tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16376304710317315152024-03-01T00:39:42.013-05:00Seventh SmithEvangeline Shalom...teaching us peace in the stormEvie's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027657791065199036noreply@blogger.comBlogger681125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637630471031731515.post-68492931096505691792014-04-09T08:53:00.000-04:002014-04-09T08:54:19.003-04:00Moving!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you guessed "moving", you're right.<br />
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<i>(Well……theoretically)</i><br />
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We're excited to finally share a move that's been in progress for a very long time!<br />
So, grab a box, help us pack up and join us over here……<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.perfectshalom.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Y9UzvEmynHCitpVWZsAovuxtwZxEP7DaJgGwZy-C9gcvvrBkr3prd556_y1WGh01cEUKBH5NYKIrP_mdwhWu8xMgkeduWZcLKuoLlVOPg8cLYfninIDX-EVB87ZSbmdJVscbng-8sR-8/s1600/PerfectShalomWebHeader-FINAL.jpg" height="160" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.perfectshalom.com/">Our New Home</a></td></tr>
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<img src="http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz191/smithmandy/mandysig.png" /></div>
Evie's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027657791065199036noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637630471031731515.post-3681741289714167492014-04-07T06:59:00.001-04:002014-04-07T06:59:32.070-04:00Big News<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Its been a long dry spell here on the blog. But that's just because there have been big things brewing under the surface and we have tons to share as soon as we get the green light. A work thats been in progress for some time now. We're not at liberty to reveal our news just yet, but in the next day or two, we have something to tell you.<br />
Any guesses? <br />
Here's a hint:<br />
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Check back soon!<br />
<img src="http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz191/smithmandy/mandysig.png" /></div>
Evie's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027657791065199036noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637630471031731515.post-53180904015421028842014-03-16T13:21:00.002-04:002014-03-16T13:21:51.109-04:00Coming up for Air<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Even my own mother is concerned after a month of silence from the blogosphere that there might something wrong. <br />
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Just popping my head up for air from under the "to do" pile to assure you that indeed, all is well on the home front.<br />
Lots of on-call hours and long labors for recent births Ive attended. <br />
Then with tons of new babies has been tons of fun newborn photoshoots. <br />
And with that, tons of hours of editing which has devoured my creative outlet evening time. <br />
And you know what?….Im getting older! My days of staying up till 2:00am to get it all done…and waking up at 6:00 are fleeting! Im requiring more sleep than I used to!<br />
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Hubs has been traveling extensively.<br />
A dear friend visiting whom Im enjoying every second with.<br />
Middle school science project deadlines. <br />
Stomach flu which has hit our home twice. <br />
PTO meetings, swim practice, hair to braid, lunches to pack….<br />
Nothing noteworthy to report. Just beautiful life blazing by. <br />
Most days, Im lucky (with great difficulty and at least one toddler on my lap) to even get my make up on and hair fixed. <br />
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No creative Pinterest projects to post or spectacular outings to report or amazing meals Ive concocted. <br />
Just normal, lovely, every-day days with dirty dishes in the sink, dust bunnies under the couch, giggles, messes and silly kissy Gigi pictures in the mirror.<br />
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Evie's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027657791065199036noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637630471031731515.post-4929493196560552162014-02-14T20:42:00.000-05:002014-02-14T20:42:21.213-05:00My Loves<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Its back to tank tops and sundresses for us now…</div>
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...but we did our "winter thing" in honor of Valentines day. </div>
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check!</div>
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We whipped up some</div>
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heart-shaped cinnamon almond French toast for breakfast.</div>
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Nothing warms my heart more than a table full of my chattering pajama-clad loves.</div>
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Then it was off to the ice-rink bundled in the only warm clothes we own.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAnakknw2KB1SXbrPngIWSwMVio2xawNDcXM0GZaJ0zXJK6kcI_M2DkD6vJd1-CakEQdPYKIMNdX089kFyyGCtF6Nux2WCYmEAfTGz0pQwQh5q_Ur0QX4TtARH7Xpkk-JKXq3F6LWz_bv/s1600/DSC_2838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAnakknw2KB1SXbrPngIWSwMVio2xawNDcXM0GZaJ0zXJK6kcI_M2DkD6vJd1-CakEQdPYKIMNdX089kFyyGCtF6Nux2WCYmEAfTGz0pQwQh5q_Ur0QX4TtARH7Xpkk-JKXq3F6LWz_bv/s1600/DSC_2838.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team USA!!</td></tr>
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Literally, we were scraping to find a sweatshirt and long-sleeved clothes for everyone.</div>
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Good thing the rink was barely cool enough to maintain the ice. And by maintain, I mean….there was a half inch of standing water on top of the ice.</div>
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We just don't "do" cold here in Thailand.</div>
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This resulted in some very soggy bottoms after spills.</div>
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And, I <i><b>knew</b></i> that one day my obsession with matchy-matchy would pay off. </div>
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Today was that day!</div>
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When we arrived, we were told that their Valentine special was "Buy one get one free" when you bring a friend.</div>
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Deal for the 6 skating Smiths!!</div>
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But <i><b>then</b></i>, we found out that if you dress to match someone, you get the second hour FREE!</div>
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Guess who just happened to be sporting matching outfits!?!?</div>
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Evie who has been infatuated with the movie <i>Frozen</i> was living a dream to be on ice! Think she may have found "her thing". Sorry babe…if your mommy any say in it, we will never be living somewhere cold again:)</div>
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So wish this girl could be watching the Olympics - she'd be smitten! What a bummer to not have coverage here!</div>
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Valentines Day forever after holds special significance to us because of her little heart! Loved watching her so full of life today!</div>
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Little loves of my life. Full hands. Full heart. Blessed!</div>
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McDonalds hot fudge sundaes after skating - "<i>Im lovin' it</i>"</div>
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And then <i><b>my</b></i> Valentine whisk <i><b>me</b></i> away for a romantic night out…..but he's not as keen to have his picture taken :) So here's an oldie but a goodie. Love this guy more each day!</div>
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Evie's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027657791065199036noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637630471031731515.post-62084159463236454362014-02-10T11:17:00.002-05:002014-02-10T11:22:18.866-05:00Paradise and Puke<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In the past 5 days, Ive changed more sheets, moped up more puke, made more trips to pick up sick kids at school, stirred up more electrolyte concoctions and administered more midnight baths than I can to count. Everyone is sleeping with buckets beside their beds. C is currently laughing at my stall techniques not wanting to go to sleep because I know as soon as I lay my weary head down, Im going to hear retching from another room. <br />
Every night the same routine!<br />
The mother of all stomach bugs has hit our family with a vengeance. At the same time, Evie (yes…the child who doesn't got to school and shouldn't be the one contracting germs) picked up Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease and has passed that around. Then tonight, we noticed Tristan has a random rash all over his torso.<br />
…what in the world!?!?!?<br />
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We are lying low and I wish I could say we were chilling watching the Olympic games. However, since there is reportedly only one Thai olympic athlete in the winter olympics (not much opportunity to practice in snow here), there is no hype and no televised olympic coverage.<br />
The <i><b>only</b></i> sporting event I care to watch - bummer!!!<br />
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13 months later, Im having my very first "I might hate Thailand" moments.<br />
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No Olympics<br />
And no Lysol to be found.<br />
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….humph!<br />
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Remembering back to a much happier time merely a week ago. Last weekend, we had a team of US, Indian and Dutch colleagues coming into town and staying with us. When C's sister told us she was coming to visit at the same time, we realized there was feasibly no way to house everyone and host the 10 team members that would be convening all weekend in our apartment for meetings….not really conducive to having 6 kids in and out while they are trying to work…right?<br />
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Benevolently, I volunteered to take the kids to the beach. Strictly to keep the kids out from underfoot and provide the team with peace and quite mind you.<br />
…..I mean, somebody had to do it :)<br />
How considerate of me, right?<br />
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C's sister Rebecca and I had a great time with all the kiddos at a beach only a couple hours from Bangkok. We took in some rays and of course my camera got a little workout.<br />
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Aaaahhhh….that golden hour when the sun kisses the horizon and bathes everything in color. When brown sunburned shoulders shiver in the cooling breeze and pink cheeks glow reflecting the setting sun. Wish I could bottle it!!<br />
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Can we just rewind please?<br />
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Evie's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027657791065199036noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637630471031731515.post-53809651856955392522014-02-06T09:26:00.001-05:002014-02-06T10:03:32.180-05:00"Bye Bye Baby, Baby Goodbye"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Posting this quickly before I loose my nerve and go and scoop her up and put her back in her crib.</div>
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Look who is in a big girl bed!!</div>
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For the first time in <b><i>11 years</i></b>!! we are going to bed tonight without a "baby" in a crib in our room.</div>
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Yes. I know how ridiculous that will sound to some of you.</div>
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What can I say? I love the baby stage and have hung onto it as long as I can!</div>
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Granted, I am 100% sure that she will wander into our room sometime between 11:00pm and 2:00am dragging all her paraphanalia and wedge herself between C and I (she's rotten!). </div>
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So this shouldn't be a big deal.</div>
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But it is…..</div>
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Today I was having a particularly difficult Mommy day.</div>
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3 kids home sick (hand foot & month disease + a stomach virus = no fun!)</div>
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Tired mommy.</div>
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Needy kids.</div>
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One of those where I just felt like none of my kids were getting what they needed from me. I was spread thin and feeling inadequate to meet the incessant needs of many small children.</div>
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I was feeling like a failure. </div>
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So when Gigi decided to gather her lovies and march herself to the big girls room all on her own tonight, I gulped over the lump in my throat and let her call the shots.</div>
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Last week she decided she was done with diapers and potty trained in a day.</div>
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Today she ditched the crib and climbed into a big girl bed.</div>
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And my heart sings….and cries at the same time!</div>
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I have relished every, single, precious moment of her "baby-hood". Gigi has been such a redeeming gift and blessing to get to "do a baby" one more time with a sense of "normalcy" that was lacking with our last baby. With great joy I watch her growing and thriving and maturing. But its also with a welling sense of "empty nest syndrome", I watch her stepping out in independence. </div>
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Ive grown so accustom to having a baby on my hip and a toddler tugging at my hem…this is new territory, and Im not sure I know my place. Feeling a little lost. Sure I still have littles who need their mommy, but this is a new stage for me with more freedom….that Im not sure I like.</div>
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(goodness….Im going to be a mess when its time to let them go to college!) </div>
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Needing fresh grace today for the unique challenges that are arising with children entering a new stage of life. I have pre-teens now (when did <b><i>that</i></b> happen!?) Determined to embrace the demeanor of the Proverbs 31 woman who is "<i>clothed with strength and dignity and can laugh at the days to come</i>".</div>
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Don't want to loose sight of the joy of today because I am looking back and wishing it could be so again. Falling on grace to equip me for a new season…a new chapter of mothering. Blessed beyond measure to take part in this high-calling of nurturing these precious 6 lives Im blessed to have call me "Mom"!</div>
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Clearly, she doesn't share any of my inhibitions!! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Special thanks to my sweet friend<a href="http://www.creativestitchesdesign.com/"> Kathleen</a> for making and sending Gigi her lovely "memory quilt" pieced together from all her outfits from her first year! What a special gift!!</span></div>
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Evie's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027657791065199036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637630471031731515.post-81858292678816931452014-01-28T14:32:00.000-05:002014-01-28T14:32:23.469-05:00Birthday and Re-Birth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Today we celebrate.</div>
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Today we remember.</div>
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We released balloons to commemorate a little girl who has left in indelible imprint on our hearts forever.</div>
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We watched them sail off into the sky and our conversation turned to heaven….and healed hearts…..and eternity.</div>
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Every year we remember, but this year, her flood of tears completely took my by surprise.</div>
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"<i>Mommy</i>" she sobbed after releasing the balloons, </div>
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"<i>I just don't want to wait. Im ready. I want to be in heaven now! I want to see her (Annabelle) and be with Jesus</i>"</div>
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This is what I desire for each of my children….a homesickness for heaven and awareness that this is not our home. But her wisdom beyond her years has always been a bittersweet trait.</div>
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"<i>Mommy, I want to be in heaven because I know there are no more tears."</i></div>
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<i>"Grandma says there will be a special place for me there, right?"</i></div>
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<i>"Is it true that this isn't our real home, but our real home is in heaven?"</i></div>
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<i>"If I die before you, will I have to wait a long time until you come?"</i></div>
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<i>"But when? WHEN will I get to go?"</i></div>
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<i>"Mom, I want to go now, I don't want to wait until Im like a hundred years old like you, I want to go when Im six".</i></div>
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Weighty words coming from a six-year-old. He has set eternity in her heart. </div>
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She skipped off to the playground……..then bounced back,</div>
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"<i>Ok, Im ready, I want to invite Jesus into my heart</i>".</div>
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We talked about sin and our need for a Savior. And about grace and forgiveness and the finished work of Jesus at the cross. And she got it. In her innocent, receptive, beautiful heart, she got it. She came home and with her daddy and I by her side, prayed a simple childlike prayer to ask Jesus into her heart….to take away sin and forgive her and give her new life and relationship with Him.</div>
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For this day we have prayed for 6 years. For our daughter to come to know Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior. To see her walking in relationship with Him. No greater joy! Our little "Evangeline" ("bringer of light") now carries The Light in her heart!</div>
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And as I kissed her goodnight, her precious words rang with conviction, </div>
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"<i>Goodnight mom. If I die tonight, Ill see you in heaven</i>!"</div>
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This world pales in comparison to the joy set before us!</div>
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Great cause for celebration in the heavens today!</div>
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Today we remember and honor Evie's very first friend Annabelle - happy birthday little angel!!</div>
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Today celebrate Evie's re-birthday - only God could draw her to Himself in such sweet timing!!</div>
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My heart (and eyes) overflow!</div>
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Great is Thy Faithfulness!!</div>
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Evie's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027657791065199036noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637630471031731515.post-87957335056078758042014-01-22T06:08:00.001-05:002014-01-22T06:08:16.107-05:00Daily Dose of Vitamin Gigi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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People ask us frequently how we spell her name. The correct answer: T-R-O-U-B-L-E!!</div>
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This girl's got more personality in her baby finger than we can handle.</div>
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She rocked a fun little photoshoot for my friend Margaret showing off some of <a href="http://www.lunabellboutique.com/">Luna Belle Boutique's</a> swanky summer styles.</div>
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Be jealous….modeling sundresses in January. Not too shabby!</div>
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Not gonna lie…this living overseas thing has its perks!</div>
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Here's your daily dose of Vitamin Gigi….</div>
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Evie's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027657791065199036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637630471031731515.post-82410561897098590602014-01-19T10:23:00.000-05:002014-01-19T10:29:47.851-05:006th Birthday Tradition<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Its a family tradition!</div>
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My grandpa made one for me on my 6th birthday.</div>
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And did the same for my 3 sisters.</div>
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C took on the challenge with Abi and <a href="http://seventhsmith.blogspot.com/2010/11/britains-housewarming-party.html">Britain</a> and<a href="http://seventhsmith.blogspot.com/2012/07/sublimely-6.html"> Izzy.</a></div>
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This year it was Evies turn to add a cute Charleston style pale yellow Victorian home to our lovely miniature neighborhood.</div>
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They say it takes a village to raise a child.</div>
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SO grateful for Lin and Rasee for helping me carry on this tradition so far from home. We got the very last Victorian dollhouse in South East Asia, Im pretty sure!</div>
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Being that she got both her daddys organizational OCD :) and her mommas knack for decorating, she approaches dollhouse play a bit different from your average 6 year old. Instead of make-believe interaction with the tiny dolls, she is interested only in organizing rooms and rearranging furniture….and not too pleased when Gigi takes to dollhouse play in a more traditional manner.</div>
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Evie - my child whom when she was only 2 would take paper dolls and arrange rows of undergarments, skirts, dresses, accessories and never cared to actually "play" or dress them. Just organize their closet. I see a personal assistant position in her future.</div>
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Or at least a lucky husband who will have his closet immaculately color-coded.</div>
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Happy Birthday darling!</div>
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Enjoy every minute of your beautiful girlhood!</div>
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Evie's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027657791065199036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637630471031731515.post-44081428985284346722014-01-18T12:07:00.003-05:002014-01-18T12:07:47.544-05:00Bangkok Decoded<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today marks a year since we embarked on this crazy adventure and moved our brood to Bangkok Thailand. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atlanta airport en route to Bangkok 2013</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We've grown to love our new home and the precious people here. Here are the h</span><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">ighlights and lowlights of surviving our first year</span>…<span style="font-family: inherit;">..</span></span></div>
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<span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>20 Things we've learned:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">1) Asians take pictures of everything - especially cute white American children</span><br style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">2) Every skin care product in this country has whitening components. And it's <b>not</b> a compliment if someone tells you you are tan.</span><br style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3) They say what they mean. Never has it been more blatant than when I sat down for a foot massage one day. "</span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Ooooh</i><span style="font-family: inherit;">," gushed the lady attending me "</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">Such a pretty face"</span><i>…</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i> (</i>the eyebrow raised<i>) </i></span></span><i>…"</i><i style="font-family: inherit; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">.but <b>not</b> pretty feet!</i><span style="font-family: inherit; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">"</span></div>
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<span style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">4) And hour long foot massage in Bangkok cost the equivalent of a value meal at McDonalds in the states.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">5) Pack your sundresses and flip flops when coming to Bangkok. And bring a heavy down jacket as well for shopping malls and restaurants. These folks love their air conditioning!</span></span></div>
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<br style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">6) Do not sit by a </span>Buddhist<span style="font-family: inherit;"> monk on Bangkok Transport System - this will result in an embarrassing exchange where you will be asked to switch seats.</span></span></div>
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<br style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="font-family: inherit; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">7) When you are six-foot-two-inches and are shopping in India and Asia among petite people, "<i>One size</i>" does not in fact "<i>fit all</i>"</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dress for them = shirt for me</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">8) You will not see a Thai couple go out for dinner, coffee or dessert without snapping at least a dozen Instagram photos of their lattes.</span></div>
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<br style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="font-family: inherit; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">9) These lovely mild-mannered, gracious people always smile. Even when the taxi driver is telling you "<i>meter broke</i>" and charging you 400 baht for a 30 baht ride.</span></div>
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<br style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="font-family: inherit; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">10) Motorbike taxis are the surest way to breeze through traffic when in a hurry. It's a thrilling ride, but it might be your last! Close your eyes and hold on for dear life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">11) Southeast Asian mosquitos are not tiny pests that bite. Oh no! They are flesh eating carnivores!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">12) Western hospitals are not only where we go for medical emergencies. It's a great spot to grab a Starbucks, listen to live piano music and enjoy free wifi!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">balloon artist at the hospital</td></tr>
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<span style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">13) Street odors can be foul, overwhelming and nauseating. Carry a dryer lint sheet to hold to your nose when walking through wet market to ward off the dry heave! (<i>tip from my awesome SIL Michelle</i>!)</span></div>
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<br style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><br style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><br /><br style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="font-family: inherit; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">14) You need to develop some serious ninja moves before walking the streets and trying to dodge sun-umbrellas, low hanging electrical wires, pot holes, construction debris, vats of hot oil right at eye level, and the Thai grandma who wants to pinch your toddlers cheeks.</span></div>
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<br style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="font-family: inherit; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">15) Mapquest will say you live 12 minutes from your designated location. Figure in Bangkok traffic and 180 second traffic lights, and you will arrive by next Wednesday.</span></div>
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<br style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="font-family: inherit; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">16) Non absorbent tissue paper is substituted for paper napkins and kleenex for toilet paper.</span></div>
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<br style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="font-family: inherit; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">17) Mall toilets are space age contraptions that may result in flooding the bathroom and getting "poo water" sprayed on you when your 5 year old decides to experiment with buttons.</span></div>
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<br style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="font-family: inherit; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">18) When dining out, keep in mind that food never comes out together...or in any particular order. So, when you choose an appetizer, entree and dessert from a set menu, don't be surprised when your brownie ala modè comes out first.</span></div>
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<br style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="font-family: inherit; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">19) NYC ain't got nothin' on Bangkok when it comes to shopping. There are often 3 massive malls at any major intersection. Shop till you drop...that is, if you have the means for Prada and Dolce Gabbana</span></div>
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<br style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="font-family: inherit; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">20) There really is no limit to the number of people who can cram on one motorbike!</span></div>
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Evie's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027657791065199036noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637630471031731515.post-85115740050076091552014-01-16T22:39:00.004-05:002014-01-17T09:29:31.016-05:00"Thank You" - a glance back 6 years later<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Today she turned 6.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Every year, I picture how Ill react <b>next</b> year around her birthday. I imagine myself a bit older, wiser and emotionally unshakable. Surely with another 365 days behind me, Ill be able to put it all behind me too and commemorate a birthday with no unsettling memories shrouding the celebration.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Every year….Im wrong.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">birthday date with daddy</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">January stirs it all back up for me every year.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I can remember every day leading up to her 2 week post-date delivery. I can recall in vivid detail the week and a half we had her home and thought she was "normal". My mind wanders often to the "what if's". The phantom "could-have-been" moments that looking back we know may have been her last. We were oblivious to the storm that was brewing.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Today we celebrate 6 years of answered prayers and miracles but are still haunted at times by the trauma of those first weeks and years. Im fighting off the feelings that could send me spiraling into an emotional tizzy. Sometimes, the memories are still so raw and vivid.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>But today, as we celebrated another birthday for our little miracle-girl, all I can breathe through the welling bitter-sweet tears is "thank you!"</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Thank you falls so inadequately short for all of you who shouldered our unbearable burden with us and held us up in prayer! You were Aaron and Hur for us! </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Wendy</b>, I still wonder if you’d not raised questions about her breathing, what would have happened! You were impetus to get her checked - so glad we did!</span></div>
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<b>Judy</b>, your presence in those first frightening utterly "blue" moments and friendship that followed was a gift!<br />
<b style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Allison, Jeff</b><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> and </span><b style="letter-spacing: 0px;">James</b><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> who showed up at the hospital only a few hours after our frenzied drive following the LifeFlight chopper - thank you. Thank you for crying with us, footing our hotel bill and praying for peace for our hurting hearts.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Precious <b>Katherine</b>, for dropping your life and coming to hold ours together, we are so grateful. Thank you for “mothering” our other 4 children and offering them stability in such an unsettling time!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">My <b>mother</b> was our constant by our side...advocating for us, making sure we were eating, had beds to sleep in and were supported in every way. She wept with us over Evie’s bedside and prayed us through some dark nights. <b>Daddy</b> too who did everything he could even while caring for his own daughter also in a medical crisis - thank you!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Aunt <b>Anya</b>, you took moms place so she could come to our side. Bless you!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Joy</b> and <b>Bryna</b>, our precious nurses. You cared for our Evie with such tenderness and compassion. Thank you the reassurance and comfort you offered. Joy, when you told me “<i>everything will be ok and someday she will come running back through these doors when she’s 3 or 4 to visit us</i>”, I dont know if you really believed it. She was at her very worst then, but it was exactly what this momma needed to hear! </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Amanda</b>, thank you for sharing your husband. Yours is a thankless job at times I know as he spends long hours caring for these babies and you have to shoulder all the responsibility at home. We are so thankful for Dr. Forbus and Dr. Bradley!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">God knows some of the sweetest relationships have been birthed out of the most brokenness.</span><span style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">For my precious <b>Rebecca</b> and those early weeks our daughters spent together, I will forever cherish.</span><span style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">Thank you friend for teaching me to celebrate.</span><span style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">To celebrate every moment knowing it could be the last. Thank you for introducing me to hairbows!</span><span style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">And thank you for the hope your example has offered that come what may, God is enough!</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">We had meals catered in, a vehicle offered to us and a gorgeous Charleston home at our disposal. God lavished on blessings and loved us through so many who generously gave and served us. You all know who you are, too numerous to name. Thank you for giving, serving, praying and loving! <b>Tabitha</b>, I will never forget the gorgeous gift basket you delivered celebrating our new baby - something that is easily forgotten in the midst of a medical crisis.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Janalee</b>, your simple gesture to sit with me and paint my toe nails and just genuinely <b>be</b> a friend to me is not forgotten!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Our church family rallied. <b>Laura</b>, you and Emma were so precious to come and pick us up when it was finally time to go home. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">My inlaws <b>Dwight</b> and <b>Patti</b> were there for the long-haul. They watched the kids for countless tests, proceedures and hospitalizations in the months that followed. So grateful to have in-laws like you!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Faith</b>, you have been the one friend who “gets it”. So glad we’ve had eachother for those PTSD moments. Thank you for constantly talking it down with me when I need it most and for loving my girl as your own.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.</i> Never would I want to go through it all again, but never have I felt so loved and cared for. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Glancing back 6 years later. Loving each of you who have walked this road with us and loved our girl through the storms.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">God has and continues to teach us so much through her life.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Grateful!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Eucharisteo! </span></div>
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Evie's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027657791065199036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637630471031731515.post-76557870739331245892014-01-15T09:34:00.002-05:002014-01-15T09:36:58.700-05:00Our Growing Family<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Its that time again.</div>
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Seems we add to our gang every 2-3 years.</div>
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With Gigi working her way out of diapers, I got the baby itch again.</div>
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And so, we adopted.</div>
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Not one, but TWO!</div>
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Meet Cocoa and Cupcake!!</div>
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Izzy and Tristan are the proud new caretakers.</div>
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Tristan especially is super excited to have a lithe wildlife in our home. </div>
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And turns out, bunnies are perfect pets for apartment dwelling. Whats not to love about a cute fluffy animal that makes no audible sound? And bunny poop is easy to sweep up.</div>
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Evie has appointed herself the "pooper-scooper" and keeps them company when big kids are at school.</div>
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Im thinking some Easter bunny photo sessions might need to happen this year! </div>
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C and I were placing bets on how long we thought they'd survive underfoot with our crew.</div>
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They've exceeded our expectations already!</div>
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No matter how cute and cuddly, <b>this</b> little one is still Tristan's favorite snuggle-bunny! </div>
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My how she adores her big brother!</div>
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Evie's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027657791065199036noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637630471031731515.post-80748011218852830212014-01-06T10:01:00.001-05:002014-01-06T10:01:37.931-05:00Winter in Paradise<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I hear its a blizzard watch back in our hometown today. Sub-zero temps and flurries in the forecast.</div>
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We are suffering the effects of a cold snap here too….we've had to cut off the air conditioning and open a window as the temps have dipped into the 70's :) </div>
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Its that bad y'all! </div>
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In all seriousness, stay warm friends. Hope you enjoy your school cancellations and cozy fires. Here are some pictures to warm you just a tad. </div>
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Picture yourself here…. </div>
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Our T-man got a pretty cool Christmas gift.</div>
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A Scuba Diving trip with dad and uncle Raymond.</div>
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Meet Thailands newest, youngest Open Water Certified Scuba Diver!!</div>
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Im SO proud of this kid. And Ill be honest, I was <i><b>terrified</b></i> to let him go. </div>
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Like, I couldn't sleep!</div>
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I felt like one of those African tribal mothers who let her son go out with the men on a hunt to make his first barehanded kill. I hugged him goodbye like I wasn't sure he'd come back. I had visions of shark infested waters, equipment failure and him getting lost in underwater caves.</div>
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I was texting one of my best friends telling her of my insanity and asking her to assure me that my fears were unfounded.</div>
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"<i>No</i>", she said, "<i>they aren't irrational fears, but he'll be fine</i>".</div>
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Great. </div>
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Thanks for the comforting words Faith!</div>
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In my defense…I <i><b>was</b></i> right. </div>
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My husband texted me a picture of a gaping leg wound on their first day in the water. Turns out, coral can sever an artery and land you in a clinic with a dozen stitches in your leg. </div>
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Ouch!</div>
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<i>(ahem….blood…in open water….does that sound like a shark hazard to anyone else?)</i></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">All things considered, boys had an awesome time on their guys trip. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Tristan has missed "home" tremendously this year. But what enriching opportunities he's had. How many other 11 year olds have played with wild monkeys, caught a 24 kilo mekong catfish and been scuba diving in crystal clear water? God is good to give him so many outlets for adventure and memory-making!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">And my sweet boy (unprompted) brought me back a bottle of sand and a gorgeous chunk of coral for my "beach" shelf. Love this kid!</span></div>
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An awesome way to close out 2013. Guys made it back just before the ball dropped at midnight. Got my New Years kiss from my hubby and a huge squeeze from my little man-in-the-making!</div>
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So proud!</div>
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Evie's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027657791065199036noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637630471031731515.post-69650539857007097302013-12-31T11:35:00.000-05:002013-12-31T11:35:26.914-05:00Auld Lang Syne<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Bidding farewell to 2013 counting my abundant blessings. Couldn't have had a better day.</div>
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Spent my sweetest New Years Eve Day to date with these 5 angelic beings.</div>
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Well….4 angelic beings. </div>
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And one pouty little cherub.</div>
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C and Tristan are on a guys trip, so its just been the girls and I enjoying a Christmas "stay-cation".</div>
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Indulgent days where we stay in pajamas until lunchtime.</div>
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Lots of Fancy Nancy reading and Monopoly gaming.</div>
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All of us have freshly painted toe nails.</div>
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And bedtimes have been loosely observed.</div>
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Today we set off for the park. Picnic in arms and camera in hand.</div>
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Sometimes I can't believe they are all mine. </div>
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It truly feels like Im living a Jane Austin or Louisa May Alcott novel. </div>
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How I love my prim and proper "Little Women"….</div>
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….and…...all their unpolished moments too….</div>
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Thanking God today for the joy of being called "Mommy".</div>
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For sticky lollipop kisses...</div>
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For my maturing, capable, lovely big-sister, young-ladies…..</div>
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And for how they adore their littlest sis….she is one lucky girl!</div>
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Giving thanks for all she embodies….</div>
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Her sweetness…</div>
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….and sass….</div>
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…and that big personality condensed in her tiny-cute-self….</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1mu-Ao7CgCTRNsgRQa5AwZ34Hc65mHaY62_F5eA22Z38WEE1A3HqzRSHfSbsmAgv5swiFGtJqzCM5EqDG6ch53bBBwxvUcm0ARYBGNfaXoxW-eR1nhjAJNMP_ZWEhdoG4QGlJvGa5zYC/s1600/DSC_0197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1mu-Ao7CgCTRNsgRQa5AwZ34Hc65mHaY62_F5eA22Z38WEE1A3HqzRSHfSbsmAgv5swiFGtJqzCM5EqDG6ch53bBBwxvUcm0ARYBGNfaXoxW-eR1nhjAJNMP_ZWEhdoG4QGlJvGa5zYC/s640/DSC_0197.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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….thankful for the hudred times she makes us laugh each day!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMgN-OkDenyfngeUrznaj_SyuZar_wg8h_dp7RHUnOecxLkckflp6SmtNdFB8HGcvbYSB8_UcEQV-piMhF-44NNL75BfKIQNix2Jl6itg0_YFg9pIzoGrz7hQyX6anAqlsU7O4JMkZXm4/s1600/DSC_0188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMgN-OkDenyfngeUrznaj_SyuZar_wg8h_dp7RHUnOecxLkckflp6SmtNdFB8HGcvbYSB8_UcEQV-piMhF-44NNL75BfKIQNix2Jl6itg0_YFg9pIzoGrz7hQyX6anAqlsU7O4JMkZXm4/s640/DSC_0188.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Im thankful for the beautiful girlhood/sisterhood they share.</div>
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Thankful that whatever life throws at them, they'll have each other.</div>
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Im thankful that through this past year of transition and change and uprooting and a major move, they still have their best friends right beside them.</div>
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As Im counting my blessings, I realize Ive come to know these two as friends in addition to daughters this year. Loving having big girls who share the same interests and hobbies as their mom. </div>
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Man having pre-teen girls is a joy!!</div>
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And their little sisters have great role models to look up to!</div>
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What a gift to have our home and days filled with the giggles and silliness and flamboyant fun of 5 little ladies!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3yf_WoAcJqHXIqgti5QaCHJDY7SxI1FvqM6MKgBRumcVQm0vOQQSQtYMxU7Onm50yrM564x3aVU25rt-avBIohAr62733FNue0htmhv5Wa1cO5iKu46BRynt3vh3oyU7sce2KtMKAfX9/s1600/DSC_0452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3yf_WoAcJqHXIqgti5QaCHJDY7SxI1FvqM6MKgBRumcVQm0vOQQSQtYMxU7Onm50yrM564x3aVU25rt-avBIohAr62733FNue0htmhv5Wa1cO5iKu46BRynt3vh3oyU7sce2KtMKAfX9/s640/DSC_0452.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Im thankful for beauty. </div>
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For all the smallnesses….little hands to hold, little clothes to dress, little cheeks to kiss and little hearts to nurture.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXaO07E7l3xoKqv71R2unyvv8-TZ4vW5TfHA-ABuVU-GDyxksfaLE1wUKdeMqnwUNZWzkJlsd1JUSmxj5BaxZ2Quyh1lYF_QSZz29ijWfyuXg6jVDuUiPOGVWi40LL43oh86fZkd2bSP_/s1600/DSC_0456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXaO07E7l3xoKqv71R2unyvv8-TZ4vW5TfHA-ABuVU-GDyxksfaLE1wUKdeMqnwUNZWzkJlsd1JUSmxj5BaxZ2Quyh1lYF_QSZz29ijWfyuXg6jVDuUiPOGVWi40LL43oh86fZkd2bSP_/s400/DSC_0456.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Thankful for their long blonde tresses….</div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6MnjWKb5Ho6NjLRo4IXptc0rdwN7Dd0gOh_DBcVIPHanUU-r0CdqEwhZ5CQJWAJat_zKSskjLu9Cy4WahmdIDzy8lis4A1BS35cMtSY9j7mJ3kFcKPahA7X9jJlAGnJ0EliKkHXhwa99/s1600/DSC_0382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6MnjWKb5Ho6NjLRo4IXptc0rdwN7Dd0gOh_DBcVIPHanUU-r0CdqEwhZ5CQJWAJat_zKSskjLu9Cy4WahmdIDzy8lis4A1BS35cMtSY9j7mJ3kFcKPahA7X9jJlAGnJ0EliKkHXhwa99/s640/DSC_0382.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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and curly mop tops….</div>
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Im thankful for the immeasurable joy that comes from seeing them grow and thrive. And reminded again of answers to prayer that their little lives are.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLErwdD5_CLlayUH-7X9ZVgjEfSDGgp9S0xNGNI1oROCL80q-sopYCw8aiMumA2q_68wRUJuZXuFp0-6HuriebrRAP2rQVwWx3GtBJ60Bg6TmxEW7x6CTYAXdXgNHcK9bLTnnnqGMXVs57/s1600/DSC_0445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLErwdD5_CLlayUH-7X9ZVgjEfSDGgp9S0xNGNI1oROCL80q-sopYCw8aiMumA2q_68wRUJuZXuFp0-6HuriebrRAP2rQVwWx3GtBJ60Bg6TmxEW7x6CTYAXdXgNHcK9bLTnnnqGMXVs57/s640/DSC_0445.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I love the way they each reflect their daddy's blue eyes</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbWVQZ9DqOlzf6KR-P1HD2v14Gh2ezl_5DTGoUDzXE3Huob-Qac8BeCDwciQIsPN5HhwbfdwpGQzcnRlZikT-ozkMnNZZR-FvpuBTymOFtQg7cN0JgOLkemzU_-ExYrp0OBMCkjbydKI2/s1600/DSC_0327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbWVQZ9DqOlzf6KR-P1HD2v14Gh2ezl_5DTGoUDzXE3Huob-Qac8BeCDwciQIsPN5HhwbfdwpGQzcnRlZikT-ozkMnNZZR-FvpuBTymOFtQg7cN0JgOLkemzU_-ExYrp0OBMCkjbydKI2/s640/DSC_0327.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Today I give thanks for a million memories I hold dear in 2013. </div>
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Thankful for so many beautifully unexceptional days like today. Just normal days I get to be mommy and love and live with my little darlings. Giving thanks for these gifts, undeserved, lavished on me. </div>
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My blessings </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFzgKFOxcADVt3JVVkkwJQyLWniaoSE1KB1KZ20JvuH4WV_TnbiR6NSaUtCGo2ubvTYLyxYQQQzxFuE2XpIQNHUDX0h8dYIdiyc-0Z86iN_CXV2q4uijBEk1YAxOc1Y5m5mN7kS_NIDPo/s1600/DSC_0183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFzgKFOxcADVt3JVVkkwJQyLWniaoSE1KB1KZ20JvuH4WV_TnbiR6NSaUtCGo2ubvTYLyxYQQQzxFuE2XpIQNHUDX0h8dYIdiyc-0Z86iN_CXV2q4uijBEk1YAxOc1Y5m5mN7kS_NIDPo/s400/DSC_0183.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gigi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbaYg-mBZPw27tFOBput8LWfEmXE4Ly9xVtgKDmV4j1cJ9NGhZc4d4iJCGzJxgx342XBVPxnNQ6VrWNwS5vjtPXxybykjhAQgDj51Ngo6nXlR0ySXbY6Gt7JjRGdcLE1BvQRxMqLsL5ZG/s1600/DSC_0258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbaYg-mBZPw27tFOBput8LWfEmXE4Ly9xVtgKDmV4j1cJ9NGhZc4d4iJCGzJxgx342XBVPxnNQ6VrWNwS5vjtPXxybykjhAQgDj51Ngo6nXlR0ySXbY6Gt7JjRGdcLE1BvQRxMqLsL5ZG/s640/DSC_0258.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evie</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrwe4d3viXIjHD6LXlq0DAsfzdzoM1LmcljA84cn7l5E90MDE_IDzglDXMtEi99nXpU42e5devWK1Ktgfy63aL9hb2ZSpCrdfkKIbA68_S6NrF2uKKQO45JmkSrLqsBkGcfCXBZ7GOnIb/s1600/DSC_0353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrwe4d3viXIjHD6LXlq0DAsfzdzoM1LmcljA84cn7l5E90MDE_IDzglDXMtEi99nXpU42e5devWK1Ktgfy63aL9hb2ZSpCrdfkKIbA68_S6NrF2uKKQO45JmkSrLqsBkGcfCXBZ7GOnIb/s400/DSC_0353.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Izzy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpgn2DR0kJwnXiP8Y8Y2QjpW2YOXFpVgsDZWITiSZNMBN9gzSrjzk8qCmAiVKR23mRYGjhapybuoOiQFPA53kAZjz89-RdOdlHm-IHfNnoraS91ckenfu5VgETfs-XeGyU_KfLhOqYZeK/s1600/DSC_0358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpgn2DR0kJwnXiP8Y8Y2QjpW2YOXFpVgsDZWITiSZNMBN9gzSrjzk8qCmAiVKR23mRYGjhapybuoOiQFPA53kAZjz89-RdOdlHm-IHfNnoraS91ckenfu5VgETfs-XeGyU_KfLhOqYZeK/s640/DSC_0358.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Britain</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FFqOMwjCnERJ_NTmlgBjEdYR869uTkg0laPLd2rKRmglC8ANDXf6LuEEdDgf7e80EJG3jpgElviU73mtBvC9F40_LLKWlSJBCoEWuxaGwM9RFCcPD0VeG4mMllQOnBt2g9nVsSZjbB90/s1600/DSC_0440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FFqOMwjCnERJ_NTmlgBjEdYR869uTkg0laPLd2rKRmglC8ANDXf6LuEEdDgf7e80EJG3jpgElviU73mtBvC9F40_LLKWlSJBCoEWuxaGwM9RFCcPD0VeG4mMllQOnBt2g9nVsSZjbB90/s640/DSC_0440.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abigail</td></tr>
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….and my sweet boy.</div>
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Cant WAIT to share what he's been up to in the next post!</div>
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Evie's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027657791065199036noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637630471031731515.post-89786319979061683152013-12-29T13:19:00.000-05:002013-12-29T13:19:05.001-05:00Jesus' Birthday Thai Style<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Before your Christmas day ever began, we were winding down, assessing the damage, recovering wrapping paper remnants from every corner of our apartment, washing dishes in the aftermath of friends who spent the day with us and settling sugar-infused kids into beds.</div>
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7:00am Eastern Standard Time = 7:00pm SouthEast Asian Bedtime </div>
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That 12 hour time-warp.</div>
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Its weird!</div>
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We celebrated Christmas Eve with my family's traditional stroganoff before heading out to a candlelight service at church. This has become a favorite tradition in our family. A quiet reflective time to focus on the real reason we celebrate and the gift of Jesus….God in flesh….incarnate deity….helpless as a babe….Emmanuel - God with us…..before the hustle and bustle of Christmas morning chaos.</div>
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However, as another friend noted, Silent Night always seems like the wrong song when Im trying to keep 6 kids from lighting their hair on fire!</div>
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10:00pm - after laying out cookies, all the kids made a tent and slept together under the twinkle lights in the girls room.</div>
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12:00am - Still not sure how Santa found his way in without a chimney. </div>
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Thai Santa must know some tricks….but he was most certainly here.</div>
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6:12am - Kids awake. But, being the killjoy parents that we are, we turned on a Christmas movie on the lap top and told them not to come out of their room till it was over.</div>
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We……went back to bed.</div>
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(I know….we should have our parental license revoked)</div>
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7:53am - more stall techniques while we juiced C up on coffee and I put breakfast in the oven.</div>
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8:36 - rug rats released from their room</div>
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8:45am - I bribe, beg and threaten coal in the stockings if they don't sit cute for 2 minutes for a Christmas morning picture.</div>
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8:53am - Stockings!</div>
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Gigi needed one thing and one thing <b>only</b> to make her happy. A tube filled with M&M's. </div>
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That child had a death grip on them and made certain that not a single….morsel….went to waste….</div>
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9:17am - Face Time with Grandparents and California cousins</div>
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Special to have family with us for Christmas - Uncle Raymond visiting from Seattle for a couple weeks spoiled us big time with tons of treats from home. </div>
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I mean, have you ever seen a super-sized jar of Nutella like this? We should be set for the whole of 2014! (nah…who am I kidding? We'll make quick work of it!)</div>
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9:30am - Breakfast complete with Aunt Marvels sticky rolls, Daddy's breakfast casserole and Mother's tea ring = a birthday cake for Jesus.</div>
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10:15am - Scavenger hunt for Evie during breakfast clean up. The clues took her cute-pajama-clad self all over the apartment complex until she found this….</div>
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Evie tells us all the time that she wants to be a singer when she grows up and is very proud to be rocking out on her little guitar now.</div>
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11:00am - Family time reading the Christmas story. Reflection on the birth and the death & resurrection of Jesus. Christmas would be nothing without Easter. That baby in a manger came not so that we can have a day for presents - but rather to redeem a lost world and give us the gift of Life. Life to the full. Life eternal!</div>
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12:15pm - Skype with Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles in Georgia</div>
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12:30pm - Kids got dressed and Gigi (aka T-R-O-U-B-L-E) got an early nap time. Maybe it had something to do with a pound of chocolate and cinnamon rolls being the only substance in her belly, but she was showing her "grinch-y" streak, so got a little siesta. </div>
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Lucky for her she's so cute. Otherwise she certainly would have had a stocking full of sticks and stones this year!</div>
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1:00pm - brown paper packages tied up with strings…..</div>
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Blessed my heart so to see the kids gifts for one another. Allowance money spent on others. Favorite things wrapped up and gifted. And the delight in their eyes to see their gifts being received - priceless!</div>
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1:45pm - one final effort at a family photo on Christmas proved a total flop. The biggest challenge of all to get to smile and keep their eyes open…..the guy on the left!</div>
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2:00pm - Several friends dropped in for the afternoon. Hors devours. Desserts. Cider. Coffee. No fancy-schmancy-stressful big meal….but home and hearts full of friends and family….and bellies full of yummy-ness!</div>
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7:30pm - Tristan and Izzy got some very big news just before bed. </div>
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A special Christmas gift awaits them…(any guesses?)</div>
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Thats another blog post all of its own.</div>
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Girls took half a dozen new Disney Princesses to bed with them.</div>
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And just as your day back stateside was beginning to unfold….we were collapsing. </div>
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Happy and tired. </div>
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Sleep in heavenly peace.</div>
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Sleep in heavenly peace!</div>
<img src="http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz191/smithmandy/mandysig.png" /></div>
Evie's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027657791065199036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637630471031731515.post-6195271297053892152013-12-11T10:02:00.000-05:002013-12-11T10:02:37.504-05:00These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This is a must try! My absolute favorite new holiday treat. Not only are they natural and healthy and delectable, they look beautiful displayed in a glass container or on a white platter brought to a holiday function!</div>
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Open and wash a bag of fresh cranberries</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ450IYu9CMQ1WZKxQvVEZuI-6BcbfX4BoQ9fmE-c7q6KVx1ve0deJCYH4nYe0HRQOYhoOzvmZr3e5GZRfO8r0FrLaMzdORSFMULUdvDINNcadaic4SVJBqSSbZq7D0oJTrVF9YIVAxlgG/s1600/DSC_7582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ450IYu9CMQ1WZKxQvVEZuI-6BcbfX4BoQ9fmE-c7q6KVx1ve0deJCYH4nYe0HRQOYhoOzvmZr3e5GZRfO8r0FrLaMzdORSFMULUdvDINNcadaic4SVJBqSSbZq7D0oJTrVF9YIVAxlgG/s320/DSC_7582.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Make a simple syrup by boiling 4 C. in about 6 C. water.</div>
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Once sugar has dissolved and the syrup starts to thicken a bit, take off heat and let cool to room temperature.</div>
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Once cooled, pour syrup over berries and let sit for 12-24 hours. Berries will plump up infusing the tart with sweet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKA6RpGiapNMImRYJVnsYr6dvnSeXsYYjMGut9xJuOiLcpt_CzMQrXv0fBb4DsVW5-NDhtAm5gXL9E8dxv32d8PIBPAMf4Wixd-p5CUD1lb77o5ogwprFyl9fxL6qrquNOK2w0n0zVGCce/s1600/DSC_7590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKA6RpGiapNMImRYJVnsYr6dvnSeXsYYjMGut9xJuOiLcpt_CzMQrXv0fBb4DsVW5-NDhtAm5gXL9E8dxv32d8PIBPAMf4Wixd-p5CUD1lb77o5ogwprFyl9fxL6qrquNOK2w0n0zVGCce/s320/DSC_7590.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pour berries into a strainer to get rid of excess syrup. Then toss in fine sugar. Chill.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PPlHf4WCiMHYsJC-xUji-Orp4Q7POsi2KYmAFtwjZemKUEestSV1H24DqMKbevHncwvXYQb6BbaA6QLV_ZuWPkqg1LWZaQda-uwXU0YORitzoDwnmWuWtRI9HGVt6pgYWnk3BRb0whrK/s1600/DSC_7600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PPlHf4WCiMHYsJC-xUji-Orp4Q7POsi2KYmAFtwjZemKUEestSV1H24DqMKbevHncwvXYQb6BbaA6QLV_ZuWPkqg1LWZaQda-uwXU0YORitzoDwnmWuWtRI9HGVt6pgYWnk3BRb0whrK/s320/DSC_7600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Voila! Enjoy. Eat served over ice cream….or just by the spoonful:)</div>
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Evie's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027657791065199036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637630471031731515.post-66111441714094077742013-12-10T11:10:00.000-05:002013-12-10T11:13:18.209-05:00They're HERE!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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They're here, they're here, they're HERE!!</div>
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Grandenny and Grandmoni are really here!</div>
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The last thing we did before we boarded our plane last January and took their grands to the other side of the world, was book tickets for them to come visit us at Christmastime! We have been looking forward to it for almost a year now and it has somehow eased the homesickness to know we've had that on the horizon to eagerly anticipate. Its going to be with very heavy hearts that we wave them goodbye when they leave later this week. But, we're not going to go there emotionally today. </div>
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Today they are here! Really here! Making memories and doing all the things with my kids that we miss so much living half a world away from them.</div>
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I love seeing my dad giving swim lessons to Gigi. Watching the girls curled up by the tree with my mother reading <i><b>The Best Christmas Pageant Ever</b></i> like she did with us every year. And having my parents to myself for a shopping excursion in China-town….perusing steals with my mom and getting my dad to bargain a deal for us. </div>
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Their time is speeding by and still a dozen things on our "<strike>Bucket</strike> Bangkok List" to do. But there have been no wasted days. Kids have only had to go to school a couple days during their visit due to the civil unrest here, which has worked out beautifully. Tristan went on an excursion to Safari World with his Grandenny. The girls have filled tins with Christmas cookies following Grandmoni's cooking directives. There have been typical tourist sightseeing adventures, and quiet reflective moments snuggled by tree-lights with books in hand. </div>
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My Mother is the original Mary Poppins. In addition to cramming her suitcases with my SAMS shopping wish list of foods we miss, and my Christmas online shopping I had shipped to her, she still managed to magically contain in her allotted Delta luggage a vast assortment of surprises, projects, games and treats!</div>
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Christmas pajamas for the kids</div>
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Homemade gingersnaps and lemon curd</div>
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A new Fancy Nancy Collection</div>
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books, cookie sprinkles, decorations and crafts to do with the kids.</div>
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The girls have now had their first "sewing" lesson making adorable bathrobes for their American Girl Dolls.</div>
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And then the project today - sparkly pipe cleaner Christmas trees. Only my mother could make dollar store crafts look like Martha Stewart Living!</div>
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My mother (from whom I gained my love of writing) has started <a href="http://grandmoniminutes.blogspot.com/">her own blog</a> documenting their visit. Thought you might enjoy taking a peek. Maybe with a little encouragement, she'll keep up the web-journaling beyond this trip. Think you'll love her perspective!</div>
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My dad who was a pretty big deal back in his prime (missed the Olympic time trials by a tenth of a second!!) is rather proud of these little mermaids. They've put in some hours at the pool perfecting their strokes. Yep. Thats December in Bangkok folks. Still warm enough for afternoon swimming!</div>
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Evie has had this cute little niche scouted out for months and has been begging to go with Grandmoni for tea. Mr. Jones Orphanage - quite possibly the most adorable, quaint, whimsical restaurant <b>ever</b>. Teddy bears on every chair for the choosing. A book loft with low ceilings and shelves laden with children's story books. Posh "Alice in Wonderland" oversized chairs. A vintage wooden carousel. And my-oh-my, <b>desserts</b>!! </div>
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The perfect destination for afternoon tea or brunch!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cute - and she knows it!</td></tr>
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Saturday was reminiscent of my childhood Saturdays…daddy at the griddle with kids perched atop counter-tops whisking eggs, the aroma of pancakes wafting through the house, and sticky syrup finger prints on tabletops. I love that my kids have these same memories with my daddy in our home!</div>
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Very soon, there will be miles again between us. And their visit will seem only a beautiful distant memory. But for today, we have them in our hearts and arms!</div>
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Evie's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027657791065199036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637630471031731515.post-3765829793795978532013-12-09T07:22:00.000-05:002013-12-09T07:30:54.631-05:00Decor-Asians<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas at our house! Our little advent calendar is perched on the counter top with a piece of paper in each box...every day an activity or project or game or memory we make together. We've made a gingerbread house (aka a gingerbread shack), gone to a performance of Handel's Messiah and had a cookie workshop.</div>
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And our little "Sparkle box"…..gifts for Jesus that we will open on Christmas morning. Papers we slip inside with things done in secret to love and help others.</div>
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(a really <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Sparkle-Box-Change-Christmas/dp/0824956478">sweet book</a> and idea to do with young kids to keep a spirit of giving during Christmastime)</div>
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Our little miniature trees are up. First time in 33 years that I haven't had a live Christmas tree. We did manage to locate somewhere here that imports and sells live firs….but I could think of a dozen other ways to spend $300!!!!!! However, we are making do and creating memories in new and different ways. </div>
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With the current political unrest, kids have had several days off of school which this momma has loved! Mass rioting and demonstrations have shut down parts of the city. Be assured we are safe and sound. This is just our Bangkok version of "snow days"! And its meant lots of extra free time for some <b>very special visitors</b> we have had!! More on that tomorrow!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evie (naturally) thinks every thing heart-shaped is hers!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Izzy with her Yaya</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Baby</td></tr>
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Evie's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027657791065199036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637630471031731515.post-85978146071270555922013-11-24T09:26:00.003-05:002013-11-24T09:26:32.802-05:00Bless This Mess<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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And THIS is precisely why my floor needs mopped every. single. day!!</div>
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Due to dusty, polluted Bangkok….and the 60 little dirty toes that trod through my apartment, my floor stays clean for blessed seconds. </div>
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And then its a blessed mess again.</div>
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Thanking God for dirty feet today.</div>
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It won't always be so….and someday, when my home remains spotless and there are no peanut butter smears on the windows….and dirty footprints on my sofa…someday I will miss this tremendously!</div>
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Evie's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027657791065199036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637630471031731515.post-1374471553805758432013-11-21T12:31:00.000-05:002013-11-21T12:31:01.431-05:00"When In Rome…."<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What an adventure!</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">6 years ago <b><i>this very week</i></b>, we left Ukraine and embarked on a trip to the US with 4 kids in tow. I was “great with child,” and had no idea how the delivery of our 5th would so drastically alter the course of our lives!</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This week, as Thanksgiving approaches, we celebrate survival of 10 months in Thailand! Our one-year-anniversary here is fast approaching and I look back with awe and gratitude at how God has so graciously met us each and every step of the way throughout this very uncertain path....over the past 6 years....and over the past 10 months. </span></span><br />
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Life has been anything but boring. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">And God has been so sufficiently faithful!</span></span>…<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">..</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span>Our every need has been met.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">God has faithfully provided in such creative ways.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">He has drawn our hearts to Him through seasons of change and deeper dependance on Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And He has made it fun! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are certainly days that its just deep-down-heartache-hard to be on the other side of the globe. But most days, I </span>wouldn't<span style="font-family: inherit;"> trade it. I love this life of adventure and the unique opportunities my children are blessed to experience!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Topping the "fun" list for our first 10 months in Thailand may very well have been Loy Krathong!! A big traditional Thai holiday. We were invited to go as guests to our friends home where the complex hosted an extravaganza dinner. We're </span>talking "Kentucky Derby" of Thailand. All the movers-and-shakers in their fancy attire. White tables on the lawn with fancy chair covers. Catered meal. Sushi Bar. Entertainment. Professional Photographers. Traditional Thai Dances. Raffles. My kind of wining-and-dining! Tasted a hint of southern charm! :)</div>
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A really lovely evening that the kids have been talking non-stop about. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6iUqRYrpTQMnJfCn__nZLyPmlZ7oGQPps6Iz0qV9LVqSag7bfBNCzAI-zLQApbW3ZxOKCl8_ijlthe6SDwXRRD-uEy1MJmix-iipNQ5OI8qnbzCJOt1GHQmMjNcrBjPz7v4lknr5Oume/s1600/DSC_6720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6iUqRYrpTQMnJfCn__nZLyPmlZ7oGQPps6Iz0qV9LVqSag7bfBNCzAI-zLQApbW3ZxOKCl8_ijlthe6SDwXRRD-uEy1MJmix-iipNQ5OI8qnbzCJOt1GHQmMjNcrBjPz7v4lknr5Oume/s400/DSC_6720.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional Thai attire strongly recommended!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5TBYX6E8eGf3ZYExlhy5WKPNoUnAGjQwsklJQskvWklZjwbzeDxS00WzpKglihXWgQsATqPIfpr245JMMIxhyAxBvnFSYNBz_2qOwsFdtB22jq8g3KIJKbZW8MACzdV8xKqLtAg35soM/s1600/DSC_6721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5TBYX6E8eGf3ZYExlhy5WKPNoUnAGjQwsklJQskvWklZjwbzeDxS00WzpKglihXWgQsATqPIfpr245JMMIxhyAxBvnFSYNBz_2qOwsFdtB22jq8g3KIJKbZW8MACzdV8xKqLtAg35soM/s640/DSC_6721.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Princess Jasmine" was too sick with a high fever and didn't get to go to the party…<br />...but still wore her party clothes!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAbFDpN_GKa4RNQwNE2Om-NKp9C59KoJV4CvoSJ3SRc-NtY75vgwv8ivBEw0Jxcn6aHUidkB04qmwWb8P9XNNYd3b50f8_Uv9YggUVVLkNuZ2O8k0qnH0idRk7uRVbt99Kr6qBTmccYiQ/s1600/1450820_10202517247721183_1166828230_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAbFDpN_GKa4RNQwNE2Om-NKp9C59KoJV4CvoSJ3SRc-NtY75vgwv8ivBEw0Jxcn6aHUidkB04qmwWb8P9XNNYd3b50f8_Uv9YggUVVLkNuZ2O8k0qnH0idRk7uRVbt99Kr6qBTmccYiQ/s640/1450820_10202517247721183_1166828230_n.jpg" width="510" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My handsome date since C stayed home with poor sweet sick baby.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely Taryn and Caris</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My oh-so talented friend Taryn dressed to the tens for a Thai dance performance!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Britains best buddy Amy - unlimited free cotton candy meant for a difficult bedtime alter!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look who made their debut on stage!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floating the Krathongs. <br />Banana boats adorned with banana leaves and flowers and candles set to sail</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bmtnUru63hqAYHJy0osnzRYCmk3R5wxavznxMgUwiTvCHxy5m02E5n0YhQL___sSB4VYPt_9xazLT4QEjXBwG0AHQ91V6aKoC-Wf7lT07fv_OrbBiVwMsMQph2IcLs37kyrf6Ik7Vc3E/s1600/DSC_6931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bmtnUru63hqAYHJy0osnzRYCmk3R5wxavznxMgUwiTvCHxy5m02E5n0YhQL___sSB4VYPt_9xazLT4QEjXBwG0AHQ91V6aKoC-Wf7lT07fv_OrbBiVwMsMQph2IcLs37kyrf6Ik7Vc3E/s400/DSC_6931.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0PsXNHvUz77hzqQMC2TzbyTZ2ANPCIiHHSglSiD9B8HS0u9ABIK0CZ0tOF-7uU1kwd1q4vGjuJdVdEi0Ub9MEutYrnaX-YpMU8_aoTbvlLEQnMRCGs2Apl49eLLW8XiBK1rgAo-7X6fo/s1600/DSC_6957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0PsXNHvUz77hzqQMC2TzbyTZ2ANPCIiHHSglSiD9B8HS0u9ABIK0CZ0tOF-7uU1kwd1q4vGjuJdVdEi0Ub9MEutYrnaX-YpMU8_aoTbvlLEQnMRCGs2Apl49eLLW8XiBK1rgAo-7X6fo/s640/DSC_6957.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our lovely friends the Jacksons. They look perfectly normal.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4T7-JPWecJzy4B3cJDByKr946S_OQ2w2xFuGH4XWp0rJeo51Gp5JWdf9R69y9oS9TEqL5sbRJDMwRv4DkkDpX9PfBjXBW0ibx-4fSA0tAgLxu36W6wCMhFBWm9dm4YXX2LBCjibB6UQi/s1600/DSC_6960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4T7-JPWecJzy4B3cJDByKr946S_OQ2w2xFuGH4XWp0rJeo51Gp5JWdf9R69y9oS9TEqL5sbRJDMwRv4DkkDpX9PfBjXBW0ibx-4fSA0tAgLxu36W6wCMhFBWm9dm4YXX2LBCjibB6UQi/s640/DSC_6960.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But don't be fooled! They are a way cool, fun, Kung Fu family!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrqmDMonnHp-eBAcM32iGDr98amnP1rItZ98BqTtvXCDSeWXHicBR4kQzdDZeyg7vBzK4cel0Wrn60pMBomePGUOpn5ygCbFLP_5Y9V9NeAMbN99RZSHitMlfMHXinmxT2UGKpaVbXTGT/s1600/DSC_6881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrqmDMonnHp-eBAcM32iGDr98amnP1rItZ98BqTtvXCDSeWXHicBR4kQzdDZeyg7vBzK4cel0Wrn60pMBomePGUOpn5ygCbFLP_5Y9V9NeAMbN99RZSHitMlfMHXinmxT2UGKpaVbXTGT/s640/DSC_6881.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrtSC5MbzWUqLRMMz_BHyEk5Od8wrbeYsJm5FrDxJPHgzQ1FJjw7KW_f-ML1d4fZp-rZIpHoJ1SeE0vyQJJirXKui5ppqVEATCFcmlkOSz9IhaeKFsxm_veuab6HifCp-cr9jEcxfMuoO/s1600/DSC_6898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrtSC5MbzWUqLRMMz_BHyEk5Od8wrbeYsJm5FrDxJPHgzQ1FJjw7KW_f-ML1d4fZp-rZIpHoJ1SeE0vyQJJirXKui5ppqVEATCFcmlkOSz9IhaeKFsxm_veuab6HifCp-cr9jEcxfMuoO/s640/DSC_6898.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our dear friends Dave & Taryn and their beautiful girls!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qgOgQL3z5LNybE8F20WmrBi2ddttz8AU9XdDhF7jVZZufXyTgfzmGT_sQeJaBSCZk8Igb2GrBvbHWdPWQ-EqXyHdtPzdwaS3Td9oegzoUNV7g3vsc_N29gof08vgb2CHVdMNH9Qoqq_T/s1600/DSC_6954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qgOgQL3z5LNybE8F20WmrBi2ddttz8AU9XdDhF7jVZZufXyTgfzmGT_sQeJaBSCZk8Igb2GrBvbHWdPWQ-EqXyHdtPzdwaS3Td9oegzoUNV7g3vsc_N29gof08vgb2CHVdMNH9Qoqq_T/s400/DSC_6954.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love our life group!</td></tr>
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Ive got to brush up on night-time low-light photography. Because…..next year, I want to go to northern Thailand where they release thousands of paper lanterns in celebration of Loy Krathong. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNbhLWc-ao-IwNswOke4xz8ohRJbI4Ezp8Ayy7qVnXO-1y1Mrwpy4H7PlqHE95hrfSF8EnFERI3_sh5HUY6JeMqSFsh_Jtm-6oIHqkExgJ2IxiqSm6w72t63K1V1fhTqG27MH1PDP6ESt/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNbhLWc-ao-IwNswOke4xz8ohRJbI4Ezp8Ayy7qVnXO-1y1Mrwpy4H7PlqHE95hrfSF8EnFERI3_sh5HUY6JeMqSFsh_Jtm-6oIHqkExgJ2IxiqSm6w72t63K1V1fhTqG27MH1PDP6ESt/s400/Unknown.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">google image</td></tr>
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Doesn't this look dreamy? Who wants to go and photograph with me!?!? Girls weekend!!!!</div>
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Evie's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027657791065199036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637630471031731515.post-73145210312786308952013-11-18T12:27:00.000-05:002013-11-18T12:27:34.794-05:00Concrete Angel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My little Wild One in our Concrete Jungle.</div>
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Strong child who has endured more than you'll ever know.</div>
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Beyond-this-world-wiser than you'd ever believe.</div>
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My Angel</div>
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How I adore this child. And how I thank God for every day he gives her life and breath and being!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJknxoBes23tp6H-KRNYyrHofpMKwoKkzaW8jbmYViPjDDj6Ukp9DLO7K6BFH0pM1wJZgwHWno7E-s4kGXARbOSk9SL6mwenulVUbyUSFFK9DAS2iFZtpFTdMcYV0Z-pQI0qE0-zvT23rq/s1600/DSC_6057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJknxoBes23tp6H-KRNYyrHofpMKwoKkzaW8jbmYViPjDDj6Ukp9DLO7K6BFH0pM1wJZgwHWno7E-s4kGXARbOSk9SL6mwenulVUbyUSFFK9DAS2iFZtpFTdMcYV0Z-pQI0qE0-zvT23rq/s640/DSC_6057.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Another hurdle scaled today. Another bridge crossed in this heart-journey.</div>
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A new hospital in a new country. A new doctor of a different nationality. Again giving thanks to God for a good report. Another ECHO in which, for the first time, she shied away from letting the doctor lift her shirt to examine her heart by ultrasound. She's growing. Maturing. Becoming more self aware and less innocent and naive. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqC2Ty4K1j_Y5PSOO-xTF5OsVC6q8l67Idbel8BDCFb8wKIM9d3aE6oFXfD2HYWoyp2OFbjQ6D_meEO4BtsFBsDK7U1bo8cDBSqqdseGQkUEcm6pU4lHP2bhldNEbVInX5MW7yYypd4WK/s1600/DSC_6028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqC2Ty4K1j_Y5PSOO-xTF5OsVC6q8l67Idbel8BDCFb8wKIM9d3aE6oFXfD2HYWoyp2OFbjQ6D_meEO4BtsFBsDK7U1bo8cDBSqqdseGQkUEcm6pU4lHP2bhldNEbVInX5MW7yYypd4WK/s640/DSC_6028.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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And my own heart starts to to nurse that old familiar ache that this will always, forever be a part of her life. Invasive procedures. Embarrassing examinations. And scars to bear.</div>
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The questions started at bath time this week. Drying frothy bubbles off of her shoulders, she began the dialog that I always knew would come….that nearly 6 years still hadn't prepared me for.</div>
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She stands looking in the mirror and I brace myself for the questions…and I pray for the answers. </div>
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How do you respond to a child who wants to know why she's the only one in a family who has a "zipper" down her front? And what to say to console her when she asks if she'll have to have more surgeries….and I just can't promise what I want to!</div>
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She's known her story forever, but age is sparking new questions and we are trying not to fan them into fear!</div>
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We talked about Maggie. About Derek and Lorelei. And about Annabelle too and others. And I assure her that she is indeed not the only one. That many others carry the same beautiful evidences of Gods healing and miracles in their lives. That others have stories too and that she is beautiful and perfect just exactly the way God made her. Her scar in fact makes her more beautiful because it serves as a reminder of how clearly God has spared her life and that He has a plan for her. I assure her that she has a story to tell. And that she is not alone. That her place in our family is part of Gods beautiful plan.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVVhQzLFsWNS0Tcq5x46DP2n1fa4OX36jvwJ1onTwokz2Ttk5I7DMnl3JVTaAGRBo1jPRq4GuJA9nq96EsIQbCrgw0TPA7VV96dODciqC9eHtDRrAEbBrP-er6wwKyE4v91s6wm7vYFXM/s1600/DSC_6037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVVhQzLFsWNS0Tcq5x46DP2n1fa4OX36jvwJ1onTwokz2Ttk5I7DMnl3JVTaAGRBo1jPRq4GuJA9nq96EsIQbCrgw0TPA7VV96dODciqC9eHtDRrAEbBrP-er6wwKyE4v91s6wm7vYFXM/s640/DSC_6037.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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And I pray that my words will be enough to convince not only her, but…….me. </div>
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Because sometimes I forget too….that all these aches and pains and scars and wounds we carry are only temporary tattoos. </div>
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Eternity beckons my heart these days, but until we are Home, this is the lifelong story of His redeeming work that our Evie girl will carry through her years. A story of grace. Of beauty beyond pain. </div>
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You can't have a story of redemption unless there is something to be redeemed from. </div>
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And just as her scar makes her even more precious to me, our wounds cause Him to look on us with great care and compassion!</div>
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Thanking God for scars tonight…We all have them. Some are physical. Some emotional. Some of us have hidden ones. Some wear them with pride. Some are self inflicted. Some are inflicted upon us. Some are angry red, violent lines or some are soft, silver streaks. But all scars carry the potential of healing, restoration and redemption when we invite the Great Physician to touch the deepest parts of our pain!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFH_GU9y9ALWncKqlxmlBLDa2C1arzexMRq8WAkk-DkMLEg2ybw9UjGsVatrlq30zlaZMiptuYNrep59YpaATsTomoTGIAgg9mOOOSCLzjSykWiBi0_98wXAJC2uk6WbQcLWZi5uCXK4X/s1600/DSC_6046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFH_GU9y9ALWncKqlxmlBLDa2C1arzexMRq8WAkk-DkMLEg2ybw9UjGsVatrlq30zlaZMiptuYNrep59YpaATsTomoTGIAgg9mOOOSCLzjSykWiBi0_98wXAJC2uk6WbQcLWZi5uCXK4X/s400/DSC_6046.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Thanking God for her scar and all that it means.</div>
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Her beautiful story etched down her chest…engraved in my heart….written for His glory. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLHPnI4Ffo8K37h9jw6TcUGdM-z4IKkehl_v5Fo77sIpWy1E9Kkd-ydTt3NnaLpi-fEGy-NWQYRVmORKTYFPELcJzE9Y-bX-HxPTCRajpSiFIcdevgZoafDhVfSL96ad4QjPWeO6mimdM/s1600/DSC_6052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLHPnI4Ffo8K37h9jw6TcUGdM-z4IKkehl_v5Fo77sIpWy1E9Kkd-ydTt3NnaLpi-fEGy-NWQYRVmORKTYFPELcJzE9Y-bX-HxPTCRajpSiFIcdevgZoafDhVfSL96ad4QjPWeO6mimdM/s640/DSC_6052.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Evie's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027657791065199036noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637630471031731515.post-56831549990790935062013-11-14T13:54:00.001-05:002013-11-14T13:54:36.664-05:00I Aint Missin' You At All<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The post in which I gloat.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">No harm meant.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">I would refrain from writing such a post if I thought anyone shared my sentiment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">But....since Im quite convinced that everyone is relishing the change of seasons and that the only one who feels this way is my own quirky self, I'll proceed</span></span>…<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">..</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Reading everyones nostalgic fall facebook statuses about their kids frolicking in the leaves and Starbucks bringing back their holiday blends has a reverse affect on me.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hearing that there were snow flurries in my hometown yesterday, makes me sing for joy that Im a million miles away. </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the words of John Waite, “<i>I aint missin you at all</i>”!</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You see.....Im a summer gal.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This girl needs sunshine to bloom</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Im totally going to be that old woman </span></span>someday. Leathery brown skin walking barefoot on the beach every morning with a big straw hat. Do I have to be 70 before I become a "snowbird".<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">God absolutely knew what he was doing sending me to the land of perpetual sunshine and 100% humidity year round. I believe with all my heart that He had things for me to learn during our 5 years on the outskirts of Siberia :) but I thank Him every day here for a climate that I dont feel like Im freezing into a stone sculpture every time I set foot outside. It is brutally hot - but Ill take that </span></span>any day!<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are several indicators that Im not compatible with life itself once it drops below 70 degrees....</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>A case against the cold...</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">1) These boots </span></span><b>aren't</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> made for </span></span>walkin'..<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">..</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">You know that perfect pair of boots that you cant wait to break out of the closet the first of September? Let me tell you, nothing looks as cute in a shoe size 11 as it does on the narrow-footed size 7 mannequin in the shoe store window! Seriously, you could float a small child in some of my shoes. Thus, Im much more comfortable in flip flops and cute sandals. A lot less shoe means a lot less attention to my ginormous feet. Give me some hot pink polish and my feet almost look cute. When it came time to pack to move here, there were no tears shed over my swanky knee-high, 3 inch heel, fur trimmed Victoria Secret boots that I gave to my sister.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">.....and I promptly bought all the flip flops on the sale rack at the end of the season last fall!</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2) Winter clothes are hazardous and uncomfortable!</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Uuugh....confining. itchy. all wrong for me! Ive never quite been able to pull off this look.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As someone who has a propensity to claustrophobia, I find that scarves resemble a very cute boa constrictor. With a child always in arm getting tangled in unnecessary fluff around my neck, it feels like Ive adorned myself with a noose for the day. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">Sweaters.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">Jackets.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">Hoodies. Wool tights.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">Less is more when it comes to my attire.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">Maxi dresses, leggings with tunics, tank tops and skirts are my happy place!</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3) Christmas comes in a cup regardless of the climate!</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For those of you who have been crossing off days on your calendar until Christmas season came to Starbucks, let me just say “nanny-nanny-boo-boo”.... Our local Starbucks started carrying all the seasonal beverages three days before they were released in the US. Im a fan too, dont get me wrong. But I would argue that a peppermint hot-chocolate tastes just as good (if not better) when Im wearing my sundress and flip flops on this balmy 87degree afternoon in Bangkok. From everyones Facebook statuses, it sounds like South Carolina has turned into the frozen tundra. You have my pity!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">4)You </span></span>can't<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> seriously like the landscape!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">This one I dont get.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">Why anyone would prefer a grey, drab, dead landscape more than lush, sun-soaked, summer green is beyond me.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">I think palmtrees are going to look great at Christmastime here this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">5) Packing for cold is </span>inefficient!<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">Its no secret that our family is always on the move.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">We are self proclaimed Gypsies.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">Never settling for too long.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">Our nomadic life means Ive done a lot of packing and unpacking in 12 years of marriage to this man.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">Let me tell you, you can fit an entire childs wardrobe into the same space it would take to pack a down jacket and pair of ski bibs. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Winter clothes in my humble opinion are a waste. of. space!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">6) Potty breaks are next to impossible!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">I regress again.....when we lived in Ukraine, it literally took 20 minutes just to put enough layers on my 2 year old twins to take them for a brief walk outside.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">Our daily outing consisted of layering the following....</span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Underwear, tights, wool socks, long underwear bottoms and top, long-sleeved-Tshirt, jeans, wool sweater, scarf, snow bibs, heavy coat, hat....and then trying to get 20 wiggly toddler fingers into gloves. At which point, one of them inevitably would announce that they needed to go potty! </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Summer wardrobe = shirt, shorts, flip flops. DONE!</span></span><br />
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You all enjoy your afghans and crockpot dinners and blazing fires!</div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hard to believe last year at this time, I was enjoying a leisurely weekend with the girls in my favorite southern city - Charleston. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">We froze our </span></span>tushies off traipsing around historic cobblestone streets and ducking in and out of coffee shops to thaw. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">We had the best time. Cant believe its been a year! But it was coooold! Im offering to host <i><b>here</b></i> this year! </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While I desperately miss my mom and sisters, I can say with stalwart resolve to winter</span></span>…<br />
…<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">.I aint missin you at all!</span></span><br />
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Evie's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027657791065199036noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637630471031731515.post-6316620565662095042013-11-08T01:41:00.000-05:002013-11-08T03:53:53.126-05:00To The Baby Daddies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Im well aware that my readers are predominately female. My heart goes out to the young mommas especially….those in the same boat with me.<br />
<br />
But maybe there is a very scarce handful of men (my grandpa….a couple college friends…and maybe one or two others) who keep up with our daily goings-on. <br />
This post is for the guys….<br />
<br />
My husband just did something relatively out of character for him..<br />
He took my two-year-old and my five-year-old with him on a short business trip.<br />
Its not that he is incapable of caring for them. Heck, my house is usually cleaner when I leave him home with the kids than when I try and keep it clean myself. He's calm, cool and collected and great at managing kids and chaos. He can juggle just about anything, so that wasn't the issue. But he's much more likely to keep the kids at home for me to get away, then to take them off my hands. When I told Abi he was taking them, she replied, aghast "<i>you're kidding! Dad doesn't even take Gigi to the grocery store</i>"!!<br />
<br />
Slight exaggeration, but….he would be the first to say he's not really a "baby" person and is enjoying our kids immensely more now that the older can talk and take care of basic needs on their own. He's going to be the awesome teen dad when Im pining away wanting another baby!<br />
<br />
But this selfless act was a gift I didn't even know I needed. With the 4 other kids in school for several hours a day, I found myself with a commodity I have not had access to in longer than I can remember - <b><i>uninterrupted time</i></b>!<br />
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Men, your wives need a break from being a mom sometimes!<br />
<br />
<b>1) Because she deserves it.</b><br />
And Im not talking about a feminist, womens-lib, equality, burn-the-bras, soapbox "deserves it". Im just saying, its a thankless job that she needs to be commended for from time to time. You men face tremendous pressure often as the "breadwinner" for the family. You carry the weight of physical provision, mouths to feed, school tuition to pay for and never-ending projects around the house that need your handyman expertise….and that is a lot to shoulder. But your days look very different than your wife's days. When you organize your desk, it stays in nice, neat stacks until you mess it up.<br />
When she is cleaning the bathroom, there is a child spilling milk in the kitchen.<br />
When you type up a presentation, you arrange your points and work until every detail is "just so".<br />
When she tries to respond to the email about the PTO meeting, little Jr. is on her lap pounding keyboard buttons with his fists.<br />
Even at its worst, most days you get to drive home from the office, in a car, all alone. There are times that sitting in a car in rush hour traffic sounds like a vacation if it means Im <i><b>alone</b></i>! The women who choose a career as a house wife get none of the following….bonuses….raises…..vacation days….sick days….expense accounts….or trips to the ladies room without an entourage accompanying her! Our bonuses come in the forms of sweet sticky peanut butter kisses, which I wouldn't trade for the world. But when days on end pass with no adult conversation and a steady diet of nursery rhymes, play dough, homework and incessant "<i>why's</i>" from the cranky toddler, you just need a break sometimes!<br />
<br />
You've probably seen the comic strip with kids pictured in each frame with their mom asking,<br />
"Mom, where's the remote?"<br />
"Mom, whats for dinner?"<br />
"Mom, why is the sky blue?"<br />
"Mom, can you fix my car?"<br />
"Mom, I need my soccer shorts"<br />
Then in the last frame with their dad,<br />
"Dad……....where's mom?"<br />
<br />
My life feels like that comic strip somedays. The questions do. not. stop! Im so mentally fried by bedtime that I find myself sprinting for the door after tucking them in before another question pops into their drowsy minds.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>2) Because she's not a bad mom for taking a break.</b><br />
You know this.<br />
Everyone knows this.<br />
But <b><i>she</i></b> might not know this, and may need some convincing.<br />
We can tend to be martyrs at times and believe we need to be everything to everyone all the time…but then we develop resentment and feel inadequate and grow weary. We mommas can be so in tune with the needs of our family, that we neglect our own. Im not talking about taking off for weeks at a time to go snorkeling in Bali. <br />
But Im talking about windows that refresh her soul. <br />
<br />
C had to persuasively convince me that I needed to relax and let the girls go with him. Frankly, I don't like having them gone. I consider myself pretty capable and insisted he didn't need to take them. I feel guilty for not being all things to all people sometimes. I was certainly not going to admit that I needed some concentrated hours to get caught up. C, in his wisdom, knew Ive been feeling a bit overwhelmed and behind on some projects and insisted they'd be fine without me for 48 hours. <br />
And they were.<br />
<br />
And the even more amazing part….so was <b><i>I</i></b>!<br />
<br />
We mommas desperately need to quiet our hearts. To think completed thoughts. To finish projects. With little ones always filling our days and hours and sink with dirty dishes, we can feel pretty unproductive. It was therapy to me to check some things off my list and have the mental capacity to process some thoughts that have been swirling around in my tired, overloaded brain!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>3) Because it will pay dividends.</b><br />
Men suffer too when their wives are burnt out, strung out, put out. You feel neglected when your wife never returns from putting the kids to bed because…..she fell asleep too.<br />
Do yourselves a favor. Take bath time after dinner and let your wife do the dishes without little people underfoot. Or bring her coffee on a Saturday morning and whisk the kids away to run errands with you. Even small gestures like this give us moms a chance to think completed thoughts and to get a mental break. When your wives have time to spend with the Lord and have Him fill their empty cups, they are likely to be less-needy and have more to offer. She wants to share your life, to hear about your stresses at work, to connect and engage, but unfortunately for you, you are usually getting her at the end of a very taxing day when you walk in at 6:00pm asking whats for dinner - she's ready to pull her hair out.<br />
You giving her time should not be with strings attached, but Im guessing she will be much more eager to connect, and feeling much more amorous toward you if she's had a break from the daily grind. You won't regret giving her 20 minutes peace and quiet!<br />
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A big shout-out to my "baby daddy" for knowing me better than I know myself sometimes.<br />
Im refreshed. Sane again. And eager to have him home tonight!<br />
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(Remind me of this blessed moment of consciousness when Gigi is pitching a full blown 2-year-old fit tomorrow. Silence did, if only briefly, exist in this home!)<br />
<img src="http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz191/smithmandy/mandysig.png" /></div>
Evie's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027657791065199036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637630471031731515.post-86763706680823520202013-11-06T11:56:00.001-05:002013-11-06T11:56:40.828-05:00Where Grace Abounds<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My mother used to read us "One Minute Bedtime Stories"…. it was a collection of short tales. Most of which had a moral to the story. <br />
"The Boy Who Called Wolf"<br />
"Don't Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch"<br />
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...and then the one that made no sense to me as a child…..but has become remarkably clear this past week….<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLENevaaxO-hJPzYnraiT7vYGWcE_hBsq_xv5Ywi4vhUPq4faHL0PMKQvlCqEoJvxZgtZGlbYruocuXEJWyJYQP0aThJyIAiTMNgKc91eCiz8L0Est1ADdLevcW40-RNPrLB-SeRL2ag66/s1600/415bBdvX49L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLENevaaxO-hJPzYnraiT7vYGWcE_hBsq_xv5Ywi4vhUPq4faHL0PMKQvlCqEoJvxZgtZGlbYruocuXEJWyJYQP0aThJyIAiTMNgKc91eCiz8L0Est1ADdLevcW40-RNPrLB-SeRL2ag66/s1600/415bBdvX49L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Want to find this book again! :)</td></tr>
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The story goes…...<i>a man lived in a house much too small with 5 children, a nagging wife, and a leaky faucet.</i><br />
<i>On the verge of insanity from the noise and clamor, he sought the counsel of an old wise man about what could be done of all the strife and chaos in his home.</i><br />
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<i>The wise old man kindly instructed him to bring inside from his yard his pig, his chicken and his cow. </i><br />
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<i>Confused, the young man went home and did as he was told.</i><br />
<i>For three days, he endured the added noise, mess, pooping creatures, shedding fur and activity in his home before he returned to the old man in complete frustration. </i><br />
<i>"Old man" he said, "what have you done? My house is a disaster, there is no room to lie down and sleep and the noise is deafening"!</i><br />
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<i>The wise old man then instructed him to go home and put his cow, his pig and his chicken back in the yard.</i><br />
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<i>After doing so, the man was amazed at the peace and quiet in his home. Suddenly this children didn't seem so loud, his wife seemed more pleasant and the leaky faucet provided a lovely "white noise" to the ambiance of their home.</i><br />
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While (<i>I would like to believe</i>) C has <b><i>never</i></b> had a day in his life with a nagging wife :) (ha!), we do in fact have a couple leaks and our apartment often seems busting at the seams with our two-legged-treasures. At times I feel stir crazy remembering the days I could simply open the back door and usher them out to the wide woods and vast lake to run off (or swim off) some steam. <br />
<br />
This week, we've been blessed to have a multitude of houseguests, colleagues and family visiting. In and out our doors. Many pots of coffee. Tour-guiding (as its always an excuse to see parts of Bangkok when we have guests). Wonderful, encouraging fellowship and conversations. And a bit of furniture rearranging and bed changes. <br />
Its been a full house. Full hearts. Full days!<br />
<br />
Which is why tonight, Im finding myself a bit at a loss with the eerie peace and quiet that is mine.<br />
You see…I only have 4 children right now. <br />
Only 4!!<br />
(perspective is everything, huh?)<br />
<br />
Our guests have departed for the week until they return Friday. And C on a whim, decided to take Evie and Gigi with him to a conference for 2 nights. His mom is there as well so its a great way for the little girls to get some time with him in this crazy season of travel….and to play with grandma! <br />
Homework with the big kids with no two-year-old dinner time hissy fits to interrupt concentration.<br />
Weird!<br />
<i>Really</i> weird!<br />
I don't think Ive EVER been in my own home without a baby or a toddler in……years!<br />
<br />
Dinner with 4 "big kids". No one needed me to cut their food. No bib to put on or dumped bowls of rice to clean off the floor. Everyone bathed and got themselves ready for bed. They independently got their own drinks and brushed their own teeth. No one "needed" me.<br />
I felt naked. Useless. Lost.<br />
I was inclined to curl up in the fetal position and rock on the floor.<br />
But settled for something far more dignified to cope with my disorientation…..<br />
I ate nutella. <br />
From the jar. <br />
…with a spoon.<br />
<br />
I did some paperwork after dinner and found it remarkably odd to not have my two year old underfoot ripping my print-offs from the printer and smearing the not-yet-dried ink with her eager hands to help. My youngest at home tonight is a wee 7 years old and Im <b><i>already</i></b> feeling a tinge of "empty-nest-syndrome".<br />
<br />
C and I used to joke when the twins were tiny, that we didn't understand why people stressed about their first baby. Because certainly, having twins <i>had</i> to be <i>seven</i> times harder than having a singleton, right? :)<br />
But then I shift and I look at Michelle Duggar and can. not. imagine!!!<br />
My life is a cakewalk!!<br />
<br />
Perspective. Its all <b>perspective</b>!<br />
<br />
When people occasionally say to me, "<i>I don't know how you do it</i>", I usually have to laugh and sincerely respond in kind. More often than not, I don't think I could "walk a mile in their shoes". Because honestly, <b>God calls each of us to shoulder burdens that He alone can give us grace for, which others around us can't imagine carrying</b>! I look at the single mom. The career woman. The friend patiently waiting for God to bring her a husband. The mom to special-needs kids. The "Hannah's" longing for a child and struggling through infertility. The wife whose husband has been unfaithful. The moms who have said goodbye to babies far too early. I look at all of their lives and can't imagine walking their shoes. <br />
I see you ladies and I salute you!!<br />
Your toils feel like a thankless job at times, I know.<br />
Your steadfastness and virtue go seemingly overlooked too often.<br />
Your weary soul tires in persevering through tiring days and sleepless nights with tear-stained pillows!<br />
But He sees and your faithfulness to what He has called you to and it does <i><b>not</b></i> go unnoticed!<br />
<br />
There is nothing extraordinary about my life friends! I feel extremely humbled when people make awed references to me being a mom of 6 kids, living overseas as a missionary wife. Because very frankly, those are the things <b><i>God has given me grace to do</i></b>. There is no badge of honor that Ive done anything to earn. He's instilled in me a love for travel and adventure. The thought of moving to a foreign country is far less frightening to me than the thought of being a full-time working mom…or of having my husband shipped off with the military….or of dealing with a handicap in a child.<br />
You amazing mommas take those things in stride. <br />
<br />
My upbringing with 10 brothers and sisters equipped me for life with many small children. I love hospitality….having people in our home….having our house full of kids and noise and guests. <br />
Do I get overwhelmed? Absolutely.<br />
But its a role I feel uniquely suited for and <i><b>equipped through a strength that is not my own</b>. </i><br />
At this present moment, God has not equipped me to support a spouse through terminal health issues.<br />
He has not called me to trust Him through a major financial crisis.<br />
He has not prepared me to deal with a chronic relational stress.<br />
But for some of you, that is the road He <b>has</b> asked you to walk.<br />
<br />
2 Corinthians 9:8<br />
<i>And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound one very good work. </i><br />
<br />
We're not so different you and I. <br />
Both grasping for grace….<br />
Friends, I think we each waste a lot of time looking at iconic women around us and feeling like we don't measure up. The spiritual supermodel. The homeschooling mom. The Pinterest-party Martha Stewarts who install temporary lighting for her child's 4th birthday that we all secretly despise. :)<br />
<b>Do we spend more time feeling inadequate about who we want to be, rather than embracing who God has equipped us to be? </b>We, every one of us, have situations unique to us that God is beckoning us to fall on His grace for. <br />
Maybe he has not led you to parent six kids….and He's not led me to minister to a husband burnt out in his job. But its the same grace we both fall on! <br />
The pedestals have to be taken down. Calling. Obedience. Walking in Grace. They are there for each of us in beautifully unusual and diverse forms.<br />
<br />
Someday, nights like tonight are going to be my "norm". <br />
There will be a lot more time and a lot less mess. But grace will be needed for that season as well.<br />
Someday Ill need grace for an empty nest…..and Im sure there will be a <b><i>lot</i></b> of Nutella consumed when that sad day arrives. <br />
That same "grace thats brought me safe thus far" will continue to lead me Home.<br />
May His grace abound in each of our lives as we humbly walk the path He's prepared before us….not looking to the right or the left in comparison…wishing anthothers grace could be ours…but trusting our grace gifts from God, perfectly suited for our individual needs, heartaches, passions and pursuits.<br />
<img src="http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz191/smithmandy/mandysig.png" /></div>
Evie's Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06027657791065199036noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1637630471031731515.post-4404380300304788222013-11-03T08:31:00.002-05:002013-11-03T08:31:35.405-05:00National Geographic<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I recently upgraded my camera and let C take my other one with him on his trip to India last week.</div>
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Im a little worried C is going to steal my dream job!</div>
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I have this fantasy that someday National Geographic will "discover" me and ask me to travel the world….exotic locations….dilapidated slums….historical events….and photograph for them. </div>
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Far fetched, I know….but what an incredible way that would be to "marry" my passions. </div>
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Photography & Travel!</div>
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While I wouldn't wish away a single moment of my life these days filled with the small needs of young children and the delighting in the simple things that delight their heart, I love the prospect that someday I will get to be C's travel companion and capture this wide world through my lens.</div>
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Clearly, C has an eye for it too. Maybe National Geographic would take us as a team:)</div>
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I loved getting a window into his world and thought Id share. </div>
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The beauty, the color, the filth, the poverty, the men he works with, the trainings he leads, the masses of people, the lost, the emotion….</div>
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These are the people and places he frequents in India as he teaches and equips leaders in their vision for church planting and reaching their nation for Christ. </div>
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While the rigors of our chaotic life and exhaustion of a traveling husband wear me out from time to time, I can say with unwavering resolve, I <i><b>love</b></i> that my husband loves his job! He is so uniquely gifted for the calling God has placed on his life and I am deeply grateful that he is able to follow his passions and strengths as a leader in working with this national movement and seeing Christ made known to the nations!</div>
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If you'd be interested in hearing more about our ministry, we'd love to share. You can contact me at smithmandy@mac.com and Id love to add you to our ministry newsletter mailing. </div>
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