tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-330059102024-03-07T19:05:37.778-06:00Loving God Out LoudKarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09367531439942384727noreply@blogger.comBlogger401125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33005910.post-38909023039421588942013-05-29T13:19:00.000-05:002013-05-29T13:19:38.786-05:00Making Our Way Back...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Well, I can't think of a clever way to bring this blog back to life so this will have to suffice. Our last post was Easter of last year and the above photo is from Easter of this year...lots of changes here at the Kramers! Can't wait to share ALL that has happened in the last year...more to come...finally!:)</div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09367531439942384727noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33005910.post-58375105750493536982012-04-14T23:16:00.004-05:002012-04-14T23:32:55.054-05:00Easter 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">Hard to believe that just 6 short years ago we only had one baby on Easter morning. Now here we are, with all 4 of our munchkins on Easter. And even harder to believe that next year we will have another sweet little girl added to this picture. God is good! His ways truly are best!<br />
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Derek was so great to get these pics before we headed off to church. I will cherish them always!<br />
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Speaking of church, we had an amazing time of worshipping our Risen Lord on Easter Sunday at Fellowship! It was NOT your traditional Easter service and I know people's hearts were moved. I so pray that someone was there that recognized their need for the Lord!! I can't even describe the morning. It was just incredible...the personal stories that were shared, whether by song, dance, words...all just simply awesome, all amazing testimonies of how faithful God is and how He is the only One that can save!!!<br />
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Here are our little stinkers before the shoes got kicked off and the true Kramer redneck-ness came through!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2tuxb9ejPWEGFSk_vkVpGC-TdyIxRU8a-ELYvIyLBKZRuoOTqgKcB18gR9E3xqOxI2hFKZ3sJhPhHMomtJq_UiQsM6ugFLJ4FVb_3KmFRAnKJhBmiz1xfqopeflr85sZkXGnUQ/s1600/DSC_0288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2tuxb9ejPWEGFSk_vkVpGC-TdyIxRU8a-ELYvIyLBKZRuoOTqgKcB18gR9E3xqOxI2hFKZ3sJhPhHMomtJq_UiQsM6ugFLJ4FVb_3KmFRAnKJhBmiz1xfqopeflr85sZkXGnUQ/s320/DSC_0288.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09367531439942384727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33005910.post-35755548415916057632012-03-17T16:24:00.000-05:002012-03-17T16:24:52.637-05:00Guess What We Found Out?!?!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">We found out what <em>these </em>two sassy, energetic, adventurous, dramatic, creative, comical and super yummy sweet little girls have in common with Kramer Baby #5....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GaAcfqsquCA/T2UAZWGt08I/AAAAAAAAQrs/r4hoFSk3YNU/s1600/DSC_0688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GaAcfqsquCA/T2UAZWGt08I/AAAAAAAAQrs/r4hoFSk3YNU/s400/DSC_0688.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YGKk9E03aFM/T2T6gBafrpI/AAAAAAAAQqg/axn_qoWzMEE/s1600/DSC_0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YGKk9E03aFM/T2T6gBafrpI/AAAAAAAAQqg/axn_qoWzMEE/s320/DSC_0079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">you guessed it! We are having a GIRL!!!!! We are expecting another sweet little girl that might be a little bashful, as she kept hiding her tiny face on the ultrasound with her hands. Although, I can't complain because she let us see a few precious yawns and her chubby cheeks!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She looks healthy thus far and would appreciate your prayers for her growth and development. I am currently about 20 1/2 weeks and she weighs about 12-13 ounces. Due date still looks to be early August, but pretty sure she will debut when she is good and ready:)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Again thanks for the prayers. We are thrilled to meet this little blessing! She will be here before we know it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09367531439942384727noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33005910.post-59208213081548193362012-03-11T00:25:00.002-06:002012-03-11T00:36:52.335-06:00Joy and Stress and Moments in Between...Why We Say YES!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">For months I have tried to decide how I will ever catch up all of the "importants" and "memorables" of our family. I mean really, I have neglected posts about birthdays, holidays, homecomings, missing (first) teeth, first haircuts, special dates with our children, milestones in development, and on and on and on...the list is exhausting. I finally decided that there is just no way I will ever document all of those things individually. The problem with that??? One day I want to print this blog out for our children! It drives me crazy knowing big chunks of time are missing! Sigh...<br />
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As I was thinking about how to update our blog tonight, I kept thinking back to a conversation I had with Derek last night...totally unrelated to our blog...yes my mind is crazy like that. We were talking about how much we love our children and how we sometimes look at them in awe that they are ours. We also talked about how life can be stressful with children, especially multiple children, and how many people in society view children as a burden, not a joy...even to the point of illustrating them as a burden in birth control commercials. I will be the first to admit, being a parent is the hardest thing I have ever done! It is also the most amazing and selfless thing God has allowed me to experience and struggle through. It truly is a JOY to be able to hug and kiss and teach and console and correct and care for my children every single day. And some days I get it really right and most days I am on my face begging the Lord and my children for forgiveness and grace! <br />
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The point is that in our every day life, our children are a gift. Incredible gifts that root out the selfishness in my heart and remind me just how much I need God's grace daily. So why would we be open to what God might call us to regarding our family? For sure, some would call us nutso to commit to an orphan when our youngest child was 4 months old and then add to our family again not even a year after our newly adopted son has been home! SURPRISE if you didn't already know that Kramer Baby #5 is due August 4, 2012!!! ( I just teared up writing that...such a sap:) I then began looking through our family photos and realized how I was smiling and audibly laughing at pictures of our kids. The memories of just the past few months racing through my mind, making me chuckle and reminisce. I thought "This is it! This is why we are okay with the stress and 'work'...they truly bring us so much joy!" And these pictures are just a very small sample of the "memorables" and "importants" over the past months. <br />
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Officially, I am okay with these sweet pictures "catching me up" so that I can get back to all of the current goings on in our home and life! And if by some chance our children actually have a hard copy of this in their hands (because Mommy really followed through and printed this thing off), please know that each and every special day and event are etched in my mind even if this blog doesn't have a photo and story to document it! I love each of you so incredibly much!<br />
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This is why our children are never a burden...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUx9ZVUg1feh8bDsfGj5dQ3ekjULKNK2i8B9SxyO49OFW6OzT_BH-eDrvOSmzQwnmq0vZCFSlGmrUW_DYCLg9pNTTfTFbkTnYKcgtMa-rxlNuyQNSUSNfjh_OZIj6RkLpm5r7dQ/s1600/DSC_0457.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUx9ZVUg1feh8bDsfGj5dQ3ekjULKNK2i8B9SxyO49OFW6OzT_BH-eDrvOSmzQwnmq0vZCFSlGmrUW_DYCLg9pNTTfTFbkTnYKcgtMa-rxlNuyQNSUSNfjh_OZIj6RkLpm5r7dQ/s320/DSC_0457.JPG" /></a><br />
Giggles galore...</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E2DoA8QoaxU/T1wpLQvyg3I/AAAAAAAAQiM/feb2gfe9zRQ/s1600/DSC_0486.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E2DoA8QoaxU/T1wpLQvyg3I/AAAAAAAAQiM/feb2gfe9zRQ/s320/DSC_0486.JPG" /></a><br />
LOTS of love...</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDZKjfSLosQ/T1wpLvtm6KI/AAAAAAAAQiY/5pcp84U1Oo4/s1600/DSC_0406.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDZKjfSLosQ/T1wpLvtm6KI/AAAAAAAAQiY/5pcp84U1Oo4/s320/DSC_0406.JPG" /></a><br />
Deep contemplation...</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cm2NHO7XDE4/T1wpLx1-UVI/AAAAAAAAQio/ozEtVd5U8rg/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cm2NHO7XDE4/T1wpLx1-UVI/AAAAAAAAQio/ozEtVd5U8rg/s320/DSC_0002.JPG" /></a><br />
Silly faces and first trips to Mimi's...</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BAyYeK57cJf-GgN4pVD3c7cydKF6MU7lnDjpXMx6rYFaKjlZeZyskes-HRb4geJ2ZUcOmChgPhNURoG98lbw_jI2ysl3prmDtgXWcARoYk-YuX4_7uWZiDw2hXvrlxhze4kZfw/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BAyYeK57cJf-GgN4pVD3c7cydKF6MU7lnDjpXMx6rYFaKjlZeZyskes-HRb4geJ2ZUcOmChgPhNURoG98lbw_jI2ysl3prmDtgXWcARoYk-YuX4_7uWZiDw2hXvrlxhze4kZfw/s320/DSC_0003.JPG" /></a><br />
Missing each other when separation comes...</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgD8kF_CBcE63j9jgIWygBtIHs5FEUH8UINV2LSCmAnNiZK1WgyzmwOiJZtn_Zzy7FJouwJ5v19BLMcCnxPq_7D7GgE3fy9CCt1ZBnPrp9c_lnUkneFtivz2B0tj6Esf1-cuKCw/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgD8kF_CBcE63j9jgIWygBtIHs5FEUH8UINV2LSCmAnNiZK1WgyzmwOiJZtn_Zzy7FJouwJ5v19BLMcCnxPq_7D7GgE3fy9CCt1ZBnPrp9c_lnUkneFtivz2B0tj6Esf1-cuKCw/s320/DSC_0008.JPG" /></a><br />
Enjoying being reunited...</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Mg30eL-i2E/T1wpMhYUVUI/AAAAAAAAQjI/pViYvlrcPAc/s1600/Kramer%2BFall-014-3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Mg30eL-i2E/T1wpMhYUVUI/AAAAAAAAQjI/pViYvlrcPAc/s320/Kramer%2BFall-014-3.jpg" /></a><br />
Family photos that turn out like this...</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-QPC8dgNf8/T1wpNGzeXgI/AAAAAAAAQjU/RnDWb-N1FzI/s1600/Kramer%2BFall-022-5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-QPC8dgNf8/T1wpNGzeXgI/AAAAAAAAQjU/RnDWb-N1FzI/s320/Kramer%2BFall-022-5.jpg" /></a><br />
And the reality that life usually looks like this...</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FmL9dFxZujQ/T1wpNWvPOpI/AAAAAAAAQjc/00hM2t5to-g/s1600/Kramer%2BFall-060-22.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FmL9dFxZujQ/T1wpNWvPOpI/AAAAAAAAQjc/00hM2t5to-g/s320/Kramer%2BFall-060-22.jpg" /></a><br />
The sweetest baby feet, even at their dirtiest...</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8S7Cn3bipBM3NL7Xjz3wHtg4IViTkYwjnin6yqdg2oBFMC428qZXOYx-gnjVXWqoUHm_e9oTG0fZVeU_ItYiizVKRX6p3AJpeDQqJetCrVdMgyzvByf5yuOHvA_lgEyLVm8o23Q/s1600/DSC_0122.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8S7Cn3bipBM3NL7Xjz3wHtg4IViTkYwjnin6yqdg2oBFMC428qZXOYx-gnjVXWqoUHm_e9oTG0fZVeU_ItYiizVKRX6p3AJpeDQqJetCrVdMgyzvByf5yuOHvA_lgEyLVm8o23Q/s320/DSC_0122.JPG" /></a><br />
Time with cousins...</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uMmA9cmVpdk/T1wpNxylxpI/AAAAAAAAQj8/k2XC25u-fuQ/s1600/DSC_0115.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uMmA9cmVpdk/T1wpNxylxpI/AAAAAAAAQj8/k2XC25u-fuQ/s320/DSC_0115.JPG" /></a><br />
And beating up our cousins...</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKB5gJ2FuR_66TfSfMwrO82kif0B0tNH691NboIFSleuTEMVZZHVerRhHlGsqMbf2fmL2_adJOYfoPO-IEl3oljbSLEHQmjfqQ7tjCIidjuQmzSmllkPXlBR9AeaTZFfCX2RKCw/s1600/DSC_0170.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKB5gJ2FuR_66TfSfMwrO82kif0B0tNH691NboIFSleuTEMVZZHVerRhHlGsqMbf2fmL2_adJOYfoPO-IEl3oljbSLEHQmjfqQ7tjCIidjuQmzSmllkPXlBR9AeaTZFfCX2RKCw/s320/DSC_0170.JPG" /></a><br />
Sweet moments of connection...</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnkzkvOhLVrJQtA3FvCPvE3GV_-SY7I_Ij5XpuCxEhNK2WkWpFu6XoWyxpG2UBFlJcxW_tiIpPvx-rzHIS5BVpYS1qxw_LwW88ARAH1-VE1pqtI22_sF1jYn2KEZpxCmHlubIcw/s1600/DSC_0184.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnkzkvOhLVrJQtA3FvCPvE3GV_-SY7I_Ij5XpuCxEhNK2WkWpFu6XoWyxpG2UBFlJcxW_tiIpPvx-rzHIS5BVpYS1qxw_LwW88ARAH1-VE1pqtI22_sF1jYn2KEZpxCmHlubIcw/s320/DSC_0184.JPG" /></a><br />
Holding hands even when no one told us to...</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZdMVKowYBv1ys_LTJN2dvZNdUIprQnLojU5NUNo-6hxAzRPZK-ccaxXaNNIwiWpBpnXL05fclV9xBKiCCtcjQyWMzqNs8NaN8nON2DH3GP_oEGmTPyxcSSS0V-F6o39VNLZI_Q/s1600/DSC_0213.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZdMVKowYBv1ys_LTJN2dvZNdUIprQnLojU5NUNo-6hxAzRPZK-ccaxXaNNIwiWpBpnXL05fclV9xBKiCCtcjQyWMzqNs8NaN8nON2DH3GP_oEGmTPyxcSSS0V-F6o39VNLZI_Q/s320/DSC_0213.JPG" /></a><br />
Relishing precious moments...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LNGIxE-4vuo/T1xHUUecbwI/AAAAAAAAQnw/o4PyzfhHL4s/s1600/DSC_0281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LNGIxE-4vuo/T1xHUUecbwI/AAAAAAAAQnw/o4PyzfhHL4s/s320/DSC_0281.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Trying new things with an adventurous uncle...</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDNNRtNHd7wGu-Gxx4d_TbAHBnTtfawa_dZc3TRR8FcGRSN5z5641Bu7W6OakWNo_NOdrgRhmuD1lsnAnodRqyMY0DO64sj1s96VGuSB3OIikea1NkEC500WpXxef0wycxPguSQ/s1600/DSC_0297.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDNNRtNHd7wGu-Gxx4d_TbAHBnTtfawa_dZc3TRR8FcGRSN5z5641Bu7W6OakWNo_NOdrgRhmuD1lsnAnodRqyMY0DO64sj1s96VGuSB3OIikea1NkEC500WpXxef0wycxPguSQ/s320/DSC_0297.JPG" /></a><br />
Anticipating the joy of a Mommy's YES to do the unthinkable!...</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lsZbRvekXc4/T1wpQMPJFvI/AAAAAAAAQk0/A7bVhWLBzIk/s1600/DSC_0315.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lsZbRvekXc4/T1wpQMPJFvI/AAAAAAAAQk0/A7bVhWLBzIk/s320/DSC_0315.JPG" /></a><br />
LOVING every minute of a Mommy's YES to do the unthinkable...</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-35pcgoVJQWc/T1wpQgrEcxI/AAAAAAAAQlE/-QBTTavA9Kg/s1600/DSC_0320.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-35pcgoVJQWc/T1wpQgrEcxI/AAAAAAAAQlE/-QBTTavA9Kg/s320/DSC_0320.JPG" /></a><br />
And quite literally soaking in that YES with shear joy!...</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vY7ktluLpdI/T1wpQw3zOMI/AAAAAAAAQlM/IDBWnnwD9RM/s1600/DSC_0355.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vY7ktluLpdI/T1wpQw3zOMI/AAAAAAAAQlM/IDBWnnwD9RM/s320/DSC_0355.JPG" /></a><br />
First times sleeping together...</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zan8ABUERz8/T1wpRG_gc5I/AAAAAAAAQlY/59_vBWD9Pnk/s1600/DSC_0385.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zan8ABUERz8/T1wpRG_gc5I/AAAAAAAAQlY/59_vBWD9Pnk/s320/DSC_0385.JPG" /></a><br />
Enjoying the gift of another family's generosity... </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wxrGnkiRHLI/T1wpRcnKHcI/AAAAAAAAQlg/bogfD0Z6Q8k/s1600/DSC_0523.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wxrGnkiRHLI/T1wpRcnKHcI/AAAAAAAAQlg/bogfD0Z6Q8k/s320/DSC_0523.JPG" /></a><br />
Experiencing God's greatest gift of adoption right in their own home...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYdogEU87l2xf8Vs67JvBYQ4L2TOwAVm5eN_C4lZ4IlkhEQgoaVfjvVwlt30I69LdTrsO3-uej-jjiI3sCXqYu5imE_JkKAmbtxJhyphenhyphenxFSWwKqOcL58pLvrxD-EgSmazV9veuflA/s1600/DSC_0557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYdogEU87l2xf8Vs67JvBYQ4L2TOwAVm5eN_C4lZ4IlkhEQgoaVfjvVwlt30I69LdTrsO3-uej-jjiI3sCXqYu5imE_JkKAmbtxJhyphenhyphenxFSWwKqOcL58pLvrxD-EgSmazV9veuflA/s320/DSC_0557.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Having loads of fun on Christmas Eve even when Mommy needed reminders from Daddy to enjoy the moment and the mess...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C2veGVUydSA/T1wqDZyDxzI/AAAAAAAAQmU/9spMI2kCbog/s1600/DSC_0564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C2veGVUydSA/T1wqDZyDxzI/AAAAAAAAQmU/9spMI2kCbog/s320/DSC_0564.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Daddy enjoying the moments regardless of the mess because he is awesome...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQu4lhs5OVPQ273-0iH-DR7OM-mDV4A3g8la1eTnJlec1LYO8UgdNfKtJdGSyPkzQ3IcHcBJxce2QrWJKNZMUZRidVhvKGa0FD7ZBPpJrk8QPGqcV3jY291ACozad-zJHrf5jKA/s1600/DSC_0575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQu4lhs5OVPQ273-0iH-DR7OM-mDV4A3g8la1eTnJlec1LYO8UgdNfKtJdGSyPkzQ3IcHcBJxce2QrWJKNZMUZRidVhvKGa0FD7ZBPpJrk8QPGqcV3jY291ACozad-zJHrf5jKA/s320/DSC_0575.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> So many hands in so many places...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2RwfjyngC0/T1wqKynn79I/AAAAAAAAQmk/m5nJ_Feh-uA/s1600/DSC_0584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2RwfjyngC0/T1wqKynn79I/AAAAAAAAQmk/m5nJ_Feh-uA/s320/DSC_0584.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Funny little faces...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXSXloYQDTk/T1wqRYLjfkI/AAAAAAAAQmw/AJ_o_ih-aJY/s1600/DSC_0589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXSXloYQDTk/T1wqRYLjfkI/AAAAAAAAQmw/AJ_o_ih-aJY/s320/DSC_0589.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Sweet truths instilled in young hearts...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIxzjj_J7QFEXPR5W9Vvg0s-aXxMEBKewwwHEB9klbbjV7x14cgaB8_FZoqTxa_emhnn5IyNFhGOUcMrIk8uWwY5ZKk7L6J-MAw98FK43VmzXwU-1gaOIWR5-mSlgIOu2awTmIA/s1600/DSC_0702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIxzjj_J7QFEXPR5W9Vvg0s-aXxMEBKewwwHEB9klbbjV7x14cgaB8_FZoqTxa_emhnn5IyNFhGOUcMrIk8uWwY5ZKk7L6J-MAw98FK43VmzXwU-1gaOIWR5-mSlgIOu2awTmIA/s320/DSC_0702.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> A 6th birthday that brings so much fun...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5BgwnqdfUfQ/T1wqb8TRWpI/AAAAAAAAQnA/quevPNhWqpI/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5BgwnqdfUfQ/T1wqb8TRWpI/AAAAAAAAQnA/quevPNhWqpI/s320/DSC_0093.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Mismatched outfits and still so cute...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-30YPdrIguTE/T1wqesiqZWI/AAAAAAAAQnI/WpMoctxB0SQ/s1600/DSC_0140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-30YPdrIguTE/T1wqesiqZWI/AAAAAAAAQnI/WpMoctxB0SQ/s320/DSC_0140.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Snuggles with Daddy...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3e47OgchgHcJaRjViQUsO3I_1PTeIsu2u7HWAniVCMEL5DRIMTMHn3I7IUjWcTUEUwBWyTx14scO6A1yrx4Knk_Y5vpyai7b6yBk286nji9UQ76bGGJWRf8wg9A5pXNOFIdRbQ/s1600/DSC_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3e47OgchgHcJaRjViQUsO3I_1PTeIsu2u7HWAniVCMEL5DRIMTMHn3I7IUjWcTUEUwBWyTx14scO6A1yrx4Knk_Y5vpyai7b6yBk286nji9UQ76bGGJWRf8wg9A5pXNOFIdRbQ/s320/DSC_0184.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>And sister too...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GY2uK6HUUag/T1xBD0LcFGI/AAAAAAAAQnc/jitLgAB0RJY/s1600/DSC_0169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GY2uK6HUUag/T1xBD0LcFGI/AAAAAAAAQnc/jitLgAB0RJY/s320/DSC_0169.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> The realization that trust is growing...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3qfKfE2jRG5-AgSbMiLmJ5qHU33TFDmOT0zyUTu_giIzO8uMu9D9rn5-3FBjc_1-HLXwKcII2lNQqog4AmIJ_NutibtLb3pDx54P4FWx0E6vPMk5WReUp7TOxBAwlHUfREIElA/s1600/Kramer+Fall-028-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3qfKfE2jRG5-AgSbMiLmJ5qHU33TFDmOT0zyUTu_giIzO8uMu9D9rn5-3FBjc_1-HLXwKcII2lNQqog4AmIJ_NutibtLb3pDx54P4FWx0E6vPMk5WReUp7TOxBAwlHUfREIElA/s320/Kramer+Fall-028-8.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Walking through it all with the anchor of our family.<br />
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Lots of reasons to say yes to whatever God asks of us. Thankful that I have all of these moments to cherish and document. Thankful for the smile that was upon my face as I remembered each of these moments...stress and all!</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: 0% 50%; border: 0px currentColor; padding: 0px;" /></a></div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09367531439942384727noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33005910.post-9499209051204945662012-01-18T22:47:00.001-06:002012-01-18T22:53:03.636-06:00What A Difference!!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">Do you all remember this sweet little face? This was the very first time that we laid eyes on our son! He was perfect! We were probably the first people to truly rejoice over his life. We were completely overjoyed and overwhelmed with emotion. To finally hold this precious little life in our hands was a moment we will never ever forget!<br />
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This photo was taken mid June 2011. I remember vividly how little he interacted, the lack of eye contact, how frail he seemed, how pale he was, his complete lack of muscle tone, the extreme coarseness of his very little hair, the unbelievable amount of "stuff" in his nose and ears, the dark circles under his eyes, his protruding "C" shaped spine, and the list goes on. And by many accounts, his baby house was better than lots of others. Can you even fathom the least of these that are in the worst of the worst institutions? Honestly my heart and soul can hardly bear it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yfv37Cbnglc/TxehlLH8u4I/AAAAAAAAQhM/xKZqyKgglgs/s1600/CIMG0695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nfa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yfv37Cbnglc/TxehlLH8u4I/AAAAAAAAQhM/xKZqyKgglgs/s320/CIMG0695.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxBeo5L0Ex6gOj745zjdaGEPskSGPUXqFRWZw9tPAuClmjlav40A_W90kFjwR3xnQR-lvF9ufn_uAeNCR7mA7FMQPqQdZRAfAE6JEaM5rSl9A7MlHEoCLu_V985bhtgcVfF-rIg/s1600/DSC_0423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxBeo5L0Ex6gOj745zjdaGEPskSGPUXqFRWZw9tPAuClmjlav40A_W90kFjwR3xnQR-lvF9ufn_uAeNCR7mA7FMQPqQdZRAfAE6JEaM5rSl9A7MlHEoCLu_V985bhtgcVfF-rIg/s320/DSC_0423.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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And this is the redemption that Derek and I keep speaking of....the beautiful living breathing example of redemption right before our human eyes. This is our precious son! Can you even believe his little face? This photo is from Dec. 2011...just 3 months home with nutrition, love, touch, stimulation, WATER, sunshine, opportunities to explore, and did I mention love?!?:):) I will mention again that he hasn't even had a second of therapy yet (starts this month:). <br />
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If you are debating whether adoption truly makes a difference. If you wonder how adopting one child could possibly do anything to decrease the millions of orphaned children around the world. If you wonder how God could call you to rescue and give a home and be a family to the least of these. If you wonder where the money, time, and energy will come from. I ask you to remember that with our God ALL things are truly possible. God did not leave us as orphans. He rescued us! Adoption matters to our Lord. And, as followers of Christ, if it matters to Him, it should to us as well.<br />
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We rejoice over all that God is doing in Samuel's life! And we rejoice over the ways that we are forever changed by following the call to this little boy! To God be the glory! I pray we will walk in His ways no matter the cost or sacrifice as long as we have breath and that our children will continue that legacy long after Derek and I are in the arms of Jesus!</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><br />
Very grateful that my husband was loooking through these photos from our first trip and made the comparison. It renewed my hope in all that God has done and continues to do. Thank you Lord for a Godly husband that stepped out in faith very courageously to bring our son home! And thank you Father...for redemption!</div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09367531439942384727noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33005910.post-23968132805912936272012-01-16T23:15:00.000-06:002012-01-16T23:15:51.476-06:00Over the last few months...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">our days have been super full!<br />
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From the time Samuel came home, we have had so much to share, yet I have not found time. I am completely determined to get back on track here!<br />
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Pictures to share include Samuel's Homecoming (finally got video I am DYING to share), Emily losing her first tooth, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Samuel meeting LOTS of family for the first time, parties with friends, the Nutcracker at TPAC, meeting Vika's family, Adoption Sunday, baking at Christmas, Christmas Eve, Christmas day, my birthday, Emily's birthday, and general every day craziness in our crib. Oh my and the list goes on and on!<br />
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I have decided that I will take the best of the best and just randomly post as often as possible. I hope one day to print this blog off for our children and I just hate to miss documenting a thing! <br />
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All of our children are growing up so fast. The days slip so quickly by and I am watching my children emerge into these little people that just blow me away! Each with their own personalities, likes, dislikes, laughs, cries...they are my biggest blessings. God has been so gracious towards me and Derek. Our children are just amazing! <br />
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And how is our newest little brother? He is like a different child. Yes, he still has some behaviors that are a painful reminder of his first 2 years of life. And no, we don't feel like we have yet to see his full personality bloom. But day after day, Derek and I comment on what a different little boy we see before us. I will continue to shout it loud, we are seeing redemption take place right before our eyes! We are bonding more and more and he is trusting us! The joy of that feeling is indescribable. He laughs with us and plays hard with his daddy! We still have hard days, but with lots of love and grace, they are getting fewer and fewer. <br />
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Samuel is also getting so much stronger, pulling up on his knees and keeping his legs together on his own with his back perfectly straight!!! Some of you may not know, but for 2 years he laid in such terrible positions that his lower back was arched. You could see the "C" shape of his spine without clothes. He had ZERO core strength and lots of bad habits to break. His spine has actually straightened in 4 months of repositioning and correcting the way he sits and lays, and of course, by encouraging him to move, encouraging his curiosity, and physically stretching him in ways he had never been moved before. The really impressive part is that he hasn't had even one minute of therapy! We are thankful for the way his body has strengthened and for the little boy that we see emerging. It is a small glimpse of hope that he will be all that God created him to be. Samuel was perfectly formed in the image of a very loving and perfect God...never an afterthought, never a mistake. What a blessing that he has been entrusted to us!!<br />
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I will let some of these pics do the rest of the talking. <br />
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I promise that I will be back soon!:)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k34V104v7Zg/TxUA5nh89ZI/AAAAAAAAQeo/soNklyDHwD4/s1600/DSC_0522.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k34V104v7Zg/TxUA5nh89ZI/AAAAAAAAQeo/soNklyDHwD4/s320/DSC_0522.JPG" /></a><br />
After Adoption Sunday (our church did it later in Dec.) we had Christmas with my mom. She will kill me bc her eyes are closed, but I think she looks so sweet and joyful with all of her little blessings. All the kiddos were wearing "Adopted" tshirts as part of something we did at church with all of our adoptive families. Watch "Children of God" by Third Day on Youtube and that pretty much sums up why they were wearing the shirts! It was awesome!!! And our family was blessed to share our story of adopting Samuel with our church family....again an awesome experience! <a href="http://vimeo.com/34392138">Go here to check it out!</a></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-waAfN4hQzNM/TxUA5xsWDwI/AAAAAAAAQew/WXRGhGGYbEg/s1600/DSC_0487.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-waAfN4hQzNM/TxUA5xsWDwI/AAAAAAAAQew/WXRGhGGYbEg/s320/DSC_0487.JPG" /></a><br />
Samuel and Stella at a Community Group party. He was such a handsome guy in that sweater!</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hoT8TpI-17QJmNvBu5JO4cVuL3qm1Pm178RsxFPogMZ2zF4cFWPmPecqycgTEvIfBM4m6495TdHk5XToqM9ZrcsJu0JyGp9DM3hDWN0U_SKwCy7UYTExGfenpaB7iN7sHiV_VA/s1600/DSC_0423.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hoT8TpI-17QJmNvBu5JO4cVuL3qm1Pm178RsxFPogMZ2zF4cFWPmPecqycgTEvIfBM4m6495TdHk5XToqM9ZrcsJu0JyGp9DM3hDWN0U_SKwCy7UYTExGfenpaB7iN7sHiV_VA/s320/DSC_0423.JPG" /></a><br />
What a cute little guy!</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6b_z2VwpxU/TxUA75V3kCI/AAAAAAAAQfY/Eld04vF7uJE/s1600/DSC_0079.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6b_z2VwpxU/TxUA75V3kCI/AAAAAAAAQfY/Eld04vF7uJE/s320/DSC_0079.JPG" /></a><br />
Stella Grace is a stinker and has more personality than I can describe! I LOVE this girl! </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJMSBURNn9A/TxUA8KFV-EI/AAAAAAAAQfk/mJ28KTXqOxI/s1600/DSC_0092.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJMSBURNn9A/TxUA8KFV-EI/AAAAAAAAQfk/mJ28KTXqOxI/s320/DSC_0092.JPG" /></a><br />
Sweet little kisses!</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ib75jOkiwvE/TxUA85Q-p5I/AAAAAAAAQfw/08Bo1wmyQfU/s1600/DSC_0095.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ib75jOkiwvE/TxUA85Q-p5I/AAAAAAAAQfw/08Bo1wmyQfU/s320/DSC_0095.JPG" /></a><br />
Samuel received a bear from sweet friends that adopted Vika from S's baby house. They gave it to Vika's family and the Jims sent it to us. Samuel immediately recognized it and laid on it. I teared up watching him. We will cherish this part of his past forever!!! Thank you Melanie!!!! And look at my precious Emily Paige! She is sweet as ever and growing up fast! </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHo9eZBk6us6_kMUfC6cQGQy7lC4AMuJef5XudsVZ9ZAD-G3NmydL4iV7PmbBTKZ3lFItDolnVDK636EHSSjwEnmussumJGFIvDOCplcTs_9I3ZOpo9PSyCmw6dcw_NBRbLLLWg/s1600/DSC_0102.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHo9eZBk6us6_kMUfC6cQGQy7lC4AMuJef5XudsVZ9ZAD-G3NmydL4iV7PmbBTKZ3lFItDolnVDK636EHSSjwEnmussumJGFIvDOCplcTs_9I3ZOpo9PSyCmw6dcw_NBRbLLLWg/s320/DSC_0102.JPG" /></a><br />
This is priceless!</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rUGB1bwwF6c/TxUA90JI_pI/AAAAAAAAQgQ/nkdD5kXaUmQ/s1600/DSC_0411.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rUGB1bwwF6c/TxUA90JI_pI/AAAAAAAAQgQ/nkdD5kXaUmQ/s320/DSC_0411.JPG" /></a><br />
My sweet Timothy! I could eat him up! </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n84quSMgrv0/TxUA-2CQr2I/AAAAAAAAQgY/6HPneah_dkw/s1600/DSC_0655.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n84quSMgrv0/TxUA-2CQr2I/AAAAAAAAQgY/6HPneah_dkw/s320/DSC_0655.JPG" /></a><br />
This was a very common occurrence at our house around Christmas (and still is). Samuel loves any kind of cords...super safe:), and Stella slightly enjoys antagonizing at times! He is learning to give it back!:)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-405b7gtTaYs/TxUB4iaxAeI/AAAAAAAAQgw/28BUBcVnTnU/s1600/DSC_0434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" kba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-405b7gtTaYs/TxUB4iaxAeI/AAAAAAAAQgw/28BUBcVnTnU/s320/DSC_0434.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Like I said, it's a game they enjoy!:) </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: 0% 50%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></a></div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09367531439942384727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33005910.post-40135307402999620722011-12-14T23:27:00.000-06:002011-12-14T23:27:43.159-06:00Really Need to Catch Up!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I feel like that has been the title of every post recently! I would so love to get completely caught up on our blog so that I can post frequently about daily stuff. Oh well, I can dream!</div><div style="text-align: left;">I haven't posted from as far back as Timothy's 3rd birthday so I have decided to post from there. Hopefully that will help me get caught up with everything in between because our first baby girl turns 6 in one month!!! How did that happen? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's how our 3 year old little guy spent his special day.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLYWXLInct0RV24fmUqqYcvk-Uo3ceD3QUqGy-isfXC3O2L2Avi-hWde7OynpLSByuOGcIPHKmOgZpOTJKz7NBnOf3J1LMXHCylqIXvWytCkUf0YwwHo38OFDaIQA6Zff3il66w/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLYWXLInct0RV24fmUqqYcvk-Uo3ceD3QUqGy-isfXC3O2L2Avi-hWde7OynpLSByuOGcIPHKmOgZpOTJKz7NBnOf3J1LMXHCylqIXvWytCkUf0YwwHo38OFDaIQA6Zff3il66w/s320/DSC_0014.JPG" width="320" /></a>Awaiting his special present from his Mimi. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A419j098Gn0/Tul-8ORe0uI/AAAAAAAAPzU/5jNElgACDE8/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A419j098Gn0/Tul-8ORe0uI/AAAAAAAAPzU/5jNElgACDE8/s320/DSC_0015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The long-awaited Imaginext Dragon Castle</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezhNhN4ASrMESL93-HuTBXoYud6bThgBfQuCTm5syIDheAZHxERhoQ3L_8WgcHhN3p02Lu2c0vr0lDl63e9lrn0QXfbWwzN2b09oWiDZFyqb61AceTgg3dSGS3-5YrBpZSJKRCw/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezhNhN4ASrMESL93-HuTBXoYud6bThgBfQuCTm5syIDheAZHxERhoQ3L_8WgcHhN3p02Lu2c0vr0lDl63e9lrn0QXfbWwzN2b09oWiDZFyqb61AceTgg3dSGS3-5YrBpZSJKRCw/s320/DSC_0040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qcflf5XEGeM/Tul_D5HwjoI/AAAAAAAAPzk/Z-LANDD1GeM/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qcflf5XEGeM/Tul_D5HwjoI/AAAAAAAAPzk/Z-LANDD1GeM/s320/DSC_0042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A fun day celebrating Timothy with friends at the Discovery Center.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXtjSzLyJ58Alx8tKfXqg7rExWa9V1g3OAEo3v93AlJepyfgnoRdSq0Dc0gQsNXycu9j35bEdutpk_CxelEJtAhoB_gdw7ztq0pNEP-DSiFGWneZbCCVDriarRwzEYz6Q0ZDUpw/s1600/DSC_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXtjSzLyJ58Alx8tKfXqg7rExWa9V1g3OAEo3v93AlJepyfgnoRdSq0Dc0gQsNXycu9j35bEdutpk_CxelEJtAhoB_gdw7ztq0pNEP-DSiFGWneZbCCVDriarRwzEYz6Q0ZDUpw/s320/DSC_0073.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I know....a pathetic little cake:( This is what happens when you can't use dyed frosting to decorate a cake. I had to use something that could be removed easily since TK can't have red (or any) dyes. Timothy didn't seem to mind:)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LurKKNA2QFk/Tul_VG68CRI/AAAAAAAAPz4/ufLzxF_pS08/s1600/DSC_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LurKKNA2QFk/Tul_VG68CRI/AAAAAAAAPz4/ufLzxF_pS08/s320/DSC_0057.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Timothy and Sophie....such sweet little friends. They were tickling each other here:)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t1BBDMyIotc/Tul_Z5ScOcI/AAAAAAAAP0A/0MQvquYTwaQ/s1600/DSC_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t1BBDMyIotc/Tul_Z5ScOcI/AAAAAAAAP0A/0MQvquYTwaQ/s320/DSC_0076.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love our little ones!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXowS2fK9Tl-d6BliFi2H3r0AYY_tB38RLZE_byLnIwHOHlugikFmbDVfGN3qZHNIbIZOeiD_P9a0V2oPL3RcEc9WAg__ybgajQC54WVki1l5u_YKSavjd08L_ejLTrgPENKTARg/s1600/DSC_0100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXowS2fK9Tl-d6BliFi2H3r0AYY_tB38RLZE_byLnIwHOHlugikFmbDVfGN3qZHNIbIZOeiD_P9a0V2oPL3RcEc9WAg__ybgajQC54WVki1l5u_YKSavjd08L_ejLTrgPENKTARg/s320/DSC_0100.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What a little nut! Our kids LOVE to dress up!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gtz9vM6szzM/Tul_izarycI/AAAAAAAAP0U/BvtpVwdjz4M/s1600/DSC_0114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gtz9vM6szzM/Tul_izarycI/AAAAAAAAP0U/BvtpVwdjz4M/s320/DSC_0114.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sweet Stella Bella!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o_5BDPSLXAY/Tul_mO1RNBI/AAAAAAAAP0c/ET2CI29-xJQ/s1600/DSC_0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o_5BDPSLXAY/Tul_mO1RNBI/AAAAAAAAP0c/ET2CI29-xJQ/s320/DSC_0120.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Derek is the best dad ever...always found hanging out with multiple kiddos when our friends' little ones are around!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCdRa6WaYREbwgmdKPqlXTNqxkt7-TLgKXQbMywEy8Z7nHy9p6szjjLBszSuot8OzAqPPLKIyY8ms9Qvk9IYsE0za1xSO51uR6QMiO-4fkfcPfE1G6t5pY0nrpFyVHmONfpTdcQ/s1600/DSC_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCdRa6WaYREbwgmdKPqlXTNqxkt7-TLgKXQbMywEy8Z7nHy9p6szjjLBszSuot8OzAqPPLKIyY8ms9Qvk9IYsE0za1xSO51uR6QMiO-4fkfcPfE1G6t5pY0nrpFyVHmONfpTdcQ/s320/DSC_0124.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Saying goodbye to Sophie...she looks like she has had enough of his nonsense:)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o8FRYkoXNHo/Tul_tfSUmuI/AAAAAAAAP0s/vVQrClHxIC8/s1600/DSC_0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o8FRYkoXNHo/Tul_tfSUmuI/AAAAAAAAP0s/vVQrClHxIC8/s320/DSC_0126.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sophie's momma and my dear friend...she looks way too cool to be at a 3 year old's birthday party!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cWAf3mZVS1o/Tul_xZy1xhI/AAAAAAAAP04/ANeZ3jzCIrY/s1600/DSC_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cWAf3mZVS1o/Tul_xZy1xhI/AAAAAAAAP04/ANeZ3jzCIrY/s320/DSC_0143.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Emily always loving her time with her daddy!!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFe0r1GZM3_lnq7WriBNGVHYuDxgvAksiEZviOBFhgHvndfzQlc2PB6U6LXJ_PRppLoYf1ZTfesKQC-eJgLEFPDZsrtVU-HROdWTHqa81wWCwoG7WAmT81FGa3KdP8CoprHKicg/s1600/DSC_0165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFe0r1GZM3_lnq7WriBNGVHYuDxgvAksiEZviOBFhgHvndfzQlc2PB6U6LXJ_PRppLoYf1ZTfesKQC-eJgLEFPDZsrtVU-HROdWTHqa81wWCwoG7WAmT81FGa3KdP8CoprHKicg/s320/DSC_0165.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Opening gifts back at home sent from Halmee and Grandpa in VA!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DrWGnKGpa_s/Tul_5jDi8RI/AAAAAAAAP1I/WqMNaTdT7qY/s1600/DSC_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DrWGnKGpa_s/Tul_5jDi8RI/AAAAAAAAP1I/WqMNaTdT7qY/s320/DSC_0187.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The beloved trampoline that was a joint gift from us and family for the kids.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mwhoatqpud8/TumADAZeKuI/AAAAAAAAP1U/KHAp52704kg/s1600/DSC_0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mwhoatqpud8/TumADAZeKuI/AAAAAAAAP1U/KHAp52704kg/s320/DSC_0198.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The "Sprinkoline" never gets old</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnOMfwEa68svfbJL94qYAHB0dZBowurMPQNcgWQHevSsJCKKcaJUCqKkIuJr3V7R1ljEzIqFMBJLM0UTDPan2kk9Im4wKQjmaU5zH12fzFaa0cf7zcJrAXh9hymXCcZPtrb58wg/s1600/DSC_0185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnOMfwEa68svfbJL94qYAHB0dZBowurMPQNcgWQHevSsJCKKcaJUCqKkIuJr3V7R1ljEzIqFMBJLM0UTDPan2kk9Im4wKQjmaU5zH12fzFaa0cf7zcJrAXh9hymXCcZPtrb58wg/s320/DSC_0185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And this is what I LOVE about the trampoline! How did we EVER survive without it???</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ye16oaY0Cc/TumAMqYbCqI/AAAAAAAAP1k/6G-strd_4q0/s1600/DSC_0246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ye16oaY0Cc/TumAMqYbCqI/AAAAAAAAP1k/6G-strd_4q0/s320/DSC_0246.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ice cream cones on TK's actual birthday!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RqikbcT8Eic/TumAQhsfrDI/AAAAAAAAP1s/LsKCclvFvP0/s1600/DSC_0270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RqikbcT8Eic/TumAQhsfrDI/AAAAAAAAP1s/LsKCclvFvP0/s320/DSC_0270.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our fun and sweet little man! I might note that he was in his usual attire here...no pants:)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5XGGtIV-ANnTSpQhHq779rbcVjbcWqTvELtCGDDSiSS7Vs5r2XBLhGF-GzkAn7qUQg93omBDOstL36ysL9-kTnbbzr2pAB5MNp0YktlKlzl0-tUmbh26BV61l1MDoQyJrGD7ZA/s1600/DSC_0290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5XGGtIV-ANnTSpQhHq779rbcVjbcWqTvELtCGDDSiSS7Vs5r2XBLhGF-GzkAn7qUQg93omBDOstL36ysL9-kTnbbzr2pAB5MNp0YktlKlzl0-tUmbh26BV61l1MDoQyJrGD7ZA/s320/DSC_0290.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stella's first Nutty Buddy:) She LOVED it and ate the ENTIRE thing!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Timothy Kramer, you bring us such an immense amount of joy and laughter! We love that you are so spirited and always ready for an adventure. We love your desire to know more and more about God and His Word. We continue to pray that you will ask the Lord into your heart at a young age and that your "winsome" personality will lead people to Him! We love you so so much and can't wait to see you grow into a man seeking after God's heart!!!</div><br />
</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09367531439942384727noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33005910.post-9173259362097428952011-11-08T13:39:00.003-06:002011-11-08T13:49:43.069-06:00Our Father's Love....Thoughts on Sacrifice and Calling<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Big shocker here....I am WAY behind on blogging. You know when you start getting emails and blog comments of concerns such as "you haven't posted in while....hope you guys are okay" you really need to carve out some time for updates.:)<br />
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We are really doing okay. I promise! I remember being so disappointed when I followed various family's adoption journeys and then they got home and stopped posting. The best part finally came and there were no updates....hahahaha!!!! Now I COMPLETELY understand why! We have been busy! <br />
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I have mentioned before but this is our first year homeschooling Emily. Enough said.:) And being that we now have 4 munchkins 5 years and under, well..... And add in LOTS of doctor appointments, paperwork, spending time together as a family, normal daily chores, Daddy having to travel, attempting to serve others when possible, Mommy getting to go on a Women's Retreat, busy weekends, Mommy and Daddy going away for a night (woohoo!!!!), and Mommy getting rear-ended with Samuel in tow (involving approx 8-10K in damage to our van, a totaled Tahoe, and ordering 4 new car seats) and you have one pretty busy household. I am quite sure I left some things out:)<br />
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We are seeing amazing things in Samuel! I have said it before but it truly is like watching redemption take place right before our eyes! He is different in so many ways and has only been home less than 60 days. We continue to see regression when our schedules are too full and he is exposed to too many new faces, but overall he is finally smiling and beginning to really trust us. <br />
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I think one of the hardest things to figure out is to sort through the reasons for behaviors because honestly we just don't know. Samuel is in a whole other "category" of adopted child. It is very difficult to find information on children that have been adopted with DS from Russia/Eastern Europe. We have read info on adopted children, info on children with DS, but not those 2 combined. At this point, all we really have to go on is other families (and wow the number is growing!!) that are in the same boat as us. I feel like we are all sort of in this murky water of uncertainty and honestly lots of times it just isn't easy. Not knowing the "whys" of behavior or what is the best way to help our children is very very hard. Add in the social responses when you leave the safe confines of home or church, and the simple fact that bonding takes time, and you've got a yummy recipe for "Adoption Ain't for Everybody" Soup! <br />
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I have said from the beginning that I want to be true to this process of adoption and what it truly looks and feels like. At the same time, there are some things that are best shared in smaller more intimate ways. The last couple of months have changed me more than I ever thought possible. I have had to draw near to the Lord in ways I didn't even know were possible...really. Every week, we participate in a local Bible Study called CBS (they are everywhere and I highly recommend:). Last week, our lady that lectures at the end, said something that resonated so deeply within my soul. She played the song by Selah "How Deep the Father's Love for Us" and spoke about what Christ's sacrfice cost. <br />
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This is what she said that struck me so deeply. "Jesus was brave and courageous to leave heaven to come and redeem us." It cost Him something....it cost Him everything! His Father even turned His face from Him. Can you even imagine? I listened to her words and let them really soak in. God's call on our family cost us something. We have officially left the "comfort" of our before life and entered into His will for us. It cost us all something and is still "costing" to bring Samuel into our family. Redemption isn't cheap! Jesus did what He had to redeem us. The picture of that and the truth of that is what spurs me on daily. I don't have enough of anything within me to carry out His will, and goodness do I DAILY need my Father's grace!! But He has called us all to lives worthy of His redemption, not saying that we have to work for it!!!! He GAVE us His life but His life was costly and in return our lives as believers and followers of a risen Saviour should be characterized, not by ease but by His love, and yes sacrifice!<br />
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Considering all of this right now, at the beginning of a month where God's people focus on the need for us to all step up and care for orphans in some way, has lead to real heart change in the day in and out for all of my children, but especially in my care for Samuel. Christ's adoption of us certainly was one of sacrfice and of bravery and courage and a letting go of "everything." Would He expect any less of us? Our choice has not been easy. If you choose to adopt, don't expect easy. And once you bring that long awaited child home, it actually gets harder than all of that waiting, fundraising, travel, and paperwork ever could have been. Bottom line, it's worth it. Totally and completely worth it. Our house has been downright ugly at times since beginning this journey and it has been so good for us. We are closer to the Father, utterly dependant, aware of our sins and selfishness, and thankful beyond words that He chose to redeem us when it cost Him everything!<br />
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The Father's love should compel us to live a life that looks very different from our own plans. That is something that I will wrestle with until I am with Him someday. I will continue to complain and ask God "why me?....I can't do this!!!" But He knows, He knows I can through Him, if only I lean in...utter surrender, utter dependence. I am thankful for this place, for His calling. Part of me never wants to leave the "hardness" of this season because the temptation of doing it without Him creeps in. Humility and dependence is good for me. God certainly knows that. I am learning to accept what He has called our family to and respond in complete surrender. <br />
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Exactly one year ago, I had no idea what I was praying. I couldn't have even imagained what would happen in the next year...in my heart, our family, my relationship with my husband and children. God knew though. And here we are. Hard? Yes! Exhausted? Absolutely! Stretched? Yes! Comfortable? Haha...Heck NO! But blessed? Oh wow, beyond measure! He called us because He loves us, and that my friends, is something I will never grasp! <br />
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In case you didn't know, it is Orphan Awareness Month. What might He be calling you to?<br />
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Pictures to follow, of course...promise! It will be worth it!:)</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09367531439942384727noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33005910.post-30866558907096290722011-10-21T01:54:00.002-05:002011-10-21T02:05:41.834-05:00Locks of Love...With a Twist!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">There are so many families that I would love to help with fundraising for their adoptions! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Unfortunately I am lacking lots of things these days...time, talents, energy, money, mental stamina....to name a few. But something I do have a lot of is hair! Okay don't laugh! Stay with me here.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have cut my hair for Locks of Love multiple times and I began thinking maybe I could use it to raise funds for a family in the midst of adoption. I kept thinking...SURELY someone out there wants to see me nearly bald!!! What a fun little way to raise some cash for travel expenses for this very sweet family that I love dearly! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Meet Brian & Priscilla Hogue...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wM76kVKunf8TGEg0AeM6-brsreFMr9H2f_Cbmt7s6uvKkH9SxdAZoXpi8ibHyDobrClGl8mUB-haYqkfp0OqGOf0LXX_EJFliDdiSt1g59OfBjmDzJMbNPesjtche7Zv-V4JjQ/s1600/Hogues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wM76kVKunf8TGEg0AeM6-brsreFMr9H2f_Cbmt7s6uvKkH9SxdAZoXpi8ibHyDobrClGl8mUB-haYqkfp0OqGOf0LXX_EJFliDdiSt1g59OfBjmDzJMbNPesjtche7Zv-V4JjQ/s320/Hogues.jpg" width="189" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They are a (current) family of 4 and are dear friends of ours. They are some of the most generous and sincere people I know. They walk out their faith very tangibly and we are blessed to call them our friends. We are praying so hard that they will bring their son home from South Korea very soon...and boy is he a cutie pie! I would love to blow them away with generosity as they blow others away on a regular basis!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, I have between 10-12 inches and that would take my hair to a VERY short length. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is how it will work. For every $100 that gets donated, 1 inch will come off. I have set the chip-in at $1,500. If more money is donated than I have hair in inches, I promise that I will go very very short! I am so scared to write that! But Derek and I love throwing out hypotheticals and I keep thinking that if someone walked up to me and said "hey I will give the Hogues 2K if you chop your hair off right now...will you do it?" Well, heck yeah I would! It's hair, it will grow back, right?!? haha! And what could be more worth it than bringing this absolutely adorable little guy home to his family?....Meet Jacob!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CWEX5JljwNw/TqEHLGqgI5I/AAAAAAAAPm4/mJpzBrSRvOE/s1600/Jacob+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CWEX5JljwNw/TqEHLGqgI5I/AAAAAAAAPm4/mJpzBrSRvOE/s1600/Jacob+2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3_7LsEkY5kM/TqEHNZ6QPAI/AAAAAAAAPnA/GQwf3Rvdvkg/s1600/Jacob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" rda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3_7LsEkY5kM/TqEHNZ6QPAI/AAAAAAAAPnA/GQwf3Rvdvkg/s320/Jacob.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh my! I could eat this munchkin up! And I am partial because he is in South Korea and Derek being half Korean and all...well I just can't resist this face!:) Seriously, isn't he the cutest?!?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Once again, here is how it will work. For every $100 donated, I will cut off 1 inch of hair. If more money is donated than I have in inches, I will go super short! And the challenge will end in one month on November 20. So, you have until then to make me really regret this decision! LOL!</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>You can donate to the Chip-In on the top right of our blog.</strong> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks in advance everyone....and spread the word! I know that the Hogues are grateful for every penny!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is the Hogue's <a href="http://www.bringinglittlemanhome.blogspot.com/">blog</a> if you want to keep up with their adoption. </div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09367531439942384727noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33005910.post-89736720496224389032011-10-04T01:57:00.001-05:002011-10-04T02:35:30.359-05:00Testing, Testing, Is This Thing On??????<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Safe to say this post has been mulling around in my head for quite sometime! If you are still reading and checking in on us, thank you! <br />
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The last month has brought me closer to God than I ever thought possible. Every day I am reminded of how much I need Him. And thankfully, every day He shows up. <br />
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We returned home on the 17th of Sep. and were greeted by an amazing sight at the airport. Friends came out very late at night to welcome home the newest Kramer with signs, flowers, cameras, hugs, stuffed monkeys, and lots of smiles and tears (mostly mine)! A dear friend that is a very talented photographer took some pics and I will post when we have them. I also hope to get video that was taken and put it into some type of creative video with music....haha....in all of my spare time:) We were truly overwhelmed and felt so cared for in so many ways!<br />
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Lots of you may know that Samuel went in for his appt. at Vanderbilt (the Down's Syndrome Clinic) for an appt. that we had scheduled before we left for Russia and had been home home just a few short days. They ended up admitting him that day for "Severe Dehydration, Constipation, and Malnutrition." We were there for 3 days and while I was with Samuel, my husband...Father of the Year!...was at home taking care of the 3rd child of the week vomiting profusely! And of course, you know what comes with that...LAUNDRY! Oh my dear husband! He is amazing! All beds were clean and everything disinfected when we returned home!<br />
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Basically, Samuel had not pooped for at least 10 days and the doctors believe from all of the blood work and x-rays that he existed these last 2 years in a constant state of dehydration and constipation. It truly breaks my heart. I won't go into detail (seriously, I almost took a picture!) but it took 2 suppositories, a full bag of IV fluids, a full enema, and 2 doses of Miralax for him to get it out!! Oh.My.Word!!! He is now on Miralax twice a day because his colon is so stretched from the constipation over the last 2 years. The hope is that if he goes once a day, it will eventually shrink and that could take many months, maybe a year.<br />
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We have gotten through some feeding issues, and although still not great, he is eating LOTS of new foods and drinking from a wide mouthed cup!!! Praise God....we are so grateful for that! And he finally LOVES the bath. To say he hated it at first is a gross understatement. Again, very grateful! He splashes like a wild man now.<br />
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As far as interacting with us and his brother and sisters, every day is better and better. We have days where he is less "smiley" and seems distant, but he has been home for less than a month and has been through so much change. We are constantly reminded that it will just take time. He also flinches and screams/crys less and less with any type of hygiene/routine care such as wiping his face, cutting his nails, diaper changes, etc... I can tell he is beginning to trust us more. I must whisper, "Mommy will be gentle" to him at least 20 times a day!<br />
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We hope to start therapy within the next month or so. Sweet boy has a long way to go and we cannot wait to see him grow more and more. Funny thing is that everyone keeps saying how different he looks and how much weight he has gained. Haha! I love it! He has actually lost almost 2 pounds...probably in poop!!! Seriously though, I think his body is actually using the nutrients he is getting and it is so cute to see all his new little sprouts of hair! His chest has filled in a bit and his skin looks less mottled to me. He is still a tiny little guy at 17 lbs and in 12 month clothing, but beginnning to grow! I truly cannot wait to see all that God has in store for this precious child!<br />
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All of the other little Kramer monkeys are doing great. Their love for Samuel is really a beautiful and very innocent picture of how amazing children think and respond. They act as if he has always been their brother...and in God's eyes he has. Of course, there are adjustments. Please know that it is not always rosey by any stretch, but overall all of our children are adjusting really well with all of the change. Emily is loving being homeschooled and we are finally getting into a groove. She amazes me daily! And Timothy is as much of a stinker as ever and truly melts me with his daily "I love you Mommy!" Today in the car he said, "you look really pretty today Mommy." Melt.My.Heart! And sweet Stella Bella...oh my goodness I cannot breathe enough of that little pumpkin in. She is truly intoxicating! From her infectious little giggle to her mischevious blue eyes, I could literally eat her up! I love my babies! Each of them brings something so sweet and perfectly their own to our family. Derek and I are blessed beyond my comprehension. God sure has been gracious to us!<br />
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As for me and Derek, we are stretching and growing closer in so many ways. We have never walked so closely and been in such desperate need of our Father. Derek is caring and very sweet, dedicated and loyal, tender and funny, a man that I never thought I would end up with. He is a gift. He challenges me and through this journey of faith and obedience, God has used Derek to teach me a lot! And praise the Lord!, we had our first real date the other night in a LONG time! It took 2 babysitters, but it was SOOOO worth it! Thank you Jessica and Juli...what a gift you are to us and our children! <br />
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Finally, I should mention that we have celebrated birthdays galore! Derek and Stella are in July. Timothy was in August (seperate post to come) and Samuel was in September. We had prayed early on with many friends that Samuel would be home by his 2nd birthday and it was such a joy to celebrate with many of those friends who are in our Community Group last Wed. night. Samuel turned 2 on Sep 28 and had his first chocolate cake. He fits right in because he LOVED it.!! We will have a party for him that literally anyone and everyone is invited to in about 2 weeks! More to come on that:)<br />
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Please keep us in your prayers. The transition is still on-going and I feel the enemy continuing to try and press in. God has been so faithful and so kind to us! I feel His presence at every turn very very deeply! I love my Lord so much and am grateful for all that He is doing in me, for refining me, and changing me! I am broken....BUT GOD!!!! He is faithful. He is true. He is so good. <br />
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Now for the pics! I know that's what you came for:):):) Enjoy them friends! And know that you ALL played a part in bringing Samuel into our family! He would not be here without you. Our eyes have seen what his future would have been and I cannot express the gratitude in our hearts that he is home and has a chance to thrive and grow into all that his heavenly Father created him to be! October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month in case you didn't know...pretty sweet timing, huh?!?:):):)<br />
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And I apologize, as much as I would love to caption every picture....well, it just isn't going to happen. Oh well, enjoy the pics anyway! They are chronological starting with our time in Moscow and then our first days home (pre-hospital stay) and then the photo where we are all on the blanket is the day our family was finally all together again. Everything that follows is in order all the way up to our zoo trip this past Sat. together as a family!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8xRLYY-LOIBtuXkvMOH9K0gWQVRs1dvomqzxucsUVVvxXBE9huWQlXhPHvNTdj1WU22Wnd63ehwxWqwJizN93QKNLcFPQMnwxOESjA5NRU97kjNQkGW_oohTYoKDp2rcumpL9w/s1600/DSC_0284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8xRLYY-LOIBtuXkvMOH9K0gWQVRs1dvomqzxucsUVVvxXBE9huWQlXhPHvNTdj1WU22Wnd63ehwxWqwJizN93QKNLcFPQMnwxOESjA5NRU97kjNQkGW_oohTYoKDp2rcumpL9w/s320/DSC_0284.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_uGhQ-dNrnU/ToqrFkrzz1I/AAAAAAAAPlg/Tq2bbRBnyFQ/s1600/DSC_0154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_uGhQ-dNrnU/ToqrFkrzz1I/AAAAAAAAPlg/Tq2bbRBnyFQ/s320/DSC_0154.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09367531439942384727noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33005910.post-31111451394337471652011-09-09T14:59:00.000-05:002011-09-09T14:59:56.085-05:00Friends....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Just a quick comment about us coming home!<br />
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Please know that while we are so excited to celebrate with you all and see your faces, we KNOW that our flight is very late and that Nashville is a good little hike from the 'Boro. Most of you will have church the next day and we totally understand all of that!<br />
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We will have plenty of time to see everyone, so if you can't make it to the airport, please feel the freedom in not coming. We so mean that! <br />
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This has changed our lives on every level! As I told a friend before, we will need you all in the hours, days, weeks, and months to come and the airport is just one night...a joyful night, but indeed <em>one</em> night! We are humbled by your ongoing support, love and care for us! We can't wait for you to meet our son...whenever that may be! We love you all so very much!!!!<br />
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So from our last night in Russia...Paka, Paka!!!<br />
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Home never looked so good!:)</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09367531439942384727noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33005910.post-2074342213994114152011-09-08T13:21:00.000-05:002011-09-08T13:21:05.555-05:00Literally a Miracle!!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">This never happens! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I still can't explain what all has taken place over the last few days. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We were originally supposed to arrive home on Wed. Sep 14 @ 9:50pm.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Today we officially changed our flights!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">WE WILL BE HOME ON SAT. 10TH @ 9:50PM!!!!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">I can't believe it and don't know how it all happened...seriously!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We are humbled and thankful and can't wait to see our kids at home and for everyone to meet Samuel!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Love you all! Hope to see you very soon!!!!!</div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09367531439942384727noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33005910.post-60233827360056368602011-09-07T14:41:00.000-05:002011-09-07T14:41:06.991-05:00Sharing Pics!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I know none of you came to hear me ramble so I will get right to it!:)<br />
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Samuel is eating a bit better and finally drinking. We are seeing some self-soothing behaviors and sometimes he is most comfortable in his crib (thank goodness the hotel had one), which quite honestly is really hard for me. It is a harsh reminder of where he has spent many many days. Let me just be frank, I don't care how "okay" a baby house or orphange looks, IT IS NO PLACE FOR A CHILD!!! <br />
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The last few days have been incredibly busy. It looks like we are getting out of the country really fast, which is amazing. That is whay we are so exhausted and a bit weary. We think there is a very real chance that we could be leaving on Sat.!!!! We should find out for sure by tom. and if so, we will go to the airport and change our flights. I might have to sell a kidney for the airfare but it's all good...We want to get Samuel home! He has an appt. with the DS clinic at Vandy next week and we are so thankful it is so soon!<br />
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We will let you know if our arrival is going to be on Sat.! Pray hard!<br />
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<div align="center"><em>Leaving court...finally the parents of Samuel James Kramer!</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zFislgdxIIM/TmfF4BXcM5I/AAAAAAAAPhM/BxxC6LOXbcs/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zFislgdxIIM/TmfF4BXcM5I/AAAAAAAAPhM/BxxC6LOXbcs/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Picking Samuel up at the Baby House and saying goodbye.</em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i78cTtUNHS0/TmfF9QF97BI/AAAAAAAAPhU/Q8m4QQE-8sc/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i78cTtUNHS0/TmfF9QF97BI/AAAAAAAAPhU/Q8m4QQE-8sc/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Final walk through these doors!</em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEp8h21YDwyLaVxpyCXgijBIoOdwTf34WW7mrQlD-3dB2AQ4pp3IejvNR3VjfhbOQbp_EIpZui1KHbnRj1uCoetGL_eNTgpo8qRjdYszrnht8eMNq0nLKQR_aP3R96ECrYQSfLdg/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEp8h21YDwyLaVxpyCXgijBIoOdwTf34WW7mrQlD-3dB2AQ4pp3IejvNR3VjfhbOQbp_EIpZui1KHbnRj1uCoetGL_eNTgpo8qRjdYszrnht8eMNq0nLKQR_aP3R96ECrYQSfLdg/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>In the car....not sure what he thought about that.</em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dxca8x1XL3I/TmfGFc-D49I/AAAAAAAAPhg/ri0pIdN5fW0/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dxca8x1XL3I/TmfGFc-D49I/AAAAAAAAPhg/ri0pIdN5fW0/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Back at the hotel in Smolensk.</em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLq8h1l1G-R1w6qCDIop7loBqMiwiEAMwJWl7pH9uB0IHxRhPiZg4W5CpxP3uFHleN1F8bmlA4dNo2HjOoFzNblaX_w6lm9sbiBd9jjT_yhNNsJQNDQpW4QeMBf2w6xwyLpqIVsg/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLq8h1l1G-R1w6qCDIop7loBqMiwiEAMwJWl7pH9uB0IHxRhPiZg4W5CpxP3uFHleN1F8bmlA4dNo2HjOoFzNblaX_w6lm9sbiBd9jjT_yhNNsJQNDQpW4QeMBf2w6xwyLpqIVsg/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Trying out his new spoon.</em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7EIk54ksg2iF3NHo6XknN9dHSQVbzhu7_F2lnQhAIcA4Mxi_QsnRfH-rsY5yhCh-v_FFvOX4D61mhLhEcSgXZLXyqLzWn_l3PD0kH4Hw-ZVJWkngWsvginhUddxHtdeNvf2abpA/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7EIk54ksg2iF3NHo6XknN9dHSQVbzhu7_F2lnQhAIcA4Mxi_QsnRfH-rsY5yhCh-v_FFvOX4D61mhLhEcSgXZLXyqLzWn_l3PD0kH4Hw-ZVJWkngWsvginhUddxHtdeNvf2abpA/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>He has the sweetest little feet. </em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p7JQCO1EOHo/TmfGQuVeWsI/AAAAAAAAPhs/kd-aLbD8xcQ/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p7JQCO1EOHo/TmfGQuVeWsI/AAAAAAAAPhs/kd-aLbD8xcQ/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjMTIZoRJlra_u4DLbhP7FBpSB3uerqwkrkYBrtUky18CsjNBasg-u0-JoaAyG7Uj-K_-JcuKLDxsZ7YYd-oaEhtgsw1LgetfPIiPmEUSq3LhuCv-_UGqIPjOwHAEoqowxiTGkg/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjMTIZoRJlra_u4DLbhP7FBpSB3uerqwkrkYBrtUky18CsjNBasg-u0-JoaAyG7Uj-K_-JcuKLDxsZ7YYd-oaEhtgsw1LgetfPIiPmEUSq3LhuCv-_UGqIPjOwHAEoqowxiTGkg/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>The sippy cup...that he won't drink out of:)</em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jHjSF1HLK6rkeDBiXH7ySpU_AViBdnsNbBstATbLEYvfDVV-XTWAEW_pWBJQrLNPvW6gTo3-fwDbCDFKm2-cUiR81zJ7gCxv-15EuQIrWJ6OXu-kelLvUoTwl8sO1HmWV-9HZA/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jHjSF1HLK6rkeDBiXH7ySpU_AViBdnsNbBstATbLEYvfDVV-XTWAEW_pWBJQrLNPvW6gTo3-fwDbCDFKm2-cUiR81zJ7gCxv-15EuQIrWJ6OXu-kelLvUoTwl8sO1HmWV-9HZA/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Flexible little guy....he has very little muscle tone in his legs.</em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjpziyz_cGVnd0UOpyHL4-AUNNygd1d7skt1-xLHC6D5J1f8gicizL-XHJ1IF_vXL48lQ4AUvTQ9Nl3l1kIS5INjP3Lj7C2r2pMk6lkTW4tM-e05zbtUcfBEshDAzYwJEhjWwlg/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjpziyz_cGVnd0UOpyHL4-AUNNygd1d7skt1-xLHC6D5J1f8gicizL-XHJ1IF_vXL48lQ4AUvTQ9Nl3l1kIS5INjP3Lj7C2r2pMk6lkTW4tM-e05zbtUcfBEshDAzYwJEhjWwlg/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>He self-soothed for a long time to get himself to sleep:(</em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ae8BmKVBRQ/TmfGhVB0sBI/AAAAAAAAPiA/io5umZ0AN1s/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ae8BmKVBRQ/TmfGhVB0sBI/AAAAAAAAPiA/io5umZ0AN1s/s320/018.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLX32ecmQ6caUHkdBnpUai_OISDMB6sfPPk0loLVV6beoYAZ403K1bhOu317MgAXa1hFm4jar5x3FrdbiLKtOQgcn32vqvyP6gk_DHBxudFVgQpS5kV_RI-FaO1PUTZCuw3G-6Yg/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLX32ecmQ6caUHkdBnpUai_OISDMB6sfPPk0loLVV6beoYAZ403K1bhOu317MgAXa1hFm4jar5x3FrdbiLKtOQgcn32vqvyP6gk_DHBxudFVgQpS5kV_RI-FaO1PUTZCuw3G-6Yg/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aj5AHRySodw/TmfGnuYVHNI/AAAAAAAAPiE/MqynVuKLrPg/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aj5AHRySodw/TmfGnuYVHNI/AAAAAAAAPiE/MqynVuKLrPg/s320/022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Asleep in Moscow...was pretty worn our after the last 24 hours.</em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEByyQpKCV5rzOqZXrWIhD8uRuRzWBZjCwS05M6NO5FQIQiPv45leMYxXxwgt4aVJIngBOa79r16Cw3R3WaZR5FlcGAkSjUClDWBnEbQ_DfyqF6MAAN9sbLI5CxkrSEkt5BFakgQ/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEByyQpKCV5rzOqZXrWIhD8uRuRzWBZjCwS05M6NO5FQIQiPv45leMYxXxwgt4aVJIngBOa79r16Cw3R3WaZR5FlcGAkSjUClDWBnEbQ_DfyqF6MAAN9sbLI5CxkrSEkt5BFakgQ/s320/024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Sweet dream buddy...you will be home soon!</em></div><br />
<div align="center"></div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09367531439942384727noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33005910.post-78036886695584598902011-09-06T12:58:00.000-05:002011-09-06T12:58:12.373-05:00Gotcha Day!!!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Guess who I am currently watching snooze away?<br />
<br />
Ivan officially became Samuel James Kramer today! We have the passport and birth certificate to prove it...that's right. All.In.One.Day!<br />
<br />
We can officially shout from the rooftops the miracle that took place. Our 10 day waiting period was waived!!! That means that today we picked our son up from his baby house...more on that later...and we will be leaving on a train back to Moscow tonight!!! You read that right....TONIGHT! Samuel will have his medical exam in the morning if all goes well. <br />
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The next days will be long especially with Samuel in tow. Everything that has ever been "normal" for him is now very different. From food, to sleep, the way we smell and sound, our touch, his routine, the children he grew up with...all very different. In the long run, it is a change that will bring life and love to this precious child...our son! But in the interim, we know things will be difficult. We can already say that he did not enjoy the shower (couldn't do a bath, and don't know if he has ever had a full one) and he really doesn't like what we tried to feed him:( <br />
<br />
Please pray that we can find something he likes to eat and that we can keep him well hydrated!<br />
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We cannot believe he is with us! And we are in awe of everything that the Lord has done!<br />
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We will share more on court and our day later. We have to pack to get on the train and are hoping that Samuel will drift easily back to sleep:)<br />
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More tomorrow!</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09367531439942384727noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33005910.post-58064085720007713982011-09-05T15:05:00.000-05:002011-09-05T15:05:16.439-05:00A Truly Incredible Day!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_bocmzt="110">Woke up early today...4am. A bit difficult to stay in bed.:)</div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="110"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="110">Had breakfast with a really handsome guy. Took a really long walk around an entire city with the same handsome guy.</div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="110"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="110">Then we waited...and waited...and waited. All totally worth it!</div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="110"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="110">Around 3 pm we headed to the only home that our son has ever known. I was actually breaking a sweat in the car driving down the bumpy road. </div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="110"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="110">We joyfully delivered a plethora of donations. WOW!!! is all I can say!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wZ6GuSKSHAM/TmUYRNbwkBI/AAAAAAAAPf0/DPRPBwoP9ts/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wZ6GuSKSHAM/TmUYRNbwkBI/AAAAAAAAPf0/DPRPBwoP9ts/s320/001.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" closure_uid_bocmzt="152" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CU4GkBWnA2W_LRCq5JoG1UQlRKzUkxbmP8uvajKDbSoLZtlIZllvsMrlOaIeLhGlq6CRiJBQyYAkRjdB_5JWct1NrClaTILcodGIkGUqFXlX3QWT631DS-H4y4zgDidx4tfQIA/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CU4GkBWnA2W_LRCq5JoG1UQlRKzUkxbmP8uvajKDbSoLZtlIZllvsMrlOaIeLhGlq6CRiJBQyYAkRjdB_5JWct1NrClaTILcodGIkGUqFXlX3QWT631DS-H4y4zgDidx4tfQIA/s320/003.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_bocmzt="152" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pretty sure the director's face conveyed the same thoughts. We had the honor of telling her that it all came from many many people!</div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="110"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="110">After a brief chat with the director, we walked to our son's room. Words can't describe the joy, the relief, the sheer emotions of the moment. We didn't think to take a picture at that moment, but his smile was enormous! And then he was in his sweet Daddy's arms...guaranteed the strongest, most gentle loving arms that have ever held him!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3rUJ6VC42jo/TmUZcj68jWI/AAAAAAAAPgA/urIKjgA1gS4/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3rUJ6VC42jo/TmUZcj68jWI/AAAAAAAAPgA/urIKjgA1gS4/s320/015.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdRBzjXP0TfIuyKIVxg4F-GE82hlBLnu5enfROp2b7EYdwkZNh1GcuzwVF8FPOSmYja4HvxKdHzlySMoScIuNAaMXElXeHLbDrr4pr7oevBW-cndfx9gMkdf5EhxeTYHZpAek2g/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdRBzjXP0TfIuyKIVxg4F-GE82hlBLnu5enfROp2b7EYdwkZNh1GcuzwVF8FPOSmYja4HvxKdHzlySMoScIuNAaMXElXeHLbDrr4pr7oevBW-cndfx9gMkdf5EhxeTYHZpAek2g/s320/016.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" closure_uid_bocmzt="179" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uVc-Kk6gPng/TmUZtmqXSlI/AAAAAAAAPgM/nI22yyvuxIs/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uVc-Kk6gPng/TmUZtmqXSlI/AAAAAAAAPgM/nI22yyvuxIs/s320/014.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_bocmzt="179" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He has grown a bit and developed. He is sitting up with more strength. He is more animated. He still loved his mommy's hair...don't think I will EVER cut it now! </div><div align="left" class="separator" closure_uid_bocmzt="179" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_bocmzt="179" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then Mommy got some sweet time with this precious little miracle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUcsfx4U-gcS-zq-R6tZS4FG_y_O19VEFsbTRvU5C_mR1fbjuBA0eZ6XyamBdo7vE2UO7UaUj-Bpg0KlMpcBeYiLKq2iQGxYatO1oDoNW4BY3xC8mIe4bG7CIfXGCKvM8zdq0fQ/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUcsfx4U-gcS-zq-R6tZS4FG_y_O19VEFsbTRvU5C_mR1fbjuBA0eZ6XyamBdo7vE2UO7UaUj-Bpg0KlMpcBeYiLKq2iQGxYatO1oDoNW4BY3xC8mIe4bG7CIfXGCKvM8zdq0fQ/s320/025.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_bocmzt="179" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And if all of this wasn't good enough, we got to play with this little pumpkin that made us laugh so hard! And I got the privellege of whispering in her ear, "your mommy and daddy are on their way."</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_bocmzt="179" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8AQQqWOkOy4/TmUbowkWlhI/AAAAAAAAPgY/Vdam6vbXcFA/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8AQQqWOkOy4/TmUbowkWlhI/AAAAAAAAPgY/Vdam6vbXcFA/s320/031.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_bocmzt="179" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then more time watching our son explore on the FLOOR!!! I was so excited about that! And as if God had not given us enough today...our favorite caregiver was there. A precious precious woman I tell you! She is full of joy and laughter. She works so hard with these little ones! For over 20 years she has served children that could never say "thank you"! She is a gift to us...a gift to our son!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xyLnke2faR4/TmUcn4r-liI/AAAAAAAAPgg/a7J6iLmVJMQ/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xyLnke2faR4/TmUcn4r-liI/AAAAAAAAPgg/a7J6iLmVJMQ/s320/028.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EckwR_QRmvs/TmUcsZkx1uI/AAAAAAAAPgk/Ny1CWlzLCPs/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EckwR_QRmvs/TmUcsZkx1uI/AAAAAAAAPgk/Ny1CWlzLCPs/s320/029.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDOXopciyYtbDbHjr1fDLOBZt6LdYPS4VsiQfGE2NouTLolJoaxIeBRmFTeNlCSBmcUO6WBKvUv7KkBhLSLViEdhRgBQVTSd7eKbX2H2ohpiJW25qeGyvMflAM6TDXCrrpVa4Zw/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDOXopciyYtbDbHjr1fDLOBZt6LdYPS4VsiQfGE2NouTLolJoaxIeBRmFTeNlCSBmcUO6WBKvUv7KkBhLSLViEdhRgBQVTSd7eKbX2H2ohpiJW25qeGyvMflAM6TDXCrrpVa4Zw/s320/030.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ii0xVxeJD3asQEXEDUTPmmikgWYVrmGmMONNCcF0TuKq_98e8v1tnzXuzMutO5iidzegqz0yteAZiSawU_8n3pHTZLxIolBSHwUZvTGMbvtohUuSpIw9khTmDYujNqgk2s5t2g/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ii0xVxeJD3asQEXEDUTPmmikgWYVrmGmMONNCcF0TuKq_98e8v1tnzXuzMutO5iidzegqz0yteAZiSawU_8n3pHTZLxIolBSHwUZvTGMbvtohUuSpIw9khTmDYujNqgk2s5t2g/s320/032.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B8oHo40jrMU/TmUc64FqZyI/AAAAAAAAPgw/ldcoTXgg8X8/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B8oHo40jrMU/TmUc64FqZyI/AAAAAAAAPgw/ldcoTXgg8X8/s320/033.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div>And then there was this sweet and gentle but very REAL reminder, when we leave with our son whom God chose for us, we leave behind these sweet faces...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEboTc6WK3o_J-8TBSy0hEc2Np3PHtSaxTyswuclACHtxl102Yf0688lGrIylhmVlPSxhhMoD9yrau5cm-7hXtSfA4s5HwfXCqH_6aNz2WMtwUv3JahonIWFoKWkUawRjjGiFWfw/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEboTc6WK3o_J-8TBSy0hEc2Np3PHtSaxTyswuclACHtxl102Yf0688lGrIylhmVlPSxhhMoD9yrau5cm-7hXtSfA4s5HwfXCqH_6aNz2WMtwUv3JahonIWFoKWkUawRjjGiFWfw/s320/021.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpw3OMitxnS2maXwCq0qJsWTV1FuaJ_ghtAS1KaT0wgC_HW7drTaiJw1xYmAvg__-88-AnyAL1xn6gDKB_nOZDnbqg4x2__NrIiP_D_ZuLaFeE8RoFaPk-9CxXhBn8q3spxGpmSw/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpw3OMitxnS2maXwCq0qJsWTV1FuaJ_ghtAS1KaT0wgC_HW7drTaiJw1xYmAvg__-88-AnyAL1xn6gDKB_nOZDnbqg4x2__NrIiP_D_ZuLaFeE8RoFaPk-9CxXhBn8q3spxGpmSw/s320/020.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4xnklsX2C4s/TmUdqwCFGMI/AAAAAAAAPg8/rQolZADjsn4/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4xnklsX2C4s/TmUdqwCFGMI/AAAAAAAAPg8/rQolZADjsn4/s320/022.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DpzoI1b1znQ/TmUdwKkhOGI/AAAAAAAAPhA/iyPtVke1y6M/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DpzoI1b1znQ/TmUdwKkhOGI/AAAAAAAAPhA/iyPtVke1y6M/s320/037.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_bocmzt="179" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and the thing is, there are more just like these two. They are desperately waiting for a mommy and daddy, for a forever family...waiting to not be outcasts. I stroked the faces of these children today. The touch of my hand calmed a sweet little soul today. That was all he wanted. Cerebral Palsy left him unwanted and now he and others lay in cribs for hours on end waiting. </div><div class="separator" closure_uid_bocmzt="179" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_bocmzt="179" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While we enjoy all that God has given us, I ask you boldy, has He called you? Has he nudged your heart and you think the calling is too great? It just takes a tiny seed of faith. You know that Bible stuff is actually real. He just wants a little bit of faith...He will do the rest. </div><div class="separator" closure_uid_bocmzt="179" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_bocmzt="179" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our house can't hold 6 people...by most people's standards. Our calendar is really busy. Life is really full. My children our really young. My husband only makes <em>this</em> much money. We don't have THAT kind of money. Our 401K needs to grow. I will lose my "ME" time. We might not have an empty nest. Getting out of our house is going to be A LOT of work. Vacations may have to wait and may never come. I will never get my laundry done. People may look at me funny in public. My "other" children will be affected. He might need serious medical care and therapy. My relationships with others might change.</div><div align="center" class="separator" closure_uid_bocmzt="179" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div align="center" closure_uid_bocmzt="110">Ashamed to say...I have thought it all.</div><div align="center" closure_uid_bocmzt="110"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="110" style="text-align: left;">There is nothing unusual about me or Derek, nothing exceptional. One of my dearest friends just released her newest album and there is a song called "White Page." You can listen to the actual song here: <a href="http://www.tanyagodsey.com/lyrics.html">http://www.tanyagodsey.com/lyrics.html</a></div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="110" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="110" style="text-align: center;"><em>"You and I we write our lines with seven days a week And in the twenty-four that each day stores we hold possibility </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br />
</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>But when we pull the shades our page is blank We chalk it up to progress a better story waits another day lost to the T.V. set </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br />
</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>We're just a white page We're just a white page The story of our days Is like a white page </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br />
</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Do our lives leave much space for the the hand of a writing God To create to sign His name on us when the work is done </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br />
</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Because the ink we hold is not our own time takes the ending And so the sun has set on my discontent Cause I don't want to leave </em></div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="200" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Another white page Another white page No the story of my days Won't be a white page </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br />
</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>In hope, in faith, in suffering we are the truth this world will read Love strikes the page, we're reckless marks we're lines that write redemption's song </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br />
</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>When we part with life there's one long page tucked into yesterday And the lines that keep once we've fallen asleep are etched in eternity </em></div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="204" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<em>On a white page On a white page The story of our names They're on a white page </em></div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="204" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="205" style="text-align: center;"><em>No won't leave a white page No the story of my days Won't be a white page" </em></div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="209"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="209">I love the line that we are the truth this world will read...we're reckless marks...we're lines that write redemption's songs!!! Christ tells us very plainly in His word, "And the King will answer them (speaking to those on His right...the righteous vs.34) 'Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.' (Matthew 25:40) As I watched with my own eyes what the touch of my hand brought to these tiny little bodies so in need of love and care and affection, I thought of how I will stand before an almighty King one day and I pray that He will be pleased with me. I prayed over a child of His and wept begging God to either bring him a family or take him home.</div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="209"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="209">My heart and my soul are forever changed. This journey has not been easy and it hasn't been without great cost and sacrifice on many levels...and believe me when I say that the enemy has been lurking at every turn. Greater is He that is in me (and you) than is in this world. I pray that I will live my days, not perfectly, but with eternity ever present and etched deeply in my soul. </div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="209"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="209">Obedience is a funny thing...as we walk more and more closely with the Father, He reveals just how much this life is not about us. I pray that as we all lay our heads down tonight and tuck our children in, we will all beg God to reveal what He might be boldly asking of us and that we won't be afraid to take that first step of obedience!</div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="209"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="209">Tonight while you sleep, we will be in court with our God going before us as He has done for many months now, asking for favor...asking for there to be one less little boy without a family. So thankful we said yes to this journey...Not one single regret! </div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="209"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="209">Gotcha Day tomorrow friends...Samuel's last night in the Baby House! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!</div><div closure_uid_bocmzt="210"><br />
</div><br />
</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09367531439942384727noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33005910.post-6304557873624515032011-09-04T12:09:00.001-05:002011-09-04T12:09:29.342-05:00We Are Here!!!...Round 2!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_mnrivl="109">After more than 25 hours, we are here at the hotel! It felt very surreal driving back into the city and actually recognizing things and knowing where we were going. Being back in Samuel's city is really wonderful!</div><div closure_uid_mnrivl="109"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_mnrivl="109">So here we go again. One difference this time is that there will be no goodbyes! We get to see Samuel around 3pm tomorrow, which is around 7am TN time on Monday. We will be taking the clothes and shoes that were donated. Also, we will take the unbelievable amount of medicine (can't wait to post those pics tomorrow)! After speaking with the director tomorrow, we will purchase multiple boxes of diapers and deliver them on Wednesday. Please pray with us that somehow they will see the hand of God in this generousity from His people and that it will stir their hearts. We pray that they will question why people would do this for these precious children and that we will be able to boldly proclaim Christ and the work of His hands!!!</div><div closure_uid_mnrivl="109"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_mnrivl="109">We miss our sweet babies at home and of course it was so hard to leave them. We know they are in good hands and that from the beginning of time, God had this road intricately planned, down to every detail, for our family! We have peace in that. Our hearts our humbled at the work of His hands and His absolute sovereignty! His name is truly mighty to be praised and I so pray that while we are here His praise will continually be on our lips!!! Thank you to each one of you for all of the ways you have involved yourself in this journey, which much sacrifice. The beautiful part is that we get to speak of what God did and is doing and that He is actually using us....that blows my mind!</div><div closure_uid_mnrivl="109"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_mnrivl="109">I have had this song on my mind for weeks and a sweet friend spoke words of encouragement to me the other day. The words she spoke were almost word for word the verses of this song that have permeated my heart and mind.</div><div closure_uid_mnrivl="109"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_mnrivl="109">"You are God alone from before time began, You are on Your throne, You are God alone"</div><div closure_uid_mnrivl="109"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_mnrivl="109">You all know the rest I am sure and if you don't look it up on YouTube!:) The words of this song speak so strongly of who God is! "You are not a God created by human hands....You are not a God in need of anything I can give. You are God, that's just the way it is!"</div><div closure_uid_mnrivl="109"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_mnrivl="109">Please pray that paperwork is speedy. Also, we will be in court while most of you sleep. Our court appointment is Tuesday at 10am here....1am in TN!</div><div closure_uid_mnrivl="109"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_mnrivl="109">Thank you friends for loving us and walking steadfastly with us! We love each and every one of you! More tomorrow!:)</div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09367531439942384727noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33005910.post-28394719961036791452011-08-28T01:01:00.001-05:002011-08-28T01:03:42.316-05:00Fun Little Giveaway!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">A sweet friend gave us a fun thing last week to give away on our blog hoping to raise the last little bit to bring our munchkin home. I can't believe that this time next week we will be in route to see him, hold him, and bring him home!<br />
<br />
<div closure_uid_3hlan2="116">We have an Insignia Digital Picture Frame. It is black with a wide format and the screen is 7". It retails for $79.99. The resolution is 480x234 and has 128 MB of internal memory.</div><div closure_uid_3hlan2="116"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_3hlan2="116">If you would like to get in on this giveaway, you can enter by donating $5. For every $5, we will enter your name once into a random drawing. Be sure to email me! And you can give on the chip in on our blog OR by clicking on Ivan's pic on the right hand sideabar (scroll down) thru RR.</div><div closure_uid_3hlan2="116"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_3hlan2="116">Since we are leaving in less than a week, the drawing will be on Thurs. night so that I am able to mail it on Fri. before we leave. </div><div closure_uid_3hlan2="116"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_3hlan2="116">Here is a pic:</div><div closure_uid_3hlan2="116"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_3hlan2="129" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrIEaumBU6X0OB3ic_QFwv_EjcHmLdAWU8e_8q_1TwX_si6lA8_ZGm-OZnUQHMoB3Y_yqNtIDBfVbxR4WbDiPUMma-EfRtqMBhnmz3xTHygl_kUtXPkYT1ixswN0403bbcv5N0w/s1600/Insignia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrIEaumBU6X0OB3ic_QFwv_EjcHmLdAWU8e_8q_1TwX_si6lA8_ZGm-OZnUQHMoB3Y_yqNtIDBfVbxR4WbDiPUMma-EfRtqMBhnmz3xTHygl_kUtXPkYT1ixswN0403bbcv5N0w/s320/Insignia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_3hlan2="129" closure_uid_tpec0a="107" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for considering! And btw...thank you to whomever gave today thru RR! That was a very sweet surprise tonight!</div><div closure_uid_3hlan2="116"><br />
</div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09367531439942384727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33005910.post-70601807927786299252011-08-25T00:47:00.000-05:002011-08-25T00:47:47.570-05:00Travel News!!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_77yjht="117">I can still remember receiving the email last December from our soon to be adoption agency outlining all of the many documents that were needed to adopt from Ivan's country and region, not to mention the hours of online courses and books to read. Only hours before I had gotten another similar email from our homestudy agency. The feeling was completely overwhelming. I remember thinking (and probably saying out loud), "how will we ever do this? I don't know how we will get all this done!" I wasn't even considering the money in that moment.</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117">Little by little we chipped away at it. We hung our only picture of Ivan in the kitchen with check off lists and celebrated everytime something else was completed. Step by step, we did it! And now here we are, 9 months later.</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117">Yesterday morning, I laid in bed debating whether or not to check my email. Finally, at 6:45am, I logged on and the tears came. I read aloud to Derek that we had a date, an official court date and time. </div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117">We will stand before a judge in less than 2 weeks on Sep. 6 at 10am (1am here) asking permission for Ivan to be our son forever! </div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117">Because of time change and needing to be there to see him before court the day before, we will leave here on Sep. 3! That is 1 week from this Sat.!!!! Can we say that complete freaking out is totally called for?!? We have so many things to do. My head is swimming with the details...childcare, meals, last minute purchases (pack n play, sling, etc.), gathering donations for his baby house, apostilling extra documents, confirming airfare, details of travel, and on and on. Only by the grace of God!!!!</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117">Thank you all for praying with us and rejoicing with us during this time! Ivan Samuel coming into our family is happening because many many people stepped in and made it happen...a beautiful picture of sacrifice and obedience. Thank you just doesn't do it! Just.So.Grateful.</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117">We can't wait for you all to meet him! Right now, we are estimating that we will return on Sep. 14th. We would love to see as many of you at the airport as possible. I can't even believe we are at this part of our journey! We will keep everyone updated on our return information.</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117">And because many of you have asked, our adoption t shirts are getting picked up tomorrow! I am so excited to see them. Also, we think that we are about $2000 away from being fully funded (we sold our car and that really helped, YAY!)...talk about a big God that we serve. It may seem like a lot to come up with in 2 weeks, but last Dec. I had no clue how we were going to come up with $30k plus! I can't even believe that we are almost there...so close! Our chip in is still open and this is important, if you want to give tax-deductible, our <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/sponsorkramer">family page</a> through Reece's Rainbow will only allow donations until he is home. Once home, we move to a different page and donating to our grant is not possible.</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117">Finally, some of you have asked to help with donations for the baby house. Leaving many children behind will probably be one of the hardest parts of this final trip. What a beautiful thing it would be to leave them with many requested items!</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117">Here is the list:</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117">***Tyenol (generic is fine....need children's and infants)</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117">***Ibuprofen (again generic is fine...children's and infants)</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117">***Diaper Creme</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117">***Hydrocortisone 1%</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117">***Teething Medicine</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117">***Pedialyte (they make a powder now that is mixed with water, obviously the bottles are too heavy)</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117">***Cothing and Shoes</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117">***Monetary donations for diapers (a large box that we would buy here between $25-30 is $50 + there)</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117">Anything that you can donate will be such a blessing and I will be glad to pick it up. If you go to church with us, this will be our last Sunday before we leave. We are trying to figure out a good spot to drop off.</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117">Thank you all for being on this journey with us. It has been a wild ride and God has shown himself to be so true and so faithful! May He continue to be glorified over and over and over again in all of the details!</div><div closure_uid_77yjht="117"><br />
</div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09367531439942384727noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33005910.post-80689239634912567082011-08-17T16:17:00.000-05:002011-08-17T16:17:19.841-05:00Guess we'll have to wait...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">no news today and considering it is after 1 am there, I can safely assume that our facilitator has put her sweet little head to rest.<br />
<br />
Oh well! I keep thinking that maybe the person that is coming to look at our car tomorrow will buy it and we will have a car sold AND a travel date all in one day!!!<br />
<br />
My mind has truly been a battlefield today! The enemy has really tried pressing in, but God is good and I have focused on other things and had to choose to trust Him. <br />
<br />
Here is looking forward to the possibility of tomorrow!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iBqrOFTCTos/TkwvptL9aNI/AAAAAAAAPfE/o3Yo53BrVtk/s1600/CIMG0695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" naa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iBqrOFTCTos/TkwvptL9aNI/AAAAAAAAPfE/o3Yo53BrVtk/s320/CIMG0695.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This little pumpkin sure is worth the wait! Father, please keep him well!</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09367531439942384727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33005910.post-80494075199339580302011-08-16T16:35:00.001-05:002011-08-16T16:37:52.382-05:00Please Pray With Us Tonight!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_al14r="119"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1QyZPXwa39VoZxUzasCPn38SHZ5ojQugEY_SkHv2V6BapV9ZHkRJRLvTEICGdrAzdmAcMWDB0ofiO6bMmRHAjO7USK6KFSCz3eoSDhNv7BIM1rXtjueJIHB6-rjfXRbfyWkhNA/s1600/CIMG0704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1QyZPXwa39VoZxUzasCPn38SHZ5ojQugEY_SkHv2V6BapV9ZHkRJRLvTEICGdrAzdmAcMWDB0ofiO6bMmRHAjO7USK6KFSCz3eoSDhNv7BIM1rXtjueJIHB6-rjfXRbfyWkhNA/s320/CIMG0704.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" closure_uid_al14r="133" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ks5xkcO0pL0/Tkrih_TqWnI/AAAAAAAAPeo/K9G9fxArEQY/s1600/CIMG0729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" naa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ks5xkcO0pL0/Tkrih_TqWnI/AAAAAAAAPeo/K9G9fxArEQY/s320/CIMG0729.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_al14r="133" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Absolutely <em><strong>longing</strong></em> to hold this child again!</div><div closure_uid_al14r="119"><br />
</div>Friends!<br />
<br />
We need you prayers! Our son and other children in his baby house need your prayers!<br />
<br />
<div closure_uid_al14r="118"><div closure_uid_e0i9oa="97">Our son's country is ahead of us by 9 hours...clock is on the right hand sidebar. So tonight as we are sleeping, our facilitator (incredible woman) will meet with the judge that we will soon stand before and ask permission for a court date so that we may ask permission to bring Ivan Samuel into his forever family! </div></div><br />
Will you please pray that we have favor with this judge? Specifically:<br />
<br />
<div closure_uid_al14r="117"> ***Pray that we will not have to submit any more paperwork! We have spent a little over $600 in document prep. and mailing in the last month or so. </div><div closure_uid_al14r="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_al14r="117">***Pray that our court date will be soon!! From the very beginning, we have begged that God would allow him to be home for his 2nd birthday which is Sep. 28th!</div><div closure_uid_al14r="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_al14r="117">***This is a BIG one!!! Please please please pray that Ivan's region will waive our 10 day waiting period, drastically reducing the time we are in country. That means so much if we don't have the 10 day waiting period...expenses, logistics with children at home, travel with Ivan Samuel, me being in country by myself, paying for childcare while I am away for 3 weeks, and on and on... Plus, I won't lie, I am a little scared to be there by myself for that long.</div><div closure_uid_al14r="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_al14r="117">***Pray that our adoption swings the door WIDE open to more adoptions of children with special needs and of course with Down Syndrome in his region. Pray that God is glorified and magnified in our decision to adopt Ivan Samuel and that people will see HIS hands all over us and this story of redemption. </div><div closure_uid_al14r="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_al14r="117">***And please pray the judges heart will be soft towards us and families coming behind us in the same journey.</div><div closure_uid_al14r="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_al14r="117">I can't tell you what your prayers mean and we will post as soon as we get word....oh Lord, please let that be tomorrow. Until we hear, we will attempt to rest in His perfect timing!</div><div closure_uid_al14r="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_al14r="117"><br />
</div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09367531439942384727noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33005910.post-91387801963521439622011-08-12T12:40:00.000-05:002011-08-12T12:40:09.991-05:00A Name For Our Son!!...and T-Shirts Unveiled!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_sk9xt8="116">For many many months you have all known our son as Ivan. We have grown to love him as Ivan. Our hope and prayer was that there was some special reason that he was named Ivan. Oh how I had hoped that we would find out his birthmother had chosen his name before giving him up. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Ivan was born on Sep. 28, 2009 and his parents signed away their parental rights on Sep. 30, 2009 when he was just 2 days old. Our sweet son was given a very common name for an orphaned boy by the hospital. He actually is not even referred to at his baby house as Ivan. They call him Vanya, which would be like calling someone named John by Johnny instead.</div><div closure_uid_sk9xt8="116"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_sk9xt8="116">After returning home, Derek and I quickly agreed that it never felt right calling him Ivan or Vanya while we were there with him. After lots of thought and prayer we decided that his name would change, that we would CHOOSE a name for our son who has been CHOSEN! We had always strongly considered Samuel as a middle name hoping we would keep Ivan. Instead, Samuel will be his new name...the name that his mommy and daddy have chosen for him, the name that we believe God put on our hearts just for him! </div><div closure_uid_sk9xt8="116"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_sk9xt8="116">His middle name will be James. That name was chosen because of 2 things. We have been walking through and studying the book of Proverbs and James at our church and it has so changed my heart in so many ways. I still can't believe how perfect the timing was to walk through James! A dear family friend that is a faithful follower and lover of God is the other reason. His name is James, Jim to Derek's family. He even has a son adopted from Ivan's country. I have never even met him, but from all the letters we receive from him and the way he has prayed and cared for my husband, I know him to be a man that loves the Lord and follows after Him and we respect him very much!</div><div closure_uid_sk9xt8="116"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_sk9xt8="116">So there you have it.....our son's new name will be Samuel James Kramer!!! So excited to see that in print! It will be a transition for everyone to start calling him Samuel....that is the hard part. And we know it will take awhile! We plan on calling him Ivan Samuel for a while and then eventually dropping Ivan. </div><div closure_uid_sk9xt8="116"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_sk9xt8="116">So to celebrate the announcement of our son's new name, we have a little something to share. I have been sooooo excited to share this. We had been thinking and thinking about a t-shirt design and then one night Derek shared this image that he had in his mind. It was an image of a little person drawn as Ivan in his country and then lots and lots of people in the U.S. pulling him home to us. The main idea being that there have been so so many hands, so many people from all over that have helped to rescue our son. There is NO way that we could have done this alone! No way! If you have prayed, helped, given in any way, you are a part of this beautiful redemption story and we are grateful! So here it is:</div><div closure_uid_sk9xt8="116"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_sk9xt8="116"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_sk9xt8="116" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">FRONT</span></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_sk9xt8="189" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg41kAtdSAv0V5Xm5DRtonrpd_kIqHi8wqv7EEZBeumRTfmaahAju4wg-oicFDf4ig6ChJXnw52907IVkS5s_YUuQOiYDB8gxrlRgSq8iJzrQke5s35x6E1w9no4t2ChHZVqG_JRA/s1600/adoption+t+shirt+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg41kAtdSAv0V5Xm5DRtonrpd_kIqHi8wqv7EEZBeumRTfmaahAju4wg-oicFDf4ig6ChJXnw52907IVkS5s_YUuQOiYDB8gxrlRgSq8iJzrQke5s35x6E1w9no4t2ChHZVqG_JRA/s320/adoption+t+shirt+front.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_sk9xt8="189" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">BACK</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" closure_uid_sk9xt8="190" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkV09vN5fmhdPUVDBB1PQbBuJYXKDQYFBGj1X3iyh8R5W0XOfJ1_G_hqI-EE-RtPkduMHgnkFi9QSNAUI0VXxVLOWjvhmtMo1emPQEHg5hcMoD8_4KlN4J4PRI7yceDEJQOUDLcA/s1600/adoption+t+shirt+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkV09vN5fmhdPUVDBB1PQbBuJYXKDQYFBGj1X3iyh8R5W0XOfJ1_G_hqI-EE-RtPkduMHgnkFi9QSNAUI0VXxVLOWjvhmtMo1emPQEHg5hcMoD8_4KlN4J4PRI7yceDEJQOUDLcA/s320/adoption+t+shirt+back.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_sk9xt8="190" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The shirts will be light blue with dark blue writing. On one of the sleeves, it will have Samuel James and Ivan in parenthesis. </div><div class="separator" closure_uid_sk9xt8="190" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_sk9xt8="190" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Each shirt, regardless of size, will be $15. We will have youth sizes small through large and Adult sizes small through X-large! They are a "Modern Fit" meaning they fit a little more snug than a regular more boxy fitting t-shirt (keep that in mind when ordering). </div><div class="separator" closure_uid_sk9xt8="190" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_sk9xt8="190" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We tried to keep the cost low so that the shirts would be more accessible to more people hoping and praying that Ivan Samuel's story would be heard all over and people will be moved to ACT on behalf of all orphans, especially those that are born with special needs. </div><div class="separator" closure_uid_sk9xt8="190" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_sk9xt8="190" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can send a check or order through the chip-in on our blog. If you would like to got through RR (tax deductible) route, you can do that too. <span closure_uid_sk9xt8="192" style="color: red;">This is the important part.</span> Please leave a comment or let me know that you have paid, how you paid and what sizes you need. Obviously if you are not in my area, I will need a shipping address. My email is <a href="mailto:karenpkramer@gmail.com">karenpkramer@gmail.com</a>. With the start of homeschooling for the first time and a final court date and travel on the horizon, I could easily miss a payment if there isn't an email or comment that follows, so please don't forget that step.</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_sk9xt8="190" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_sk9xt8="190" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you all love the shirts. The people that did the art have been awesome to work with. Let me know if you want their name! I have just loved seeing Derek's ideas in print....so much fun. And I sure hope to see lots of people all over sharing how big God is and how He has used His people in the life of ONE CHILD!! He continally blows me away!</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_sk9xt8="190" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_sk9xt8="190" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I sure hope our next post is about me freaking out completely because we have travel dates and have to watch God provide, yet again, at JUST the perfect time! Happy Friday....and weekend!!!</div><div closure_uid_sk9xt8="116"><br />
</div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09367531439942384727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33005910.post-1529036973573047902011-08-03T11:48:00.004-05:002011-08-03T23:36:06.956-05:00We Are Getting So Close!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Well, some fun news to share. Unfortunately it isn't a court date...yet:)<br />
<br />
First of all, Derek and I want to say that we are humbled beyond words. I feel like we have said that so many times that it could become trite, but there is no other way that we can think to express our gratitude for the selflessness that we have been drenched in!<br />
<br />
<div closure_uid_5zp60b="112"><div closure_uid_y3dtiv="97"><div closure_uid_fk8zt3="105">The other day I just happened to check our Reece's Rainbow family page and when I saw the amount, I had to do a double-take. I immediately emailed Michelle (thanks Michelle:) and she sent me a list of new donors in July. We had some dear friends give us $600 at the beginning of July, so that large amount we knew about. (They were going to buy a new camera and God told them otherwise. I still can't wrap my mind around that one.) I had not expected to see the amount rise much after that because many of our friends have already given (and really sacrificed) and I have exhausted many of my pleas for help by way of FB and our blog. </div></div></div><div closure_uid_5zp60b="112"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_5zp60b="112">Honestly, the asking for money part is just plain hard and I feel like we have tapped people out. We have had neighbors give us money and donated items for our yard sale and friends hold yard sales in different states (including Ivan's warrior), and a friend donate time, money, and energy to do photography sessions and then donated ALL proceeds. Immediately before our first trip to meet Ivan, we had donations coming from people all over and some checks were $300 or more, including a ridiculous donation from some friends that were in the midst of writing their own crazy ginormous checks for their own adoption. We had a yard sale, sold gold (haha), a big event on FB, giveaways through our blog, and a HUGE music benefit and unbelievable silent auction that so many of YOU helped with. I have contacted Chick Fil A about a spirit night and I have a couple of things that I am working on pertaining to grants. We are trying to sell cars...yes that is plural:) And I am sure that there are other things that we could be doing as well. And forgive me if I have forgotten anything that you personally may have done for our son....my brain is a bit fuzzy!:) </div><div closure_uid_5zp60b="112"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_5zp60b="112">Unfortunately we are still not fully funded to travel once we get our court date, which should be very soon. So at this point the "asking" feels even harder. And because we are not "actively fundraising" I SURE did not expect our grant amount to go up! But I should have trusted and known that God is working even when we are not. He has been working on people's hearts and I have had NOTHING to do with that!!! </div><div closure_uid_5zp60b="112"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_5zp60b="112">Derek and I were shocked, completely shocked to find out that we have a list of donors from July, whom we HAVE NEVER MET, giving amounts ranging from $10 to $715!!! Yes you read that right. And while I have no way of knowing who you are, I want to say thank you!! And if that wasn't enough, just days after finding that out, our friends donated another large amount. We are just blown away. God is spoiling us, beyond our wildest dreams, He is showing up in ways that I could not have ever imagined. We are so undeserving of all the support that you have shown us and we feel so blessed and loved! Thank you, thank you, thank you!</div><div closure_uid_5zp60b="112"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_5zp60b="112">So if that wasn't enough fun for you to hear all that God is doing, I will share a couple of other things. </div><div closure_uid_5zp60b="112"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_5zp60b="112">We have a name for our son!!! There are some wonderful things surrounding his name and we can't wait to share. But that will be a separate post. And I am so excited to say that I met with the nicest guy yesterday and he is designing shirts for us to sell for the adoption. They are going to be AMAZING! My awesome husband (he is so creative) came up with a REALLY REALLY cool idea that illustrates how many hands and hearts have sacrificed and given to change the life of the cutest little boy whom you have never met...thousands of miles away! Ivan's reality, without a family, would have been transfer to a really dark place with very little chance of survival. We have seen the truth of this and know it to be true. He is being rescued because of the obedience of many and ultimately because we serve a really HUGE God!!! The art (the people doing the art are awesome...be glad to share info) on these shirts will hopefully be a way to share about the mission of God and His love for orphans in a really tangible way!</div><div closure_uid_5zp60b="112"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_5zp60b="112"><div closure_uid_eo9aax="97">I will post about Ivan's new name later this week...YAY! And I will be taking preorders for our adoption shirts...more to come on that later too.</div><div closure_uid_eo9aax="97"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_eo9aax="97">We have started a new chip-in on our blog (not tax deductible...RR IS!!!) because the other one ended at the end of July. I had hoped we would be fully funded by then. We are about $10K away from what we need and that may be on the conservative side. We owe our agency another $5,500 and then we have all of our travel fees including flights, visas, Ivan's passport, birth certificate, medicals, lodging, travel in country, etc... We hope to use donated and personal miles for part of our flights next time so that could change how much we need. Also, we could be in R***** for about 7 days together OR Derek could be with me for a few days and then I would be there for close to 3 weeks. It all depends on if we get our 10 day wait waived...pray hard!! That is why we aren't sure about how much we still need. Like I said we are on the conservative side and the Chip-In is set for $8K. We will update as we get closer to our goal!</div></div><div closure_uid_5zp60b="112"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_5zp60b="112">Again...thank you for giving and for your time and energy and mostly your obedience! Our family would not have been able to answer this call to rescue our son without you!!!</div><div closure_uid_5zp60b="112"><br />
</div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09367531439942384727noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33005910.post-14084531012616995802011-07-26T23:46:00.001-05:002011-07-27T10:33:33.297-05:00Stella Grace is 1!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_i967hk="117">I am so thankful, so very thankful for technology. Tonight Derek was able to recover our pictures of Stella's Birthday party!!! I had not realized that the pictures that I took on her actual birthday were on the card as well. Had Derek not been able to recover them, we would have nothing! I realize it may seem trivial to be so emotional over pictures when there are such bigger things going on around us, but for this seemingly small thing, I am so glad!</div><div closure_uid_i967hk="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_i967hk="117">Now on to our baby girl's celebration! We had such an absolutely wonderful time celebrating the first year of Stella Grace's life!! Stella is such a fun little girl. She has so much personality and is the happiest little munchkin. To hear her cry could just rip your heart out because it just doesn't happen very often. Although, she definitely lets herself be heard! She rarely cries but has a very loud little voice. </div><div closure_uid_i967hk="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_i967hk="117">Stella loves to explore. She is taking about 5 steps at a time right now and is all over the place, even conquering the stiars...yikes! She is also really tiny, much smaller than her brother and sister were at that age, still wearing 9-12 month clothing. But she is very strong....I guess all of our children are like their daddy in that gene department! I was shocked about 2 weeks ago when she climbed up on Timothy's bed all by herself and she can climb up to the 2nd step on Emily's bunkbed ladder, though I try to discourage that!:) </div><div closure_uid_i967hk="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_i967hk="117"><div closure_uid_z6v3rc="108">Currently she is trying to talk a lot. Her favorite words right now are "dada" and "ni-night." She also says a Korean baby word for food "MaMa", "all done", "Bear Bear" (our dog), "puppy", and "baby". She is also signing the words please, more, all done, eat, diaper, water, and she blows kisses and loves to wave. Recently everytime she wants her drink she does the cutest thing where she moves her tongue back and forth between her lips...oh my word, it is so cute! </div></div><div closure_uid_i967hk="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_i967hk="117">Most of all, Stella LOVES to laugh!!! She is so playful and giggles all of the time. I can just look at her with a silly face and she cracks up! She is just such a joy and source of light in our family! Her brother and sister adore her and Derek and I are completely smitten. Stella Grace has brought so much love and laughter and sweetness into our home! I think about her first name a lot, which came from my great grandma Stella. The first thing that comes to mind when I think about her is how sweet she was and it makes our Stella's name even more fitting! Her great great grandma Stella would have just eaten her up! </div><div closure_uid_i967hk="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_i967hk="117">Stella's actual birthday was July 12 and I took the kids to the pool that day, which ended up being not very fun due to weather. But we ended the day with dinner and SG's first ice cream cone...and she ate the WHOLE thing! Did I mention that to be so petite, she LOVES to eat!?! Stella's birthday party was the following weekend and we had so much fun. We have wanted to do Korean BBQ for each of our children's first birthday parties, which always tend to be a bit bigger, and this time we finally did it. Derek's mom worked so hard that afternoon and they were only here for 2 days. Everyone loved it and it was a really fun time. </div><div closure_uid_i967hk="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_i967hk="117">Although we didn't have an official "Dohl" for Stella, which is the traditional birthday celebration for Korean children on their first birthday, we did the fun little part where we put different items out on a blanket and waited for Stella to crawl to something. She chose the microphone (which is obviously a modern addition to a traditional ceremony) and it could not have been more fitting! Emily chose a computer mouse and Timothy chose a ball....all very appropriate:) And in case you are wondering or new to our blog, my handsome hubby is half Korean. </div><div closure_uid_i967hk="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_i967hk="117">We of course ended Stella's party with cake! She loved that part, of course. We were so thankful for all of the friend's that joined us to celebrate the first year of Stella Grace's life. It was truly a fun day filled with lots and lots memories. One of the funniest was when the balloons on Stella's highchair accidentally floated peacefully away and Timothy totally LOST it!!! I had told him that he could have one when the party was over and his sleep deprivation mixed with the balloon escape put him over the edge (funny pic below:). </div><div closure_uid_i967hk="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_i967hk="117">With the soon addition of another big brother for SG, my heart is very very full! Life with multiple young children is challenging, no doubt (and I sure hear this a lot..."wow you have your hands full!"). But I will say that this season of life is filled with truly seeing the goodness and grace of God Daily! I am so flawed and have so much to learn about being a mom that chooses to seek the Lord and His wisdom and patience every day. One of the reasons that I am so grateful for the gift of my children is that God uses their little lives to constantly put my sin and selfishness before me. Without them, I would really be a mess. The Lord uses them to change me and humble me on a daily basis. </div><div closure_uid_i967hk="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_i967hk="117">What a blessing to celebrate a whole year of health and blessings with Stella Grace!!! We are thankful for her life and all she has brought to our family. We love you Stella...you are one sweet little pumpkin!!</div><div closure_uid_i967hk="117"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_i967hk="117">Now for the pictures...probably went overboard, but figured Stella doesn't get enough blogtime anyway so here goes:) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a closure_uid_i967hk="181" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-knq_mD1y9cU/Ti-TEDdTcBI/AAAAAAAAPb4/nYL3WRSiyCk/s1600/File0584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-knq_mD1y9cU/Ti-TEDdTcBI/AAAAAAAAPb4/nYL3WRSiyCk/s320/File0584.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Waiting on the thunder to stop so we can swim</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5r1r7fBi1rGXbgYyVG5LKfnnZ5Zm7YVeNq7yHObXL4owy75KrgO4yrTtrr0v08Jm_aX0Nt6TFIKM1GdRpbThkorqqYnulW-oygpsvYXKE7ESl4pxL7YiIlT5j6rShd2kIR-znA/s1600/File0588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5r1r7fBi1rGXbgYyVG5LKfnnZ5Zm7YVeNq7yHObXL4owy75KrgO4yrTtrr0v08Jm_aX0Nt6TFIKM1GdRpbThkorqqYnulW-oygpsvYXKE7ESl4pxL7YiIlT5j6rShd2kIR-znA/s320/File0588.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a closure_uid_i967hk="199" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rt1_9hjcFAY/Ti-TLUQq2qI/AAAAAAAAPcA/ZPfoZbF9sWU/s1600/File0598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rt1_9hjcFAY/Ti-TLUQq2qI/AAAAAAAAPcA/ZPfoZbF9sWU/s320/File0598.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First ice cream cone...she ate it ALL!</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_i967hk="217" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L8bWU-Xi3ME/Ti-TOe8ZZdI/AAAAAAAAPcE/S6wxiT2Obkg/s1600/File0610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L8bWU-Xi3ME/Ti-TOe8ZZdI/AAAAAAAAPcE/S6wxiT2Obkg/s320/File0610.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_i967hk="217" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He is such a goofball!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a closure_uid_i967hk="219" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJq65fd4chS_G8DQgdd6aYnFrY3kWbK-GNRso4z4eThUoBZXOPTjPrhvyOGUlMbUjmeYAlo7J_xBFoyBuJ0ISF28W1WELvBRVpIlrui-hH9oH26ZSsKdK094F9-X3vv6VWh5hFDw/s1600/File0620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJq65fd4chS_G8DQgdd6aYnFrY3kWbK-GNRso4z4eThUoBZXOPTjPrhvyOGUlMbUjmeYAlo7J_xBFoyBuJ0ISF28W1WELvBRVpIlrui-hH9oH26ZSsKdK094F9-X3vv6VWh5hFDw/s320/File0620.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was so yummy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a closure_uid_i967hk="238" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsrFwOy7cwUlgpqR-B9kqlBpiJAN_ALUWy_RWgVkhzciUisV1cvaKBSv9jB-2aS_F8C1DzBSQ_ceoTVhsbLI-zh6Z1uMkD5la1zUTYAsyODepFKK6aYDoZ9pdik0lDcMjSA4JIg/s1600/File0630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsrFwOy7cwUlgpqR-B9kqlBpiJAN_ALUWy_RWgVkhzciUisV1cvaKBSv9jB-2aS_F8C1DzBSQ_ceoTVhsbLI-zh6Z1uMkD5la1zUTYAsyODepFKK6aYDoZ9pdik0lDcMjSA4JIg/s320/File0630.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">SG's cake table (we tried to sneak one in there for her daddy too who had a bday just 4 days after hers)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a closure_uid_i967hk="255" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65h9rGqIfVEOOP_Rbg8Gqvi76ZzsZvIfwZ-bJJZmzts9oJbUGHLibjFNP7H7AKN33WS5WvYqz7Bs9We_Rl6rXTPlqQL2cfqcql0pUzqJrJfVp7u9ivfzTf2f4gVwXhOzPt0jnbw/s1600/File0647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65h9rGqIfVEOOP_Rbg8Gqvi76ZzsZvIfwZ-bJJZmzts9oJbUGHLibjFNP7H7AKN33WS5WvYqz7Bs9We_Rl6rXTPlqQL2cfqcql0pUzqJrJfVp7u9ivfzTf2f4gVwXhOzPt0jnbw/s320/File0647.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stella LOVES LOVES LOVES her daddy!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a closure_uid_i967hk="273" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zZbL8cMUPME/Ti-TaVSyMBI/AAAAAAAAPcY/kTwuXZ2GeeE/s1600/File0655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zZbL8cMUPME/Ti-TaVSyMBI/AAAAAAAAPcY/kTwuXZ2GeeE/s320/File0655.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Could eat her up!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a closure_uid_i967hk="291" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zzRW1TDp72A/Ti-TiFqdwPI/AAAAAAAAPcc/0RgpVy-mWQY/s1600/File0657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zzRW1TDp72A/Ti-TiFqdwPI/AAAAAAAAPcc/0RgpVy-mWQY/s320/File0657.JPG" t$="true" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Emily sweetly holding our youngest guest, Gabe.</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_i967hk="309" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d2ENYOElRIk/Ti-TnlUa_tI/AAAAAAAAPcg/8LbshTlzBbI/s1600/File0666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d2ENYOElRIk/Ti-TnlUa_tI/AAAAAAAAPcg/8LbshTlzBbI/s320/File0666.JPG" t$="true" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_i967hk="309" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No words for this one....thank you <a href="http://www.rebekahbakerphotography.com/">Rebekah</a>! Her photography is simply amazing and she snapped this one (and others) for us!</div><br />
<div class="separator" closure_uid_i967hk="338" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i6OOksDr8Zw/Ti-TqQcnD9I/AAAAAAAAPco/NeOC1-0v3nw/s1600/File0669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i6OOksDr8Zw/Ti-TqQcnD9I/AAAAAAAAPco/NeOC1-0v3nw/s320/File0669.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_i967hk="338" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Precious little girl!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Y-ftj6wjCY/Ti-Tt_FEnLI/AAAAAAAAPcs/mqeHjWXOKxs/s1600/File0673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Y-ftj6wjCY/Ti-Tt_FEnLI/AAAAAAAAPcs/mqeHjWXOKxs/s320/File0673.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" closure_uid_i967hk="340" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZ8KlBDM_OE/Ti-Txo_cy6I/AAAAAAAAPcw/6VfTzXrC-Eo/s1600/File0687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZ8KlBDM_OE/Ti-Txo_cy6I/AAAAAAAAPcw/6VfTzXrC-Eo/s320/File0687.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_i967hk="340" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Choosing the microphone.</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_i967hk="342" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-msCVdUbgVco/Ti-T0vUdLaI/AAAAAAAAPc0/1smLK0uiYGE/s1600/File0692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-msCVdUbgVco/Ti-T0vUdLaI/AAAAAAAAPc0/1smLK0uiYGE/s320/File0692.JPG" t$="true" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_i967hk="342" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Poor distraught little guy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qcCalKQ50nA/Ti-T6CztELI/AAAAAAAAPc4/aAxtv8F04kc/s1600/File0701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qcCalKQ50nA/Ti-T6CztELI/AAAAAAAAPc4/aAxtv8F04kc/s320/File0701.JPG" t$="true" width="214" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtzZ4IVkCzA0RAd1J9VsUw5anWBlqur_fKnxz6bovjMgf6PvrmuuX_044zo4tQPulhpUMMYDU6ULxYOOYAjtE7lNaa5wyxcNJ34H8OSBHUbHGiHp_gDtfdH0vhSihFPLzXyHYIg/s1600/File0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtzZ4IVkCzA0RAd1J9VsUw5anWBlqur_fKnxz6bovjMgf6PvrmuuX_044zo4tQPulhpUMMYDU6ULxYOOYAjtE7lNaa5wyxcNJ34H8OSBHUbHGiHp_gDtfdH0vhSihFPLzXyHYIg/s320/File0713.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" closure_uid_i967hk="344" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a closure_uid_i967hk="346" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgIIqOXE4z8Ey1dCdxegqsXgF__7wx0Me1BO3Z3gU47Kb9bCkmG4hTJtIx3t3yokhyphenhyphenogPHkMDb4cif8Xj_tEJZG9p5V3DLFVLT9cMpdsT4WWZq3PFEAjtFO14cWhcAQd85MPZvQ/s1600/File0714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgIIqOXE4z8Ey1dCdxegqsXgF__7wx0Me1BO3Z3gU47Kb9bCkmG4hTJtIx3t3yokhyphenhyphenogPHkMDb4cif8Xj_tEJZG9p5V3DLFVLT9cMpdsT4WWZq3PFEAjtFO14cWhcAQd85MPZvQ/s320/File0714.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_i967hk="344" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First cake...yummy!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzLqVdeNRNp_FHVy3912SWCq-s1bXEdGx2yeEK7pLEspCxFK3x8za6t7IYVk29EcFplpGHmIVPU-8xGwHFWK2zR-xpGCYBb-hgLG18Jxx2AjSXZbmQkxutuM-jC6kmVTtjMys5A/s1600/File0720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzLqVdeNRNp_FHVy3912SWCq-s1bXEdGx2yeEK7pLEspCxFK3x8za6t7IYVk29EcFplpGHmIVPU-8xGwHFWK2zR-xpGCYBb-hgLG18Jxx2AjSXZbmQkxutuM-jC6kmVTtjMys5A/s320/File0720.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" closure_uid_i967hk="363" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cEqfMRW2GIU/Ti-UJUX_13I/AAAAAAAAPdM/gal9xT8nscA/s1600/File0723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cEqfMRW2GIU/Ti-UJUX_13I/AAAAAAAAPdM/gal9xT8nscA/s320/File0723.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_i967hk="363" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My mom made these beautiful cake pops...so delicious!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a closure_uid_i967hk="365" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UdrgCnx-8rM/Ti-UMx8GnnI/AAAAAAAAPdQ/20ZJyPZzkWg/s1600/File0731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UdrgCnx-8rM/Ti-UMx8GnnI/AAAAAAAAPdQ/20ZJyPZzkWg/s320/File0731.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What a mess she made!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a closure_uid_i967hk="383" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZL7tsQEwgDQ/Ti-UQtihgjI/AAAAAAAAPdU/wwHYFFpqNYY/s1600/File0756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZL7tsQEwgDQ/Ti-UQtihgjI/AAAAAAAAPdU/wwHYFFpqNYY/s320/File0756.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Opening a few presents. Her dress was a gift from Uncle Sean last Christmas. I am still amazed that he picked it out. She was so cute in it!</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_i967hk="401" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvqrS9ZcOWalILVcZYa7ngfQpCOaaCrHZ6z3ZBuq2nOJGUvH41M6R25hGLa-TWOXNH9DdPnwSn31bWuR9IzJyi3Qs764_8LYu6e6_ic_78aKswtfAgGKTplMXttCHMszU1uBq1w/s1600/File0763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvqrS9ZcOWalILVcZYa7ngfQpCOaaCrHZ6z3ZBuq2nOJGUvH41M6R25hGLa-TWOXNH9DdPnwSn31bWuR9IzJyi3Qs764_8LYu6e6_ic_78aKswtfAgGKTplMXttCHMszU1uBq1w/s320/File0763.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_i967hk="401" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Birthday Stella Bella!!! You are SO loved!!!</div><div closure_uid_i967hk="117"><br />
</div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09367531439942384727noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33005910.post-10246763399151218592011-07-26T15:42:00.001-05:002011-07-26T15:43:56.202-05:00Our Baby Girl Had a Fun 1st Birthday!...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">too bad I can't show pictures to prove it.<br />
<br />
As I loaded the SD card in the computer last night to post on sweet little Stella Grace's first birthday party, my heart sunk! The computer kept saying that the card needed to be formatted. What? So I put it back in the camera to see what would happen....said the same thing. I had just used the camera with that card the day before so I was baffled. All to say that we think there is a good chance that the pictures from Stella's very first birthday are lost. I honestly am trying to keep perspective about that but I really feel like I could throw up.<br />
<br />
If anyone has ever had something similar happen and you have an idea of how to save or retrieve the pics, please le me know. I am just sick about it and want so badly to have those memories of our baby girl's fun day! Thanks in advance if anyone has any idea of how to help.</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09367531439942384727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33005910.post-80953541713755582672011-07-14T14:51:00.001-05:002011-07-14T14:52:12.308-05:00Missing This Sweet Face Today...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfkWpWxAS7G1AhN3hs6slP-7-dl_puKVQ0GT9pjJxTcy4IFzZF9ulw63kCYVvZRLpKYawVQC9qbqNUFwZ2T9sl0_gh0zt3hAQBzlbVMeZlCdVT648g3KeVeXz1JAG4NStkot81g/s1600/CIMG0893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfkWpWxAS7G1AhN3hs6slP-7-dl_puKVQ0GT9pjJxTcy4IFzZF9ulw63kCYVvZRLpKYawVQC9qbqNUFwZ2T9sl0_gh0zt3hAQBzlbVMeZlCdVT648g3KeVeXz1JAG4NStkot81g/s320/CIMG0893.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking forward to more of this...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLugew_ExADUYV616QZy3Ws7WHCEhnCdJIlEU9m7vmNnsazUCllxMlyNaYKNi8N7JotWmsrQW-nkYDg-PBssbRJzaRG4YBUA8pgdFo1H42QLIpE9bgikogeXTqgD-KoV9QQxZJ5A/s1600/CIMG0923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLugew_ExADUYV616QZy3Ws7WHCEhnCdJIlEU9m7vmNnsazUCllxMlyNaYKNi8N7JotWmsrQW-nkYDg-PBssbRJzaRG4YBUA8pgdFo1H42QLIpE9bgikogeXTqgD-KoV9QQxZJ5A/s320/CIMG0923.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and this...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiufZ0tGZ_PAy0cI0vluiFD9DPXSSlohb_MOoMTAPPfcLQJH6C52j8HiCp0g5Eyvlitywxo2TtNDRCh2xm5MgLb5QbYSChTVFvxAvNBR_fsYouI7xubgnUdRdiu0BgyjzZrjhxEYg/s1600/CIMG0962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiufZ0tGZ_PAy0cI0vluiFD9DPXSSlohb_MOoMTAPPfcLQJH6C52j8HiCp0g5Eyvlitywxo2TtNDRCh2xm5MgLb5QbYSChTVFvxAvNBR_fsYouI7xubgnUdRdiu0BgyjzZrjhxEYg/s320/CIMG0962.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and definitely this...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8iMFft3nfEA/Th9HqMujwYI/AAAAAAAAPaU/OEPUIxHA1X4/s1600/CIMG0929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8iMFft3nfEA/Th9HqMujwYI/AAAAAAAAPaU/OEPUIxHA1X4/s320/CIMG0929.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really miss our boy today! Derek was really missing him last night and watched video after video of him. Good news is that our secondary dossier for court is hopefully getting sent to his country today!!! Pray for a quick date to get scheduled and for the 10 days to be waived! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And to my very thoughtful hubby...thanks for taking these precious pictures that I will always cherish! They are such a gift! I love you!!!</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09367531439942384727noreply@blogger.com5