPN7NwVT_zlrNx4sM2D6cT/s320/IMG_2446-749162.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6135893145035653586" /></a></div>
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Behold, a pink AND purple cast for my girl AND her special doll. Not only that, the doctors dug around and found a silver sharpie to draw a flower on each cast for "sparkle". Bless them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKovcWx66nTju6KL7HD6Svjrn39JyfXLLU2hteZmFQBI6h7BlEKp-daw6UqOl6URVRO0CayTs5LeZ09Kg_eYn4pfnQ6ktcBcTRLp8izFnFp2KruKXyrZHzCB3o98Jk21Wn20SyfJ9nXwba/s1600/IMG_3733-752876.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKovcWx66nTju6KL7HD6Svjrn39JyfXLLU2hteZmFQBI6h7BlEKp-daw6UqOl6URVRO0CayTs5LeZ09Kg_eYn4pfnQ6ktcBcTRLp8izFnFp2KruKXyrZHzCB3o98Jk21Wn20SyfJ9nXwba/s320/IMG_3733-752876.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6135893160580910610" /></a></div>
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The doctors (she has 2 specialists) were happy with the tendon transfer and feel it is well secured in her thumb. They were both fascinated, though, because as they were examining the options, they discovered that Kemeri is missing the nerve that most people have in that part of the hand. The reason they were fascinated is because by all rights, she should have no feeling in her thumb. That's not a good thing, especially in children because they are unaware of injury or inadvertently causing harm to an extremity. However, she has some kind of sensation going on there. What an amazing blessing!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIGE_nvk23rHniL1-tZm2rldTnpjKauOr8lXLMgFguPXa9dVuMJRAVDPX4kRLrxN9G8kvP3iT3RC3GQnjF5rH5aBc-_fkinGt5xy7RmlpaM6nPNxdvlvfb_HwrGkeTK9U6WkxnFAD67oG/s1600/IMG_1922-756872.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIGE_nvk23rHniL1-tZm2rldTnpjKauOr8lXLMgFguPXa9dVuMJRAVDPX4kRLrxN9G8kvP3iT3RC3GQnjF5rH5aBc-_fkinGt5xy7RmlpaM6nPNxdvlvfb_HwrGkeTK9U6WkxnFAD67oG/s320/IMG_1922-756872.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6135893176600989442" /></a></div>
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Sweet girl asked, "You come snuggle 'wif' me?" So, into her hospital bed I went. I am reminded in these moments when all she wants is the comfort of Mommy just how very far we've come. Love her beyond words.</div>
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Dardihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506811940537594798noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401963927522338337.post-62979157870995700402015-04-08T10:57:00.000-07:002015-04-08T10:57:52.229-07:00hand surgery {take 2}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Last year, I posted <a href="http://hope4thewounded.blogspot.com/2014/05/kemeris-post-surgery-progress.html" target="_blank">this update</a> following Kemeri's first hand surgery. She has continued to make some progress, but not quite as much as her specialists think is possible. She has a very slight amount of "squeeze" between her new thumb and the rest of her hand, but not enough to be super helpful. We were told in the beginning that more than one surgery was a possibility, and here we are. We are scheduled for tomorrow morning to have a tendon transferred with the hope that it will enable her to have more strength and movement in her thumb (think zippers, buttons, & all kinds of other everyday things people don't typically think twice about). Thankfully, this surgery is not as intensive as the other one, so the recovery time should be less.</div>
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I do want to address something as best I can. Someone recently made a snarky comment that put me a little on the defensive (I try not to go there, but you know, I'm human). The decision to opt for surgery on Kemeri's hand is NOT for cosmetic reasons and was not made lightly. After lots of research, discussions, opinions, etc., we decided surgery was worth pursuing to increase the practical functionality of Kemeri's left hand. To be honest, her specialists have talked of doing a toe transfer, but we didn't feel like that was an avenue necessary since Kemeri has one fully formed hand. If that's something she chooses to pursue down the road, we would fully support her in that. However, the best chance for success with the tendon transfers and release are while she is young, so those decisions we had to make for her based on what we felt was in her best interest now. Every child with a limb difference is unique in what might be a good intervention or not. We love our Kemeri Abigail's little hand, period. We are not trying to make it look a certain way, but we are trying to bring her some strength and greater functionality. She is talking openly about her surgery tomorrow and is excited that we are trying to make her thumb move more so she can hold things with her left hand...she practices all the time! Anyway, I never, ever mind someone asking about our decisions at all! It's really quite amazing and interesting to see and learn about all of the different options, so I am more than happy to share. I just don't do so well with assumptions that are contrary to reality. :)</div>
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I will try to update from the hospital tomorrow...we would love your prayers for a successful surgery!</div>
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Dardihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506811940537594798noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401963927522338337.post-2266497995281993742015-04-06T08:21:00.000-07:002015-04-06T08:53:53.686-07:00it's like independence day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Easter, 2015. We colored eggs & threw some chocolate & jelly beans in baskets. (Really, because that decorative grass stuff? Just no. The kids requested its banishment several years ago because it never leaves. Smart kids.)</div>
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I really do love that the big boys joined in of their own free will. Seeing the kids doing things together makes the whole egg coloring thing worth it.</div>
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Easter was very reflective for me this year. I even talked to Joe about it before church. And then we get to church, & the sermon was in that same place of reflection. It's so easy to go through the motions of these holidays without <i>really</i> feeling the significance of what it meant for Jesus to take my place on that cross and to rise again. As I have been rolling it around in my mind and heart, the word that keeps coming to mind is "freedom". Not only did Jesus' death free me from my sins, but His life and death have given me the freedom to live life beyond just surviving it. I am free to love, hope, and dream, even in all my imperfections. I am free to live in a way that doesn't look like the American dream, but in a way that brings joy that the American dream can never supply. I am free to question, to wrestle, to stumble...all the while seeking Jesus in me and in you. </div>
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It's like Independence Day from sin, death, indifference, conformity, and the measuring sticks of this world. We are free to create communities of grace, love, forgiveness, generosity, compassion, and hope with the unique passions God has instilled within each of us.</div>
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That's it...I think next Easter, we need fireworks. Brilliant explosions of light in the sky on Easter seem way more appropriate than chocolate bunnies. Who's in? </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you. ~Galatians 5:1</i></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Christ is Risen...He is Risen, Indeed!!</span></b></div>
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Dardihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506811940537594798noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401963927522338337.post-10296748781049772582015-03-29T16:53:00.000-07:002015-03-29T16:53:06.355-07:00a new kind of excitement<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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While I made this announcement on FB, I realized that I had yet to share the news on my blog. Kaelee is engaged to be married!!! Bryan, bless his heart, followed all the proper protocol in asking for our blessing, and we couldn't be more happy for these two!</div>
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Kaelee is the epitome of a planner, so there is no rushing this wedding. She knows herself well, so she has allowed plenty of time for planning so that she can enjoy it and not get stressed over having to make rushed decisions. The official date is June 17, 2016.</div>
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A few weeks ago, we ventured into the world of wedding dresses. I guess I should have known when we walked into the boutique & were required to put these huge, very pink shower cap-type things over our shoes by a rather abrupt older woman that it might not be a storybook experience. Let's just say we ended up having more fun shopping together at Target and going out for lunch. :)</div>
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Take Two on Bridal Dresses...I had a good feeling when we were escorted to our own private try-on area, and *these* were on the table.</div>
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What a difference!! We had a wonderful person helping us, no rushing, no pressure...just fun! And guess what? I cried. I did! Kaelee had found three dresses that were "maybe's", so she went through trying them on again. Up to this point, I had been very objective trying to give practical opinions, but something happened when she put that third dress back on. Suddenly I just saw my sweet girl beaming, & it all just hit me. Those precious moments of seeing joy in the face of your child....ahhh, the tears just came! She decided that was her dress, and by golly, then I knew we had picked the right place to shop because they busted out glasses of champagne!</div>
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What a special day with my girl. I can't wait to go back to this place with the whole entourage when Kearsten comes home in June. The plan is for her sisters to help her decide on a veil, and we'll begin the shopping for bridesmaids dresses. It makes me smile just thinking about it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQXaS6OIdRumcq_d0Idxbhyphenhyphenb5xlF4A2wshGpVBVkMDFMuceBJw5mdXDNiD0qfp0edkKQFYNiFa0MygroL6DDYdOxmFUfV8DHmTyCrn7rvdGfMFOnSUxtQ7lbJ0Iw831RTr94byqxRl1zu/s1600/IMG_7543-759389.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQXaS6OIdRumcq_d0Idxbhyphenhyphenb5xlF4A2wshGpVBVkMDFMuceBJw5mdXDNiD0qfp0edkKQFYNiFa0MygroL6DDYdOxmFUfV8DHmTyCrn7rvdGfMFOnSUxtQ7lbJ0Iw831RTr94byqxRl1zu/s320/IMG_7543-759389.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6131714614681996610" /></a></div>
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Dardihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506811940537594798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401963927522338337.post-72396792310960429782015-03-26T16:53:00.000-07:002015-03-26T16:53:06.055-07:00surprises & snuggles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We had our first lost tooth! No, really, this was a first. Kendi literally lost her tooth. We don't know exactly when; we definitely don't know where. I was doing her hair & very matter of fact-like she said, "My tooth is lost." Sure enough, it's gone. It's been loose since she took a tumble a few weeks ago, but it was just not loose enough to pluck out. Kendi calmly suggested that the tooth fairy must have cast a spell & took it away. I didn't argue. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkd4nRSh71EuL6kKJhxqbg-he7ZByV-OGX7XUcPhVKDnjzUeXndCVuRPA9YYEiEn5wXkFvN4JmmFb25Yv65eCXEFBldk0PGuNTukEHjN5WJaX848uSFcvtJBT8ZJ9CbrT357RjOEcK731/s1600/IMG_1415-721685.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkd4nRSh71EuL6kKJhxqbg-he7ZByV-OGX7XUcPhVKDnjzUeXndCVuRPA9YYEiEn5wXkFvN4JmmFb25Yv65eCXEFBldk0PGuNTukEHjN5WJaX848uSFcvtJBT8ZJ9CbrT357RjOEcK731/s320/IMG_1415-721685.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6130690101230094258" /></a></div>
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And just because one cutie picture is not enough, I give you a second. Kemeri loves Kam's doggie, Daisy. We find them snuggling a lot. I honestly think Daisy is a therapy dog wannabe when it comes to Kemeri. Generally she's kinda spoiled, but with Kemeri, it's a real thing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGNF5sp6cP6PEeB5N4Rcylp86fpqy1w3oZSwSNOcQ226KilHDCFw_XmoMxR7hFQ0NYDjildhn5v9kedjMNLjiQyBh9xsMQ_E-JMnRpSTD6M98eaqRnxho5lOCigLv9HILzd60qrE5tJws/s1600/IMG_7453-726396.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGNF5sp6cP6PEeB5N4Rcylp86fpqy1w3oZSwSNOcQ226KilHDCFw_XmoMxR7hFQ0NYDjildhn5v9kedjMNLjiQyBh9xsMQ_E-JMnRpSTD6M98eaqRnxho5lOCigLv9HILzd60qrE5tJws/s320/IMG_7453-726396.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6130690125554500962" /></a></div>
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Dardihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506811940537594798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401963927522338337.post-14341257002480731742015-03-23T08:38:00.001-07:002015-03-23T08:38:31.408-07:00"yet" has arrived<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Back in 2011, I wrote <a href="http://hope4thewounded.blogspot.com/2011/11/no-futbol-for-our-ethiopian-dude-yet.html" target="_blank">this post</a> about no futbol for our guy (yet) as his choice was football. Well, "yet" has arrived! As I mentioned in <a href="http://hope4thewounded.blogspot.com/2014/09/i-heard-you.html" target="_blank">this post</a>, K'Tyo decided this past Fall he wanted to give soccer a try. He had a great season of learning & was invited by a coach to join an indoor team for the winter. What a great experience it has been! He has thoroughly enjoyed getting to know his teammates, & his coaches were my kind of people...teaching skills AND sportsmanship. Anyway, K'Tyo liked football, but I think he has found much joy in futbol!<br />
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This past Saturday was a very exciting day as his indoor team made it to the championship game of the tournament. What an impressive showing from 9 & 10 year olds in that game! At the end of regulation time, the score was tied 3-3, so the game went into a 5-minute overtime. Still tied, so it went into a shoot out with 3 players representing each team, & K'Tyo was one of our 3. Deep breath. They scored, we scored, they scored, we missed. The shoot out was 2-1, but their final player's shot went wide, so we had one shot left to tie it up, & K'Tyo was the final shot. Oh my heart. <br />
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He stepped up & put it in *just* between the left side of the goal & the goalie, so the game went to a sudden death shoot out. (At this point I should mention that when we were getting out of the van, I kissed him on the head & told him to play hard and have fun. I then teased him about leaving pink lipstick on his head for good luck. Well, that may have to be part of the pregame from now on! Ha!) My goodness, this was a lot of intensity I did not anticipate for this age bracket! The other team's first shot went wide, & our next player got up & placed a beautiful shot into the upper right corner to seal the win! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9k-1gkSltUuMHsgJ0ko3Z5I-JQ545hdeN0F4PbL5BPoFIYlAR46A-b5VijufjrRn7fhX_VlgrpSvuyWGUceh8bRK8u5WwrNI5gJ-CR7N5K4V6CS0cG7TzNuBb4q-Z08H7igOFGScCXYM7/s1600/IMG_0573-772949.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9k-1gkSltUuMHsgJ0ko3Z5I-JQ545hdeN0F4PbL5BPoFIYlAR46A-b5VijufjrRn7fhX_VlgrpSvuyWGUceh8bRK8u5WwrNI5gJ-CR7N5K4V6CS0cG7TzNuBb4q-Z08H7igOFGScCXYM7/s320/IMG_0573-772949.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6129445219158323458" /></a><br />
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We are so proud of K'Tyo & his team for a great showing of teamwork & sportsmanship. Bless him, afterward he said, "Mom, I was so nervous." It was very sweet. Even sweeter was seeing him tell kids from the other team nice job as we were leaving the facility & even patting one guy on the shoulder that had obviously shed a few tears. He played a great game & scored a couple goals, but I am most impressed by & proud of his developing character. Great job, K'Tyo! </div>
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Dardihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506811940537594798noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401963927522338337.post-19325143851697716432015-03-22T06:07:00.003-07:002015-03-22T06:07:25.944-07:00Kemeri is 5!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Kemeri Abigail turned 5 on March 18th! We opted to wait until Saturday for cake & presents. For some kiddos this would be an issue, but Kemeri decided it was great fun to count down & declare herself the Birthday Girl on every day in between! March 18th was also the third anniversary of Kemeri becoming part of our family :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjfb7WM4cmFLHS57qfS-KigzAzwamqktFm_4u-f_5IsITeFAZo_-8MMMeTavL6FFPKzo2r0mTih9-0L8gAdI2ZF-eAoTw0hf07Brk5jjz-oSQgoa1m0mlaXwT64PdpHuoeNkbsA_IWaA3/s1600/IMG_8253-738138.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjfb7WM4cmFLHS57qfS-KigzAzwamqktFm_4u-f_5IsITeFAZo_-8MMMeTavL6FFPKzo2r0mTih9-0L8gAdI2ZF-eAoTw0hf07Brk5jjz-oSQgoa1m0mlaXwT64PdpHuoeNkbsA_IWaA3/s320/IMG_8253-738138.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6129038330717813122" /></a></div>
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Several months back, I found a woman that has a heart for making dollies that look just like their person. Kemeri ADORES her new doll...she has a special hand just like Kemeri's, right down to the zigzag scar above her wrist!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCd2Yy6pFGGpFXQYsVupGac5SoWpgWBckerOTYJHzCqcayTC0lbHw07Nudg1Y_63hkWHxZw_WlYCLy50-ngVR5Tomu8ofAoNvUFz4L48lJfdYYDMz0S5Ie7yOSr-eHJjCnjF7ABUe3Zxsz/s1600/IMG_7331-743836.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCd2Yy6pFGGpFXQYsVupGac5SoWpgWBckerOTYJHzCqcayTC0lbHw07Nudg1Y_63hkWHxZw_WlYCLy50-ngVR5Tomu8ofAoNvUFz4L48lJfdYYDMz0S5Ie7yOSr-eHJjCnjF7ABUe3Zxsz/s320/IMG_7331-743836.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6129038353424272962" /></a></div>
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5 Candles...Can you believe it!?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfA1hKxjWIGhE8Ivb90rRYda_02anCO_c2J6QbHfit_-BfHCL-BdB6TyLMlE_4uCRnILHqsX1sA89TBYwXKfNOLAOvcNwEbFHOwgv33CZ5B1av8IRxgXpwzt8acUtB9Kw1QTS0SF4vJ4G/s1600/IMG_2976-747298.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfA1hKxjWIGhE8Ivb90rRYda_02anCO_c2J6QbHfit_-BfHCL-BdB6TyLMlE_4uCRnILHqsX1sA89TBYwXKfNOLAOvcNwEbFHOwgv33CZ5B1av8IRxgXpwzt8acUtB9Kw1QTS0SF4vJ4G/s320/IMG_2976-747298.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6129038370279327794" /></a></div>
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She & her new doll have been inseparable since meeting.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhM7Ta1A0SzG9OT0fzQ4O9mRPXJ8lTbrEIyF_IrY0_WHaqNpKzxbH6N3c7LRPo_022je3M0xDd0Ksd1qJqbrd1cWqGSoiSZWbKBWtWTj-GGJlVLvRR6P_XBBU09uLazGCw3PFbfbRx5AZ/s1600/IMG_9807-750938.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhM7Ta1A0SzG9OT0fzQ4O9mRPXJ8lTbrEIyF_IrY0_WHaqNpKzxbH6N3c7LRPo_022je3M0xDd0Ksd1qJqbrd1cWqGSoiSZWbKBWtWTj-GGJlVLvRR6P_XBBU09uLazGCw3PFbfbRx5AZ/s320/IMG_9807-750938.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6129038388543129586" /></a></div>
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Kemeri Abigail, you are growing up so fast! You have the most beautiful smile, & I love the way you always find complimentary things to say to people in such a sincere way. You are a precious girl, sweet one...we love you!!</div>
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Dardihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506811940537594798noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401963927522338337.post-64047599057730087722015-02-05T07:43:00.001-08:002015-02-05T07:43:51.482-08:00just thankful<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Thankful for moments to enjoy with my littlest girls and Daddy at the theater.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JOB98_Ufpg_J6Iv45QOdu7DIym4GCE7uTz0w6HDx6FcJxcN1C4Bs51jKR6jLgCukrexu2_xyXrxXq_hnsXSdjdhkX2Lv5pQYPr-W3N2MEdEIPnwcbsQ93EQPzjLBe6liI4qSOJSXFIta/s1600/IMG_5660-789104.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JOB98_Ufpg_J6Iv45QOdu7DIym4GCE7uTz0w6HDx6FcJxcN1C4Bs51jKR6jLgCukrexu2_xyXrxXq_hnsXSdjdhkX2Lv5pQYPr-W3N2MEdEIPnwcbsQ93EQPzjLBe6liI4qSOJSXFIta/s320/IMG_5660-789104.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6112121530914735634" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLkSAgLras6gUmaPVtXadJsKaW_t5YAphq-V4TDv2G_GrMMbYQdVqQx0ojebABn2FA_HU2AGhk5jZYJpTttyJg0UK1O6r-OG3zYGywxCuIZ5iJyLgEtw8ozqD7D-1J1L09ETnD-uqO0Nn/s1600/IMG_8561-793565.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLkSAgLras6gUmaPVtXadJsKaW_t5YAphq-V4TDv2G_GrMMbYQdVqQx0ojebABn2FA_HU2AGhk5jZYJpTttyJg0UK1O6r-OG3zYGywxCuIZ5iJyLgEtw8ozqD7D-1J1L09ETnD-uqO0Nn/s320/IMG_8561-793565.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6112121548328383458" /></a></div>
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Thankful for a Daddy that is brave enough to take 4 kiddos to the grocery & have fun doing it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44EWu8Q6B-0n-VnGfHJPSg0tejjbFa5gYx_9YCHNCr2m-JbfWSvZpIhGDgEobUNjlxO9R5fFeTt6oz5-qPX3XEiHifbmfSWDDg0-qgyKZVoiKIk0pIHE_IYns899LAMAUlwk5oxCkf_qE/s1600/IMG_7928-796987.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44EWu8Q6B-0n-VnGfHJPSg0tejjbFa5gYx_9YCHNCr2m-JbfWSvZpIhGDgEobUNjlxO9R5fFeTt6oz5-qPX3XEiHifbmfSWDDg0-qgyKZVoiKIk0pIHE_IYns899LAMAUlwk5oxCkf_qE/s320/IMG_7928-796987.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6112121562006291282" /></a></div>
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Thankful for delight in something as simple as Christmas lights brought out on a snowy January night.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoBhpyCosejxmHie7eG4Dffxh3PcV5yGJ7WynKowhp2JmufIoS-TRYAf8MPBq3W9-MqGxZCMcs3eb4vXtxP8YSlY6s-KJ_-WLa_GneyRZ5JTwb5vWxzpy33njSU4jWCIqZ1rGEZu5vCjb/s1600/IMG_4088-701671.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoBhpyCosejxmHie7eG4Dffxh3PcV5yGJ7WynKowhp2JmufIoS-TRYAf8MPBq3W9-MqGxZCMcs3eb4vXtxP8YSlY6s-KJ_-WLa_GneyRZ5JTwb5vWxzpy33njSU4jWCIqZ1rGEZu5vCjb/s320/IMG_4088-701671.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6112121585722427314" /></a></div>
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Thankful for a teenage son that has a heart for his family.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_1A8JpSS-CnD1hmPEbIZynBw2eUJxyIsQ6eFtSod3QBChjAIWxbFCOELkXWiD-ZZ8L3b6YmlFaIH-WWyw9H3n401FNSsCelid6WFhpv3KmqOcz6OHPLLmzeZ5RPz2hg8GGcJY_QYVHC1/s1600/IMG_8791-705073.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_1A8JpSS-CnD1hmPEbIZynBw2eUJxyIsQ6eFtSod3QBChjAIWxbFCOELkXWiD-ZZ8L3b6YmlFaIH-WWyw9H3n401FNSsCelid6WFhpv3KmqOcz6OHPLLmzeZ5RPz2hg8GGcJY_QYVHC1/s320/IMG_8791-705073.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6112121598901613682" /></a></div>
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Thankful for this crazy dog that seems to know when someone isn't feeling quite right & makes himself snuggler extraordinaire.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhTkI1Tz9tPHx5bkvSt-_cn7P6qZyD8-dvnXKqBxvVEyDQsnnLeryrXTbLoP0y_R54ap-1VSoe_Get2silnL-sQvKEsoGy1h3p7Zy2lSeuFOlV0IMyCl2aQghveu3xWVXmDQ8J2NAsB7D/s1600/IMG_6850-708793.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhTkI1Tz9tPHx5bkvSt-_cn7P6qZyD8-dvnXKqBxvVEyDQsnnLeryrXTbLoP0y_R54ap-1VSoe_Get2silnL-sQvKEsoGy1h3p7Zy2lSeuFOlV0IMyCl2aQghveu3xWVXmDQ8J2NAsB7D/s320/IMG_6850-708793.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6112121612897615922" /></a></div>
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Thankful that these two are more than brother & sister...they are friends.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Jz7ML6uG34SIKRUn_0fR_J5b1cbWrG7vNE5N6z-aMKC-dW191eM17g5S3Ej2SKIt5cyWqgP55PxqOxD4rrCtSdsb2e6ZBr4IcLcY-zOEsniqvqi6RmtLEhFehYvn0i270FIBUGgkQ9oD/s1600/IMG_6023-712861.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Jz7ML6uG34SIKRUn_0fR_J5b1cbWrG7vNE5N6z-aMKC-dW191eM17g5S3Ej2SKIt5cyWqgP55PxqOxD4rrCtSdsb2e6ZBr4IcLcY-zOEsniqvqi6RmtLEhFehYvn0i270FIBUGgkQ9oD/s320/IMG_6023-712861.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6112121629320802402" /></a></div>
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Thankful for the moments not caught in pictures...siblings (big & little) curled up watching movies with each other, hearing my kids laugh together, text messages from my oldest daughters, friends that pray for, encourage, & challenge me....What are you thankful for today?</div>
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Dardihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506811940537594798noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401963927522338337.post-70886743514249034302015-01-29T11:18:00.000-08:002015-01-29T11:18:02.127-08:00this is what you get . . .<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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. . . when two 4-yr-old punkins decide to make Mommy into a queen! (Note the crown, barrettes, & <strike>blanket</strike> cape.)</div>
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Not sure what kind of homeschool curriculum this might fit into...Life skills? Anatomy? I mean, we did have a discussion about tear ducts when the makeup applicators were being poked curiously in that direction.</div>
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And of course, we worked on selfies.</div>
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Any more, that's a thing, right? Like, you gotta be proficient in selfies.</div>
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Oh, whatever. Having fun with my girls & not taking ourselves too seriously. I'd say it counts for something! </div>
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Dardihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506811940537594798noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401963927522338337.post-85103901165008342372015-01-16T05:13:00.001-08:002015-01-16T05:13:04.298-08:00broken hallelujah<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I think I've shared before that Joe speaks around the country at conferences and for school districts. He's been doing this for quite a few years and has always given out evaluation sheets in order to receive constructive feedback. I am always amazed at how my husband touches people, and it is reflected in very encouraging ways in the evaluations. But...there's always one or two. Those one or two that are not even critical in a constructive way, but in a "this-was-a-stupid-waste-of-my-time-you-have-no-idea-what-you're-talking-about" way. And sadly, those are the ones that will stick. There will be anywhere from 100-1000 evaluations from the day, but those one or two will sting. Why? Not because my husband has a hurt ego or doesn't welcome constructive feedback, but because his intention is to be an encouragement to others in an area he is passionate about (working with wounded children). He is one of the most humble human beings I know, which is the whole reason he gives evaluation sheets. He seeks to keep growing and doing what he does the best he can.<br />
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Sadly, this happens in so many areas of life and to be completely, brutally honest...Christians can be the worst offenders. I just recently began homeschooling our two youngest daughters. I thought it might be a good idea to join a few FB homeschooling groups. I thought wrong. I found myself feeling completely, utterly inadequate based on the strong opinions of what homeschooling a child should look like. I didn't feel encouraged; I felt less than and, well, stupid.<br />
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Shall we touch on the Mommy wars? Okay, no, moving on...<br />
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Lately, I've also seen several debate-type articles about worship music. The lyrics don't have enough depth, Jesus is inferred instead of directly named, the lyrics are too simplistic...and on it goes. My heart just breaks at this. Do the critics stop to think about the intention of the artist? The artist that is a flawed human being just like you & me but also took the time to pen a song of praise? And so what if it is simplistic...sometimes, I NEED that. But beyond the artist, what about the person that has been touched by this music? Are they to feel less than? Stupid? Not good enough, holy enough, or whatever enough?<br />
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These are but a few examples of where I think we are just getting it wrong with our opinions & attitudes. We talk about the church being an open, welcoming place, BUT some are getting caught up in achieving a level of perfection. And when we do that, we are turning people away because all they see is division and judgment...Even if it's just one or two, those are the one or two that will be remembered. People that are hurting, insecure, confused...they don't want a picture of perfection. Perfection isn't real, and it certainly isn't attainable. As I seek to grow in my faith, I want to engage with people that know what the ditch looks like from the bottom, not from those standing at the top looking down, maybe even living like they've never set foot in the ditch at all. The ditch tends to be the place where Jesus dwells, being an encouragement to make it out the other side. I don't believe for one second He stands at the top of the ditch being critical and telling you that your feeble prayers, simplistic worship, and faith the size of a mustard seed are not good enough. That your attempts to parent are falling short. That you're good-intentioned efforts to <u>(fill in the blank)</u> are silly and a waste of time.<br />
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No. Jesus loves you where you are. That is the truth I have to remind myself of every day as I navigate this crazy stuff of life. There are days I feel like I get some things right, but there are more days I'm thankful, so thankful for grace. And that is the truth I want to encourage you with. If the intention of your heart is to honor God in your life and know Him, don't let anyone tell you it's not good enough. Find the people that will remind you that you are enough, imperfections and all, and beautiful friend, BE the person that encourages others in their steps minus any measuring sticks.<br />
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I also know that I know that I know that He works for good in all things, even my broken hallelujah.<br />
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And a broken hallelujah is better than no hallelujah.</div>
Dardihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506811940537594798noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401963927522338337.post-36705206509514636742015-01-03T13:12:00.000-08:002015-01-03T13:14:18.439-08:00Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have spent the last couple of days getting caught up posting on the blog. Thankfully, there's a feature that enables me to sneak a couple of posts in where they belong (as in, I had not yet posted pictures from a beautiful walk in the woods from October!!). This blog serves as a sort of memory book for me <strike>since otherwise things get piled into a box in my closet</strike>.</div>
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I really have no regrets, though. I spent much time trying to savor this Christmas season. I purposely got up early to enjoy sitting by the light of the Christmas tree, being reminded of the true Light of this world. It was a different Christmas...the first without my beautiful grandparents. For as many years as I can remember, I have set up Santa's workshop at their house. Sure, it made keeping things hidden easier, but even more wonderful was the time spent at my grandparents' home. This year, I instead set up shop at my Aunt & Uncle's home, & it was wonderful to get to spend time with them. It was a good reminder that the best way to honor old traditions when they are no longer possible is to create new ones inspired by the old.</div>
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Kaelee took Kaya to see her first Nutcracker performance. I love that my older children spend special time with their younger siblings.</div>
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Trash the Kitchen, 2014 Edition (aka frosting the cutouts!)</div>
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This is the best gift...a full house....</div>
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...and all of our children in one place.</div>
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The obligatory Christmas morning picture on the steps had to be relocated to the basement stairs this year to fit everyone. How fun is it that they ALL slept in the basement together to keep up with tradition since none of the bedrooms would accommodate everyone?!</div>
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It's so fun to watch the kids play together with new toys.</div>
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This year we avoided most electronics & went for interactive toys.</div>
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Grandma blessed everyone with matching aprons.</div>
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These two were especially thrilled because they love helping in the kitchen.</div>
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Every year since our first visit to the zoo lights six years ago we say we're going to go again, but it just doesn't happen for one reason or another. This year, we had planned to go once Kearsten arrived home only to have to cancel the plans due to the flu. Instead of giving up the plan altogether, we went after Christmas on New Year's Eve Eve. I'm so glad we did!!</div>
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Big brothers really are the best!</div>
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For New Year's Eve, Kaelee bought the kids all kinds of fun stuff to get into the spirit of things.</div>
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They were so glad when Kaelee finally returned from her dinner date to spend the evening ringing in the new year.</div>
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Somehow, Kendi got Daddy to sport some sparkles & a crown.</div>
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Getting ready for the new year was fun, but this family was super-stoked for New Year's Day & the big game...We are Buckeyes through & through!!</div>
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Family Time = Crazy Times = The Best of Times!!!</div>
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Dardihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506811940537594798noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401963927522338337.post-85275952590330256422014-12-19T11:40:00.001-08:002014-12-19T11:40:27.994-08:00making some decisions & changes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Sorry for the quiet again. Lots of things happening around here since my last post about the hard & the beautiful stuff.</div>
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We've made some decisions about some changes we are making as a family. It's nothing I ever thought I could or would do, but we are taking the plunge into homeschooling our 2 littlest punkins.</div>
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I am beyond words at how supportive Kemeri's school has been of our decision. They have truly invested themselves in understanding not just her educational needs, but her emotional ones as well. She will continue to receive her therapies, but now they will come to our home.</div>
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And I will do my best to continue the good work they've been doing to help her catch up while also pouring all I have into this little one's heart to help her understand that family is forever.</div>
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We have already started converting the "green room" (it used to be painted green...it now has green furniture, so it's still considered the green room) into a place that houses some basic preschool materials. I am so thankful for all of the online resources, other homeschooling moms, & especially my oldest daughters, who are both teachers, for inspiration.</div>
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We decided that both girls would benefit from being at home, & Kendi has loved it. Kemeri has had a trial run since we've battled some illness, but as of today, we are official (we had an IEP meeting at her school & discussed the new arrangements).</div>
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Truth be told, I'm a little nervous. Those doubts of "what if I'm horrible at this?" can so easily creep in. But then I remind myself that motherhood has taken me out of my comfort zone time & again as I have sought to do things in each of my children's best interest. Right now, we believe it is in these sweet girls' best interest to work on establishing confidence in the fact they are an amazingly special part of our family. We pray that they find strength in that knowledge that inspires them to spread their wings & follow their dreams as they grow.</div>
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Dardihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506811940537594798noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401963927522338337.post-16526444077133157412014-12-01T11:15:00.000-08:002015-01-03T11:53:03.463-08:00hunting for the perfect tree<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's always a favorite...the trip to the Christmas tree farm. This year, we ventured to a different place where every tree is the same price. We found ourselves underestimating the size of trees out in the field one too many times, which is a bit of a problem when trees are priced by the foot.</div>
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I'm pretty sure we looked at every single tree at least twice. It was a pretty mild day, so I think we were just enjoying being outside.</div>
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Somehow, Daddy has discovered the "selfie".</div>
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Kendi was fascinated by trees just her size.</div>
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I had to convince the people that this would not fit in the living room. Like I said, we are notorious for underestimating.</div>
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I told you, he's all about the selfie.</div>
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We finally agreed on one! We were walking in circles for so long that Kyler had to leave for work. This was still going to be too tall for our 8-foot ceilings, but I couldn't convince anyone of this.</div>
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Kendi was insistent on helping Daddy. Sure enough, this beauty was not fitting in Dad's trunk, so we had to recruit Kam & Dante to take Dante's car (which has a roof rack) to go get the tree. I must confess that I found this scene hilarious. I'm not sure the picture does the ridiculousness of this justice! </div>
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I was ready with my measuring tape, & sure enough, it was a 9-footer. Kam & I got down to the business of making adjustments so we could get the tree in the house.</div>
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Gus thinks he's helping.</div>
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Somehow, I managed to not take a picture of the tree until after Santa had come, but it was a beautiful part of our home for Christmas.</div>
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Dardihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506811940537594798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401963927522338337.post-18334548257817937432014-11-13T12:40:00.001-08:002014-11-13T12:40:57.262-08:00hard & beautiful<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In case you haven't heard, November is National Adoption Awareness Month. My facebook feed is full of encouraging pictures and sayings about adoption. However, this year I've noticed more people taking the time to balance the warm fuzziness with the realities involved in adoption. I am super-glad about that. I think in any matters of the heart, it is easy to get caught up in romanticizing about it and not ever being real about the nitty-gritty involved. It's like marriage...if you have taken all kinds of time dreaming about the wedding and planning the wedding and fantasizing about the fairytale life you will have but given no time to preparing for the demands of the commitment of marriage and the potential struggles you may encounter, you'll find yourselves in the weeds in a hurry. So to the folks that have kept it real in a way that was transparent enough to give constructive information without divulging the personal details of your child's story, I appreciate you. I do believe there's a line of appropriateness. Joe & I have been open about how we have navigated the ups and downs of marriage, but we don't ever throw one another under the bus, and there are certain details that are meant to be kept between a husband and wife. I believe this is true of parenting, as well. </div>
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Anyway, I haven't said much in this month of awareness because I have been contemplating it all. I am passionate about children having families, this is true. However, I have been concerned about some of the "rainbow & unicorn" mentality that I have seen. There are absolutely beautiful moments, especially those lump-in-the-throat ones where you see your child for the very first time. They are photo-worthy & make your heart swell. </div>
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There are also the tough moments. The questions you don't have answers for, the realities of pain behind those questions, and the insecurities that have taken root in your child stemming from early experiences they cannot even put words to but feel in the depths of their souls. And many times when they can't find the words for those things, their behaviors reflect the uncertainty of it all.</div>
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So we seek to find balance. We balance the beauty that is developing as we work through the fears and questions. And I take pictures like this...</div>
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To the onlooker, this is such a sweet moment between sisters. Indeed it is, but what you should know is that it is really a picture of balance. One sweet daughter has been struggling as they discuss "family" at preschool. She asks often, "Did you miss me when I in China?" Her heart seems to need to know that she belongs here and that we need her as much as she needs us. So we process, we love, we reassure. Today was a rough day for her, but there is beauty. She has a family to continue walking through the uncertainty, and in the immediate, she finds comfort snuggling on a snowy afternoon watching a movie with her sister. That is the full story of this picture.</div>
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Hard and beautiful. I don't have all the answers and I can't make everything right, but I am thankful every day for the resources God put in my path to help prepare us to expect the hard and look for the beautiful. If you love raising children and feel pulled to adoption, great!!! I would encourage you to talk to other adoptive families, check out the latest literature on adoption, and most importantly, seek input from adult adoptees that so graciously share their stories. I think these are some of my most treasured insights, so be willing to listen, even if it is hard to hear. As the saying goes, anything worth doing is bound to be difficult. My marriage, raising my children...yes, worth the hard to experience the beautiful. I am thankful.</div>
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Dardihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11506811940537594798noreply@blogger.com1