tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89075307771649612852024-03-13T21:32:47.882-07:00Field House RockStaceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324241712353552771noreply@blogger.comBlogger367125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907530777164961285.post-16126785294170847332014-02-08T06:23:00.001-08:002014-02-08T06:23:54.116-08:00Random.<div style="text-align: center;">
I have lots of posts swirling around in my head, but until I get them from my head to the internet, I will leave you with a few random things that are on my mind these days.</div>
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1. Date nights with the hubs are my jam. We got two this week because our small group met for dinner (totally counting it!), and my love surprised me with another night out with just the two of us last night. I had a rough mommy day yesterday, and he blessed my socks off with a quiet dinner away. A date with Chris can pretty much make any bad day immediately better.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFDq8lJBuKWBNFAbWJBrZ-3bTTIMrqnR4Potnq61VYgzW4BpMVG6rPB2GILh29GXBaquFh9Q83isO0_UkOl1xfxz_fLESY-I3uyk0wTjMGhPrxE2jOxNyySowKGIDINwyQMP2-pAmJOQu/s1600/photo+2-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFDq8lJBuKWBNFAbWJBrZ-3bTTIMrqnR4Potnq61VYgzW4BpMVG6rPB2GILh29GXBaquFh9Q83isO0_UkOl1xfxz_fLESY-I3uyk0wTjMGhPrxE2jOxNyySowKGIDINwyQMP2-pAmJOQu/s1600/photo+2-6.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a> </div>
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2. Valentine's Day is coming up, and I know I am not the only person who thinks holidays become infinitely more fun when you have children. I was never in love with Valentine's Day, but I am kind of getting into it this year. I actually even decorated a little bit for it for the first time ever. I am loving searching Pinterest for cute valentine ideas for the kids to give to their friends, and I even bought special plates just for Valentine's Day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GJUPCNX3LWak1_A-cbmLDHptMi1-HSVK-6xqmyuTNAaoAhUbEmQKcr7orTm1289I-EggdUd9ER3SSRo_FSB0G_JVsnEz6tMlnlzBmP16LKaZ-vlVnfH680Ii2Y_rDm1VXDtfaYeSITAS/s1600/photo+2-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GJUPCNX3LWak1_A-cbmLDHptMi1-HSVK-6xqmyuTNAaoAhUbEmQKcr7orTm1289I-EggdUd9ER3SSRo_FSB0G_JVsnEz6tMlnlzBmP16LKaZ-vlVnfH680Ii2Y_rDm1VXDtfaYeSITAS/s1600/photo+2-5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a> </div>
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3. Micah was sick at the beginning of the week with tonsillitis, and she is feeling way, way better now. That poor girl has had it rough this winter. She is a tough one and bounces back in no time. I am so ready for this "sick season" to be over.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBQAROcBmZRDNnOSUl14uXlgsQ0AQQeH8Z1jhjiXDPuHNhG5W6p2B5UfyWmfUmEfbdxBJB1zieOBr5bZAGeYJwXdcYNq_oPXKc3Nl3YVPELgifDQDAeFytCcRAn4ItotkOAufbMuTvzPa/s1600/photo+1-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBQAROcBmZRDNnOSUl14uXlgsQ0AQQeH8Z1jhjiXDPuHNhG5W6p2B5UfyWmfUmEfbdxBJB1zieOBr5bZAGeYJwXdcYNq_oPXKc3Nl3YVPELgifDQDAeFytCcRAn4ItotkOAufbMuTvzPa/s1600/photo+1-6.jpg" height="640" width="366" /></a> </div>
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4. Another thing I am ready to say good bye to is winter. My word, it has been a cold one in Texas. We have had way too many days with highs in the 30's, and I'm done with little ice pellets raining from the sky. Where did the mild Texas winters go? I love the extra snuggles on the couch with my kids and all, but it's official. I'm over it. Spring, anyone?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCD1sKF4sVD41HR1TJDjrfvYzgF3MzqPGN6TCk46aZSLwURfboE7qzeCwzOWWt-GuX7CDwwL0WHx3zdH6SKdHTZ8cYrgz_p5G2ofpFS5n6J_vIyJu2OIvJeb7E9hSf76SVLTKuymsW13Mc/s1600/IMG_8440.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCD1sKF4sVD41HR1TJDjrfvYzgF3MzqPGN6TCk46aZSLwURfboE7qzeCwzOWWt-GuX7CDwwL0WHx3zdH6SKdHTZ8cYrgz_p5G2ofpFS5n6J_vIyJu2OIvJeb7E9hSf76SVLTKuymsW13Mc/s1600/IMG_8440.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a> </div>
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5. I'm thankful it is the weekend. I am pretty much in love with weekends with my little family. Lots of rest, lots of playing, lots of coloring and drawing, and lots of being together. I love it. I also love the feeling of restoration I have after a weekend--God's grace.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lBgW0ypqGUfLq9DyM68zw9ePB5fYzSEqphq7d7sjcGxYmw4c4sB73iIOHxK3Gn5csFOeS_f5qHGB8gBcc6Q2UOc2p7AJRi20v_08ElBt2cFc5gxb-iwB2x2zJp6ZCJVYzoVxrEOcCtSN/s1600/photo+3-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lBgW0ypqGUfLq9DyM68zw9ePB5fYzSEqphq7d7sjcGxYmw4c4sB73iIOHxK3Gn5csFOeS_f5qHGB8gBcc6Q2UOc2p7AJRi20v_08ElBt2cFc5gxb-iwB2x2zJp6ZCJVYzoVxrEOcCtSN/s1600/photo+3-4.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a> </div>
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6. The Olympics!!! Love em. This is one of the few times that the adult dwellers of the Fieldhouse feel fairly patriotic. USA...USA...USA!</div>
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Have a wonderful weekend! Hope it is filled with people and activities you love.</div>
Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324241712353552771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907530777164961285.post-49893718215344632372014-02-03T12:37:00.001-08:002014-02-03T12:37:19.103-08:00Weekend Scenes.<div style="text-align: center;">
We had a great weekend. It started out warm on Friday with the kids wearing t-shirts and shorts, and it ended in the 30's on Sunday with a fire going in the fireplace. Lots of celebrations (Chinese New Year and the 100th day of school), lots of excitement over the new house (foundation was poured on Saturday!), and lots of time to relax and play as a family. It was truly a lovely weekend. </div>
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How was yours?</div>
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Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324241712353552771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907530777164961285.post-68044239689959131712014-01-30T10:25:00.000-08:002014-01-30T10:25:08.809-08:00On Expectations.<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqRraSAZTAzFx-wJE4-GGdKcAlB_XzYwxzkaJzU8MbqzX6kPMBWrQt18EtSj2xQhQBMwZiUvPQPEz3i8ekNhCp14DgLRNJjGPZf2tMVsJ4GwS26Yf3SGVEFyB5cpTMZCjB52CoUPQH6Hg/s1600/IMG_8223.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqRraSAZTAzFx-wJE4-GGdKcAlB_XzYwxzkaJzU8MbqzX6kPMBWrQt18EtSj2xQhQBMwZiUvPQPEz3i8ekNhCp14DgLRNJjGPZf2tMVsJ4GwS26Yf3SGVEFyB5cpTMZCjB52CoUPQH6Hg/s1600/IMG_8223.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a><br />
For as long as I can remember, I have struggled with expectations. Whether it be unreasonable expectations of myself or others, I often have found myself disappointed by unmet expectations. Of course, I carried this whole deal into marriage, and you can imagine how well that went. In my immaturity, I have spent much of my life living in disappointment due to unfair expectations I have placed on people and situations. This has sometimes led to having very, very low expectations and the assumption that everything will always turn out worse than I hope.<br />
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Thankfully, the Lord has done a lot of good work in my heart on this matter, and I have matured enough to begin to find a balance between the unrealistic and the hopeless. Begin would be the keyword in that sentence. It is a journey, and sometimes I am running forward. Other times, I trip on a root along the way and have to get up, shake the dirt off, and trudge forward.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3AL83LWOPz0y4a06yUIK4zo_6lwngRENa5H2CQGh8XvKVPJYSnX7IuxmvDjejOdLSIG0myV78rmSzAM1AsOpOOzR70d270rKZtDXaEa_Wiw8MnfD8S86e-4YvBJ19oBWpH0IT6lxm21I/s1600/IMG_8309.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3AL83LWOPz0y4a06yUIK4zo_6lwngRENa5H2CQGh8XvKVPJYSnX7IuxmvDjejOdLSIG0myV78rmSzAM1AsOpOOzR70d270rKZtDXaEa_Wiw8MnfD8S86e-4YvBJ19oBWpH0IT6lxm21I/s1600/IMG_8309.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a> <br />
Our Christmas was incredible. Like one of the best ever. And, I wasn't expecting it. In fact, I almost missed the greatness because I was awaiting disaster or disappointment. You see, many adoptees have a very difficult time with holidays for lots of different reasons. I was worried that the same would hold true for Famous, and that his fears would play out in some dreadful way that would ruin the holidays for the rest of us. I also like to place unfair expectations on my sweet husband when he is not supposed to be working, but let's be real for a moment...when you run your own business, when are you truly ever not working?<br />
So, in the midst of all the worry and expectations, I almost missed the magic. The wonder. The holiness. The love. The celebration.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhTMEEy0gPh902bvs5WbfkWsv1kWA6srEIkHHNlFt4sGMxTHFwVbDFUuwVGEzJ_FrqkQ4PAsF9KB7Kx2n618DgVJg5WvrzWkkSpWdcgYWDdGiqJo_lUU1s6WrNpDfixol0LImQ1xvopkC/s1600/IMG_8192.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhTMEEy0gPh902bvs5WbfkWsv1kWA6srEIkHHNlFt4sGMxTHFwVbDFUuwVGEzJ_FrqkQ4PAsF9KB7Kx2n618DgVJg5WvrzWkkSpWdcgYWDdGiqJo_lUU1s6WrNpDfixol0LImQ1xvopkC/s1600/IMG_8192.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
I'm so glad that the Lord redeemed that for me because it was a truly magical Christmas.<br />
Famous loved every moment, and you would have thought he had been celebrating Christmas with us his whole life (minus the sheer excitement that can only come with seeing this holiday through fresh eyes...it makes me teary thinking of it).<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Avzuu0T-ePJqGwWHnnpQMnLRVVnz-h4pthBaOjmwFtnXLjDTFV9wrS3DlpViesG8nTdnKivN_9xwl7gL12N-Lh3t-dUommxqG_K76RxehW6knSTkDWG07_zlcfO2-g28KDuQcn0bt83p/s1600/IMG_8317.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Avzuu0T-ePJqGwWHnnpQMnLRVVnz-h4pthBaOjmwFtnXLjDTFV9wrS3DlpViesG8nTdnKivN_9xwl7gL12N-Lh3t-dUommxqG_K76RxehW6knSTkDWG07_zlcfO2-g28KDuQcn0bt83p/s1600/IMG_8317.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a> <br />
Any doubts of Chris giving us his undivided attention were a waste of my thinking space.</div>
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I think I will look back on this Christmas always and reflect on God's goodness.</div>
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I'm just so thankful that my expectation issues didn't allow me to gloss over the blessing of what was right in front of me, and I am planning to keep pressing on with grace.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQPhlSjcb2Xp3M2dxbpGNegbPEj42qgHKxEduOWUevKL0DnGYGeMZc8Gb5kPc4QWfwCeDwa0xfGKMnHTvGa9X7J3exAyBZUADdYGEld7mFDKwElmWy7JCJhcJZbAscbLCPHZJzgCc1-bT/s1600/IMG_8264.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQPhlSjcb2Xp3M2dxbpGNegbPEj42qgHKxEduOWUevKL0DnGYGeMZc8Gb5kPc4QWfwCeDwa0xfGKMnHTvGa9X7J3exAyBZUADdYGEld7mFDKwElmWy7JCJhcJZbAscbLCPHZJzgCc1-bT/s1600/IMG_8264.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324241712353552771noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907530777164961285.post-12428280133842166872014-01-23T13:12:00.002-08:002014-01-23T13:12:33.529-08:00Lately.<div style="text-align: center;">
It is one of those days that is dreary, drizzly, and chilly, and it is getting colder outside by the minute. There is a chance of "wintry" precipitation beginning this evening and continuing overnight, and dare I say, they claim we might even get a light dusting of snow. That is big time in this neck of the woods, folks.</div>
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Therefore, all I want to do is wear sweats, curl up with a warm blanket, and do a bunch of nothing. How do you people that live up north survive the winter and get anything done at all?</div>
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In light of the fact that I am anti-productivity in this cold weather, I am going to keep staring at the laundry that needs to be put away from my spot on the couch, and I am also saving my heavy thinking posts for another day. Until then, here are some good ole iphone pictures of what we have been up to lately.</div>
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<i>Celebrated Mercy Project's second rescue with pizza, cookies, and a movie!</i> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSiau9gA-DaecU238XlhdHSO19-LZvDTFEqACO008sOW3ohodenwfuGPPwx72E4S5H8jupGjiWVa25V4AZJ_2vRZBx2fHyYX8bcW8pjQDWpNSHcGwSVENb3FScgKyMy_H80imS1KYX8fy/s1600/photo+5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSiau9gA-DaecU238XlhdHSO19-LZvDTFEqACO008sOW3ohodenwfuGPPwx72E4S5H8jupGjiWVa25V4AZJ_2vRZBx2fHyYX8bcW8pjQDWpNSHcGwSVENb3FScgKyMy_H80imS1KYX8fy/s1600/photo+5.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<i>These two had a sleepover in Micah's room together.</i></div>
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<i> </i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCohn4la5xjhl_65MqYwBycIoGT1FFmxFVYnYqpIeRRdVoSCmaCD6uWc49SSspiYhi8xAMEPRVdKNIKzjT2g8jBjFF048SZAMmqlsJYw3vDkAhW3HvIk9nmvEbRWwXTPsD0tGCDKsHNOn4/s1600/photo+4-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCohn4la5xjhl_65MqYwBycIoGT1FFmxFVYnYqpIeRRdVoSCmaCD6uWc49SSspiYhi8xAMEPRVdKNIKzjT2g8jBjFF048SZAMmqlsJYw3vDkAhW3HvIk9nmvEbRWwXTPsD0tGCDKsHNOn4/s1600/photo+4-1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>We've spent lots more time outside.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEUW1c1IBNK9OdxSgJN99cmc0Ur8WlF1X9ruoGJq3VJEboopxy8mz50DmQS8ch62HlCd5K4_JDyVVuz55fa8LdtfQ6HCfemAvmc9nptRyd640bVaIjlm2AaNRe-XBlvXTmvC_6Vo7XAPb/s1600/photo+2-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEUW1c1IBNK9OdxSgJN99cmc0Ur8WlF1X9ruoGJq3VJEboopxy8mz50DmQS8ch62HlCd5K4_JDyVVuz55fa8LdtfQ6HCfemAvmc9nptRyd640bVaIjlm2AaNRe-XBlvXTmvC_6Vo7XAPb/s1600/photo+2-2.jpg" height="513" width="640" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73WseF_ZK5ezh-NBf5T6am1kTfR5OhheaXj1VcmNnTcuG0KZzsrDzhMYF5PYaAnxkRiuU7a0mNomJa7n5R94YFmv6heXT5kVk0H2asuV4qEwXY8viB9zoqSNLhTDp5TVyegkfz25o7ULa/s1600/photo+3-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73WseF_ZK5ezh-NBf5T6am1kTfR5OhheaXj1VcmNnTcuG0KZzsrDzhMYF5PYaAnxkRiuU7a0mNomJa7n5R94YFmv6heXT5kVk0H2asuV4qEwXY8viB9zoqSNLhTDp5TVyegkfz25o7ULa/s1600/photo+3-1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Took a day trip to Houston and surprised Chris by picking him up at the airport.</i><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVcHZvzqNxbFOTTFMIDq51u-tUQJrPTJpLUbt4DL2j7BCto0i2GI2uJxHDIZX2dxqo0Nmywd7gPhbi1lcYLcGXv5mwyGQEEUYeUW6zy2j1wY-U3D8pCHzddkybfqMhx50RyCMcIxasu4w/s1600/photo+3-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVcHZvzqNxbFOTTFMIDq51u-tUQJrPTJpLUbt4DL2j7BCto0i2GI2uJxHDIZX2dxqo0Nmywd7gPhbi1lcYLcGXv5mwyGQEEUYeUW6zy2j1wY-U3D8pCHzddkybfqMhx50RyCMcIxasu4w/s1600/photo+3-2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Witnessed the most amazing sunsets. Isn't God incredible?</i></div>
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<i>Went on our first training run for the Girls Just Want To Have Fun 5k in March.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHgZ5QVqGzB8WLavFGUJgiLwvF6zQiu3dCANKAW1wfY7ghLZF7F44payJJjBA5zjh6YsNfq6TgzroD334k_p4wn__BTMYTWcmpjEonZ0_5KCOBEWf9nRg2fD5t68qNUJLfAfayky24HgH/s1600/photo+2-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHgZ5QVqGzB8WLavFGUJgiLwvF6zQiu3dCANKAW1wfY7ghLZF7F44payJJjBA5zjh6YsNfq6TgzroD334k_p4wn__BTMYTWcmpjEonZ0_5KCOBEWf9nRg2fD5t68qNUJLfAfayky24HgH/s1600/photo+2-3.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Currently, I'm poring over paint samples trying to decide on the perfect "warm" gray for the main living areas in our new house. Anybody found a really great gray that wasn't too "cold" but also wasn't too beige? Please do share!</i></div>
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Stay warm out there!</div>
Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324241712353552771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907530777164961285.post-19932982811930270652014-01-18T08:28:00.000-08:002014-01-18T08:28:02.825-08:00Motherhood.<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7h-sizier1nV9cfS8iIdSa2Xzpttr6RxPWOgR7ORapYHfCXsaUOZdnvskZD0aYdrLfgLVSG28q9ywSl63kvnVKkuUNSc3CyqpdzP7PthED5SE_BtI-g6Fr0w6b2d1luHx5yasgCTpzr93/s1600/photo+1-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7h-sizier1nV9cfS8iIdSa2Xzpttr6RxPWOgR7ORapYHfCXsaUOZdnvskZD0aYdrLfgLVSG28q9ywSl63kvnVKkuUNSc3CyqpdzP7PthED5SE_BtI-g6Fr0w6b2d1luHx5yasgCTpzr93/s1600/photo+1-1.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a> </div>
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Chris left for Ghana on Wednesday, and within hours, Micah was running
fever. She caught a tummy bug and was so sick and sad for about 24
hours. Those 24 hours were a battle for my heart. I was overwhelmed. I
wanted the week to be easy and smooth. Instead, sickness and chaos
entered our home. I have not always been gracious in these situations
(which seem to happen every time Chris is gone), and I tend to let
frustration overtake me. I get cranky and impatient, and I forget that
being a mom, even when I am parenting solo, is my gift. </div>
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Being a momma to littles is hard. It is tiring. It makes your bones and your heart weary. Some days it feels like you have nothing to show for your mothering. It is easy to forget that I chose this whole motherhood thing when I am in the trenches and feeling alone and frustrated. It is easy for me to dwell on my loneliness and how hard it is when it seems as though your two year old screams about everything all.day.long. It is easy to feel defeated when my kids still act disrespectful and are disobedient (ugh, sinful nature). It is easy for me to look at my husband and feel like he has it easy because he doesn't have to do<i> this</i> correcting, rebuking, disciplining, shaping all day. It is easy to somehow start to feel entitled to <i>more</i> help and <i>more</i> time away. It is so easy to fall into the pit of resentment and to wallow there for hours and days.</div>
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Lately, the Lord has been teaching me a thing or two about this season of being a momma to these little people. <i>He has been teaching me how to experience joy in the midst of it all.</i> He has been reminding me that this work of disciplining is really molding their hearts and their character. Every day, I am mothering their souls. I get to point them to Jesus, and in the midst of that, I get to point my own heart to Jesus, a million times. That is a pretty amazing job, and my three little people are pretty amazing too. He has been teaching me to reject the lies and the resentment and to fall before the Lord on the days when I feel desperation creeping in and grabbing hold of my heart. He has been teaching me to look at my people and find Jesus in them, even in the midst of the hard parts. There are still days when the yucky parts of my heart win, and I forget to be thankful and loving and compassionate in the thick of things. However, I am so grateful for the journey I am on in learning to just love motherhood and to embrace and soak in this season.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnbPqA3CcVIvzfHfyrgMzsRpq7tZiK1Q2sb2ZElzrsMLoXEZ9hs2L-SpNWAQGRT_WBpDyc6dfx5SW9ediqV9docFT-1b-BOcXKoL_2JhVV4yZejRQvfWi9ylZo1aM6vUUZj9YbOs6L_O6/s1600/photo+2-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnbPqA3CcVIvzfHfyrgMzsRpq7tZiK1Q2sb2ZElzrsMLoXEZ9hs2L-SpNWAQGRT_WBpDyc6dfx5SW9ediqV9docFT-1b-BOcXKoL_2JhVV4yZejRQvfWi9ylZo1aM6vUUZj9YbOs6L_O6/s1600/photo+2-1.jpg" height="400" width="372" /></a></div>
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So, this week while Micah was sick, I fought
hard to choose love instead of bitterness. To enjoy the cuddles and
snuggles instead of worrying about and dwelling on the sickness. To
choose embracing motherhood instead of enduring it. The Lord offered me victory, and it was sweet. Last night, we celebrated Micah's recovery with an awesome dance party after dinner, and we laughed and danced until we were breathing hard and enjoyed each other. These are sweet days, friends.</div>
Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324241712353552771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907530777164961285.post-79293482410137779042014-01-14T17:40:00.000-08:002014-01-14T17:40:03.918-08:00Bike Riding In The Sunshine.<div style="text-align: center;">
For Christmas, all 3 of the kids got 1 big gift from us--bikes. Chris and I were so excited about these gifts and had been planning this surprise since the summer. The kids were shocked and ready to ride, but it has been super cold around these parts since Christmas. We have still managed to take them out to ride in short bursts, but no one lasted long in the cold. So, when the sun came out and the temperature rose to almost 70 the past several days, we took full advantage of the beautiful bike riding weather.</div>
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<i>For those wondering...yes, Famous taught himself how to ride a two wheel bike upon arrival in the US. He went to a friend's house to play and promptly figured out how to balance, pedal, etc. without having ever used a tricycle, training wheels, or anything. Amazing, I tell you.</i></div>
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<i>Also, Micah and Beckett got balance bikes. They don't have pedals and only have two wheels and came highly recommended for the transition to a big bike. Beckett still prefers the old tricycle!</i></div>
Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324241712353552771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907530777164961285.post-2335788546500727722014-01-11T13:08:00.001-08:002014-01-11T13:08:22.462-08:00Our Favorite Muffins.<div style="text-align: center;">
All three of my children love muffins for breakfast. They may actually devour muffins more voraciously than they eat up donuts. Our very favorite muffins around this house are banana bread muffins. The kids would probably eat a whole batch in one sitting if I would let them, and Chris and I are pretty big fans too. Micah and I made a batch of mini muffins just this week for a play date with one of her best little friends from preschool, and they were a big hit. </div>
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We follow <a href="http://www.thehardwickblog.com/2010/09/tasteful-thursdaybanana-bread.html">this recipe</a> for banana bread from one of my friends from college. My grandmother has a great recipe as well, but honestly, I think Kerbi's is my absolute favorite that I have ever tried. I have made both loaves of banana bread, regular size muffins, and mini muffins with this recipe, and they never turn out dry but perfectly moist and delicious. The only change I make it omitting the nuts because we prefer our banana bread sans nuts in this house (and sometimes I add chocolate chips!).</div>
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For the mini muffins, we cut the recipe in half (except the vanilla...my philosophy in baking is that vanilla makes everything more delicious), and it yielded 30 mini muffins.</div>
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We also added a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsiLGmXfqhJk5BgBNGMgc9N7ZfZ3BmTfP1_ZypBZzH_BJXPG_U7x4FD4Ng8JOykovRj29yP09RdmVqF5F8mOTjPbqDecZ8GuDI22In_jO4CzyiPR_Hm0lPSox1GLPY1MZPqN_OHnHtkiP/s1600/afterlight-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsiLGmXfqhJk5BgBNGMgc9N7ZfZ3BmTfP1_ZypBZzH_BJXPG_U7x4FD4Ng8JOykovRj29yP09RdmVqF5F8mOTjPbqDecZ8GuDI22In_jO4CzyiPR_Hm0lPSox1GLPY1MZPqN_OHnHtkiP/s1600/afterlight-2.jpg" height="400" width="308" /></a> </div>
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I sprayed the muffin tins with baking spray and filled them 2/3-3/4 full of batter. Bake the mini muffins at 350*F for about 15 minutes or until the muffins are set and tops are light golden brown.</div>
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Enjoy! </div>
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Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324241712353552771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907530777164961285.post-3866131276583740982014-01-09T06:57:00.000-08:002014-01-09T06:57:10.800-08:00Building A House.<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1mYqn8pr9LWtA6vO8LNIQ6M-iKfTg4gXiLVNxe3H0RguE0HWfjRpcLwGqyijtoG9iI8zpXnLCaoItC1Vfomqpj4Yq3-qJ2AnHr2RM-Db7wU75j7VlEiQaJSjYPSJCQoYPiv8c9d6wkYW/s1600/photo-65.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1mYqn8pr9LWtA6vO8LNIQ6M-iKfTg4gXiLVNxe3H0RguE0HWfjRpcLwGqyijtoG9iI8zpXnLCaoItC1Vfomqpj4Yq3-qJ2AnHr2RM-Db7wU75j7VlEiQaJSjYPSJCQoYPiv8c9d6wkYW/s1600/photo-65.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a> </div>
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We are staying in College Station, but we are building a house, actually, just about 8 miles from where we currently live. We are really, really excited.</div>
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This decision has been brewing for a while. Nothing made us dislike our current home, and in fact, we love this home, the location, our neighbors, and Famous's school. But, Chris and I both just felt a stirring in our hearts for something different. We couldn't quite pinpoint it, but even before Famous came home, we began talking about these feelings we had. There were only 2 things we knew about this potential move: we wanted more outdoor space for kids to play and explore, space to plant a garden, and enjoy creation, and we wanted a slower pace of life.</div>
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So, we just started casually looking at places that fit those descriptions, and my spirit just never felt settled about anything we saw. We discussed building, but all of the land we looked at didn't feel right. I knew that moving would be hard with 3 kids, and I wanted to feel complete peace about it if we were going to take that plunge. Since we hadn't felt that peace, we decided we would just stay where we are and look again in a couple of years.</div>
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Fast forward to a week or so after Famous got home while the littles were playing with some friends, we went out to a small subdivision just south of town where a house was being built. I cannot remember exactly what spurred this decision to go look at this house since we had ceased our efforts at least a couple of weeks prior, but we went to check it out with our new Ghanaian son in tow. We pulled into this subdivision that boasts of acre or more lots, and I started getting a good feeling about this place. We arrived at the house and went inside to check it out, and as we went out on the back porch and Famous ran out in the massive backyard, I started to cry. I knew in my heart that this place was right for our family and particularly for our sweet son.</div>
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So, in true Chris Field fashion, we didn't waste any time. We began perusing available lots and found the perfect one for our family. We bought an acre of land at the end of a culdesac. We will have more outdoor space, a house designed just for us (with the help of amazing architect friends), and a safe space for our kids to grow, play, and explore. We will also hopefully be able to cultivate a less harried way of living.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObzmbt6eyaFZUdzUG7La6WVddLXc8Eqe_aXTc4Mxvaq3hz-f7ZAlwj68XFYhdwkmXid7GSzyRDK_6nQcA2OHz22eRigfiPCWCy-FXru2Gsi-8Xc7ZSQyJzz9e7t3mod7dFOl9Hxrn6SpE/s1600/IMG_7807.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObzmbt6eyaFZUdzUG7La6WVddLXc8Eqe_aXTc4Mxvaq3hz-f7ZAlwj68XFYhdwkmXid7GSzyRDK_6nQcA2OHz22eRigfiPCWCy-FXru2Gsi-8Xc7ZSQyJzz9e7t3mod7dFOl9Hxrn6SpE/s1600/IMG_7807.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_m-ScZiQsEmeZnapDoY_r2yyxv_ifEHY9RWJOC28mqrtGP-GpELhhEy6kPwSeVA5XSN6THQHqTSYnfAGPA7YIVrLTlUKUkzxIAUjlyBbEjyZLHUEumRtzaH0awy0b1sNSl_kYoVvwBoe/s1600/IMG_7797.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_m-ScZiQsEmeZnapDoY_r2yyxv_ifEHY9RWJOC28mqrtGP-GpELhhEy6kPwSeVA5XSN6THQHqTSYnfAGPA7YIVrLTlUKUkzxIAUjlyBbEjyZLHUEumRtzaH0awy0b1sNSl_kYoVvwBoe/s1600/IMG_7797.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a> </div>
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We are beyond excited, and we have officially broken ground on our home. Our house will hopefully be ready some time in May.</div>
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Before the clearing of land began, we took our first family of five pictures on our untouched land. I'm so thankful that we will always have those special pictures--thanks to my father in law.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCK9BDUliuXl_CEP9zQoFDhpJ7-3K5WCWCoFnDwooDsmwIjDuZ_O-c4KKtJx9-v_Ejru4I69Z6rl166L9vkAP6Px403ue9_4SlWr38p32BQxtwDjpTR2zX0Xertn21j0XItlxdMNhM0urV/s1600/2013-10-26+Christopher+&+Stacey+Family_Websize_012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCK9BDUliuXl_CEP9zQoFDhpJ7-3K5WCWCoFnDwooDsmwIjDuZ_O-c4KKtJx9-v_Ejru4I69Z6rl166L9vkAP6Px403ue9_4SlWr38p32BQxtwDjpTR2zX0Xertn21j0XItlxdMNhM0urV/s1600/2013-10-26+Christopher+&+Stacey+Family_Websize_012.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a> </div>
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We are praying that the Lord will bless our home and make it a sacred place where He is honored and where His Spirit is alive.</div>
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Now, time to go make a lot of decisions, which can be a little scary for this indecisive person! Updates to come. </div>
Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324241712353552771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907530777164961285.post-37039350371507276492014-01-06T06:11:00.000-08:002014-01-06T06:11:17.538-08:002014 Resolutions.<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3HzY77DWhxmt9sbda7-UhCJnvMr9ywVwV3gdAdK_YcXmY6yaP-NaAWVqpuJywpjcOkF_NGq0OF5UbnQrrqXJa3-DmYMxe8km7vUmoFKSkL1LKrp3NknpZDSab1d7KmF_QAOf7hIw0hRf/s1600/afterlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>I am, by nature, a perfectionist. So when it comes to making resolutions and goals, I can sometimes be a little bit negative. Goals do excite me, and I absolutely love the feeling of a fresh start that the new year brings. BUT--I do not want to fail. If I make resolutions, there is always a chance that I might not actually follow through with them, which would mean that I failed. I know, totally ridiculous.</div>
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While Chris and I were on our getaway to celebrate our anniversary (9 years, baby!), we wanted to spend some time casting a vision about what we wanted our year to look like individually and as a family. I am really thankful for a husband who pushes me to do things that make me uncomfortable and who reminds me that I don't have to be perfect because grace has already been offered. So, we sat down, in a movie theater, and began talking through what we hoped for 2014. A few of the things on my list are:<br />
eat and serve my family more whole foods,<br />
put my phone away more often during the day,<br />
keep exercising,<br />
plant and tend a garden with the kids,<br />
read more, <br />
be more like Jesus on 12/31/14 than I was on 12/31/13,<br />
and let go of things I cannot control instead of worrying.<br />
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Over the past week, my heart has continued to wrestle with and get hung up on that last one. These two words are swirling around in my head a lot: <i>let go.</i> A popular theme is to choose just one word for the year as opposed to setting specific goals, and last year I read<a href="http://www.thenatos.com/2012/12/the-real-motivation.html#.UsnINPZQ2IY"> this post </a>that made me really rethink the idea of resolutions and words altogether. However, I feel the Lord stirring something in me this year, and making goals, and even possibly choosing a phrase, seems like the right thing to do for me in 2014. So, I am declaring that this will be the year that I begin to really <i>let go</i>. I am a worrier and control freak by nature, so I spend a lot of my days worrying about something that could happen and living in that fear while "the now" moments fly by. I want to let go so I can live in the present with my family and not let this time pass me by. I want to breathe in my little family of 5 just as we are right now and stop wondering if I can control the course of our days, weeks, and years. I want to let go of those things, release them to the Lord, and give in to trusting Him to be the provider He promises to be. I want to let go of needing to maintain a certain image as a mother, wife, and woman and just be who God created <i>me</i> to be in those roles. I want to let go of wishing things were different and just live in the present with what is right now.<br />
I just want to stop wasting time living in fear, doubt, and worry and<i><b> let go</b></i>.<br />
I'm already praying and believing that the Lord will be gracious to me in my quest to learn this. I'm also hopeful that I can accomplish a few of those other goals up there in that list.<br />
Cheers to a new year and a fresh start! <br />
<br /></div>
Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324241712353552771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907530777164961285.post-54863269835599322782014-01-03T08:49:00.002-08:002014-01-04T17:13:16.384-08:00Back At It.<div style="text-align: center;">
It has been a while since I have visited this space, and while I have missed it, it has been nice. I needed the break. I needed the time to just live moments with my family and be present during the changes and transition. Relieving myself of the "pressure" to write something here and to document every worthwhile and not-so-worthwhile moment in our family's life allowed me to actually fully experience it. I am grateful for those months where I gave myself the freedom to just be.</div>
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I am ready to be back to writing, to documenting, to fleshing out the things the Lord is doing in me and in my family. This blog may look a little different than it used to. The time off taught me that I will actually remember events that take place in our family <i>even if I don't record them here.</i> I know, I know. Crazy and novel thought. I just want to write and to take pictures and to learn and to grow in the process. I will keep writing about our family because that is where most of my life is lived and most of my lessons are learned, but I also want to keep my hands and heart open to writing about other things. I want to be true to myself and to honor my family and God in the process. I want to give myself grace on this blog, and I want to be honest and vulnerable about where I am in life and the work the Lord is doing in my heart.</div>
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So, there you have it. I'm back.</div>
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I'm ready for a hope and Jesus-filled 2014! </div>
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********</div>
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For those interested, <a href="http://flipagram.com/f/h5jIjkCeQE">here</a> is a quick recap of 2013.</div>
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Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324241712353552771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907530777164961285.post-69634809553858497212013-08-28T13:12:00.000-07:002013-08-28T13:12:08.340-07:00School + A Letter<div style="text-align: center;">
<em> </em>On Monday, Famous began first grade. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxl5nEAh7A26V17i6kXa2slv8x2OUd1iVfrt2my0fgJg2RWJgpqzQDGxV0GEIYp1UGhet9iArH6NtM0LU9MWsERWYbKU40EvfvtYwVK0paM9m0KzHQIRwKUqQRNMdGqf6RegZfziOpzcl-/s1600/IMG_7871.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxl5nEAh7A26V17i6kXa2slv8x2OUd1iVfrt2my0fgJg2RWJgpqzQDGxV0GEIYp1UGhet9iArH6NtM0LU9MWsERWYbKU40EvfvtYwVK0paM9m0KzHQIRwKUqQRNMdGqf6RegZfziOpzcl-/s400/IMG_7871.jpg" width="266" /></a> </div>
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His first year in school in America after having only attended school (in Ghana) for a total of 8 months in his 7 1/2 years of life. To say I was a little anxious was an understatement. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2Eb0diofM9OCPbmxCaufjUBXFoVd6M1bGukYVU3K3M4qco48CXRg7dWr8QNzRcJkU_XK3cVPDJUatQjHElSm8AbpC-ixM00_e1jYjPMaKOe3e58PAn5UZcJXLKXpDmAh8DT4jZ4VUVBk/s1600/IMG_7830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2Eb0diofM9OCPbmxCaufjUBXFoVd6M1bGukYVU3K3M4qco48CXRg7dWr8QNzRcJkU_XK3cVPDJUatQjHElSm8AbpC-ixM00_e1jYjPMaKOe3e58PAn5UZcJXLKXpDmAh8DT4jZ4VUVBk/s400/IMG_7830.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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But, he rocked it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURhYUINDcqhkxBbxuGqkxR6iomq5inCncO74zPP08aXddfJlo8W2U6ucnJOK9on-tp0BjQJgRP_E2Z0I1jB9e0Ce_HvDWwXnpg-d9QiATuNZm2mgKRWk1c20ueerxooDK7U99KyJ5Kjbp/s1600/IMG_7834.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURhYUINDcqhkxBbxuGqkxR6iomq5inCncO74zPP08aXddfJlo8W2U6ucnJOK9on-tp0BjQJgRP_E2Z0I1jB9e0Ce_HvDWwXnpg-d9QiATuNZm2mgKRWk1c20ueerxooDK7U99KyJ5Kjbp/s400/IMG_7834.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
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He is staying for only 2 1/2 hours each day right now, and the plan is to slowly increase the time as he is ready, both academically and emotionally. He loved it, and his teacher continues to sing his praises. The Lord provided an amazing teacher for him that Chris and I have known for many years, whose son was in our wedding and is moving to Ghana in a few short months to work for Mercy Project. If I question the Lord's faithfulness, I need to look no further.</div>
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Famous came home with a smile on his face and has been eager to go back to school each morning.</div>
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Micah began pre-school on Tuesday at a local episcopal church.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-KWyv4FISYEKxllBhPfxZZDK3emmUOiKzYQEnC8buQrjYf7yM3kAFsLjZ4OJztohYTVyxZRdOQhSFltzgcNfxuKWqcJ0Ohba0GbFVZM3WLbgx8Bz2O3ZmiLQAmn7xnzElj4vIZlmM-7f/s1600/IMG_7877.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-KWyv4FISYEKxllBhPfxZZDK3emmUOiKzYQEnC8buQrjYf7yM3kAFsLjZ4OJztohYTVyxZRdOQhSFltzgcNfxuKWqcJ0Ohba0GbFVZM3WLbgx8Bz2O3ZmiLQAmn7xnzElj4vIZlmM-7f/s400/IMG_7877.jpg" width="266" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tfRPmlV-k2uycMtFgW7pxihyphenhyphengTia1FmCLprCyaCOq2CaVjyGeEK0Dl9CS8ayL8niPzxT3q9jZKwjFSiEuhyphenhyphenMehe0FJYeevGnY3nyKc-md6boVb7OSen8J6X_46lYNCIAYGkmw0TEVOWO/s1600/IMG_7883.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tfRPmlV-k2uycMtFgW7pxihyphenhyphengTia1FmCLprCyaCOq2CaVjyGeEK0Dl9CS8ayL8niPzxT3q9jZKwjFSiEuhyphenhyphenMehe0FJYeevGnY3nyKc-md6boVb7OSen8J6X_46lYNCIAYGkmw0TEVOWO/s400/IMG_7883.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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She was definitely more ready than her momma, armed with the most precious butterfly backpack and sweetest smile you ever did see.</div>
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She had a great day and was only a little sad that her painting had not dried enough to bring home.</div>
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Micah is our social kid who thrives around people. I always say that being with friends and family is her happy place, and she just comes alive.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPocGeGnTB1kdk3q7i29NaV5f9C-jwcbhK7_m_p1RDXmiHTmpYcHaDbFzKJ8TqMXvgfU8haUGsKHHFAOn-T7o5H5DgGqXx88MCW-CLCe6jRw_TyRGAyzc4wfS_cfLhmMVdN38X49MyUfqR/s1600/IMG_7892.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPocGeGnTB1kdk3q7i29NaV5f9C-jwcbhK7_m_p1RDXmiHTmpYcHaDbFzKJ8TqMXvgfU8haUGsKHHFAOn-T7o5H5DgGqXx88MCW-CLCe6jRw_TyRGAyzc4wfS_cfLhmMVdN38X49MyUfqR/s400/IMG_7892.JPG" width="400" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFmH3RpNd291vEBL4SD6kLoNXH4ys-TCR2RvUjufWpsW6RFy4ySco2r01Cc31jkmgab52OtIwcoKSBYb8Pnq4_xU2W-GuP6xI4eTsbDyQGl68OXR9CbDLe7LN3mHdWZI0-Hte8T_EzuJY/s1600/IMG_7891.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFmH3RpNd291vEBL4SD6kLoNXH4ys-TCR2RvUjufWpsW6RFy4ySco2r01Cc31jkmgab52OtIwcoKSBYb8Pnq4_xU2W-GuP6xI4eTsbDyQGl68OXR9CbDLe7LN3mHdWZI0-Hte8T_EzuJY/s400/IMG_7891.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I think preschool may just suit her.</div>
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Thinking about sending these two off to school was and is a bit overwhelming for Chris and me. We have so many hopes and dreams and prayers for them. It is hard to let them go and even harder to not be able to guide their every step, letting them forge their own paths.</div>
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Chris wrote a letter for them from us the night before their first day of school. With his permission, I am posting it here. He shared our hearts for our children in a most amazing way.</div>
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<em>My precious Micah and Famous,<br />
</em><br />
<br />
<em>I can’t believe you’re going to school. It seems like just a few
short months ago that we were hushing you to sleep and putting tiny bows
on your head or visiting you in your village and playing soccer with
you in the open fields of Ghana. And now, just like that, you’re going
to school for the first time. I don’t remember my first day of school
specifically. But I do remember the first year well. My kindergarten
teacher, my school, my classroom. If I close my eyes, and focus, I can
still remember which side of the hallway it was on and how the room was
laid out. I remember reading “Spot” books for the first time. I remember
our Kindergarten circus (I was the lion tamer…ha!). And I remember my
best friend John. So many good memories. So many chances to be light and
hope and goodness in a hurting world. So many times I didn’t take
advantage of those or even created the hurt instead of the healing. I
want to talk to you about that as you start school.</em><br />
<br />
<em>For the first time, you’re going to be making lots of decisions
and choices that won’t be overheard by mommy and daddy. Your teacher
will surely hear some of them but not all. Much of what you say and do,
the faces you make, and the way you treat your neighbor, won’t be seen
by anyone but your peers. I want you to remember that good is good, and
right is right regardless of whether anyone is watching you. Being kind
and loving is always right and good. I wish I could tell you that others
will always treat you like you treat them, but I cannot tell you that
because it is not always true. You can be as good and kind as possible,
and there will still be people who don’t treat you well. It’s okay. Good
is still good, and right is still right. This doesn’t mean I want you
to be a punching bag or a pushover. I know you too well to think that
you will be either of those, but it does mean I don’t want your first
instinct to be hitting back or dominating those weaker than you. I want
you to remember “hands are for loving” even when we’re not there to
mouth it to you on the playground. </em><br />
<br />
<em>Even at a young age, you’re going to see and meet other kids who
are different than you. Some of them will be different from almost
everyone else in your class, maybe even your whole school. Some kids
will make fun of these kids. They will tease them for being short, or
tall, or white, or black, or purple, or whatever. They will tease them
for being different. When that happens, stand up for these kids. Be
their friend. Hold their hand. Look at the teasers in the eye and say,
“This is my friend, and I don’t think you should speak to them like
that.” It’s going to be hard for you to do this. But it’s good. And it’s
right. And it honors that child and God. And those teasers, like me,
are going to grow up and wish they had as much as courage as you.
Believe that. </em><br />
<br />
<em>School is going to give you a thousand chances a day to do good
and right. To your classmates, the lunch ladies, your P.E. teacher, the
custodian, the principal, and to your teacher. Even though most of the
people I listed are grown-ups, they want and need to be loved just like
you do. To really be seen. To be heard. You can do this. At a young age,
you can look in their eyes when they talk and smile to show them that
you care. Take the extra 5 seconds on the way to recess to do this.
You’ll never know how much it means to them. Please pay special
attention to the janitors and lunch ladies. They work so, so hard and
often go days without anyone telling them “thank you.” Tell them every
day, with a smile, and maybe even a hug. I promise it will change both
of you forever.</em><br />
<br />
<em>You know those words we have you say every night before you go to
bed? “I’m beautiful, God made me, and I’m going to change the world.”
Those are true. It’s time to let those words become more than a
nighttime ritual. To let them fill you up and spill over into every
moment of each one of your days. To live in such a way that those words
become a truth that brings an overwhelming light and hope into the world
around you. </em><br />
<br />
<em>Love deeply. Love unreasonably. Forgive. Trust. Do your best. And
when you get home and it’s been a terrible day, we will be here to kiss
your cheeks and tell you how amazing you really are. And we will get up
again tomorrow and do it all over again. A beautiful, terrible mess.
All of us. Just doing what we can to make the world a better place.
We’re so proud of you and can’t wait to watch you change the world at
school like you already have in our lives. </em><br />
<br />
<em>Daddy and Mommy </em><br />
<em> </em><br />
<em>p.s. Wash your hands after you go to the bathroom, please. And don’t pick your nose</em>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324241712353552771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907530777164961285.post-8055812075674376112013-08-24T19:51:00.003-07:002013-08-24T19:51:54.916-07:00Two.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My dear Beckett,<br />
<br />
You turned two just one week ago, and each day it seems that you are becoming more of a little boy. I know this is cliche, but I truly feel like I was walking into the hospital to deliver you just a few months ago not two whole years ago. Time has gone crazy fast, but I could not be more thankful to have already had two years knowing you. You are an incredible little person, and the Lord is already working His glory in and through you. The truth is that even as you melt into a little boy right before my eyes, I am so thankful for the creation and gift of enjoying each day with you and seeing who you are becoming.<br />
<br />
Your sweetness and gentleness are so evident, and I pray that you will always have a gentle soul--that your strength will not come at the cost of your compassion. Your dimples still get me every time I see them, and I cannot tell you how many times a day your daddy and I look at each other and say, "he is too cute." The way you smile, tilt your head, say different words and phrases, and imitate your brother and sister are just some of the things that contribute to your cuteness. You adore Famous and Micah, and the feeling is mutual. Really, we all just adore you and your sweet kisses that you dole out every night to each family member, over and over, before you go to bed. <br />
<br />
A lot has happened in your little world in the past month, and every night I pray for your little heart in this time of transition. You have handled it all like a champ and are still such a joy. Your bring a richness and peace into this family that could never be overstated. You have a calming way about you that centers me even after tough, long days. You and I, my sweet boy, are so alike, and I sometimes find myself comforted just by your presence because I "get" you. I am deeply thankful for the bond that we share. Your life has changed me in ways that I never predicted or knew that I needed. I could not be more thankful that God gave us you two years ago. Happy Birthday, Beckett Lucas!<br />
<br />
I love you, to the moon and back!<br />
Your MommyStaceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324241712353552771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907530777164961285.post-30068025845685538892013-07-30T17:45:00.002-07:002013-07-31T08:37:14.976-07:00The Five<div style="text-align: center;">
Famous is home.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That is one sentence that packs a lot of reality and a lot of God work in three words.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He and Chris arrived one week ago tomorrow, and it has been both lightening fast and incredibly slow all at once.</div>
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We are learning life as a family of five. It is hard, and it is beautiful.</div>
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We are learning more about the Lord's redemption each moment of every day--in Famous but mostly in our own hearts. I can only imagine how that will grow as the days continue to pass.</div>
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We are settling in, and all five of us are adjusting into a new normal.</div>
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Before I move on completely, the homecoming was one for the books. It was emotional, raw, and real. I never want to forget Beckett running to the car and yelling "Famous" repeatedly. I never want to forget Micah grabbing Famous's hand to introduce him to his grandparents and then to excitedly show him his room and his toys and his soccer goal. I never want to forget Beckett trailing behind and Famous stopping to take his hand and watching all three of my children holding hands in our house. I hope those memories are etched into my brain and my heart forever.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our dear friend, Gretchen, came over to silently capture some of these
moments for us, and I've made a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq6dAfInd6k">short video</a> of them. We will treasure
these days always. </div>
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Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324241712353552771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907530777164961285.post-49893540034177565052013-07-23T11:59:00.000-07:002013-07-23T11:59:30.313-07:00 3 1/2<div style="text-align: center;">
Almost 2 months ago, a certain little lady in this house turned 3 1/2. I know that half birthdays aren't a big deal to many people. We never necessarily celebrated them growing up, but I do remember my parents always acknowledging it when it came around. With my kids, I find myself a little extra sentimental when their half birthdays roll around, and I think I always wonder how in the world 6 more months has passed. The blink of an eye, people. It is true.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Just like that, this precious one is 3 1/2.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4aVtt1iitBHOG5wkoVR8vSMBdNNCbZM9laE-jsoMK5G11NO9dGq2eo7cvj8aiavUGMkd4_LJE1h4O-943BULvlSLK0Pwvm8zuVlprkj9fjG0mTuLdA0IX8y4m4i49IvunnA7rzzUL9Ft_/s1600/IMG_3288.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4aVtt1iitBHOG5wkoVR8vSMBdNNCbZM9laE-jsoMK5G11NO9dGq2eo7cvj8aiavUGMkd4_LJE1h4O-943BULvlSLK0Pwvm8zuVlprkj9fjG0mTuLdA0IX8y4m4i49IvunnA7rzzUL9Ft_/s1600/IMG_3288.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is a little bit about Micah Elisabeth Field right now, interview style.</div>
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How old are you? 3</div>
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What is your favorite color? pink</div>
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What is your favorite animal? leopard</div>
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What is your favorite book? I don't know. </div>
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<i>(I believe it because she almost never picks the same one over and over again these days.)</i></div>
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What is your favorite TV show? My Little Pony</div>
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What is your favorite movie? Tangled</div>
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What is your favorite song? "When Will My Life Begin" from Tangled and the Girls Song (Girls Just Want to Have Fun)</div>
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What is your favorite food? fruit snacks</div>
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What is your favorite drink? Gatorade</div>
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What is your favorite breakfast food? Popsicles</div>
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What is your favorite snack? fruit snacks</div>
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What is your favorite outfit? dresses</div>
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What is your favorite game? ????</div>
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What is your favorite toy? Lalaloopsy</div>
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Who is your best friend? Emma</div>
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What is your favorite thing to do? play with markers</div>
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What is your favorite thing to do outside? play with flowers</div>
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What is your favorite holiday? Christmas</div>
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What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Lalaloopsy</div>
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Where is your favorite place to go? Freebirds</div>
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What is your favorite restaurant? Freebirds</div>
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Where do you want to go on vacation? Schlitterbahn</div>
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What do you want to be when you grow up? Firewoman</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Micah girl,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are so proud of who you are and thankful to be your parents. You are a gift and a ray of bright sunshine. Your passion, love for life, and fiery personality have seared themselves on our hearts for forever. We love you to the moon and back. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324241712353552771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907530777164961285.post-78024814039445150272013-07-18T12:03:00.002-07:002013-07-18T12:03:37.049-07:00He Is Coming Home.<div style="text-align: center;">
It feels really surreal and strange to speak (and type) these words, but Famous will be here, in this home, in 5 days.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've longed to type those words for 11 months, and now it is finally here.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am awestruck at the faithfulness of the Lord.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wrote <a href="http://fieldhouserock.blogspot.com/2013/05/adoption-journey-continued.html">this post</a> two and a half months ago, and I could not have fathomed the way the Lord will so directly answer our pleas.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He has, in every possible direction, <i><b>made a way</b></i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We got the paperwork we needed as well as 2 family members from each of Famous's parents plus the chief of the village where they died to a village many hours away in a matter of days.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We submitted those additional affidavits and got an approval in a matter of weeks.</div>
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We got a visa interview appointment on the exact day we needed it to work out with Chris's crazy summer schedule.</div>
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We <i><b>passed</b></i> that interview without question, even though there were many things that could have caused them to deny our initial petition without additional investigation.</div>
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I almost cannot even think about all of it without falling on my knees in thanksgiving.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Several people made their way to my home on Monday evening (the night before the visa interview) to pray that the Lord would, again, <i><b>make a way</b></i>. I soaked in their words and tucked them away in my heart. When my phone rang at 4:55am on Tuesday morning and Chris excitedly told me that we had passed, I was giddy. As he began to explain how the interview had gone, I got chills as I heard so many of the specific prayers from the night before directly answered.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since then, I have been reeling. Excited. Nervous. Anxious. Overwhelmed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mostly, I cannot stop being thankful. For people who love us and support us so completely.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For a God who will never let us go and who will always <i><b>make a way.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will never forget the day I met my son, Famous.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBh9EQIfgTuDKtVoQeel7mY0fh4Asp4tf2cCvbL4IZGtjgBOx3qj3ice00tw29XajB3cW2Q5ptZ0GLLadtlUb7509S6A_ICWVHbDGl9UVysYF0myDZqWyiKdrmYmrGGd4rE3QGGS4o5pe/s1600/DSC_3400-Edit_small.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBh9EQIfgTuDKtVoQeel7mY0fh4Asp4tf2cCvbL4IZGtjgBOx3qj3ice00tw29XajB3cW2Q5ptZ0GLLadtlUb7509S6A_ICWVHbDGl9UVysYF0myDZqWyiKdrmYmrGGd4rE3QGGS4o5pe/s1600/DSC_3400-Edit_small.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></i> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cannot wait to open my door and see that kid standing on my front porch.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What a glorious day next Wednesday will be.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
******</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Will you be praying for our little family? For Famous as he encounters a whole new culture and grieves the one he is leaving? For Chris and I to learn how to love him through the changes and grief? For our children as their world is about to change? Thanks!</i></div>
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<br />Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324241712353552771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907530777164961285.post-19011966802590532232013-07-05T12:42:00.001-07:002013-07-05T12:42:22.015-07:00Summer So Far<div style="text-align: center;">
I think I have rediscovered my love for summer this year. I always loved it as a kid because who doesn't love no school for 3 months?! As an adult, I was kind of over the hot temperatures and sweating just walking to your car.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This summer, I will take the sweat and the heat just to play outside with my kids.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are taking advantage of a lot of water play outside in our little pool, friends' and neighbor's pools, sprinklers, etc. </div>
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The sun stays up longer (and rises earlier which is a good thing in a house with a super early riser), and the days just feel more free. </div>
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Sweet, sweet summertime.</div>
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Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324241712353552771noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907530777164961285.post-89126834319341963472013-06-27T18:45:00.000-07:002013-06-27T18:45:17.927-07:00Ghana + Famous Update<div style="text-align: center;">
Four days ago, I returned from my third trip to Ghana. I am still in recovery mode, and my house is a bit of a disaster. I am loving being home with my kids, but the greatness of our trip is not lost on me yet.</div>
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It was one really amazing trip. I have been to Ghana three times now, and Chris has been 21 times. Yes, twenty.one. In 3 years. However, this was the first trip that we have taken to Ghana alone, and it was marvelous. I may never go with a group again :)</div>
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Chris and I got to experience life in Ghana <i>together, </i>and that alone made it really special.</div>
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I got to see the land and the beginnings of the foundation where our Mercy Project house will be and where our employees will live. I got to spend sweet time with the Lord as I walked around that land and begged Him to make it holy ground and a sacred space for our families and all who gather in those buildings.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0gUmkfXEUngDNd9BkM8XPXFjt1GPwC_s847C5J5eaLeIAgzmUCQY4g5prQWPxOzyHiei-T_-JOdjjlKC22VSiCohXXEnnAGR0HniDSRX_QUW-eB14ahnftxO-mi7gLiXpd4Ed0ynlWqi/s1600/IMG_3081.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0gUmkfXEUngDNd9BkM8XPXFjt1GPwC_s847C5J5eaLeIAgzmUCQY4g5prQWPxOzyHiei-T_-JOdjjlKC22VSiCohXXEnnAGR0HniDSRX_QUW-eB14ahnftxO-mi7gLiXpd4Ed0ynlWqi/s1600/IMG_3081.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeFObYJ3GgvTEIZpSvggtTzO4KTR4a5jHC2bUsZytNtgd280K-hsQhDzjx1HWdj9G2Tb-99dvAP6buhsOmRnulkJs3fA_pTwoXS-enp7MSrkb_FGNUY6fK8GZWCAHUo1TXfY2hcs1RC_e/s1600/IMG_3082.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeFObYJ3GgvTEIZpSvggtTzO4KTR4a5jHC2bUsZytNtgd280K-hsQhDzjx1HWdj9G2Tb-99dvAP6buhsOmRnulkJs3fA_pTwoXS-enp7MSrkb_FGNUY6fK8GZWCAHUo1TXfY2hcs1RC_e/s1600/IMG_3082.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJqkcQ03VDAbKEIo3QZo1yizKygh4XOkvAmzFxDTu0qizGKoOz54ACtzEpjaqEnYWF5VRFhyphenhyphenx9QoduBa6T6LbBMBOUWT0MnIRE-vwHa8_p9Df0_kzZ20OVqXKqZROn87khkDVH7STYSAf/s1600/IMG_3080.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJqkcQ03VDAbKEIo3QZo1yizKygh4XOkvAmzFxDTu0qizGKoOz54ACtzEpjaqEnYWF5VRFhyphenhyphenx9QoduBa6T6LbBMBOUWT0MnIRE-vwHa8_p9Df0_kzZ20OVqXKqZROn87khkDVH7STYSAf/s1600/IMG_3080.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwB8iNG5_2CsE9LaEyWflhyi43988t2SPTaTnBRloOmqSVY_ZZT8m9ks1zqhzB_V3-topCK9LrYSVzP1F4D9VnsjKKjUNa8_HUkj-Ff2-4uaTdzndxciZEBG1iwHKZifnaKNuj6YTKODRo/s1600/IMG_3091.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwB8iNG5_2CsE9LaEyWflhyi43988t2SPTaTnBRloOmqSVY_ZZT8m9ks1zqhzB_V3-topCK9LrYSVzP1F4D9VnsjKKjUNa8_HUkj-Ff2-4uaTdzndxciZEBG1iwHKZifnaKNuj6YTKODRo/s1600/IMG_3091.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3irVWlvKgpPS0u5vzNxy8Ye66DWHQ5e2merhvE9KnUuJ69xFyLtaN_RWDzDaGsxk1vAN_VZj7mllcKKwpsbF6pyFrczkp3UWWz1LAeSH_4-VM53KFGRvZv2de0y4eWUK40mMBTtr3FRK/s1600/IMG_3086.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3irVWlvKgpPS0u5vzNxy8Ye66DWHQ5e2merhvE9KnUuJ69xFyLtaN_RWDzDaGsxk1vAN_VZj7mllcKKwpsbF6pyFrczkp3UWWz1LAeSH_4-VM53KFGRvZv2de0y4eWUK40mMBTtr3FRK/s1600/IMG_3086.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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But then, the real joy came. We got to pick up this sweet boy and spend 24 hours with him.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpuO9L8ySTAes_Cu_v13yb_HxOXcKgqIVBFzZzzw4e8tFf_pGniXo8_K_6-AIgEsyxxBP-djV2UPR5X1HqxL_Vlf5XZUg4hsZ1p4IiGTAqkF0sAv1nYyg2CtIPvRwIaiptVSNNaQpAjfu/s1600/IMG_3092.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpuO9L8ySTAes_Cu_v13yb_HxOXcKgqIVBFzZzzw4e8tFf_pGniXo8_K_6-AIgEsyxxBP-djV2UPR5X1HqxL_Vlf5XZUg4hsZ1p4IiGTAqkF0sAv1nYyg2CtIPvRwIaiptVSNNaQpAjfu/s1600/IMG_3092.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><br />
Oh, man. It was rich.</div>
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We stayed at an amazing resort near El Mina right on the ocean. </div>
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(I apologize now for the insane amount of pictures to follow.) </div>
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It was absolutely lovely, and Chris and I probably didn't stop smiling the entire time.</div>
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We got a flat tire when we were about 30 minutes from our resort, but not even that could steal our joy. We just walked across the street and introduced Famous to the ocean. He loved it, and we loved being there with him.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkRtbLtyTJdHntLQsSMk_zpR4qxLJNWpeKgqTCJmGKTHTWpH8tDRHdoxbH_2bBb0yk2hN1mkcMnq94iLavCxbwBd3HAfFfz9gCnwTqnrr3mpHDVllJIYjkLkrlq78L7wlBlKdoEI5VEeY/s1600/IMG_3095.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkRtbLtyTJdHntLQsSMk_zpR4qxLJNWpeKgqTCJmGKTHTWpH8tDRHdoxbH_2bBb0yk2hN1mkcMnq94iLavCxbwBd3HAfFfz9gCnwTqnrr3mpHDVllJIYjkLkrlq78L7wlBlKdoEI5VEeY/s1600/IMG_3095.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsIbzjFjmPkOG6RjrNKp_4l4WVQr9j3lWBCYMqAlkKA_UaKyGAkz0a3Bdb8ojYS013bJ6JgS5-VKMu5svQMZ7ZtLq0IQKNKkzVVH8Fj9TQ1mUAanFbvejVgIJz-oSXo8WC_RS5tGt0qea/s1600/IMG_3117.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsIbzjFjmPkOG6RjrNKp_4l4WVQr9j3lWBCYMqAlkKA_UaKyGAkz0a3Bdb8ojYS013bJ6JgS5-VKMu5svQMZ7ZtLq0IQKNKkzVVH8Fj9TQ1mUAanFbvejVgIJz-oSXo8WC_RS5tGt0qea/s1600/IMG_3117.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkwt2nP9oK5zN0UlT_sZAGZIMBQr_2LVSyX5te6Vz123d4Nxoq6-86Yat5LEJf0874Mm8hoOwcb2mWoLAx3EQq-DZErEQ7V13JedwqFz5sLr9iRMUIT6bh_X03OU6W1Q9Xs0NyYqNkXiT/s1600/IMG_3101.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkwt2nP9oK5zN0UlT_sZAGZIMBQr_2LVSyX5te6Vz123d4Nxoq6-86Yat5LEJf0874Mm8hoOwcb2mWoLAx3EQq-DZErEQ7V13JedwqFz5sLr9iRMUIT6bh_X03OU6W1Q9Xs0NyYqNkXiT/s1600/IMG_3101.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
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Famous rode a horse for the first time.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVf1jeA1IleIIrNFLVu4ffCpn2y9ujh7fSYKtaVJyHNTTyu7I0O_F9sl_uQGuFH4it3_D-m_i_W7nXOl-_NrpYsEFKaKRWV-lEVkdmHabqmWI68wDVgmoHpBorPgQg6nLr8ELg76xeCyt/s1600/IMG_3171.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVf1jeA1IleIIrNFLVu4ffCpn2y9ujh7fSYKtaVJyHNTTyu7I0O_F9sl_uQGuFH4it3_D-m_i_W7nXOl-_NrpYsEFKaKRWV-lEVkdmHabqmWI68wDVgmoHpBorPgQg6nLr8ELg76xeCyt/s1600/IMG_3171.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvjNtIyH2n4bE8jNB-cppLl8YNJsc52gdp7FNJK-3K79yO_M2t4Rz67ZMJbzaq8I-stwd97rQfwvNUEipFfOtNDhx4gkBFVBs5-RhmwGN-HVcHeSZyDhDomPvjGVt2uliEpx_7n6Z1kkV/s1600/IMG_3164.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvjNtIyH2n4bE8jNB-cppLl8YNJsc52gdp7FNJK-3K79yO_M2t4Rz67ZMJbzaq8I-stwd97rQfwvNUEipFfOtNDhx4gkBFVBs5-RhmwGN-HVcHeSZyDhDomPvjGVt2uliEpx_7n6Z1kkV/s1600/IMG_3164.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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He swam in a swimming pool for the first time and was not the least bit afraid but loved it.</div>
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We ate 3 meals sitting under a hut right by the beach and listened to the waves crash into the rocks.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENzA7H9n_-zvHTiF-A0p1F7b-5UjO4WJk3ryQ3IRzS9_76soGFxZQJc-FSBRtocfN7cz93XvIvUK25KgGZ0Z0LvxT7JmlJshSzSOR0zrr1vV5JQ_gJYD-KNu4uBkseBLx9AKIf9CcIlO_/s1600/IMG_3173.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENzA7H9n_-zvHTiF-A0p1F7b-5UjO4WJk3ryQ3IRzS9_76soGFxZQJc-FSBRtocfN7cz93XvIvUK25KgGZ0Z0LvxT7JmlJshSzSOR0zrr1vV5JQ_gJYD-KNu4uBkseBLx9AKIf9CcIlO_/s1600/IMG_3173.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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We were served fresh pineapple juice right out of a hollowed pineapple.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKoRPoW3hoBSb_6BjoS44IRWvA4VOHHvwo1J9x3WGuvv51VFEyHrlhTBwSAJDjXI4qdj0Pr2yBMM94pYsxOw0aI9ti5naW_NCdBVWQ6wXhemLoqEgvMbQ2NVmkfRRyl1AOelIqyZDT8Rv/s1600/IMG_3198.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKoRPoW3hoBSb_6BjoS44IRWvA4VOHHvwo1J9x3WGuvv51VFEyHrlhTBwSAJDjXI4qdj0Pr2yBMM94pYsxOw0aI9ti5naW_NCdBVWQ6wXhemLoqEgvMbQ2NVmkfRRyl1AOelIqyZDT8Rv/s1600/IMG_3198.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a> </div>
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We toured the El Mina Castle, which was one of the points of departure for African slaves to Portugal, England, and America.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKxJ9M1c8UEUHbqhbyPaDBwLtf7nXPXjIgnfvfQ6HH02iNzRevZ55oLViwcJq7l-Qp1WbWQijH9jfH5R45YN1TLXdizKoIwsYKriHEChRd5R8v-S6KmrrDKkXnriyBGhmlcQHn1WMCntE/s1600/IMG_3215.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKxJ9M1c8UEUHbqhbyPaDBwLtf7nXPXjIgnfvfQ6HH02iNzRevZ55oLViwcJq7l-Qp1WbWQijH9jfH5R45YN1TLXdizKoIwsYKriHEChRd5R8v-S6KmrrDKkXnriyBGhmlcQHn1WMCntE/s1600/IMG_3215.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4xuu_kUAhW7vbxqUNr442eiIJt66XZ-qlPbNt7Ea2-s1mvT8TN2506FqVRNH3PQOxD19ZcPTvMBdwliXKFTEe6uu-9knzqCHn5LYI4e7tNS73cY_obwBThURt3MOrofIe35V7KulTe_T/s1600/IMG_3255.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4xuu_kUAhW7vbxqUNr442eiIJt66XZ-qlPbNt7Ea2-s1mvT8TN2506FqVRNH3PQOxD19ZcPTvMBdwliXKFTEe6uu-9knzqCHn5LYI4e7tNS73cY_obwBThURt3MOrofIe35V7KulTe_T/s1600/IMG_3255.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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We talked countless times about how amazing this place was and how we would have to come back more when we visit Ghana.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8FTFgJGqjCiezwp7uR8R5aqey_oIxhxu-NIuJa05za9DlZOriXq4tpxfMd4YzykfIoY_Z9DwmHTocBb1TyHsR7yC0Sq1Sg6iZ2z6Xr1vcSs6IpRVl1pi_-iTmMQs6hqCcCcR0sZ-zHmE/s1600/IMG_3129.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8FTFgJGqjCiezwp7uR8R5aqey_oIxhxu-NIuJa05za9DlZOriXq4tpxfMd4YzykfIoY_Z9DwmHTocBb1TyHsR7yC0Sq1Sg6iZ2z6Xr1vcSs6IpRVl1pi_-iTmMQs6hqCcCcR0sZ-zHmE/s1600/IMG_3129.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a> <br />
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I really think the most amazing part of it was being able to bond with our son.<br />
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24 hours is not a lot of time, but it is enough to make us long for him to be home. His tears as we drove back to his temporary home where we would say "see you soon" confirmed that desire.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwheRpnKTn3o8fczfeGnJkIhQ9LurKS7h8L0bJA0f7KjPrxfBsTMC-VUBHTjBxAA8eOHSDP7S_F5ckgqKHukEw0Rh-04iL5hIekTs4zax6XHzYYs6p3nMnwvCd5KjynOzhIHWM9XN_Aop/s1600/IMG_3264.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwheRpnKTn3o8fczfeGnJkIhQ9LurKS7h8L0bJA0f7KjPrxfBsTMC-VUBHTjBxAA8eOHSDP7S_F5ckgqKHukEw0Rh-04iL5hIekTs4zax6XHzYYs6p3nMnwvCd5KjynOzhIHWM9XN_Aop/s1600/IMG_3264.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
Then we received the BEST news the day after we got home. We received our I600 approval, which means we are hopefully 4-6 weeks from Famous being <b>home</b>!</div>
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The last step in this journey is our visa interview, and ours is scheduled for July 16. Yes, that is only a couple of weeks from now. Please be praying with us for increased favor in Ghana on July 16 for Chris, Famous, our POA, and the consulate who will be making the decisions. We want to pass the first time, so Famous can get his visa and come home.<br />
We have been in full celebration and excitement mode. <br />
Ready to have our family of 5 under one roof. </div>
Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324241712353552771noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907530777164961285.post-80475830202250867682013-06-11T12:53:00.002-07:002013-06-11T12:53:48.888-07:00Swim Lessons<div style="text-align: center;">
Last month, Micah took swim lessons. She went every day for one week and spent 30 minutes with her teacher each time. </div>
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It was seriously the perfect scenario for Micah. One on one which meant that she got plenty of attention and couldn't just play off in a corner instead of actually participate, and only half an hour which meant it wasn't too much of a stretch for her to pay attention.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DKwU4mjT8yYMGbJsasaJuwA2cwdqu5SWbqqt9fyphLkn1wJIrGnRKhcl5nW6ND23LoLiFSNt5cLtkAgWX0M9ttriUfPNwyz_59hVo94I_E5N3xM16SZQs0De-Zq7G0MpvpQKnErrCMAa/s1600/photo-54.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DKwU4mjT8yYMGbJsasaJuwA2cwdqu5SWbqqt9fyphLkn1wJIrGnRKhcl5nW6ND23LoLiFSNt5cLtkAgWX0M9ttriUfPNwyz_59hVo94I_E5N3xM16SZQs0De-Zq7G0MpvpQKnErrCMAa/s1600/photo-54.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a> </div>
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Her teacher was absolutely precious and wonderful to Micah. She is a high school student, and I actually knew her when she was Micah's age. Crazy. And makes me feel a little old.</div>
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Our main goal was not for Micah to learn to swim laps but for her to obtain a higher level of comfort in the water. She has always been timid and a little anxious in the water, so we wanted to help her to see that she could float or even swim if needed. </div>
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Mission accomplished!</div>
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Micah was a pretty big fan of swim lessons from day one, and we are proud of our sweet girl.</div>
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<br />Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324241712353552771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907530777164961285.post-26093805875979476402013-05-26T07:06:00.004-07:002013-05-26T07:06:56.856-07:00Twenty One Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Beckett Lucas,<br />
<br />
You are 21 months old now, which means that the number two is closing in quickly. That also means that you are turning into more of my boy and becoming less of my baby right before my eyes, and it is all just kind of bittersweet. I love watching your personality unfold and catching glimpses of who the Lord made you to be, but I will always hold tight to the memories I have of your sweet little baby face, bald head, and constant need for your momma. One of my greatest blessings in life is being your momma and having a front row seat as you grow. I receive so much joy from simply watching you, and these past three months have been no exception.<br />
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You are talking so much these days, and I think you learn at least one new word every single day. Your daddy and I find ourselves constantly asking each other, "did he just say ____?" You are a little language sponge, and I absolutely love hearing you discover that part of life. With that comes the sweetest words I ever did hear..."wuv woo" (love you). You've been saying this for quite a while, but it melts me every time, especially when you whisper it to me from your crib when I lay you down at night. Two of your favorite words right now are "bus" and "baseball," and I have never heard a more precious version of either of them. I don't think I could list every word that you say because there are too many, but we love hearing your talk. Your little voice is the most precious sound.<br />
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You adore baseball. It is a borderline obsession. Almost every single morning after breakfast, you run into the playroom, find one of daddy's baseball hats, your foam bat, and start whacking away at every ball you can find. You love going to your cousin's little league games and will just sit and watch the whole time. We always knew you loved balls, but this love for baseball took the cake. If only you knew how this makes your daddy's heart swell. I don't think he could've drawn it up any more perfectly than to have a 1 year old son who will sit on his lap and watch an MLB game on tv for at least 20 minutes without moving a muscle. We don't know if you will be a great baseball player or not, and that doesn't matter one bit to us. We just love watching your passion start to come alive.<br />
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You also really love your sister, and you want to do whatever she is doing. She doesn't always love this quality in you, but I think it is precious. I love the ways that you are beginning to play with her, and I love hearing the two of you laughing together as you play chase around the house. You have already discovered how to be the pesky little brother, and you kind of like it. If you are in the right mood, you will repeatedly do something that bothers her and get the funniest little smirk on your face when she gets frustrated at you. This is the joy of siblings. Your daddy and I pray consistently that you would have a deep bond with all of your siblings and a deep love for one another that follows you through life. We pray that you will always be available for one another and forge unwavering friendships.<br />
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At 21 months, you have 12 teeth, but your top two canine teeth are really trying to push through and giving you loads of trouble. You love to eat and are a pretty good eater. You love most fruits, most days, and we have been able to find some veggies you like. You aren't a big fan of sandwiches, but you love some chicken and avocados. You can be picky in that you will gobble a food up one day and then turn your nose up at it another. I guess you just like to keep mommy guessing! You are a great sleeper and take one 2-3 hour nap each afternoon, and you sleep from 7:30pm-6:30am every night. You sleep with one of your two favorite blankies (you call is "ba-bee"), and I love that about you. You won't sleep with any other blanket. We took your pacifier away for good about 2 months ago, and you completed that transition like a champ. You are still our happy little guy and love to smile and flash that dimple.<br />
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Beckett, I feel like you are kind of my kindred spirit. We are alike in so many ways--from being overwhelmed in a crowd to being more quiet to our (sometimes fierce) tempers. I just get you, and that brings me a lot of comfort. It also challenges me in ways that I didn't expect, and I am grateful for all of it--the peace and the challenge. I didn't anticipate how much being<i> your</i> mommy would change me. You bring light and joy to our family that no one else could bring. I pray every night that you will always be a bearer of light and joy wherever you go and in whatever you do. I know that the spirit of the Lord is in you, and you will do great things. Happy 21 months, my precious son.<br />
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I love you to the moon and back!<br />
Your Mommy<br />
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<br />Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324241712353552771noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907530777164961285.post-74640683729654987782013-05-13T12:47:00.004-07:002013-05-13T12:47:31.164-07:00What Will They Say?<div style="text-align: center;">
Chris's sweet Granny {who I willingly claim as my own!} sent me a card for Mother's Day and included this verse inside:</div>
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<i>Her children arise and call her blessed;</i></div>
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<i>her husband also, and he praises her:</i></div>
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<i>"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."</i></div>
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<i>Proverbs 31:28-29</i></div>
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7D5Gknpunc63yDilMvCuuPRtTVvaIJEsHOjLW-gsE3ZG9tdgZQPjYbgD-IHvzC5uJtyfFBlSPyfozk2B7QiaPgPC4IwY7HNtq8xbjNz-uXYurFkz8vZa1EvVgSpejFZKxWVMgO61oOlLI/s1600/IMG_2923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7D5Gknpunc63yDilMvCuuPRtTVvaIJEsHOjLW-gsE3ZG9tdgZQPjYbgD-IHvzC5uJtyfFBlSPyfozk2B7QiaPgPC4IwY7HNtq8xbjNz-uXYurFkz8vZa1EvVgSpejFZKxWVMgO61oOlLI/s400/IMG_2923.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div>
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I've heard these verses before, but something struck me deep in my soul when I read them yesterday. Is there a better gift in all the world for a mother than for your children to stand and bless you? </div>
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I have not been able to get that thought out of my head since yesterday, a day dedicated to mothers.</div>
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Then, I read <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2013/05/why-mothers-day-is-for-the-birds/">this post </a>by Ann Voskamp, and I was certain that the Lord was behind this stirring in my soul.</div>
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In a world that is filled with snapshots that paint a beautiful picture of our lives and leave out the messy strokes, it is easy to fall victim to comparison. To feel like you just aren't measuring up to all the other mothers around you. To wish you made more time to do the fun things or had a house that was more "put together" or were able to manage your children's behavior more effectively. The list goes on. </div>
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I admit that I have allowed this comparison to creep into my heart and steal the joy and beauty I can find in <i>my</i> moments. The real beauty is that my moments are exactly that--they are mine and unique to me and my family. I do not have to be perfect according to the standards put on instagram, facebook, and the blogging world. That is not my calling. </div>
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My calling is to mother my children.</div>
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<b>I want to live in a way that my children will stand one day and call me blessed.</b> </div>
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Not because I surpassed the ability of the other moms on the block. Not because our house was the cleanest and most precisely styled. Not because I didn't make mistakes or sometimes have a hard time managing them. </div>
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No, it will only be because I ask the Lord to make me the best version of myself. Because His love and power and work in me is <i>enough</i>. Because I love my children deeply and care for them in my own way. Because I poured into them in ways that no one else could. Because when I made mistakes, I admitted them and asked for forgiveness. Because the Lord chose <i>me</i> to be <i>their mother.</i></div>
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbcZMjehYavCNaU53OCNKcdNr8Uhl6xTuG4RxWn4bGPsaW75qg3JTumme9_8E2uOwwHq54bzkbmsU6pUIurJwRpQKpwOkvqddc2a86gO3m7CWOyG_CSKF8Eqvr0qcu_QujqAcm2qU0WIz/s1600/IMG_2948.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbcZMjehYavCNaU53OCNKcdNr8Uhl6xTuG4RxWn4bGPsaW75qg3JTumme9_8E2uOwwHq54bzkbmsU6pUIurJwRpQKpwOkvqddc2a86gO3m7CWOyG_CSKF8Eqvr0qcu_QujqAcm2qU0WIz/s400/IMG_2948.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div>
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So, the question I have been asking myself is, "<i>what will they say?</i>"</div>
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It is rocking my world in the best possible way. </div>
Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324241712353552771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907530777164961285.post-17590555899361586232013-05-11T13:44:00.002-07:002013-05-11T13:44:53.497-07:00Big Boy<div style="text-align: center;">
Beckett got his first haircut on Friday. We had been contemplating it for several weeks because, although super cute, his hair was starting to get a little unruly. The little curls were precious, but he was beginning to be mistaken for a girl while we were out sometimes.</div>
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Chris was more hesitant than I was to begin with. As a man with less hair by the month, he really wanted Beckett to have all the hair he could! I {thought} I was ready. Until Friday morning came. I found myself feeling really sentimental over the whole thing.</div>
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Here are Beckett's last pictures before we cut those sweet little curls.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv11wqyMLCY6aRECE1e3f_NwqXEBI17L58NkigTVvNc-0L60m9hUgXvCVvhOSN6pXoNCAJj9I69J_OhqRC5xYJE3TXSvxSCL1JF-FyN3VUkRtllx5gFd9G1gzKsfUFdVDzFXpCOCiwwum9/s1600/IMG_2888.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv11wqyMLCY6aRECE1e3f_NwqXEBI17L58NkigTVvNc-0L60m9hUgXvCVvhOSN6pXoNCAJj9I69J_OhqRC5xYJE3TXSvxSCL1JF-FyN3VUkRtllx5gFd9G1gzKsfUFdVDzFXpCOCiwwum9/s400/IMG_2888.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjYMWfJztR5BjhH9HySmkI33ZtLKb30nvfsrQ9Ii-lTD7994359VrkTbkEr0jnC0DaDtZyjySL21oj0DberMEtazFqZRMZtT_hfIE6yD1W60cdTK12Bnhi7baRfjgDqlSrdAM2ik2xw07/s1600/IMG_2897.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjYMWfJztR5BjhH9HySmkI33ZtLKb30nvfsrQ9Ii-lTD7994359VrkTbkEr0jnC0DaDtZyjySL21oj0DberMEtazFqZRMZtT_hfIE6yD1W60cdTK12Bnhi7baRfjgDqlSrdAM2ik2xw07/s400/IMG_2897.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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During the cut, Beckett was amazing. He just sat in the chair with his sucker and was so still. He never cried or acted nervous or anything. That sucker kept his attention the whole time. </div>
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{Fun fact, the same sweet lady that cuts my hair gave both Micah and Beckett their first haircuts...love her!}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgor-dbiZeFMYkoa3aWVxPFpdDNSmvduCGjSbQkV5Ndv1sQKRb4msR0MfusKy_Hkn3G9wkNxYRzzx86xe9vdwylx0E2agFm9-LLkkpxF922VCki0hD7s1n7bGNhr1S6FBrAAe1ilt8xACvO/s1600/IMG_2901.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgor-dbiZeFMYkoa3aWVxPFpdDNSmvduCGjSbQkV5Ndv1sQKRb4msR0MfusKy_Hkn3G9wkNxYRzzx86xe9vdwylx0E2agFm9-LLkkpxF922VCki0hD7s1n7bGNhr1S6FBrAAe1ilt8xACvO/s400/IMG_2901.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here he is, happy as can be, after.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdellzToABqSxfx5g80iVSFvIfShAWb0PkTTtKHRSYo8WhbeSDIfBExxUCxgxJJQ6IXJoOYdE9ihOJ-2dPy1THreFXWZSJ3g0mUSEX8eYOD-kuIGNDuqFkx7H1VhmWqYnEWsMq79Msfb_/s1600/IMG_2907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdellzToABqSxfx5g80iVSFvIfShAWb0PkTTtKHRSYo8WhbeSDIfBExxUCxgxJJQ6IXJoOYdE9ihOJ-2dPy1THreFXWZSJ3g0mUSEX8eYOD-kuIGNDuqFkx7H1VhmWqYnEWsMq79Msfb_/s400/IMG_2907.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxuIHhGKkjHjkvlW41XnbOLpKa0EbKaslYyaZI1MUuBVuehw2sSF03q6oLltEpbwbH56sq1thfdwnh7VByy6fPoKijDBuU7Qz8uAWI8P55NcP-AEALafcjOWW3kMYmUHu0Ko4V4Vd2Zn4/s1600/IMG_2908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxuIHhGKkjHjkvlW41XnbOLpKa0EbKaslYyaZI1MUuBVuehw2sSF03q6oLltEpbwbH56sq1thfdwnh7VByy6fPoKijDBuU7Qz8uAWI8P55NcP-AEALafcjOWW3kMYmUHu0Ko4V4Vd2Zn4/s400/IMG_2908.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvL03M3Wdve0BxZEuA1adm111Knh2fkHfghPOBXUtH8_w7gNfadis7mm6jEI74JrPJWAuMszLqVyA5jVNnUfnBQ9Lb0kujDD3LGUc-bB0CoKAF6p4AnARHd8MJaHpC816eSP4fe7LbJgIx/s1600/IMG_2915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvL03M3Wdve0BxZEuA1adm111Knh2fkHfghPOBXUtH8_w7gNfadis7mm6jEI74JrPJWAuMszLqVyA5jVNnUfnBQ9Lb0kujDD3LGUc-bB0CoKAF6p4AnARHd8MJaHpC816eSP4fe7LbJgIx/s400/IMG_2915.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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He looks soooo precious to me. I love his sweet big boy haircut. Even though I still want him to be my baby boy sometimes, I love watching him grow.</div>
Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324241712353552771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907530777164961285.post-45287743236989272032013-05-06T10:24:00.001-07:002013-05-06T10:24:15.240-07:00Adoption Journey Continued<div style="text-align: center;">
I have not written much about our adoption journey in a while. Mostly because there hadn't been much to write about. Everything was ticking along, investigations were being done, progress was being made, and Famous joining us by June looked promising.</div>
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This all kind of came to a halt about two weeks ago. The US Embassy is asking for more paperwork that we don't have. More paperwork that will be somewhat difficult to obtain in a country where structure and organization is not its strength. This could delay the process by a month (best case scenario) or more.</div>
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Then, we learn that there seems to be some issues with those in power in Ghana suddenly deciding to be more difficult in regard to adoptions which could also potentially delay this process.</div>
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And, I have been reeling ever since.</div>
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I have felt confused, frustrated, angry, sad, and hurt. </div>
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In the midst of it all, I have realized something (again) about myself. <i><b>I really like getting my way</b></i>. I really don't like when someone or something messes that up. I really wanted Famous to be here by the end of this month or the beginning of next month because that is how I had envisioned it happening. Of course, I also want him to be here because I am confident that he is supposed to be our son, and every moment that passes is another that we don't get to share in as a family. But, if I'm being realistic, a whole lot of my frustration was wrapped up in not getting my way.</div>
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So, I am working on surrendering my plans to the Lord. My plans that included Famous being here by the end of this month and starting life as a family of 5. Let me be clear that I do not believe that the Lord is the reason for these delays that we are experiencing. I do believe his timing is always perfect, but I also believe he hurts with me and wants Famous to experience love and compassion in ways that he isn't currently able to. So, I think the delay is what it is and not orchestrated by the Lord. However, the only way I can heal and receive peace is to loosen my controlling grasp and give that over to the One who knows me and knows Famous better than anyone. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy40UPMG9UeETzPGN52NfUMs7zXhzi9Ekjed2Gu0Nq76Aap5S37EdjfJ0REuXkQH6bx2K_usp9LGxmVIrvFk1Vyt4HBdc_egkKQUQlaGqGQ_fjtjsxJivXEpeQ3R7gkpoY2pjsYcM1QXwO/s1600/photo-53.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy40UPMG9UeETzPGN52NfUMs7zXhzi9Ekjed2Gu0Nq76Aap5S37EdjfJ0REuXkQH6bx2K_usp9LGxmVIrvFk1Vyt4HBdc_egkKQUQlaGqGQ_fjtjsxJivXEpeQ3R7gkpoY2pjsYcM1QXwO/s400/photo-53.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, where does that leave us?</div>
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Waiting. Praying. Hoping.</div>
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We are trying to push this forward in every way we can. It hurts to think about our sweet boy being across the ocean from us. We want him under THIS roof. I know there will be challenges and difficult moments once he is here, but my heart aches for him to be with us. </div>
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I am also learning to trust the Lord more deeply and fully and hold onto my plans and my desires a little more loosely.</div>
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So, will you join us in pleading that the Lord will <i><b>make a way</b></i>? And soon? That is what we want, and we will be bold in asking.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4HTJ6T9qNG9Ng_jxKh6lYn4McaDHKJ_aLF8ZM6fyughibBn1jqkJDdJ1ScpXBLtyX_wglSFThVLLPvm_MpTX84T4whLQUiRSRni26Lj1f8UY33Y61RpNUxzDFxpl-4vJ-wVQnFlE_v2q/s1600/Famous'+@+CC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4HTJ6T9qNG9Ng_jxKh6lYn4McaDHKJ_aLF8ZM6fyughibBn1jqkJDdJ1ScpXBLtyX_wglSFThVLLPvm_MpTX84T4whLQUiRSRni26Lj1f8UY33Y61RpNUxzDFxpl-4vJ-wVQnFlE_v2q/s400/Famous'+@+CC.JPG" width="355" /></a></div>
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I can promise you one thing...nothing is going to stop this momma from bringing that boy home. </div>
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Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324241712353552771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907530777164961285.post-52930239124179833822013-05-04T08:25:00.001-07:002013-05-04T08:25:42.495-07:00Strawberries<div style="text-align: center;">
Just about 40 minutes from our front door is an amazing strawberry patch at <a href="http://www.anewbeginningfarm.com/">A New Beginning Farm</a>. The kids and I were invited to join some friends in strawberry picking fun back in March, but we already had plans. I knew we had to make time to get there before the season ended, though.</div>
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I had never been berry picking before and was so excited to experience something new with the kids.</div>
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We went with some dear friends this past Tuesday morning. We packed all 5 kiddos and 2 mommas in one car and were off.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90872830@N04/8706664535/" title="photo-52 by fieldhouserock, on Flickr"><img alt="photo-52" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8440/8706664535_a980a22960.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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It was the most fun.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90872830@N04/8707793808/" title="IMG_2867 by fieldhouserock, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2867" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8264/8707793808_c0bcb9f9a1.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div>
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We picked and picked. Micah liked trying to find good ones that were pretty and red but not "squishy."</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90872830@N04/8707790968/" title="IMG_2875 by fieldhouserock, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2875" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8272/8707790968_264557bfec_n.jpg" width="231" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90872830@N04/8707791722/" title="IMG_2873 by fieldhouserock, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2873" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8419/8707791722_55ae9331c7_n.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90872830@N04/8707792482/" title="IMG_2870 by fieldhouserock, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2870" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8265/8707792482_14d106746d.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div>
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Having never seen a strawberry patch before, I was enthralled. It is amazing to me what can grow from the earth. I loved it.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90872830@N04/8707787544/" title="photo-51 by fieldhouserock, on Flickr"><img alt="photo-51" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8551/8707787544_ae641b6962.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90872830@N04/8706666039/" title="IMG_2881 by fieldhouserock, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2881" height="136" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8533/8706666039_8d51b78728_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90872830@N04/8707789864/" title="IMG_2879 by fieldhouserock, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2879" height="154" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8265/8707789864_76a27c7647_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Beckett really was there. He had a hard time picking strawberries without squeezing all the goodness out of them in the process, so he mostly watched from the stroller.</div>
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Look at all the delicious strawberries we came home with!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90872830@N04/8707787444/" title="photo-50 by fieldhouserock, on Flickr"><img alt="photo-50" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8253/8707787444_0cb2e19e75.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div>
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And they are as sweet as they look. I'm already hoping to get another trip in before the season ends for the year. </div>
Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324241712353552771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907530777164961285.post-14988267464362023132013-04-26T20:14:00.001-07:002013-04-26T20:14:44.392-07:00Friday Phone DumpHere are some of my favorite pictures from my phone over the past couple of weeks. <br />
Happy Friday! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSv46jtCoEs_ee-ijoAfH1iZpglE_S1FHZrx7W853H69U3Nz_zMe4NxR4MboK8IZgP-Yp5tpskZDNsdJQ7dT35D6cjib71gRuamYcITa6q3Bvx-02u1jsRyz2eAy54cEY-ww5OF2sIdf3/s640/blogger-image-105449144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSv46jtCoEs_ee-ijoAfH1iZpglE_S1FHZrx7W853H69U3Nz_zMe4NxR4MboK8IZgP-Yp5tpskZDNsdJQ7dT35D6cjib71gRuamYcITa6q3Bvx-02u1jsRyz2eAy54cEY-ww5OF2sIdf3/s640/blogger-image-105449144.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzo0mnjIVwrEIb_YZL91muyfjIqIM8JvpgeCoAfVpQxbe-mR4rmJjXKAClMewKeeCy1G7Z6xQ9olkJAEqeCYKpgNH91klVOpB8HTh-daTa3GW4mESrdONRo8YtKSbanyZbWM3EARxBIMaA/s640/blogger-image-1390244151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzo0mnjIVwrEIb_YZL91muyfjIqIM8JvpgeCoAfVpQxbe-mR4rmJjXKAClMewKeeCy1G7Z6xQ9olkJAEqeCYKpgNH91klVOpB8HTh-daTa3GW4mESrdONRo8YtKSbanyZbWM3EARxBIMaA/s640/blogger-image-1390244151.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsleH79NnnQ1IP39at3MfobmJGmPwPFzNWLSmgCcJjtATECT1evuU4xE3A45UyMcMBEzz7jKCLLlG0En_ukJFZRhPQmVjj3Xg961O2XwqC9NVet33OfFKoE4p63kciQFodap7cABxJHqf/s640/blogger-image--977911958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsleH79NnnQ1IP39at3MfobmJGmPwPFzNWLSmgCcJjtATECT1evuU4xE3A45UyMcMBEzz7jKCLLlG0En_ukJFZRhPQmVjj3Xg961O2XwqC9NVet33OfFKoE4p63kciQFodap7cABxJHqf/s640/blogger-image--977911958.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwtjpIQkhXtu9yqqOEkNBVqwz0e3Grc8YidqUS7yUZqTh6YLR9nTPSgSM145SPt9Ds3fS4mX3IvhnJrheZYjGPoxUNFpvggWjk8rfUTWrHI5Be5o7TcQcxxsTl3Iu8UI6LEn7U8b2wl3mE/s640/blogger-image--605039157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwtjpIQkhXtu9yqqOEkNBVqwz0e3Grc8YidqUS7yUZqTh6YLR9nTPSgSM145SPt9Ds3fS4mX3IvhnJrheZYjGPoxUNFpvggWjk8rfUTWrHI5Be5o7TcQcxxsTl3Iu8UI6LEn7U8b2wl3mE/s640/blogger-image--605039157.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoE7MKc_kW7jZ6XLZ6n6eQo2MO1vstHlemK0nbadp3_-jV_ehITUG9RDlckrqqtgeQcQ3AaCdoGb8hQqins0NgtwplkeDhnd7vIJQCbuXE2iUikKY3zow4ct2-m04ALc9T-yQf99lHyWUU/s640/blogger-image-1699529773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoE7MKc_kW7jZ6XLZ6n6eQo2MO1vstHlemK0nbadp3_-jV_ehITUG9RDlckrqqtgeQcQ3AaCdoGb8hQqins0NgtwplkeDhnd7vIJQCbuXE2iUikKY3zow4ct2-m04ALc9T-yQf99lHyWUU/s640/blogger-image-1699529773.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wXq7m90ISpxtVIG8VZe-bAMZiXX0QAt_4fJtLwuz8McNlFApmByW3iI7SNNbFAhtkxnp0b44iwhXTIXGqx3Uabr_azFm3uapPd1Y7BXcmD4whcIUtFwX8RnIbg_Oj6qPuWG6EhIC_BVp/s640/blogger-image--1842289681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wXq7m90ISpxtVIG8VZe-bAMZiXX0QAt_4fJtLwuz8McNlFApmByW3iI7SNNbFAhtkxnp0b44iwhXTIXGqx3Uabr_azFm3uapPd1Y7BXcmD4whcIUtFwX8RnIbg_Oj6qPuWG6EhIC_BVp/s640/blogger-image--1842289681.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLjYL1fYP3UwUKXctNNhWyf5cacFXxTRLreoKSTwLDP5CCo9h-oqiteTm18YIqTKtBRkLhOMPq4mN9ID2IbWNoWXpxeLIFvOwZMSOA10GcsYTToxXmRVp-PbvLaXwGDs6Akvrm72Wq2Vx/s640/blogger-image--2094824471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLjYL1fYP3UwUKXctNNhWyf5cacFXxTRLreoKSTwLDP5CCo9h-oqiteTm18YIqTKtBRkLhOMPq4mN9ID2IbWNoWXpxeLIFvOwZMSOA10GcsYTToxXmRVp-PbvLaXwGDs6Akvrm72Wq2Vx/s640/blogger-image--2094824471.jpg" /></a></div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324241712353552771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907530777164961285.post-14397466381074456522013-04-24T18:59:00.001-07:002013-04-24T18:59:25.305-07:00Summer Sun...in April<div style="text-align: center;">
One day last week we had a really warm day. It was reminiscent of summer days.</div>
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Since we haven't had many of them yet, I was kind of excited about it and wanted to spend some time outside soaking up the vitamin D.</div>
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First, we grabbed our sidewalk chalk and went to town drawing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMVLZ3kis2rvF24ng_Sj6k1T6J9jwTe2eyMJyK6uPmjxbFYs9zp2t5Vvw2nmrKw_zTI7eww_VUibEHA-awTae9Tu5514h873c0fwcSyVKAb1-Dzm1B21-Uwd_qgJFHX_VhJM8hynAuyew/s1600/IMG_2800.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMVLZ3kis2rvF24ng_Sj6k1T6J9jwTe2eyMJyK6uPmjxbFYs9zp2t5Vvw2nmrKw_zTI7eww_VUibEHA-awTae9Tu5514h873c0fwcSyVKAb1-Dzm1B21-Uwd_qgJFHX_VhJM8hynAuyew/s400/IMG_2800.jpg" width="400" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguql4nkRc5oR5xhyZC-z0P0UH48geJ-_J0JnV1U7Mz2rc6vSyqhqw7w8rk81L4_Qu84dMA230sSqw_MoJdz5VFMaLewMtaLdf1xG3ALAuidlRF4E4-TwDVG_D5Gf2uLf_scn3FuAVcTW3_/s1600/IMG_2801.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguql4nkRc5oR5xhyZC-z0P0UH48geJ-_J0JnV1U7Mz2rc6vSyqhqw7w8rk81L4_Qu84dMA230sSqw_MoJdz5VFMaLewMtaLdf1xG3ALAuidlRF4E4-TwDVG_D5Gf2uLf_scn3FuAVcTW3_/s400/IMG_2801.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Micah drew a lovely masterpiece that began as Famous and ended as herself wearing a Rapunzel dress :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmGcqJ096vR0scdvuyLkgWB-JlM_ZY7gwXECz2gKzQAFjAqLiZ144DMOdNfnJfKu7NAIcMPGxT1u1vq9x4pzopVjv5G0w4HWNNMRLvpBVBz3zBtM409rwvh40f242aVwG9IOnZIfQyvpL/s1600/photo-49.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmGcqJ096vR0scdvuyLkgWB-JlM_ZY7gwXECz2gKzQAFjAqLiZ144DMOdNfnJfKu7NAIcMPGxT1u1vq9x4pzopVjv5G0w4HWNNMRLvpBVBz3zBtM409rwvh40f242aVwG9IOnZIfQyvpL/s400/photo-49.jpg" width="300" /></a> </div>
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<i>{As an aside, it thrills me to watch her going through natural developmental processes as she grows...one of those being the way in which she draws people. One big circle with the arms and legs extending straight out. Love love!}</i></div>
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<br />Then, we pulled out the sprinkler that afternoon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf88A5f6XsH0ot33MZomXz_swDFrX82dcGawSr_rx_lCeOGp45_igp0tYk2H86w4zJupGrdhzQZAw4OtL_gMK433sHXXzAnkGHyGK-44ayRq2SQF3Mra50BgWzlinxS7n2ZTQNzwp7cJ1F/s1600/IMG_2832.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf88A5f6XsH0ot33MZomXz_swDFrX82dcGawSr_rx_lCeOGp45_igp0tYk2H86w4zJupGrdhzQZAw4OtL_gMK433sHXXzAnkGHyGK-44ayRq2SQF3Mra50BgWzlinxS7n2ZTQNzwp7cJ1F/s400/IMG_2832.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTd4KQNcZZlnMjlmzy6gSwWJZXw62j6mAyrTcEghVXrAr6J-TeZkdXL5i2OrB57M76qJDZaP7vRIdBkvi_a4W9gK9M6bptGtxBQnPh1CNCKerNCKA287VKtHXfSTnu4vpKrWTO53xQhKL/s1600/IMG_2823.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTd4KQNcZZlnMjlmzy6gSwWJZXw62j6mAyrTcEghVXrAr6J-TeZkdXL5i2OrB57M76qJDZaP7vRIdBkvi_a4W9gK9M6bptGtxBQnPh1CNCKerNCKA287VKtHXfSTnu4vpKrWTO53xQhKL/s400/IMG_2823.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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Oh my goodness! The smiles on their faces. So wonderful.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCMKprr48Xp5Miw4dph-5rcKAM3VWEM3Bts9MsLqKYKhMgs1QH-wDJ4LaRzTwIg5zmh89aoAaNZfudMlainNksxneatUh7okhEIWjEEpD3ydL5ayvJHbOOHWy3E3BDfWFW26dMPmrYMeG/s1600/IMG_2843.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCMKprr48Xp5Miw4dph-5rcKAM3VWEM3Bts9MsLqKYKhMgs1QH-wDJ4LaRzTwIg5zmh89aoAaNZfudMlainNksxneatUh7okhEIWjEEpD3ydL5ayvJHbOOHWy3E3BDfWFW26dMPmrYMeG/s400/IMG_2843.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXfs1VnRn60lmJDM56rQuvarW1lbpyvTJnkjS7oiW-iBXdT-gysyXH971qZwAD5hsdjUikzyAB4W5ir2EUD3L4eGEyfThpdCKNi9YCMG3iGHxTTjs9jvV79kCmlqucTkIqBAX3jeglb6o/s1600/IMG_2846.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXfs1VnRn60lmJDM56rQuvarW1lbpyvTJnkjS7oiW-iBXdT-gysyXH971qZwAD5hsdjUikzyAB4W5ir2EUD3L4eGEyfThpdCKNi9YCMG3iGHxTTjs9jvV79kCmlqucTkIqBAX3jeglb6o/s400/IMG_2846.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkEozZo7BNPZIGgwJtdxsCWPQr_egu08rNVJilVmyEJfDrJNJfJhXNVqr6eJP78Mb5nVXfF3SRHOQ1BNyJeY7iIfKim5z7GByYlP9cCa8kpWjyipOv_4fuAJbFaxcGkZ_biKjnPGoAKAm/s1600/IMG_2824.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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Pure joy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0erfmcjUnDA6mXWb7ldT4wXlvC9XWFC03VVYu0GBFpXzk-7Q4bzdztR1MxnnSCOrzgTCE9PIMbzfENKQeaPjaYoWRbsXU3h5sjSct_9O_gUaicdEgYS8wf36tJlIdvkDgySJ_nux0LL4-/s1600/photo-48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0erfmcjUnDA6mXWb7ldT4wXlvC9XWFC03VVYu0GBFpXzk-7Q4bzdztR1MxnnSCOrzgTCE9PIMbzfENKQeaPjaYoWRbsXU3h5sjSct_9O_gUaicdEgYS8wf36tJlIdvkDgySJ_nux0LL4-/s400/photo-48.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18324241712353552771noreply@blogger.com0