tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9186244622852957552024-02-07T17:52:35.591-08:00Journey to JuliaYou joined us as we progressed through the adoption of a 12-year-old girl from Russia... now watch as our family's true journey, and calling, begins.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-918624462285295755.post-32491964635900887412016-01-05T15:08:00.003-08:002016-01-05T15:08:52.884-08:0016...16!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This girl is 16.</div>
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16!!! </div>
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How did that happen?</div>
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What's even crazier... in just three months... she turns 17!</div>
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17!!!</div>
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What?!</div>
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A year from this coming April... oh goodness... yikes... it's hard to get out... it's hard to fathom...</div>
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KARIS YULIA will be 18!!!</div>
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Let's pretend it isn't so... and enjoy 16 as long as we can...</div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Sixteen in the year 2016.</b></span></div>
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Cool! </div>
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Isn't she lovely?</div>
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<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06957501417238311686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-918624462285295755.post-40730777426481119742014-05-28T21:01:00.001-07:002014-05-28T21:01:58.040-07:00Surprise!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Karis Yulia is 15!!!</div>
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Here are some "memories" from her <i>surprise </i>birthday party.</div>
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Surrounded by family and a friend from school, our girl got the party of her life... held inside a lovely boutique.</div>
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She asked that her birthday theme this year be FAMILY. That it was!</div>
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<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06957501417238311686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-918624462285295755.post-44505087025681974502014-04-14T19:42:00.001-07:002014-04-14T19:54:30.099-07:00A Modern-Day Passover Celebration!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLYoVzFC-FHTJUvA9GwJSGAUX2RzZjgyhN9HF3HPX4WWebzAGAcBnqbqQa4SZIzG3VxbxdsplOtqX1YtXM-NNg8EBpJAwTLiTnx8ouN7e-Ktsw1_JM6sK_q6edb7eRqsnhI7O_-Adqfo/s1600/IMG_5102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLYoVzFC-FHTJUvA9GwJSGAUX2RzZjgyhN9HF3HPX4WWebzAGAcBnqbqQa4SZIzG3VxbxdsplOtqX1YtXM-NNg8EBpJAwTLiTnx8ouN7e-Ktsw1_JM6sK_q6edb7eRqsnhI7O_-Adqfo/s1600/IMG_5102.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Any idea what the above is?</div>
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Ok, check out the below... </div>
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It was Evan's idea that for one of our Passover meals this week, </div>
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that we use french fries as our houses,</div>
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and put ketchup above our doorways, </div>
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signifying how the Israelites prevented the angel of death from coming in.</div>
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Do you see it now?</div>
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<i><b> Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides </b></i></div>
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<i><b>and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs.<span class="p"></span></b></i></div>
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<span class="p"><i><b>Exodus 12:7</b></i></span></div>
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By the way, the first photo above is Evan's house,</div>
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the second is Karrigan's house,</div>
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the photo below is my house (turned on it's side)...</div>
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And, also, on it's side is Karis' house which is really cool with it's triangular roof! </div>
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Since my husband was working tonight, and Miss Karrigan had soccer, we decided McDonald's was an easy option to begin our Passover celebration.</div>
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Our family traditions for the Passover aren't actually "traditional"... as you can see.</div>
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We are modern-day Christians celebrating the </div>
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New Testament Passover </div>
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which freed us from the darkness of sin.<br />
Thank you, our King of Kings, Lord of Lords... JESUS... <br />
for finding us worthy enough to free.</div>
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So, we pray at our booth, inside McDonald's...</div>
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We remember the blood of the Lamb that was shed, </div>
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in both the Old Testament and </div>
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New Testament</div>
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(Jesus is the lamb)...</div>
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And we talk about what a special week it is... </div>
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Passover begins at sundown!</div>
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Who says you can't celebrate the Passover at McDonald's?</div>
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Somehow, I don't think Jesus minds.</div>
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06957501417238311686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-918624462285295755.post-51979431867456290492014-04-13T12:04:00.000-07:002014-04-13T12:26:08.275-07:00Bringing Easter to Life!<div style="text-align: center;">
HE lives!</div>
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Right? </div>
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Of course... </div>
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Yet, sometimes, we forget... </div>
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We don't place our <u>full</u> FAITH, front-and-center in our lives...<br />
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It is my goal, this Easter season, to bring to life... the <i>life</i> of Jesus.</div>
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My kiddos love their Easter bunnies. (Our real Lionheads, down in the basement.)</div>
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They love coloring eggs... and all of the chocolate that comes in the Easter basket!</div>
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But...</div>
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I want them to understand, the TRUE meaning of Easter...</div>
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What Jesus endured on this particular week...<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> (Crafted by Evan, today)</span><br />
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I want them to understand Jesus' roots (Tribe of Judah) and what the Passover means... </div>
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That word "Passover" they see on the calendar.</div>
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And both the Old Testament Passover and the New Testament Passover.</div>
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In case, it has never been explained to you,</div>
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The Old Testament Passover is when GOD delivered the Israelites (Jews)...</div>
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Out of Egypt.</div>
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So, it's a celebration of FREEDOM.</div>
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The New Testament Passover, celebrates FREEDOM, as well...</div>
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How GOD sent JESUS, to set us <u>all</u> free.</div>
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I love this time of year... </div>
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Even more so, this particular year, as our <i>whole</i> family is going deep into it.</div>
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We decided today, Palm Sunday, what our plans are for the week...</div>
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All based on our giftings.</div>
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Karis, the crafter, will make an Easter craft everyday this week, as she remembers Jesus.<br />
(She made the tomb centerpiece, pictured above.) </div>
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Evan, gifted with wisdom, will introduce us to different Bible verses, this week.</div>
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Karrigan, the artist, will draw a different scene about Jesus' life, this week.</div>
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Kevin, the head of the household, will pray for our family each day, this week.</div>
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And I, the meal-maker, will come up with some traditional, Easter foods... </div>
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Some from the Jewish Passover.</div>
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I hope our ideas this week, will inspire your families to delve deep into<i> all</i> HE did for us...</div>
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<b><i>To this you were called, </i></b></div>
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<b><i>because Christ suffered for you, </i></b></div>
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<b><i>leaving you an example, </i></b></div>
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<b><i>that you should follow in his steps.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>1 Peter 2:21</i></b></div>
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<b><i></i></b><span class="p"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #b45f06;">CHAG SAMEACH!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">("Happy Holiday" in Hebrew)</span></div>
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06957501417238311686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-918624462285295755.post-55429478544401520612014-04-06T17:18:00.004-07:002014-04-06T17:23:46.547-07:00MONSTER sized fun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaOmpjzZlyLfIt3fjSmFD3T9QOYo51t1JswNXLdOyQoe-QkLuylCM82igQb8-2Lucd-S_zAIYv1xkEJVUcmJgeGLaovJUcxrNhr7mKxgoP9zESJcdclIkWNfVrhtpX4Ohvnl1W9ht2pQ/s1600/IMG_4973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaOmpjzZlyLfIt3fjSmFD3T9QOYo51t1JswNXLdOyQoe-QkLuylCM82igQb8-2Lucd-S_zAIYv1xkEJVUcmJgeGLaovJUcxrNhr7mKxgoP9zESJcdclIkWNfVrhtpX4Ohvnl1W9ht2pQ/s1600/IMG_4973.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I have an interesting job that has brought <i>Monster Jam</i> monster trucks into our lives!</div>
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Yesterday, at the show, my kids went into character as a zombie and butterfly!</div>
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Of course, my Karie-Bearie isn't "Bad News" but this particular <i>Monster Jam</i> monster truck was!</div>
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The driver of "Zombie" didn't fool us... he's no zombie, he's actually a sweet guy... the kids enjoyed meeting him.</div>
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Karie-Bearie knows mom and dad were married in Hawaii,<br />
so she chose to have a tropical flower painted on her face! </div>
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Much less intimidating than Evo the zOmBiE!</div>
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Karie-Bearie did her homework (thanks to brother), and she made this poster and rooted for "Crushtation"!</div>
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I'm sure in Russia, never in a million years did she imagine, <br />
she would come to like, of all things, monster trucks...</div>
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and quite honestly... neither did I. </div>
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06957501417238311686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-918624462285295755.post-69018263887523538532014-03-23T15:22:00.001-07:002014-03-23T15:34:42.337-07:00A new venture for Spring!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Two weeks ago, I returned home, after being out-of-town a few days, for work. </div>
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My husband and kids said they had a surprise for me!</div>
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This was the surprise...</div>
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Baby chicks!</div>
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Oh, yes, they were quite cute... and each of the kids got a couple of their own... and of course, named them.</div>
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They saved the crazy-looking chick for mom!</div>
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This is my chick... "Hoda". </div>
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We have played with the chicks, observed their habits, and watched them hour-by-hour... </div>
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GROW...</div>
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and </div>
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GROW!</div>
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And here we are, after just two weeks...</div>
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They don't quite look like chicks anymore... they are beginning to look like <b>CHICKENS</b>! </div>
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So, we must plan for them a new home... </div>
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A much bigger home...</div>
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Complete with nesting boxes, so they may lay their eggs.</div>
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The building begins this Sunday afternoon... Go KARIS! </div>
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Go DADDY, EVAN, and KARIS...</div>
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A true team effort!</div>
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Results of the chicken house to come... stand by, a few more days!</div>
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For now, let's celebrate the sunshine...</div>
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The warmer temperatures (a bit warmer!)...</div>
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The new life <i>all</i> around us...</div>
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SPRING HAS SPRUNG!</div>
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<i><b>For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. </b></i></div>
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<i><b>The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. </b></i></div>
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<i><b>Song of Solomon 2:11-12 </b></i></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06957501417238311686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-918624462285295755.post-6143838733268984922014-03-01T11:53:00.000-08:002014-03-01T11:59:12.805-08:00Prayers for Ukraine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Pelmeni was Karis' favorite food when we left Russia.</div>
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We haven't managed to find any "Russian" pelmeni, but nearby Ukrainian pelmeni does the trick! </div>
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And so, pelmeni and <u>peas</u> (Karrigan's favorite) it is...</div>
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And it's delicious... </div>
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So, we eat it for memories...</div>
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But we actually chose to eat it, on this particular day, as we pray for Ukraine.</div>
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We pray for stability for the country... and we especially pray for the children.</div>
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We pray for our friend, Tracy, who is there now adopting a teenage boy.</div>
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This link explains more... </div>
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<a href="http://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/tri-state-mom-has-to-brave-ukranian-terror-to-get-adopted-son-home">http://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/tri-state-mom-has-to-brave-ukranian-terror-to-get-adopted-son-home</a> </div>
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One of my favorite books is <i>Eat, Pray, Love </i>by Elizabeth Gilbert.</div>
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And so we shall.<i> </i></div>
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06957501417238311686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-918624462285295755.post-68863391559827617662014-02-27T09:03:00.001-08:002014-02-27T09:11:59.589-08:00Double for your Trouble<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This girl teaches me so much on a daily basis.... </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnR75mt3rhnm7wKZpQM5zVDCCRSze_Oby7J_dqvA33l_PbZgye2qirFIHIxgo4PXhmKnNDECLYCwTNMPrZBi6h9YHB2VPpdMF7Vx8gfHQ7kPCDTAgQTDyejViIaLu9NIa68eBMrc1L3G4/s1600/IMG_2432.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></div>
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<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null">She chooses to be happy... always... and has taught me, happiness is indeed, a <u>CHOICE.</u></span></span></div>
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<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null">She is loving, even though she hasn't always been loved.</span></span><br />
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<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null"><u> </u></span></span></div>
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<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null">My sweet, sweet girl.. you will always be loved by us... </span></span></div>
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<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null">AND, your Father In Heaven.</span></span></div>
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<span data-measureme="1"><span class="null">HE will repay you DOUBLE for your troubles.</span></span></div>
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<i><b><span data-measureme="1"><span class="null">Isaiah 61:7</span></span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span data-measureme="1"><span class="null"> </span></span>Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy. </b></i></div>
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06957501417238311686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-918624462285295755.post-37726915428774126272014-02-18T09:13:00.000-08:002014-02-18T09:13:43.699-08:00Happy Hearts Day!<div style="text-align: center;">
What can I say... we have our normal ups and downs, like any other family, but overall, we have <span style="color: red;"><b>HAPPY HEARTS<span style="color: black;">! </span></b></span></div>
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<span id="goog_892767226">Hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's weekend with your families!</span></div>
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<b><i><span id="goog_892767226">Galatians 5:13</span></i></b></div>
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<span id="goog_892767226"><b><i>For you were called to freedom, brothers. </i></b></span></div>
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<span id="goog_892767226"><b><i>Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh but through<span style="color: red;"> love</span>, serve one another. </i></b></span></div>
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<b><span id="goog_892767226"> </span></b><br /><span></span><br /><span></span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06957501417238311686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-918624462285295755.post-62805058125901797482013-08-02T07:57:00.003-07:002013-08-02T07:57:51.204-07:00Honest Friday.When I look at our blog... what was set up to document our adoption journey a little over two years ago now, I immediately want to turn away. I don't want to see the cover page photo, or the title, and I don't want to even believe all that we went through to get our daughter home.<br />
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I think it's partly because she is so much a part of us now, so much a fixture in our home, so much... loved. It's like she wasn't even adopted.<br />
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And she feels the same. Amazing how God can shape hearts so quickly. <br />
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She doesn't like to talk about the adoption, she doesn't believe herself now that she came from Russia, and in her heart of hearts, I believe she just wants to move on and never look back. So why dwell on the past? Why write about it. Well... I don't know. <br />
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There is a part of me that never wants to forget how we became world travelers! Three times in one year! I never want to forget the strength I found, within, when I was kept over there, by myself, for 21 days on the last trip. And I promised God I would never forget what I saw, if He would just get us out of there.<br />
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So, what's that balance? That's what I'm trying to work through. Our daughter is SO not a part of anything we saw over there... now. She is a new person... redeemed.<br />
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Photos from a recent fashion show at the fair...<br />
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Gorgeous. Confident. </div>
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<strong>Redeemed.</strong></div>
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So as for the blog... I don't know the direction we'll take it. But it's exciting to think about the next journey God has planned.</div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06957501417238311686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-918624462285295755.post-85719696138156536392013-05-24T15:06:00.000-07:002013-05-24T15:08:18.243-07:00Happy 14th Birthday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was our Karis' second birthday party... EVER.</div>
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She requested a PINK party...</div>
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And had to have... PINK hair!!!</div>
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And really great friends!</div>
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And presents...</div>
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And cake!!!</div>
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And singing...</div>
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And LOTS of laughter!!!</div>
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Happy 14th sweet girl!</div>
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06957501417238311686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-918624462285295755.post-71730226939515755902013-04-14T14:55:00.002-07:002013-04-14T15:01:17.112-07:00Sports Banquet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We've always felt that it's important that our kids are growing: spiritually, academically, socially, and... <strong><em>physically</em></strong>.</div>
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That's why we usually say "ok" when our kids express an interest in sports.</div>
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Kids learn valuable skills through sports... like how to work on a team.</div>
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They get lots of good exercise.</div>
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They build confidence.</div>
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We are blessed to have a great sports program, at our school. </div>
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Last night, the athletes were awarded...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-s5DNO3tIqkC-7p54_rSrkPRzFKCD54ZuD46k4K_qmLCNJmTIzbDzrFG-5K-dR50SQFCcF50GzmCd43oynV0Pb7JStfID3Tx4u23Z12D29qpY_cqF6Q3bduMGdhUui2nA__Kt49ngbw/s1600/IMG_9681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-s5DNO3tIqkC-7p54_rSrkPRzFKCD54ZuD46k4K_qmLCNJmTIzbDzrFG-5K-dR50SQFCcF50GzmCd43oynV0Pb7JStfID3Tx4u23Z12D29qpY_cqF6Q3bduMGdhUui2nA__Kt49ngbw/s320/IMG_9681.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was Karis' volleyball team.</div>
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Volleyball is the sport she truly loves.</div>
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Congrats, Karis!!!</div>
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Next, came Evan's basketball team.</div>
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Congrats Evan!!!</div>
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Evan, by the way, got A LOT of cheers from the ladies in the audience. Yikes!!!</div>
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Then, Karis was awarded her basketball trophy...</div>
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Yay Karis (again!) !!!</div>
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Until next year... </div>
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Hooray for sports!</div>
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<strong><em>I Corinthians 10:31</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>So whether you eat or drink or</em>... <em>whatever you do</em>, <em>do it <u>all</u> for the glory of God.</em></strong></div>
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<span id="goog_1975172632"></span><span id="goog_1975172633"><strong></strong></span><br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06957501417238311686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-918624462285295755.post-8814726069567193112013-04-10T08:31:00.001-07:002013-04-10T08:31:37.421-07:00Planting Seeds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Evan plants watermelon seeds...</div>
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Karis plants cucumber seeds...</div>
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Karrigan plants sunflower seeds...</div>
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DONE!</div>
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Now we have to wait...</div>
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And be patient...</div>
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Who knew planting seeds could teach virtues? Patience is a big one in our home.</div>
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But we can do it!</div>
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And excitedly!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOnTntMtjClF2l7HZ3cxWuEYnyZ-BOElPNqZ_aO8X7lAQMl2Y2aCtr0SINSojOA2zqKJzcePaExxEja3dmpqMwTAR8ev9VvHQEJvl69M6Py-uduAu38Dy-VsULs4Y9ViVhPTmT_lBdyE/s1600/IMG_9659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOnTntMtjClF2l7HZ3cxWuEYnyZ-BOElPNqZ_aO8X7lAQMl2Y2aCtr0SINSojOA2zqKJzcePaExxEja3dmpqMwTAR8ev9VvHQEJvl69M6Py-uduAu38Dy-VsULs4Y9ViVhPTmT_lBdyE/s320/IMG_9659.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong><em>James 5:7</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em></em></strong> </div>
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<strong><em>Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how
the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient
about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.
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<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06957501417238311686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-918624462285295755.post-26297509726851445772013-04-06T09:29:00.000-07:002013-04-06T09:30:30.271-07:00Worthy is the Lamb<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="p"><a href="http://bibleapps.com/john/1-29.htm" style="color: #001320;"><span class="verstext"><strong><em>John 1:29</em></strong></span></a></span></div>
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<em>The next day John sees Jesus coming to him, and said, Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world.</em></div>
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HOPE, new LIFE, new BEGINNINGS!</div>
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HAPPY SPRING!</div>
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06957501417238311686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-918624462285295755.post-60800659489129307842013-04-06T09:18:00.001-07:002013-04-06T09:18:40.495-07:00Happy Easter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Easter Blessings!</div>
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Beautiful sisters!</div>
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The Easter Bunny brought each of the kids LOTS of candy and one present each....</div>
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Karis got some perfume...</div>
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Evan got a gift card to the Game Stop...</div>
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Karrigan (look at that wonder and excitement!) got an Easter Barbie!</div>
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That silly Easter Bunny left baskets in the shower!!!</div>
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Coloring eggs the night before Easter...</div>
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Mom's bunny coconut cake and Peeps cupcakes for Easter Sunday dessert...</div>
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We LOVE Easter!</div>
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HOPE, new life, new beginnings...</div>
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He has RISEN!!!</div>
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<em>Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. </em></div>
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<strong><em>1 Peter 1:3</em></strong></div>
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<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06957501417238311686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-918624462285295755.post-15929922762083807882013-02-18T07:58:00.002-08:002013-02-18T08:01:38.706-08:00Daughters of the King!Our church held it's annual "Princess Party"... to celebrate that we are all daughters of the King!<br />
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<strong><em>James 1:1<span class="sup">6 – 18</span> </em></strong><br />
<strong><em>So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became His prized possession.</em></strong></div>
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Both girls, very gifted at crafting and art, greatly enjoyed this activity... they got to make their own, personalized picture frames.</div>
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<strong><em>1 Peter 4: 10-11</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em></em></strong> <strong><em>As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.</em></strong> </div>
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And then, they danced! </div>
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The princesses learned a routine from the Repunzel soundtrack. It was precious!</div>
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<strong><em>Psalm 150:4</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe!</em></strong> </div>
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It was an awesome day! One I was blessed to share... with my princesses.</div>
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06957501417238311686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-918624462285295755.post-22485614075671369392013-02-13T07:00:00.002-08:002013-02-13T07:24:58.579-08:00People not Politics<div align="left" style="text-align: center;">
This post is certainly not a political one. </div>
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Politics are NOT my thing. </div>
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I keep myself educated on issues, and I always vote... but that's about it. </div>
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I sometimes will sign petitions if I feel strongly about issues.</div>
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Having said all of that... last night was a bit unusual. Instead of hearing about the State of the Union Address the following morning on the <em>Today Show</em>, I actually tuned in. And I'm glad I did. Our president, who I admit, I have always been critical of... spoke something that really resonated with me. A snip-it:</div>
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<em>And tonight, I am announcing that we will launch talks on a comprehensive Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership with the European Union – because trade that is free and fair across the Atlantic supports millions of good-paying American jobs.</em></div>
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<em>We also know that progress in the most impoverished parts of our world enriches us all. In many places, people live on little more than a dollar a day. So the United States will join with our allies to eradicate such extreme poverty in the next two decades: by connecting more people to the global economy and empowering women; by giving our young and brightest minds new opportunities to serve and helping communities to feed, power, and educate themselves; by saving the world's children from preventable deaths; and by realizing the promise of an AIDS-free generation.</em></div>
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AMEN!<br />
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Yes, Mr. President, you are aware of the need to save the world's children from preventable deaths.<br />
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I may not agree with all of your liberal ideals, but THIS statement, I can agree with, and I'm glad you understand it's importance, also! Children deserve to be children.<br />
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One other note, during the live speech, President Obama stated that by helping others... we will all be better for it. I didn't see that anywhere in the official transcript, so that was something he added... ad libbed.</div>
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I again will say, I'm glad I tuned in, last night.</div>
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I am glad the president recognizes there is a need for Americans to grow stronger by helping those in poverty, around the world.</div>
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And despite all of the issues that America is looking to improve on in the coming year... I am beyond <em>glad</em>, and beyond blessed, and PROUD to live in the GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcr9Rh4hiIiCh2-BT8L61nekOBrcI6zicY2krHo3zN2AJfsG9A-uEJ8ICekyU0yy8GXCSEe_sns3QjcJr4BdeyVNNag7zXCHhPF80vG3yzrQTYSnjLc7xMyemO-oF6cOr9tWmZwhPjCk/s1600/imagesCAFSGW1V.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcr9Rh4hiIiCh2-BT8L61nekOBrcI6zicY2krHo3zN2AJfsG9A-uEJ8ICekyU0yy8GXCSEe_sns3QjcJr4BdeyVNNag7zXCHhPF80vG3yzrQTYSnjLc7xMyemO-oF6cOr9tWmZwhPjCk/s1600/imagesCAFSGW1V.jpg" /></a></div>
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06957501417238311686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-918624462285295755.post-37715191903617927082013-02-10T12:47:00.003-08:002013-02-10T13:09:20.020-08:00Valentine Love<div style="text-align: center;">
I love Valentine's Day. </div>
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In fact, I wallow in it.
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Here is our mantle decorated with hearts and shades of red...
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjap2tMGmyR8l4yS3q-lRsY-9HZzjyvLUJJDMdUC3b5FrjjLRhESY9Xcu1C5LXCwg-9U-c2BbnUwwe6KMR7dSrY76re0sZ5jH_dDf-5DbjY2USvicaL5yhHx_9dyaGtoXWKFJN71I2A9v4/s1600/IMG_9813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjap2tMGmyR8l4yS3q-lRsY-9HZzjyvLUJJDMdUC3b5FrjjLRhESY9Xcu1C5LXCwg-9U-c2BbnUwwe6KMR7dSrY76re0sZ5jH_dDf-5DbjY2USvicaL5yhHx_9dyaGtoXWKFJN71I2A9v4/s320/IMG_9813.JPG" width="213" /></a>
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And words of warmth...
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEADFkqCzWx3Ai1_egqyz8vnY1LQvSrwUbjiJQtOqGchUwOV2TQfqtaj04jNQaKkFpO92yLArNWF4dCGK_xMaCto4K316Kh5XTzMwS2KfPplpiOFtGEW2laPoSa9ZSbZYyvJF5p_IAXkA/s1600/IMG_9814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEADFkqCzWx3Ai1_egqyz8vnY1LQvSrwUbjiJQtOqGchUwOV2TQfqtaj04jNQaKkFpO92yLArNWF4dCGK_xMaCto4K316Kh5XTzMwS2KfPplpiOFtGEW2laPoSa9ZSbZYyvJF5p_IAXkA/s320/IMG_9814.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Some of the ones we love most...
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPCAvaiTye0xq73cT2F-qZyQF2GG3LKgOKGBmQi1SO-GjJuWtzq21mTa_VmS7PbeMJW9GxXwGN0sJ2e9sX2NyDLe5Nu38dznhfOS9EVZX93ws935pGclj4Ks_1pMhyphenhyphenEiftEWO2uY5F98/s1600/IMG_9820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPCAvaiTye0xq73cT2F-qZyQF2GG3LKgOKGBmQi1SO-GjJuWtzq21mTa_VmS7PbeMJW9GxXwGN0sJ2e9sX2NyDLe5Nu38dznhfOS9EVZX93ws935pGclj4Ks_1pMhyphenhyphenEiftEWO2uY5F98/s320/IMG_9820.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Even on the outside...
more hearts...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfK2hrIINOjykAplqEnA8AsM9Lisdf85BLwElLrwjjrh-tfev1NLezjBon6N3KCORUSl_041bf4rtK5n1HLwOtL3YDfRJ43_oEpF6AlA5f2ynKWQGIE9adqngLb_q-wcTAdN07YQ5EtQ/s1600/IMG_9822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfK2hrIINOjykAplqEnA8AsM9Lisdf85BLwElLrwjjrh-tfev1NLezjBon6N3KCORUSl_041bf4rtK5n1HLwOtL3YDfRJ43_oEpF6AlA5f2ynKWQGIE9adqngLb_q-wcTAdN07YQ5EtQ/s320/IMG_9822.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Even Karis is getting in on the decorating, making this...
which I thought was clever and beautiful...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjHsoZcXnQ4-8hzVgmqfcan8TrEaxoqZdoK7V0RHHwUU0l1HGUr3ba7iTG3e0mdYIn3_rbOw7-y8PLaQXlHkjEgSW4ib_w-LmhKcLAXYH5ldTVbvYP9NJE4fl8JQFHm30gWAqdyFlvjk/s1600/IMG_9826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjHsoZcXnQ4-8hzVgmqfcan8TrEaxoqZdoK7V0RHHwUU0l1HGUr3ba7iTG3e0mdYIn3_rbOw7-y8PLaQXlHkjEgSW4ib_w-LmhKcLAXYH5ldTVbvYP9NJE4fl8JQFHm30gWAqdyFlvjk/s320/IMG_9826.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A look at my supplies to make Valentine's for the ones we love...
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThYRlb2EYcDhUbaAIqI1UDHs-NWhiSvXeyPM34rxgR-I6fFo8FokuA6HYHvt9aIFGxbvnSgzJdQYI72G9iC-JRC_YXI988UBm5F7N9DafDIluOmtBD0aSeRuK8QkAPdhU_pWQmnFVMTE/s1600/IMG_9810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThYRlb2EYcDhUbaAIqI1UDHs-NWhiSvXeyPM34rxgR-I6fFo8FokuA6HYHvt9aIFGxbvnSgzJdQYI72G9iC-JRC_YXI988UBm5F7N9DafDIluOmtBD0aSeRuK8QkAPdhU_pWQmnFVMTE/s320/IMG_9810.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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A couple of our designs...
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-2MtBWx26k7NIZADwzF0iZACh4iX0DrOGmNwBwZpbv9bzLCg7k4L1gDEGcj5LU4LwRI2A6EHidZ06uOo0jO2wNjVIww9ggvZUAG4jeTTHQpRS0NnjPxphG0VVvKB8kFE18ADPlavJec/s1600/IMG_9805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-2MtBWx26k7NIZADwzF0iZACh4iX0DrOGmNwBwZpbv9bzLCg7k4L1gDEGcj5LU4LwRI2A6EHidZ06uOo0jO2wNjVIww9ggvZUAG4jeTTHQpRS0NnjPxphG0VVvKB8kFE18ADPlavJec/s320/IMG_9805.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So why the LOVE of Valentine's Day?</div>
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I believe it began here...
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSrpjCNsZg4jLWcr9Oaj0-oRmYrgyglSpaUzdbxPT06DJOXZnS91LnZcSdHPFTWIqAgrmhjBrLnfLzUzR4A-ei9-SWuWlCGoST-tBiwhMye3iAXzzV5v97q9rxlUGPvfJFzhIbKxUM_w/s1600/Emily+Valentine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSrpjCNsZg4jLWcr9Oaj0-oRmYrgyglSpaUzdbxPT06DJOXZnS91LnZcSdHPFTWIqAgrmhjBrLnfLzUzR4A-ei9-SWuWlCGoST-tBiwhMye3iAXzzV5v97q9rxlUGPvfJFzhIbKxUM_w/s320/Emily+Valentine.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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In 1976, this little girl, in Alabama, received love from her family, in Ohio.
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In the form of a Valentine.
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06957501417238311686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-918624462285295755.post-55326011570015287082013-02-07T07:36:00.000-08:002013-02-07T10:45:54.378-08:00Back to Eastern Europe?<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been asked to lead a group of students, this summer, to work in a children's home, in Ukraine.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnM1duLRCYZb4mqU1W_tzjTbf1zSjukSu_X1LP4aSzz-Z39wclm_b7dX1YHK-OMcG4i_XOQ3wpqAHB7o8T_zK9Gf6zLKoLh0BJstOZ-VOYIDCyYL_wmAAe22af58WyGNvTa8nOiTUaQlw/s1600/UK1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnM1duLRCYZb4mqU1W_tzjTbf1zSjukSu_X1LP4aSzz-Z39wclm_b7dX1YHK-OMcG4i_XOQ3wpqAHB7o8T_zK9Gf6zLKoLh0BJstOZ-VOYIDCyYL_wmAAe22af58WyGNvTa8nOiTUaQlw/s320/UK1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These are the beautiful people who SERVE as <u>family</u> to the orphans, at the home.
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These are the beautiful children...
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-A1UeuNWu0T6emhAIBZj-BwabhE78h6r-xe_8_sm0bJ-uHz3uaOEi-azUZhANE9bs0FAUBGK1cGUUi6yYTAJpxYljAXZNc5R0LKL9OYE_Mkh2eO9b2ZwW1aL3ml4Ibt4AJ-bLX6O55k/s1600/UK5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-A1UeuNWu0T6emhAIBZj-BwabhE78h6r-xe_8_sm0bJ-uHz3uaOEi-azUZhANE9bs0FAUBGK1cGUUi6yYTAJpxYljAXZNc5R0LKL9OYE_Mkh2eO9b2ZwW1aL3ml4Ibt4AJ-bLX6O55k/s320/UK5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is what our meals would look like. I remember all too well this food, from three trips to Russia in 2010-2011.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrt6RkuPU2yoVpg9kgApUWJRDTOT90cWnxn63OIlZwfrU8sx_jP1GIZmcnXVxv95qv55uyrw0L5pWfGEcwQFo0107OpFj4pOG0ByR-qWq6mSHH5bDp45CA74M6WiLFZHwXUleG6lZzTNE/s1600/UK6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrt6RkuPU2yoVpg9kgApUWJRDTOT90cWnxn63OIlZwfrU8sx_jP1GIZmcnXVxv95qv55uyrw0L5pWfGEcwQFo0107OpFj4pOG0ByR-qWq6mSHH5bDp45CA74M6WiLFZHwXUleG6lZzTNE/s320/UK6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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This is the organization our family is involved with... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPObv9Uk9OO3Yz11PEpzCE-5m7O8mO73X3vNuE-bfZMwEud9Ta9yX_JjGhCxqmEpbu1_msd5_kNKXQ8nQxoehRqsgqzC4ykYW9yg_5G2PZL8Z4fwcT1_GUvO8nZUjshs02fm4iwjL1wE/s1600/UK4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPObv9Uk9OO3Yz11PEpzCE-5m7O8mO73X3vNuE-bfZMwEud9Ta9yX_JjGhCxqmEpbu1_msd5_kNKXQ8nQxoehRqsgqzC4ykYW9yg_5G2PZL8Z4fwcT1_GUvO8nZUjshs02fm4iwjL1wE/s320/UK4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am excited to see what God will do with this, and there's no doubt, a part of my heart is still in
Eastern Europe. I promised God I would never forget what I saw, going there.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4z6qr-hJ4YihoymSYHSfW3ezfsh8-eSeqkbM-dMQVzvOKhrf_amXvptDQGmqoFHqVMKRoWB1cOFqcWYr8d_pFBLc63Hk0yIgvI6UDrWXvjmw_0veLJFOM1uEkTV9t_1CUaKBzNQ2Hy6k/s1600/Russia+11_04+stills+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4z6qr-hJ4YihoymSYHSfW3ezfsh8-eSeqkbM-dMQVzvOKhrf_amXvptDQGmqoFHqVMKRoWB1cOFqcWYr8d_pFBLc63Hk0yIgvI6UDrWXvjmw_0veLJFOM1uEkTV9t_1CUaKBzNQ2Hy6k/s320/Russia+11_04+stills+034.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And what's really cool about this trip, is that one of the students would be none other than my own... Karis Yulia.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwEZaAM6iHiiON0W-KO3dEfScISVRIIWQSoNl5__OdTcLStks9doWtkTZZAmh1ewlTgJmrDYUQhZBg2U4uX0FXwb0G8fk3T00b9cW13T1ddg40uvWwTWkheT0wuSFXx6yPDrEo5CjO_o/s1600/IMG_9756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwEZaAM6iHiiON0W-KO3dEfScISVRIIWQSoNl5__OdTcLStks9doWtkTZZAmh1ewlTgJmrDYUQhZBg2U4uX0FXwb0G8fk3T00b9cW13T1ddg40uvWwTWkheT0wuSFXx6yPDrEo5CjO_o/s320/IMG_9756.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Who has a lot of love to give! <br />
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She knows the feeling of abandonment. And after only one year and 7 months of being home, with her forever family, she is healing and wants to give back.
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So, we will pray. <br />
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We will look to scripture. <br />
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And we will continue to praise HIM, because two things we prayed for... happened. Our Karis accepted Christ and now... she wants to help others in the same situation. God is SO good!</div>
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<em><b>Mark 16:15</b>
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<em>
He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all
creation."</em></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06957501417238311686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-918624462285295755.post-1917655529956551432013-02-01T09:20:00.002-08:002013-02-06T14:28:23.697-08:00How we roll on SNOW DAYS!Ahhh, that 5 a.m. call from our principal... NO SCHOOL TODAY!
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So, we sleep in. Get some breakfast... then begin a leisurely day.
The girls choose a Netflix movie and cuddle up on Karrigan's bed.
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Evan, always choosing to keep his mind active, let's <em>Minecraft</em> expand his world...
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Dad is hard at work, luckily giving a call home, letting us know the roads weren't too bad, on his drive into work.
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And me... it looks like I'm hard at work, as I sip my coffee. But no... I'm following my friend, Debbie Deegan's, trip to Russia, on her Facebook site. She is fundraising in Moscow, and I'm praying for the success of <em>To Russia With Love,</em> the charity she started in the 90's.<em>
</em> <a href="http://www.torussiawithlove.ie/iopen24/"></a>
I'm in the process of reading Debbie's book on how she made the charity possible. Smart lady, annointed for great things!
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So, that's our morning. </div>
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The sun is shining, we are together, warm, and all enjoying what we like. Hooray for SNOW DAYS!
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06957501417238311686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-918624462285295755.post-34884329997312208762013-01-27T20:16:00.001-08:002013-01-27T20:24:10.006-08:00My Girls<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>2 Timothy 3:14-15 </b>
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<i>But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
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These are my girls...
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Fifth and sixth grade girls, who I meet with weekly... at Sunday School.
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They are so honest at this age. They are learning how the world works... and where they fit in it.
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I am excited to see where they end up. I am blessed to be... a small part of their week.
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<b>1 Peter 4:10-11</b>
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<i>As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06957501417238311686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-918624462285295755.post-63687678408400577582013-01-25T21:24:00.002-08:002013-01-25T21:27:56.253-08:00Big sisters ROCK!Evan knew for his Ohio History report and poster that he wanted to focus on the Shawnee Indians. What he didn't know was how he was going to design his poster. After viewing several photos on the computer, he came across one he especially liked.
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But how to draw it... he sketched... and sketched... then decided, he probably wasn't going to be able to draw it. And then, big sister got home from basketball. Pretty soon, Karis was down on the floor sketching the photo that Evan so excitedly chose. And she did well! After she drew, Evan colored, and mom embellished... until 1 a.m. mom embellished! The end result...
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Pretty cool!
Also cool... how big sister jumped in and saved the day! I love watching Evan and Karis' relationship. It is unique in itself. Karis truly cares about her little brother and often "covers" for him. He defends her. Our adoption touched each one of our family members differently, and one thing is for sure... it has certainly been positive.
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06957501417238311686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-918624462285295755.post-88851710261108513642013-01-21T20:51:00.001-08:002013-01-27T20:22:34.988-08:00Catch up postOur lives are full... and we love it!
Our "Kari" as her little sis calls her, has been busy with basketball...
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She enjoys playing and being with her friends at practices but has decided that volleyball is actually <i>her</i> sport, and she enjoys it more. So, we will pursue volleyball, only, next year which sounds pretty good to this busy mama of three!
As for that little sis, Miss Karrigan...
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We love her more than even she... loves her snowman. She is such a delight at 6-years-old!
And last but not least... our little hunter man...
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When he's not practicing with his bow, his air soft gun, or hiding like a "spy" in our tree house, he too is on the basketball court... and boy, did he sure get good this year, due to all that HEIGHT!
Life is moving right along, and Kevin and I couldn't be happier! Wow- are we blessed. Sure there are nights we are so tired from working our "other jobs" that don't include parenting, and it's hard to press through hours of Karis' math homework and Karrigan's reading. We certainly aren't perfect, but compared to how much of the rest of the world lives... we just don't have too much to complain about.
That's all for now. Nothing deep tonight. Just hanging out with Karis, at the kitchen table, as she finishes up her science homework.
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<b>Psalm 128:3
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<b>Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06957501417238311686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-918624462285295755.post-59973597807861659832013-01-16T07:09:00.001-08:002013-01-16T07:13:34.579-08:00My heart is in "awe"I'm just so amazed at this woman, Adeye Salem and her family. (Take just a pause to look at her beautiful blog.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com/">http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com/</a><br />
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They get it. They are being reckless for Jesus. I'm reminded of Jeremy Camp's song... <em>Reckless</em>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsfzqIGYQDI">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsfzqIGYQDI</a><br />
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This family, the Salems, are giving away their lives, just as Jesus did. They are rescuing children from far away lands, one life at time, in the strength God gives them daily. The children are thriving. <br />
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Let's consider our sweet Jesus. He didn't sleep in the same bed every night, He didn't know where his food would come from, but He knew His Father, who sent Him, would take care of Him. And the Father did that through... people.<br />
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I can be one of those people. I want to be reckless for Jesus. I want to teach my children what that looks like, by my actions. <br />
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Yes, my human thoughts whisper daily, that I want to lead a comfortable life... I don't want to have to worry all the time about finances... I'd love to take family vacations, I'd love to save more. I'm working through finding the balance of all of that "human stuff" and also pursuing the... "heart stuff" which is what God truly desires. <br />
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God can take care of all of our "human stuff" like money... truly. God doesn't need our money. God could have all of the money He ever wanted. <br />
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What God doesn't control, and what He desires <em>most</em>, is our hearts. He is a good God who leaves it up to us. We can either choose Him... life. Or we can choose nothing-ness... death. The choice is ours, from an amazing parent... our Father God.<br />
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Yes, He is moving in our lives right now, and we are praying about something He has placed on our hearts. Daily, I ask for His will... His guidance... and most importantly, to not allow this life to be a wasted one... I want to give it ALL to Him. Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06957501417238311686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-918624462285295755.post-1109245044261128322013-01-11T07:12:00.002-08:002013-01-11T07:32:53.820-08:00A time for... speaking publicly<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Ecclesiastes 3:1</strong></div>
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<strong>For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.</strong><br />
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I often forget this scripture, as we are creatures of routine, and yet, only two things last forever- people's souls and the Word of God. </div>
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We change, we evolve... our lives evolve... our jobs change, our circumstances change... it's all called growth. God shakes things up to grow us. <br />
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I love it, and now that I understand it, I am looking for that new "growth" in 2013.</div>
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God is definitely opening my heart back up to adoption. It isn't clear yet how- are we to maintain helping others adopt/ are we ourselves supposed to adopt again... etc.</div>
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He has strategically placed us to be advocates, experts, and speakers on the adoption topic. <br />
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In the course of a week, I was approached by two newspapers to share our adoption story, in light of the ban on Russian adoptions by Vladimir Putin.</div>
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Our story was featured in the Cincinnati Enquirer, and unfortunately, there isn't a link to view it without a subscription, so I will try to scan it in soon and post it for all of you faithful readers. I can also email it to you, if interested.</div>
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I am daily inspired by others who are loving "the least of these".<br />
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I'm inspired by Adeye Salem and her family. <a href="http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com/">http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com/</a><br />
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I, also, enjoy this family... <a href="http://www.krebskids.blogspot.com/">http://www.krebskids.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
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It is the "innocent" who will become Kings and Queens one day, when they are with the Father. <br />
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A song calld <em>Kings and Queens</em> by Audio Adrenaline reminded me of that this morning, as I was driving home from dropping the kiddos off at school. <a href="http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=WDGYYGNX">http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=WDGYYGNX</a> A beautiful song and video, take a moment to view.</div>
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Today, as you go on with your daily lives, pause for a moment and think about how<em> He</em> has gifted you, and then, pause to hear the <em>work He</em> has assigned for you.</div>
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Have a blessed day!</div>
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06957501417238311686noreply@blogger.com0