tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40340443393694027762024-03-13T18:07:34.988-07:00HINTZ'S HAPPENINGSOUR GROWING FAMILY... GROWING DAY BY DAY, BY GOD'S GRACE...Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17679265370655421932noreply@blogger.comBlogger1054125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034044339369402776.post-20221786423840262622018-02-20T11:56:00.002-08:002018-02-20T11:56:35.288-08:00Please pray...<span style="font-size: large;">Dear friends, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have an urgent prayer need... I have been so bad with posting on here lately... Life is extremely busy and I just haven't seemed to find the time. I am earnestly asking for prayers for my sweet friends and MEND assistant Kirsten and her husband Mike. Below is a post that I shared on facebook... Please go to their caring bridge page for more updates and if you feel so led to support them go to the Go Fund Me page I shared as well. I know most importantly they are asking for Big Prayers right now... Thanks friend...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Friends, our friends kirsten and mike could use prayers in a major way today after a rough night... We were blessed to be able to visit and pray with them yesterday morning before surgery. In the years that we have known them since they lost their daughter Airrington, they have always amazed me by their attitudes, perspective, generosity, and steadfast faith in God... The way they pour into others is astounding... Now is our time to pour out our hearts in fervent prayer to o</span></span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">ur gracious God for a miraculous healing and pour out our love and support into their lives... This was a picture Louis took of their family that Mike posted recently... Let’s fight with them in any way we can... below I have posted their caring. Bridge page and a go fund me page that was set up for them... <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="async" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.caringbridge.org%2Fvisit%2Fthefumagallisfight%2Fjournal%2Fview%2Fid%2F5a8c55114e2c8c2a3a298934&h=ATO4-kR4EUFLqmnqzdi8bKZhyObmMntYpeK70lnpwLY_844kJJamubTdXyDddrlD_7xdshp1hagJ1vYDl3QQ5JKt0p3mnVVL-EcYwx1R6rN5UJxCh5UIQN-yzIvUW6J_O3fOoG1r_fp-7e4TimiFOnQArETbWcDbv_RFTyJ_Bb-ZDoL3gwC_yovFAPs-7BmRMKs6MwKwoIdDp-8V6XoGeQ8M-bKfT2I9OrtsoNbH0dOCdnLh" href="https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/thefumagallisfight/journal/view/id/5a8c55114e2c8c2a3a298934" rel="noopener nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">https://www.caringbridge.org/…/…/id/5a8c55114e2c8c2a3a298934</a></span><a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="async" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gofundme.com%2Fthe-fumagallis-fight&h=ATMp1GKzE2hnGtCRs7WQRKoOSFPPCybhxI9XCntKTJLwRF8beJBV8nXxxzaPzY425i6ALbsokVjddDxj7nOHeqtSF3CE4SkPNLQmxmD7siHf72S37iPj9X5BywGxqnDBrm7vrak8MOhlbOUKhhS8Eouf0cZa3vQ3Lf6kx_WRsTRurKDpprfyF-HovwUamyvjRmlF_oCzNSyjRMxd0kydUXCYsxz-7GyqMTsXCIas4m0YCzUM" href="https://www.gofundme.com/the-fumagallis-fight" rel="noopener nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">https://www.gofundme.com/the-fumagallis-fight</span></a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji04tTbMSVSnQBfCp-ddwmnjG3WhsZjjM4D03C5sdD11Jgx_fTgbsGJtHBl8xUrB8CEC4LQ0gkhPEdHt0FyKwYkpW3I0OgTH83BwWD5n0IP1vNYXLagW17XVgfUKPy6GEexFPuxH0eNtA/s1600/IMG_8596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1082" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji04tTbMSVSnQBfCp-ddwmnjG3WhsZjjM4D03C5sdD11Jgx_fTgbsGJtHBl8xUrB8CEC4LQ0gkhPEdHt0FyKwYkpW3I0OgTH83BwWD5n0IP1vNYXLagW17XVgfUKPy6GEexFPuxH0eNtA/s320/IMG_8596.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
Kirsten is on the right in this picture at our MEND tree decorating at the Zoo Lights display last November. <br />
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2 of my assistants at the Dallas MEND walk to remember in October of 2015</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrtyJThSxBeDs3KM3dpf41bhMmFKr42d59Trlp43P56r8CjddMRCsm16fiNZRmyvn8uwii0VBQsLzA1IVtkn6-r2LuCPIVbGV4cfFcLuOEJU_cRLY5P9bDZO24HvzGiZLgBQe4IrQzz0/s1600/IMG_3077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrtyJThSxBeDs3KM3dpf41bhMmFKr42d59Trlp43P56r8CjddMRCsm16fiNZRmyvn8uwii0VBQsLzA1IVtkn6-r2LuCPIVbGV4cfFcLuOEJU_cRLY5P9bDZO24HvzGiZLgBQe4IrQzz0/s320/IMG_3077.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17679265370655421932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034044339369402776.post-30734405296969353032017-09-02T22:10:00.002-07:002017-09-02T22:10:43.302-07:00Scholarship opportunities for CalebOne of Caleb's new part time jobs is looking for scholarships for his time at Concordia. We are so thankful for the opportunity to work towards graduating with the least amount of debt possible. Occasionally he needs to post things online... so here is his essay on how to establish a good credit score:) It is never to early to think about that. Have a great d<span style="font-family: pg-2ffc;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke: 0.72px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; white-space: pre;">ay! </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">It is never too early to consider establishing a good credit
score. </span><span style="background-color: white;">As a college freshman I haven’t
often faced situations where I need a good credit score , but I know that now </span><b style="background-color: white;">is</b><span style="background-color: white;"> the time to start to lay the ground
work for the great credit score that will be essential for so many different
plans I will want to accomplish in just a few short years.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">When I graduate college I will want to buy a
car, rent an apartment, or purchase my first home. </span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">To make these dreams possible I plan to pay
all my bills on time every month, keep my credit utilization low, not open more
accounts than I need to, keep my accounts open for as long as possible, and
check my credit reports annually to take care of any mistakes or inaccuracies
that I might find on them.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">If I am willing
to put forth the work now, I will reap the benefits before too long. </span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">According to Nerd Wallet.com, getting a Credit
builder loan could also help me establish good credit. (Nerd Wallet, How to
Build Credit) This is something I plan on looking into as it will do just that,
build my credit in a forced savings program of sorts. </span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I actually found it difficult to get my own credit card when
I turned 18. I was moving to different
state for a couple of months for a job and called numerous companies. It was challenging to get these companies to
give me a chance because I hadn’t established any credit before. I ended up becoming an authorized user on my
brother’s account, and within a few months I was able to open my own
account. I have been diligent on paying
off my bills every single month and have made that a rule for myself; that I
will never charge something if I can’t afford to pay for it right now. Many feel like credit cards are free money,
but in essence they are far from that. I don’t want to ever end up paying extra
in interest and fees. I have 6 younger siblings and feel that it is imperative
that in today’s current culture of over spending and poor money management,
that I can be good example to them in how to be financially responsible at a young
age. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to CreditRepair.com another thing to be aware of
is that often there may be many negative items on ones credit report that may
not even be legitimate or could have been inaccurately reported in the first
place. (Credit Repair, disputes/bureaus)
It is essential that these negative items be disputed, removed, and the
credit report fixed as soon as possible.
It also is imperative that as one needs to repair their credit, that
they do their research and search out a reputable company. They must be established and have their
clients best interest at heart. Sadly, there are many companies out there that will
look for opportunities to take advantage of their clients who are already
possibly in a vulnerable situation. (Lexington Law, credit repair companies
legitimate)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even still there are many individuals that are needing the
help of credit repair companies. These
companies are doing amazing work to repair people’s credit. In 2016 alone, The Lexington Law company
assisted it clients in removing an incredibly large number, 9,000,000 to be
exact, of terrible items off individual’s credit reports. (Lexington Law, credit repair service
results) This is unfathomable to me. I plan to work hard at establishing my
good credit and then doing everything within my power to keep my credit in good
standing. But bad credit and low credit scores are a real life problem for so
many in our nation. I am thankful that these companies exist to help
individuals who are willing to do that hard work in repairing their credit. They are helping to make a brighter finacial
future possible for so many people. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul aria-readonly="true" class="hd_n P_0 M_0 p_R" data-test-id="infinite-scroll-rows" role="grid" style="list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 20px;">
<li class="p_a T_0 L_0 R_0" data-test-id="infinite-scroll-ROW" role="rowgroup" style="transform: translate3d(0px, 904.941px, 0px);"><div class="dp-page-outer" id="pf2" style="background-color: white; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3) 0px 0px 5px; height: 892.941px; margin: 0px auto 12px; position: absolute; width: 690px;">
<div class="dp-page-inner" style="left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 16px 0px 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px; transform-origin: 0px 0px 0px; transform: scale(1.12745);">
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<div class="pc pg-2pc2 pg-2w0 pg-2h0" style="height: 792px; width: 612px;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>Even still there are many individuals that are needing the
help of credit repair companies. These
companies are doing amazing work to repair people’s credit. In 2016 alone, The Lexington Law company
assisted it clients in removing an incredibly large number, 9,000,000 to be
exact, of terrible items off individual’s credit reports. (Lexington Law, credit repair service
results) This is unfathomable to me. I plan to work hard at establishing my
good credit and then doing everything within my power to keep my credit in good
standing. But bad credit and low credit scores are a real life problem for so
many in our nation. I am thankful that these companies exist to help
individuals who are willing to do that hard work in repairing their credit. They are helping to make a brighter finacial
future possible for so many people.I actually found it difficult to get my own credit card when I turned 18. I was moving to different state for a couple of months for a job and called numerous companies. It was challenging to get these companies to give me a chance because I hadn’t established any credit before. I ended up becoming an authorized user on my brother’s account, and within a few months I was able to open my own account. I have been diligent on paying off my bills every single month and have made that a rule for myself; that I will never charge something if I can’t afford to pay for it right now. Many feel like credit cards are free money, but in essence they are far from that. I don’t want to ever end up paying extra in interest and fees. I have 6 younger siblings and feel that it is imperative that in today’s current culture of over spending and poor money management, that I can be good example to them in how to be financially responsible at a young age. </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I actually found it difficult to get my own credit card when
I turned 18. I was moving to different
state for a couple of months for a job and called numerous companies. It was challenging to get these companies to
give me a chance because I hadn’t established any credit before. I ended up becoming an authorized user on my
brother’s account, and within a few months I was able to open my own
account. I have been diligent on paying
off my bills every single month and have made that a rule for myself; that I
will never charge something if I can’t afford to pay for it right now. Many feel like credit cards are free money,
but in essence they are far from that. I don’t want to ever end up paying extra
in interest and fees. I have 6 younger siblings and feel that it is imperative
that in today’s current culture of over spending and poor money management,
that I can be good example to them in how to be financially responsible at a young
age. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to CreditRepair.com another thing to be aware of
is that often there may be many negative items on ones credit report that may
not even be legitimate or could have been inaccurately reported in the first
place. (Credit Repair, disputes/bureaus)
It is essential that these negative items be disputed, removed, and the
credit report fixed as soon as possible.
It also is imperative that as one needs to repair their credit, that
they do their research and search out a reputable company. They must be established and have their
clients best interest at heart. Sadly, there are many companies out there that will
look for opportunities to take advantage of their clients who are already
possibly in a vulnerable situation. (Lexington Law, credit repair companies
legitimate)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even still there are many individuals that are needing the
help of credit repair companies. These
companies are doing amazing work to repair people’s credit. In 2016 alone, The Lexington Law company
assisted it clients in removing an incredibly large number, 9,000,000 to be
exact, of terrible items off individual’s credit reports. (Lexington Law, credit repair service
results) This is unfathomable to me. I plan to work hard at establishing my
good credit and then doing everything within my power to keep my credit in good
standing. But bad credit and low credit scores are a real life problem for so
many in our nation. I am thankful that these companies exist to help
individuals who are willing to do that hard work in repairing their credit. They are helping to make a brighter finacial
future possible for so many people. </div>
<div class="t pg-2m0 pg-2x0 pg-2h1 pg-2y1 pg-2ff1 pg-2fs0 pg-2fc0 pg-2sc0 pg-2ls0 pg-2ws0" style="-webkit-text-stroke: 0.015em transparent; bottom: 695px; font-family: pg-2ffc; font-size: 48px; height: 33.7969px; left: 90.1px; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 0.919922; position: absolute; text-shadow: none; transform-origin: 0px 100% 0px; transform: matrix(0.25, 0, 0, 0.25, 0, 0); unicode-bidi: bidi-override; visibility: visible; white-space: pre;">
finacial future possible for so many people.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
</ul>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17679265370655421932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034044339369402776.post-57567092605616407562017-08-22T00:28:00.001-07:002017-08-24T00:40:35.689-07:00Big steps... Big missing... What God whispers... Big changes around this house... Big missing happening in our hearts...<br />
But at the same time big joy and thankfulness abounds as well! <br />
<br />
And God is so sweet to whisper things to my heart that give my heart the perspective it needs... He is so good...<br />
<br />
If I am completely honest, I am a nostalgic one. Ever since I knew Caleb would be heading to OK for half the summer, I was counting down with last dinners, last family movie nights, last day of work, last family devotions, even last laundry folding night ... In my heart, wanting to savor every single thing and soak up each moment committing it to memory...<br />
<br />
That goodbye when he left for OK back in May was brutal... once you have a child in heaven, things look a little different, you think different things, and truth be told during that last hug goodbye before he left for OK, I couldn't help but wonder if I would get the chance to hug him again this side of heaven... Actually, I made him get out of the car... to get one more hug from him... I know that might sound crazy, but I know how quickly life in an instant can change and be completely different from what you were expecting. <br />
<br />
But oh how God used that time in OK and other promptings that I know HE gave to me to prepare my heart for Caleb to head to college this fall...<br />
<br />
And that is just what he did last Friday...<br />
<br />
But let me back up just a touch... I had wondered how on earth I would leave this kid at college and just walk away... leaving half my heart there... But God was so good to give me something that just put it all in perspective for me.. <br />
<br />
Let me first of all say that I am 100% thrilled for him... am so thankful for where he is, who his roommates are, and I know that this is a wonderful amazingly great place for Caleb to be... It seriously is such a great fit for him! I am SO excited for all God has in store for him and I know he is going to do great and have an amazing time!!!! <br />
<br />
But let me also say that the hurt leaving a child at college brings about is real too:) And I knew I was going to need help from God to process and get through that part! (Keeping it real:) For me the sadness comes because I know in my heart it is the end of the ways things have been... Things will NEVER be the same... but I also know it is the start of a lot of really great things too...<br />
<br />
When I dropped Caleb off at the airport last Monday...(He had the amazing opportunity to go back to OK to see his girlfriend, her sweet family, and to see a really great concert. He couldn't pass it up:) Him going meant we would pick him up from Milwaukee Friday with the van packed full of his stuff and head right for CUW from there. <br />
"When I dropped him at the airport last Monday... I literally cried the whole way home... Oh man my heart ached knowing his time at home, the way it has been, was over... I was SO sad...<br />
<br />
And this is where God showed up for me in such a special way...<br />
<br />
It seriously was in that exact same moment that I thought, "How am I going to just drop him there at school and walk away from him...?", That God whispered this to my heart...<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"But you get to!"</span><br />
<br />
It is <span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>so so true... I really do get to!!</u></b></span><br />
<br />
Immediately, I knew what God wanted me to hold onto... I get to have a front row seat to watch all that Caleb will experience in the coming years in college... I will get to see him shine in his studies, on the soccer friend, in relationships...<br />
<br />
I will also maybe get to see the challenges he goes through, some struggles he may face, maybe even some failures along the way...<br />
<br />
But it 100% is a privilege to <b>GET TO</b> witness this time in his life. There are many families who won't get to see their child walk, talk, get their first job, go to college... I won't ever <b> get to </b>see Samuel experience any of that... Not a single one of us is guaranteed tomorrow. And as much as it is sad for me to not have him here, I keep reminding myself that I am <b><span style="font-size: large;">so very blessed</span></b> to <span style="font-size: large;"><b>GET TO</b> </span>be a part of Caleb's life right now... It is an honor and privilege and I am so very grateful!<br />
<br />
<br />
So when I did drop Caleb off at Concordia University on Friday, Greg was on the other side of the world, literally... in Poland... My heart has been preparing to take our first child going away to school on my own... Well not really, seeing as how I had 6 of the best little helpers/siblings joining me. (Thankfully I also had a dear friend who was able to help us get Caleb's car up there as well... which also made the ride back SO much better to have a friend along!) <br />
<br />
<br />
When we picked him up at the Milwaukee airport, I was so thankful for a 30 minute drive with him all to myself to catch up, get in my last bits of mom advice, and soak him in... <br />
<br />
Here he is in front of his dorm with the kids (not sure why the photos are so blurry:(<br />
<br />
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Moving in and getting all unpacked... sweet Jojo, so tenderhearted... it was a hard day for him... </div>
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<br />
So the band aid of dropping him off, literally got ripped off in a hurry!!! We unpacked him, got him all settled, and then I had to head to a parent meeting for soccer from 1-2. The whole team of boys (all his brand new friends:) showed up a few minutes before for their team meeting that was from 2-3... Literally I got a quick hug from him, and "I love you!" and off they all went into the meeting room... My brain was thinking... "That is it? I sort of think that the coach plans it that way... ouch!!!<br />
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<b>There was no way I was going to be a blubbering hot mess in front of his new coaches and teammates... although it took everything in me... :)</b><br />
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We miss Caleb so much! I even miss seeing his beater JEEP in the driveway... The house seems quieter, there is less food to be made, it is just different... my steady eddy is no longer here...<br />
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But at the same time, I know he is doing great there at school, enjoying his roommates, and settling into the soccer routine. I know he is really enjoying it!<br />
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And I know there will be a different kind of sweetness here at home... One that we all will get used to in time... I am so very thankful that God walks right with us through the amazingly difficult and beautiful times in life! And I couldn't be prouder of Caleb:) <br />
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And I am so thankful that <b style="font-size: x-large;">I get to... </b><br />
It is such a great reminder to my heart of all the sweet little blessings and challenges that we are blessed to be able to experience each day... even the laundry, dishes, child training... every bit is really a privilege:) Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17679265370655421932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034044339369402776.post-15724274867061058372017-05-24T14:49:00.003-07:002017-05-24T14:49:20.776-07:00A Sweet Birthday Surprise for Levi Ryan!I have a precious friend from FMSC who happens to be one of the luckiest (blessed) people I know...<br />
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She wins more contests than any other I know... And we were so blessed to be on the receiving end of one of her sweet WINS:)<br />
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Meet my friend Alyssa... We work every Monday together and not long ago when it was her birthday, I had 120 of our closest FMSC volunteer friends sing to her... I introduced her as one of the most generous people I know... I meant it...If there is a task, she willingly takes it on, and generously gives from her heart. Whether it is cupcakes for my parties, games for my littles, or sweet birthday surprises... She is always giving...<br />
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She knows how much Levi loves the CUBS so she entered a drawing at her local library for 4 tickets to a cubs game... She said people were buying up tons of tickets...<br />
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She bought her 1 ticket, said a prayer for Levi... and<b> BAM</b>!!! She was the winner:)<br />
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<b>And then she told me she wanted to give the tickets to Levi for his birthday... I DIED!!! </b><br />
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Here we are together with the amazing basket she created for Levi to give to him on his birthday... Did I mention she is incredibly talented and creative... Seriously, she is so artistically gifted... something I am not... <u>so I love it!</u></div>
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One of the reasons Levi Ryan's love for the cubs is so special to us, is that his biological dad Ryan was a CUBS lover. He had Cystic Fibrosis and was even chosen to throw out the first pitch at a CUBS game when he was little... I couldn't wait to take Levi to a game... </div>
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A big Happy Birthday to Levi as he was unwrapping all of the goodies in his basket, CUBS W car flags, chocolate, fan finger, T-shirt, and more:) He was thrilled!</div>
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Last Sunday, game day <b>FINALLY </b>arrived. Levi was able to pick who he was going to take with to the game. Unfortunately Greg had an injury the day before so Jojo got to take his spot, and Anna had never been to a game so she came too:) </div>
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We battled the Chicago traffic to the free bus shuttle and made our way to Historic Wrigley Field! What an atmosphere! It is such a special place!</div>
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<b>And what a game it was! 13-5 Cubbie win for the books! </b>It was such a fun game to watch! </div>
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Levi enjoying some cotton candy while Anna and Jojo were enjoying the game:) I seriously, loved watching them all have so much fun! It was the perfect distraction and pick me up after a tearful goodbye to Caleb as he headed to OK for 6 weeks... </div>
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One of the most precious parts of the day was seeing Levi as we found Ryan's brick outside Wrigley Field! Ryan's mom had told me a rough area of where it was, and it was surprisingly easy to find! I look forward to the day when Levi will understand more of who his bio dad was and how his life came into being. </div>
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I remember before we adopted Levi as an embryo, I was talking with a dear friend... She loves us deeply and walked closely with me through everything we had been through with the stillbirth of Samuel, the stillbirth of baby Joel (the baby we were going to adopt) 8 mos. later, and my miscarriage. She sweetly said, "If you do get pregnant, no one would have to know this baby was adopted???" </div>
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I immediately replied, "I couldn't do it. If a baby was conceived, how could I keep that miracle to myself?" It would be a part of that child's story, and something that deserved to be told </div>
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I still feel that way, and Sunday was another full circle moment for me...</div>
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It is like God smacks me over the head in these moments... "Do not miss the miracle of this moment Sara!!" </div>
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This brick at Levi's feet with Ryan's birth and death date, was lovingly placed there by a family missing their son, brother, father, and husband... Ryan...</div>
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And there Levi sits, with that <u>same brick</u> at his feet... <u><b>This living breathing Levi Ryan... </b></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">His <b>WHOLE life made possible by this sweet man, our donor mom, AND AN AMAZING GOD WHO IS SO FAITHFUL through it all! </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">It seriously blows me away...</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What a miracle and what a special day it was!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So friends, don't miss the miracle of the moments that God gives you as well...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I pray all of our eyes are wide open so we can take in and appreciate all the sweet blessings God has for us to take hold of each day! </span></div>
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<br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17679265370655421932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034044339369402776.post-66384943388401814912017-03-23T17:13:00.002-07:002017-03-23T17:13:14.363-07:00Trip south part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It has been a couple of weeks, more like a month, since we returned from our trip south... and yes I STILL HAVE BAGS TO UNPACK... </div>
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Taking a crew like ours on a trip takes weeks of prepping and weeks to recover from... but we are always thankful we went... </div>
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We are hopefully on the upswing after a week of sickness ( a little bit of stomach and a whole lot of fevers and coughing) All the while, we had our 6 nieces and nephews here... Those poor kids... It probably wasn't the most fun week for them and I am praying that they don't all catch what we had :( Not the welcome home I wanted to give my sister... They did get a lot of cousin time, but we weren't able to venture out a whole bunch... Thankful for family time none the less... And today, I am off the couch after my 103.3 fever yesterday and feel SOOOO much better, Thank God~</div>
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So even though I haven't even had a chance to post any holiday pictures... (Blogging just hasn't been top on the priority list as I work on 2 kids with college applications/scholarships, homeschooling, working, church, MEND, trying to keep a large home running, babies, toddlers and everything in between...) I wanted to get a chance to document our trip south...</div>
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After of course an almost an all nighter on my part trying to get everyone packed and the house sort of cleaned up, (because that is what always occurs before a trip around this house) we headed out with both vans to head towards Oklahoma! We sold our old white van to a friend from our old church... It was fast and furious while there seeing lots of wonderful friends... </div>
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Goodbye old white... you served us so well! We brought home 4 kids in you! (That is a CRAZY thought to me... half of our kids)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_unzkPccy76_PdCYxk2rZVBvVr_-1IHrWiU9kCX8iRBKj2QThxQgprThEQiczeT6CTw8PjDOnSmLRiuumB5Fbh9mlHIjfqd2dQPmdqFb4zWkEf9g74jNxAWRFZsf8S6hyphenhyphenz6jHGuE-tMo/s1600/IMG_4722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_unzkPccy76_PdCYxk2rZVBvVr_-1IHrWiU9kCX8iRBKj2QThxQgprThEQiczeT6CTw8PjDOnSmLRiuumB5Fbh9mlHIjfqd2dQPmdqFb4zWkEf9g74jNxAWRFZsf8S6hyphenhyphenz6jHGuE-tMo/s400/IMG_4722.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Most of the Tiews and Hintz kids... missing the oldest few... What a gift to see friends from 20 some years ago... They were in our very first small group as a married couple. Lula is the best cook on the planet and the visiting was wonderful for us and the kids! It was so sweet to be able to pick up right where you left off... And so sweet to see the kids do the same... Treasured friends... Such a gift!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLu35y9xb10z4Zd8LfjjYErvmUjO3R3Tcq8IpCru0Jr0e-S9gtTrWPGS03dhFVCVNV_Q9VFXc7uIby35SepxS0ryxDQRUaKfwrIVHAs7Gu76r8YU3pQbnWHG-0-zXO9Q47kg3EkVh_qN8/s1600/IMG_4721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLu35y9xb10z4Zd8LfjjYErvmUjO3R3Tcq8IpCru0Jr0e-S9gtTrWPGS03dhFVCVNV_Q9VFXc7uIby35SepxS0ryxDQRUaKfwrIVHAs7Gu76r8YU3pQbnWHG-0-zXO9Q47kg3EkVh_qN8/s320/IMG_4721.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Jojo and sweet Lilly... friends for life!</div>
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Anna had such a sweet bond with our neighbor in Oklahoma Miss Barbara... They used to sit on her back porch and visit daily and literally Anna cried knowing she would get to go see her on this trip... so so sweet! I remember before Miss Barbara's house was sold to her, I would literally pray for the right person to buy it... and she was for JUST THE RIGHT PERSON. Someone who could handle the noise of a lot of wild kids and wouldn't mind toys strewn everywhere:) When we would return from vacation, she literally said that she had missed the noise... We miss her:) She was the gift of a perfect Oklahoma neighbor!</div>
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The kids of River Bend South... We were so grateful that kind neighbors agreed to open up their home for a quick gathering of our old neighbors... I am one to ALWAYS get to know my neighbors, and we really had special ones in OK... It was such a treat to visit and let the kids run around together... These friends have the most AMAZING yard full of fun things for kids... It was so sweet to watch the all explore together like old times... Another gift!</div>
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Sweet Host Shelley and dear friend Tricia... That Faust crew is ALWAYS so very gracious to allow the Hintz crew to barge right in, take over, eat them out of house and home, and in the midst of it all shower us with love and affection! We are so grateful! We were so blessed to hang out with these small group friends and catch up on all the details of life... so so needed! Man, I miss my ladies lunches and times together... this was another huge gift to my heart!</div>
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After Oklahoma, I headed to Dallas for the leadership Conference for MEND... The picture above is when we gathered at the closing at the Garden of Hope for Prayer and singing. It was so special... the Leadership Conference was different in many ways than most years. It is the 20th Anniversary year for MEND and it was a blessing to my heart to see how this ministry, that HUGELY blessed me in my heartbreak, all began. It is always a gift to be with those that truly understand and to share a mission to help others through their time of hurt. Focusing on others needs always helps your own heart. </div>
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While I was in Dallas, the kids and Greg shared a couple extra days with GRANDMA AND GRANDPA HINTZ in Houston... What a treat for them! I joined them Sunday morning and we were so blessed to be able to celebrate Hope's 8th Birthday with Texas family... including GRANDPA and GRANDMA HINTZ, Aunt Moge and family, as well as Aunt Lisa, Uncle Dale, Maddie, and Megs. It was a party Hope was so happy to enjoy! She even got her pick of cakes... strawberry with strawberry frosting!<br />
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We had delicious Texas Barbecue, played lots of games of old maid with Grandma and Grandpa Hintz, enjoyed sweet time visiting Great Granny, played yard games, and really cherished the time that we had together. Louis was even able to make a special trip, on his own dime, to fly down to see his grandparents between his Feed My Starving Children Mobile pack events. It was so nice to be together... a gift to our family heart! Unfortunately, we took this picture before Louis arrived... otherwise it had everyone in it:)<br />
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More friends like family! Some of our first and dearest couple friends from when we were first married, the Stocktons. So much talking and catching up... We share much in common with kids going to college for the first time this coming fall, homeschooling, and precious friendships... Mary is one I always go to, to glean from her knowledge and wisdom... She is a superstar homeschooling mom and never does ANYTHING halfway... I often wonder where she finds the energy or time... But she does it all with beauty, grace, and a loving and JOYFUL heart for her friends and the Lord... an inspiration to me for sure! Sweet life long friends... a real gift!</div>
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And then we were off to Louisiana... part 2... </div>
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Maybe by the time I get to posting that... I will have our bags unpacked... :)</div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17679265370655421932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034044339369402776.post-89049205766917321192017-03-23T14:34:00.003-07:002017-03-23T14:34:39.490-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hello Chicago friends!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Many friends don't know that MEND is completely run by volunteers. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Many also don't realize that all of the support we provide to grieving families through hospital brochures, newsletters, flowers, cards, care bags, support groups etc. are all paid for through donations. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Please consider attending our first MEND Chicagoland fundraiser, PAINTING WITH A PURPOSE. Our very own talented </span><a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1599699659" href="https://www.facebook.com/joanna.eden.12" saprocessedanchor="true" style="background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;">Joanna Koopman Eden</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> will be our painting instructor for our Painting with a Purpose night. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Snacks and drinks will be provided and you will have the opportunity to go home with a beautiful painting made by you:)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Please feel free to share on your personal pages of social media or with others who might like to support MEND. To RSVP comment here or email Saraann@mend.org</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Thanks so much!! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17679265370655421932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034044339369402776.post-62338594041255326262017-03-16T00:11:00.004-07:002017-03-16T00:11:55.143-07:00Sweet Jojo<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is one of my favorite pictures of Jojo and Greg from our time at the seminary... Our sweet lil' toe head! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our steady Eddy, hard working, good natured, sometimes wild, kayak loving, harmony singing, hilarious, smart Elijah Thomas! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We can not believe that this young man is 12! The days can be long... but the years fly by! He is an absolute Joy to raise! He is my helper, my go to... I know that he will willingly help with almost anything... and do it with a joyful heart! He is the calm before the storm of the 4 littles... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I always say that between 12 and 14 are the game changing years... and I know we are on the cusp of that with Jojo... 2 years down the road he is going to look totally different... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But for now we treasure every single moment of life with Jojo as a part of it! THANKFUL, THANKFUL, THANKFUL is what I feel! We prayed for a child and God answered with Jojo! I am so thankful that God saw fit to give us this precious child and I pray that he continues to draw him closer to himself every day! May he be a mighty warrior for our Jesus! </span></div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17679265370655421932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034044339369402776.post-41655074152864816452017-02-21T23:41:00.002-08:002017-02-21T23:41:58.805-08:00And just like that... she is 8!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Anna and Hope June 2011... Awwww... where has the time gone? </div>
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And just like that, our Hopie girl turned 8! </div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">HOPE: to look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence... to expect... </span></div>
<br />
When we were waiting for a child after Samuel died... We were grieving with Hope... waiting with Hope... and Waiting for Hope! We were expecting that if it was in His will, the Lord would add to our family through adoption and He answered with our Hopie girl!<br />
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She is full of spunk... and a whole lot more... Raising her has taught us a lot and taught us that there is so much about parenting that we don't know or understand...<br />
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She were able to spend her birthday with out of town relatives so that was especially fun for her!<br />
<br />
We are so thankful that God chose us to be her family! Adoption is such a gift and has changed our family in so many ways. We are in awe of all that He has done for us and through Hope's life so far.<br />
<br />
Our prayer for her is that she will seek HIM always, that she will follow him closely and know that she is deeply loved by him and us... That she will always know her life has great value,she was created with a great life purpose, and that she will trust him with her future!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17679265370655421932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034044339369402776.post-68790791503364074092017-02-07T23:58:00.000-08:002017-02-07T23:58:48.981-08:00How did we get here so fast??<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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A few weeks back we took Caleb to visit the University that he hopes to attend... Concordia University in Wisconsin... Never in a million years would I have thought we would have any kids that would attend the college we met at... but here we are...</div>
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More importantly... HOW ON EARTH DO WE HAVE A CHILD THAT COULD LEAVE FOR COLLEGE IN THE FALL! </div>
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I am totally heartbroken (that our time with him at home is coming to a close:( and...</div>
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TOTALLY thrilled and excited for him all at the same time. We are super proud of him!</div>
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We are still waiting on financial aid numbers, but do 100% feel that this could be a great fit for Caleb. He is currently working really hard taking 3 dual credit classes online through CUW right now so he is getting a good taste of what it will be like:) </div>
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He met with the soccer coaches and hopes to be able to play for them just like his dad:) </div>
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All in all, we would be thrilled with him being in a safe Christian environment and his very best friend just got accepted and we couldn't be more thrilled with the 2 of them taking this journey together! </div>
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Most likely he has another really good friend, a couple seminary friends and His partner in crime, his cousin Callie, who will be there also! I know they are going to have too much fun! I am so excited and happy for him... The time has passed entirely too quickly for this mama!</div>
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My sweet friend Katie lives nearby so were able to meet for a super brief visit just one day before her new little one arrived. Katie and I met because her daughter Emily is probably hanging out with Samuel in Heaven. </div>
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Wow, what a full circle moment for us... I tearfully prayed for the safe arrival of her little man in the parking lot. There is just something about these HUGE life events that are FULLY understood by one another because we both have lived through the loss of baby, that just can't be denied. We rejoice that he is here safe and sound... and is downright precious! We are thanking God for Jonah's safe arrival... something that is never taken for granted by us! </div>
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Life is moving at mach speed... So I hope to be a little better about updating... mostly for my own families sake as in the years ahead they may like to look back upon their busy life growing up:) </div>
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<br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17679265370655421932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034044339369402776.post-59783057305407212692017-01-04T01:57:00.001-08:002017-01-04T14:15:50.997-08:00God's AMAZING provision ALWAYS!<span style="font-size: large;">Good Morning Friends! I have the most amazing story of God's faithfulness! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">In this broken world it is SO
good and SO IMPORTANT to recall the faithfulness of God through the little and
BIG moments of life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Whether it is recalling…</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The times that he walked us through challenging circumstances in each adoption journey…</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Or the time he literally
moved in my heart to contact a complete stranger, our embryo donor mom, with the
strangest question of all… “Would you consider our family for your embryos?”
And then came Levi… and some most precious relationships to my heart….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Or the time he literally
moved a stranger’s family all the way from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Sweden</st1:place></st1:country-region>… because He knew it would be
the family that we “needed” to help walk along side our broken hearts as we
begun to heal after losing our sweet Samuel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Or the time we arrived at our
new home here to find the refrigerator stocked upon our past midnight arrival…
Breakfast for 9 coming right up after we woke up exhausted after literally
dodging tornadoes in the van and moving truck on the move up to <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Illinois</st1:place></st1:state>…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Time and time again I can
recall His incredible faithfulness to protect and provide for us… and this past
fall and Christmas has been no different…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The adoption journey is a
stretch for most people… It is costly, both emotionally and financially… </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">With each
adoption we have opened that door saying, “ Yes Lord, we are willing to open
our hearts and home to another precious child to love… Move if it is your
will…” And move He has… At times I look back and am amazed at the
fact that He multiplied our finances to allow us to adopt Hope, Isaiah, and do
Levi’s embryo adoption all within 4 years… It should have been
impossible on a pastor’s salary… But that is always when God moves… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">And moving mountains is
exactly what God has been doing behind the scenes as of late. Let me explain our recent car situation… We
have a big van that carries all of us, a small car that gets good gas mileage, and a vintage 1993 jeep that came to us at a steal of a price from church members that were moving. (Caleb did recently purchase his
own car that is up on blocks in the garage providing the perfect bonding
opportunity for Greg and him as they work to fix it up</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">This past fall, on my way to
work I literally phoned a friend asking to borrow their moped… The car I was
driving was making me deaf (muffler trouble</span><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 14.0pt;">J</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">) and almost had me asphyxiated by the time I got to
work… It just so happened that our cars were having trouble all at the same time and we only had one working car… And with Greg’s job, me working very part
time for FMSC, 2 teens with jobs, a busy houseful… it just wasn’t cutting it on
a daily basis while Greg worked to get the cars repaired. These friends were so very gracious to loan us a
car till we had ours up and running again.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">We knew we had to do
something because all of the cars were getting high in miles and replacing them
all at the same time wouldn’t be feasible for us financially… So Greg began to
look at different options for replacing our smaller vehicle… After a few months
of looking we did find a good deal on a car with good gas mileage… We were so
grateful that now we could have one newer very reliable car.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">That brings me to the
present… On the 23<sup>rd</sup> of December Greg, most of the kids and I, and a
close friend went down to the city to give a Christmas party for about 30 kids
at an inner city school. We arrived home and
right before dinner our head pastor called and asked that we all bundle up and
meet him up by the front of church in 10 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">We all got ready and headed
up to church across the snowy parking lot… When we got up to church we were
greeted by the head pastor’s family, a few more close friends, the church
communications director, and a gal that works for a Lutheran Charity organization near
by… <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">The kids were all asking what was up... and I told them I felt like there must be members coming to Christmas carol to us or something...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">They had us all lined up by
the door…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">And up drove a brand new 2017
Ford Transit van…with a huge red bow on it...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">There before us was a gift for our family from a </span><span style="font-size: large;">very generous donor</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">… a gift from </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">God</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">… </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">a new van</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> It has so many things on it that I would never
think we would have in a car… It is beyond my wildest dream of what I would
think we could ever own…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">We were absolutely floored!
It took Greg 5 minutes to pick his jaw up off the floor… I was in tears as well
as a few of the kids…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I was just totally blown
away… How could someone be so very generous?
Why would someone do this? We are
so undeserving of this amazing gift…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">And just like that God knocks
our socks off with His continued provision for us… And as usual, it isn’t just
a van that works, but He goes above and beyond to give us so much more than we thought
possible… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I spoke with the donor last
week and the wife said, “We have been so blessed! It is from God, our money is your
money.” And she meant it… She knows that
their financial security is a gift from God and they wanted to share with us what
really has come from HIM… Wow, it seriously reminds me of the early church where everyone shared what they had with those in need... That doesn't happen that often anymore... and most have a very different view of their own money certainly being their own... I was blown away by their amazing view on their finances, their kindness, and their tremendous generosity to us!!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">So I share this not at all to
boast about this gift, that couldn't be further from my heart... I share rather to encourage your hearts… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Don’t ever underestimate the
power of God to do whatever it is that you need him to do… If you feel Him leading you to do something... GO FOR IT! Take that leap of faith... I know HE will be faithful to you, just as I have seen his faithfulness time and time again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Early on January 1st, I was reflecting on
all the ways He has taken care of us and all that He is to me… He has taken me from broken hearted and redeemed my shattered life... </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">He is my healer, my
comfort, my salvation, my rock, my daily provider. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">He will do the same for you… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Save you…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Comfort you…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Heal you… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Be your joy and rock…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">And be your PROVIDER!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Things certainly don’t always
come to pass as we would think or hope that they might. His ways are certainly not our ways… but His
ways are best for sure…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Rest in the promises of His
love for you… and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt He wants to take care of
you… Never does He leave or forsake us… and so often He will blow us away with
the amazing ways that He takes care of us in the best ways possible for us… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">His way… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17679265370655421932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034044339369402776.post-8446965268934071272016-12-15T00:26:00.001-08:002016-12-15T00:30:08.695-08:00One of 2016's most unexpected gifts<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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I wouldn't have imagined at the beginning of 2016 that I would stumble upon one of the most unexpected blessings of 2016... and that it would be a part time job... I just didn't really see it coming or expect it be such a gift to my heart...<br />
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I have rarely worked outside of our home for the past 19 years... That changed this past year as I accepted a part time pre-school teaching position at our churches school. I LOVED it and Levi and Isaiah were able to come and be a part of my class...<br />
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But lets be honest... my own home is pretty full of little ones, and after getting Kaliyah it just felt right be give up that job...<br />
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I picked up a very part time job at Feed My Starving Children... FMSC...<br />
Strangely enough, I pretty much took Louis' job after he moved from the site here in town to FMSC's mobilepack division... Funny thing taking over my son's job...<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvE-q9GfmMuSYMOby7IrrAqlK4rMjmWJFytjWKEUP0FUqNUVOYKCFYvXbrg2_aYoL5dkUvRCAqFXKdrRo6s0JcMlzQm62pITdYD-lj8p83p9ejQl-bBmj7ZaJvOaIDXwzKQznc4cb9Z8/s640/blogger-image-618281374.jpg" /><br />
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I am so thankful for my blood family, my church family... and this year the addition of my FMSC family... and that is truly what it is...<br />
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We pray together before the evening shifts... We have a common goal in mind, to feed God's kids hungry in body and spirit...<br />
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Seriously, every time I share a story of one of the kids we have fed, I can't help but picture my own kids...<br />
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Why are we so fortunate and blessed to live here and have all our needs taken care of... I can't imagine watching one of my own kids wither away... all because they don't have enough food to eat... So hard...<br />
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRPsBheqEneQjZPtUh3N6XOR23uVNAmfU3ba3lkZiYEc32RGUEOEx4bFfnDiTgIrW0mSYKVoGDAVsPc7HlLWJsAzDSfd3uU2WUPnGrP81XORn-Tw9XgV8sluJkdU1zcLmCvTc1nbmOYM/s400/blogger-image-1662289509.jpg" width="301" /><br />
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So what is FMSC's answer... our meal packs... at $.22 a meal we are turning hunger into hope and all done by the hands of volunteers... Last year alone they packed 272 million meals! <br />
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This past weekend at our Hope Filled Holiday Mobilepack, right in our hometown, we packed over 1.4 million meals... It was amazing to be a part of...<br />
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God was moving and the volunteers came out despite the snowstorm that dumped somewhere between 7-12 inches of snow on our city...<br />
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Even Isaiah came to help... Turns out... he wasn't much help... But he sure was cute!</div>
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Nearly 200 of our St. Peter family came out to help us pack at the last session of the day! It was like my two worlds were colliding... and I loved it! It is such a gift to serve alongside all of them! </div>
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Here is the St. Peter group after the packing session! Great looking bunch! </div>
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FMSC is a non profit so it isn't like anyone works there for the big bucks... I am so impressed by the hearts of those I work with... A big handful of site workers and volunteers came out to the mobilepack and gave of their time to help... They was a huge blessing during clean up as well! </div>
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They work and serve with us because they believe that when we all work together we can be the change that is so needed... Taking the eyes off of ourselves on onto those who REALLY need the help!</div>
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My sweet friend Gina at Hope Filled Holiday... </div>
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The Mobile pack team for Hope Filled Holiday... Woot woot... we got the job done! And we were all exhausted after 3 very long, but super amazing days!</div>
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Where else can you possibly come pack food with the Storm Troopers?</div>
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One of my friends from FMSC even took the time to make these amazingly delicious and beautifully decorated cupcakes with the FMSC logo on them for Lou's graduation party a couple of months ago. She is so talented... </div>
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This kids expression says it ALL when he found out how many kids they fed for a year after their packing session... How precious is that?</div>
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All by the grace of God that this food gets packed, shipped out, and these kids get fed! We believe in the power of prayer and every single box of food is prayed over after it is packed and before it is shipped!</div>
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I can't even fully explain it... I love mission work and often dream of just packing up the whole crew and heading to a far off land to serve... (Never would have said that 9 years ago!) But it is almost like taking the mission field right here in our back yard... </div>
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A friend from work laughed when I told her, coming in to work is like a vacation... Being a mom to 8 kids and all that entails... the cooking, cleaning, teaching, training of little ones can be overwhelming and exhausting... But even though working at FMSC can be very physical, it still fills me up!</div>
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I have seen it proven time and time again that God had specific reasons for me to get hired on at FMSC... He is so faithful to put us right where He needs us at the right time. I am so thankful! </div>
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So here we are... a 45 year old mom of 8 living kids hustling around filling ingredients, moving packed boxes, cleaning sinks and I couldn't be happier to do it! I have made some of the sweetest friendships... I get to interact with so many people that never would be a part of my everyday mom life. </div>
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There is something about being a part of something so much bigger than you.... all done to care for God's kids and for HIS glory! </div>
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<br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17679265370655421932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034044339369402776.post-82716808704332566702016-11-30T23:32:00.000-08:002016-11-30T23:32:13.435-08:00LifeCurrently Life is full of...<br />
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Beautiful tender moments..<br />
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Big brothers helping out...<br />
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Packing operation Christmas child boxes...<br />
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Concerts...</div>
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And more concerts... (LANY, need to breathe, and Mat Kearney were AMAZING!!!)</div>
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Special thanksgiving tea with sisters and daughters...</div>
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Huge bonfires and worship with loved ones...</div>
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And tired Black Friday shoppers...</div>
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Greg just returned from a week in Haiti and has spent the whole day sick in bed...<br />
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Honestly, I am a bit tired from a week alone with the 8 kids amidst traveling, school, and Christmas decorating... But yet, I am so thankful for the full days and the people and things that fill them up!</div>
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Every single day is a gift to have the chance to live... </div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17679265370655421932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034044339369402776.post-52626567853584438072016-10-29T23:50:00.002-07:002016-10-29T23:50:14.614-07:00Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17679265370655421932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034044339369402776.post-62736000237062392762016-10-29T23:50:00.000-07:002016-10-30T00:11:16.390-07:00Another year closer to Heaven...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
How do I adequately put into words what it feels like 8 whole years later...</div>
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Do I live constantly with this deep heartache I feel right now as I sit quietly alone at Starbucks at nearly 11pm? Not at all... But am I feeling it now? </div>
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Down to my very core...</div>
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But I thank God we don't grieve with out hope... </div>
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I know it may seem odd or depressing to some that my heart still aches over the loss of my precious son 8 years later... </div>
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But I am ok with it... On a daily basis, I barely have time to catch a breath... So when the hurting hits, it is ok with me... Grieving is healthy and it is a process... </div>
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This precious baby boy, my son Samuel, His life had value...</div>
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It still does... It ALWAYS will...</div>
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It really is hard not to think back to what was happening this time 8 years ago... 10-28-08 (I wrote this a couple of days ago now) </div>
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It was my due date and he was moving like crazy late that night... </div>
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and just like that it would be the last I felt of him...</div>
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I don't dwell often on the events that had to occur to bring his body forth... </div>
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But on anniversary days... it is hard for me not to think about it... </div>
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The birth... it was traumatic of course... I will never forget when it was time to push, just crying out that there was no way I could do it... I wasn't ready to really see him, lifeless... </div>
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But the minute all 9 lbs. 2 oz. of him was born there wasn't a dry eye in the room... It was sort of an out of body experience for me... I could hear everyone sniffling... See the tears falling down their faces... Hear the silence from my baby... but I was just in awe of how absolutely perfect and precious he was... I could not take my eyes off of him...</div>
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And so we spent 5 sacred precious hours with him before we handed him over to the nurse... a memory I will never forget... </div>
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There were tears... there still are...There was A LOT of passing him around... Not one of the kids hesitated to hold, hug, and kiss him... </div>
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They loved him fully... Something I will cherish and never forget... They were prepared for this baby boy... They were so excited for him to be born... and I thank God that it was a beautiful time for all of us to spend with Samuel. How odd... the most difficult time... but yet one of the most beautiful of times...</div>
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Now... as I look at the these pictures, I can hardly believe how little my kids were when they experienced the loss of a brother... They look so small... Yet to handle something so big... </div>
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My sweet family... </div>
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I know we don't own the corner on grief or sorrow... There are many that go through much worse... But heartache is heartache... no matter what the cause...</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And Life is life... no matter how tiny... </div>
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And his life mattered then while I was carrying him, holding him still in my arms... and now as I remember the precious gift God gave us in Samuel... </div>
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I remember thinking... That if I lived to 80 I would have to live 40+ years with out him here with me... </div>
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Now I think... Wow... 8 whole years closer to seeing him again... Not a month closer... not a year closer...</div>
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8 WHOLE YEARS CLOSER TO HEAVEN!!!! </div>
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I rejoice in that... Truly... </div>
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I know my life here is precious... My family here is precious beyond belief...</div>
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But I know HEAVEN will be all that more amazing!</div>
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I rejoice that we will all have that time together... forever...</div>
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No more goodbyes... ever...</div>
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Samuel Mark, I loved you from the minute I knew you existed... </div>
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And I will love you till we meet again...</div>
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I wonder what kind of trouble you and Jojo would be getting into each day...</div>
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I often think about when Jesus was calling your name as He welcomed you home... </div>
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samuel... Samuel....SAMUEL...<b> SAMUEL... as you got closer...</b></div>
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And when you will call mine when I go home...</div>
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mom...Mom... MOM... <b>MOM... </b></div>
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Oh the joy that fills my heart as I think of Heaven...</div>
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I really don't know how people do it without faith in Jesus...</div>
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We have so much to look forward to... </div>
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This life is not the end... It really is just the very tiniest of beginnings to eternity... </div>
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To forever... to eternity... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">To forever praising our savior together...</span></div>
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To thankfulness in my heart for the beautiful gift that you are to our family...</div>
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To the grace of God in collecting ALL of our tears...</div>
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To no more goodbyes...</div>
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To making it 8 years closer to Heaven...</div>
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To our amazing creator who fashioned your precious body so perfectly... </div>
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To the compassion He works in our hearts to reach out to love others in loss...</div>
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To a mother's great love that only grows deeper with time...</div>
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To HEAVEN...</div>
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<br>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17679265370655421932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034044339369402776.post-31047771209026845122016-10-27T00:32:00.000-07:002016-10-27T17:59:35.495-07:00Beans and rice day three...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I have been struggling a bit as life moves full speed ahead... College applications, fafsa forms, soccer games, work, ministry needs, keeping track of Louis as he travels the nation for FMSC's mobilepack team, homeschooling, laundry, laundry, more laundry:) </div>
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I am constantly trying to keep the priorities in place that we value the most... Our relationships with Jesus, our relationships with each other, and then all of the other things that get thrown in with life as a family of ten!:)</div>
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Can anyone else relate to trying to balance it all... Get it all done... Keep what is truly important at the top of the to do list??<br />
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Just yesterday we had to make a decision to not participate in a winter activitiy for the sake of limiting the schedule... There was some sadness... Some guilt on my part... but lets be real... With 10 people in the house even when we limit outside activities, the schedule can get out of control... </div>
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So in an effort to keep our hearts and minds in check this holiday season... We started our beans and rice challenge just a few days ago... </div>
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And the expressions on day one say it all...</div>
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Gosh I love these hilarious kids!!! I am SO THANKFUL that they are mine!</div>
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It has been a couple years since we did this before Thanksgiving... We started it as a way to be able to even in the slightest bit prepare our hearts for Uganda and to try to get a gut check on our over abundance here in America and in our family...</div>
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That over abundance affects <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">us in every aspect of life...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">We literally are busting at the seems with our "stuff" and need to do a major overhaul in purging... This goes for everything... Jam packed closets, jam packed pantry, jam packed freezer... I could go on and on...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Truly I am extremely frugal... My dad used to say my mom was frugal and could stretch a buck to $2... But that I could stretch it to $10... But yet when I find a good deal, and with a large family, I buy in bulk... Good on the pocket book, but there still comes a time to clean it all up... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">So we are intending to eat beans and rice for lunch till Thanksgiving... (It will do our hearts good to realize what many have as maybe their only meal of the day) we plan to give away what we will save on lunch food to one of our favorite ministries. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">We intend to eat from the freezer, pantry, stockpile of food... Only running out for essentials. This may require some creativity, but I am determined! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">We intend to purge... Taking a room at a time or closet at a time... And I intend on getting everyone involved!!😳😳 Really... Everyone!😊 </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I know this will take longer than just making it to Thanksgiving, but I am hoping and praying that it sets our hearts in a better place before the holidays... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">We intend to focus on the gifts we have and not on what we don't have... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I am all about simplifying, savoring the moments (even more needed as these kids get bigger and more involved), and treasuring each precious person in our lives... But sometimes the clutter can distract, overwhelm, and really take away from our happiness and the beauty set right before us...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Anyone else need to hit the reset button on life before the holidays? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Join us in getting rid of the non essentials and instead on focusing and cherishing the beautiful precious things around you!! To God be the glory!</span></div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17679265370655421932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034044339369402776.post-13820114116528484422016-10-19T01:33:00.002-07:002016-10-19T01:33:19.946-07:00That familiar chill in the air... October for me is hard... there is no other way to slice it...<br />
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Is it as hard as it was 7 years ago? NO WAY! <br />
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But it is still hard...<br />
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Truth be told... when we had the first chill in the air this year, it was the first time in the last 7 years that I didn't feel like I had been punched in the gut... As wonderful as that is...<br />
Yes for the past 7 years every time I felt that first fall chill my breath was taken away...<br />
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Whoosh... fall... cool... cold... sorrow... loneliness... despair... emptiness... shattered heart... it all came back...<br />
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But this year was different, praise God... I just took in that first fall crisp air and marveled that it felt OK... it actually felt totally good... Wow... my heart is thankful for the whole process of healing that has taken place and continues to take place in my heart...<br />
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But even since then... the tears have come...<br />
First when I caught Jojo looking at Samuel's photo album tears in his eyes as he snuck upstairs not wanting anyone to see... (You can bet I followed after him...:)<br />
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More as midwives came up in History and they asked all about their births and Samuel's hard birth...<br />
Jojo then 3 1/2 and Anna was then almost 6 (we held Samuel's memorial service on Anna's 6th birthday... They see it much differently now and have a much deeper understanding of all that is missing from life as we miss Samuel. They know the fun of their little siblings and know he would have been their partner in crime... especially for Jojo... That hurts my heart for him more than I would ever admit to him:(<br />
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Then tonight as Louis and I drove downtown together for a really special night... more tears from both of us as he asked all about the details of Samuel's death... Being stuck in Chicago traffic left lots of time for recalling details he never knew as an 11 year old but now sees very differently as a 19 year old young man...<br />
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It is hard recalling the nurses cold words as she stuck her head in the crack of the door that Samuel didn't have any cardiac activity... WHAT??? Her coldness and lack of compassion left me honestly wondering if she really said what she had just said? <br />
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It was hard sharing with Louis the noises that emerged from me in the darkness of night as I labored to bring a stillborn son into this world...<br />
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It was even hard sharing through tears what sweet nurses God gave me when he was actually born... Only in the bible belt do nurses put their hands on you and pray boldly for the Holy Spirit to bring comfort...<br />
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So even now... these conversations come up... more so this year on a more adult level with the older kids than ever before... I think they are seeing Samuel through different eyes, maybe me through different eyes and the whole situation differently. <br />
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Wow... what a gift that beautiful little guy was... despite the pain and sorrow it still brings to my heart... He was worth every single second and every single tear! <br />
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Truth is... We still miss him...<br />
It still hurts... some days more than others...<br />
We will never forget him...<br />
We will always honor him...<br />
He is forever loved...<br />
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And we are so very thankful for the amazing healing restoring power of our gracious God... I literally thought my heart would be shattered into a million pieces forever... But like I have said before... the Lord has planted those shattered pieces and grown a new, different, but still wonderful and beautiful life!<br />
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If you are hurting today...<br />
Be encouraged... <b>It is 100% OK to be right where you are</b>... I firmly believe that we need to feel what we need to feel... We can't just blow off grief... It is a process that <b><u><span style="font-size: large;">needs</span></u></b> working through... But it won't hurt like it hurts right now forever...<br />
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Continually give the Lord your pain and sorrow... Some days he takes it from you and lifts that burden and fills you with peace... Other days, I felt he left it right where it was, where it needed going through, feeling, and processing all of it (in light of HIS faithfulness to walk right beside us in it) to be able to eventually heal in a healthy way...<br />
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We love big... we hurt big... and God heals big... You can't really rush the process or skip over any part of it...<br />
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My heart is with yours if you are hurting tonight... I would love to pray for you if you need prayer... It would be my privilege... and May you feel the strong arms of our Savior holding you close tonight...<br />
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17679265370655421932noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034044339369402776.post-65370287787039100442016-10-13T00:05:00.000-07:002016-10-13T00:05:01.445-07:00What a difference a YEAR makes... and then there was JOY... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A year ago we posted these photos sharing that we were hoping to expand our family through adoption... We were waiting to be matched...<br />
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Little did we know that a mama had already contacted our agency after seeking out alternatives to carrying her baby full term... but it was too costly for her to end her pregnancy... She had now decided to seek out to make an adoption plan...<br />
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Little did we know what the Lord had already put in place and that just a mere 3 1/2 weeks later we would get a call that we had been chosen by this sweet mama to raise her baby...<br />
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Little did we know that in less than 3 months we would hold that babygirl in our arms...<br />
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All we knew that day was that we had opened up the door for the Lord to work...</div>
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We were just going to step forward in faith waiting on God's plans to unfold and His will to be done...</div>
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(Truth be told when we first had started to pursue finding an agency to do our Illinois homestudy, I was flat out told that "NO ONE would pick our family with 7 other kids in the house" </div>
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Truth be told, I was discouraged that day... but within minutes of that really downer conversation, our case worker from Isaiah's adoption agency had called to talk to me about something new their agency was going to possibly try in a different area of adoptions... </div>
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God knew I needed to talk with her and my heart was immediately encouraged in what I already knew but needed to be reminded of... It was all in His perfect hands... The BEST place for it to be...</div>
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Little did I know that He was already working much out behind the scenes... </div>
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And work He did... and fast! </div>
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And just like that (with a whole lot of added drama, a birthmom changing her mind on Christmas day, an extended 5 week stay in Arizona to get paperwork through... ) She was in our arms!!!</div>
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Kaliyah Joy, is just that! Filled with JOY! She is such a little sweet heart! </div>
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She has become a bit more serious as of late and she checks out people who aren't family with a little more intensity than normal:)</div>
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But she knows her family... She knows loads of attention... Loads of hugs, holding, kisses, snuggles, laughs, and LOVE! </div>
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We can't get enough of her and her sweet squishy self! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">God knew she needed us...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And more importantly, God knew we needed her just as much! </span> </div>
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She is a perfect fit for our family! </div>
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Adoption isn't ever easy... but worth every penny, sacrifice, heartbreak, stretching, and beautiful moment along the journey! (I have a story of God's incredible faithfulness to provide that I will share soon! We are blown away!) </div>
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We are BLOWN away by the gift of this sweet sweet baby girl...</div>
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BLOWN away that He chose us for her...</div>
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And that just like we have adopted her and taken her as our own...</div>
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God does the same for us...</div>
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adopts us as HIS children...</div>
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Just like we love her... He loves us a million times more!</div>
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Just like God saw sweet Kaliyah so close to not ever having a chance to live a full life outside her birthmom... </div>
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God saw us with out any chance of living a full life in eternity and He redeemed us through His son...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She is ours... and we are HIS...</span></div>
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My heart is full... </div>
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My heart is overflowing...</div>
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Just a year later... What a difference HE can make in our lives... </div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17679265370655421932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034044339369402776.post-10524253463689369632016-10-07T23:06:00.001-07:002016-10-07T23:06:47.582-07:00A get away with the bigs!!<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We were so blessed a couple of weeks back to get away for a very short and quick weekend with our four big kids. We know adopting four kids has added an abundant amount of blessings to our family... but also an abundant amount of babysitting, diaper changes, bottles, messes etc. for our bigger kids to help with. So after some talking we decided to give it a shot and try to find some special help to watch the 4 littles! It worked out great!<br><br></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPx9MR5FquCUFbI7ZAL83tX7GpCzBUZRyzfnWtIgO3mxHlpNDJoWjGjaRmp9KY1t1byaqtuZw32K-M0K6xEj-LPpiVOTonQu0eAuNmWG9YHthUslYjMrka3eSujPDggTGqqvf_enelmR4/s640/blogger-image-1581825203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPx9MR5FquCUFbI7ZAL83tX7GpCzBUZRyzfnWtIgO3mxHlpNDJoWjGjaRmp9KY1t1byaqtuZw32K-M0K6xEj-LPpiVOTonQu0eAuNmWG9YHthUslYjMrka3eSujPDggTGqqvf_enelmR4/s640/blogger-image-1581825203.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Caleb spent the previous night with his cousins and best buddy Logan and went and did a college visit with them. We met them all, including my sweet friend Kimmey Sue when we picked him up in Milwaukee! What a treat to see Kim after so long. We spent the 5 weeks in AZ while we were adopting Kaliyah with them in their home... (MOST GRACIOUS HOSTS EVER!!! And oh how I miss her!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPT4BhtB66War0lsBLFo-sp2cg8M-TDFFnSV2_E1GsWhlkqem1J7pKJQ2LyLvW6qzW1N25GyH-dQqjjkjZiwo8QiXARW3D5dYXEJSTFfaVqCuBluovTAyg7cPXxAVZSDp819NvO6nIFM/s640/blogger-image--1831920091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPT4BhtB66War0lsBLFo-sp2cg8M-TDFFnSV2_E1GsWhlkqem1J7pKJQ2LyLvW6qzW1N25GyH-dQqjjkjZiwo8QiXARW3D5dYXEJSTFfaVqCuBluovTAyg7cPXxAVZSDp819NvO6nIFM/s640/blogger-image--1831920091.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Then it was off to Door County Wisconsin! Eating out was even a treat with out the littler guys:)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We were blessed to stay at the farm home of some friends from church:)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsQ519GG7v9H6ExzLRqzHgWAvWhyphenhyphengBIOQbZ0FhKB1KtW6R3SIuhhecGRdhPAfWn1JDYKKqf1YWq-glGw8JfZ0F0utAdyxiGnJtA-yb2LZovHlcUvTslKSVef3Ox7UaU76GbJmiZRu4Cc/s640/blogger-image-169977269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsQ519GG7v9H6ExzLRqzHgWAvWhyphenhyphengBIOQbZ0FhKB1KtW6R3SIuhhecGRdhPAfWn1JDYKKqf1YWq-glGw8JfZ0F0utAdyxiGnJtA-yb2LZovHlcUvTslKSVef3Ox7UaU76GbJmiZRu4Cc/s640/blogger-image-169977269.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEqSi7hpKLO8Pfl6uEs6hp2BeGqTPLArAPiFD85hiY-xXwcGdtEXV5uKGAJUOFEvwC_ExlhK39Bp5R3hynPycUz2aneZquU7jo2GLF2KWTrHb_3C7YqxTkIK49iXFarsrR2g8RGjL_TQ/s640/blogger-image--1969908384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEqSi7hpKLO8Pfl6uEs6hp2BeGqTPLArAPiFD85hiY-xXwcGdtEXV5uKGAJUOFEvwC_ExlhK39Bp5R3hynPycUz2aneZquU7jo2GLF2KWTrHb_3C7YqxTkIK49iXFarsrR2g8RGjL_TQ/s640/blogger-image--1969908384.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Lake Michigan is really beautiful... You really feel like you are on the edge of the ocean at times. We stopped at a lot of shops, a lighthouse, let the kids skip rocks, and really took in the beautiful creation God has made:)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9RBl5vTWoc1AkvMN1qm4vbzsxqgygzUe_Z2CgdbOk1V2upBBVO5iX9hKuoHp-fB_-hS9uC14YRb7pUrnPgxEcmHKgCZ-ISwi6GC40-5SlCMg6IzLUM1jo-qlnMmLgEeF27wkOo0nZ3o/s640/blogger-image-1590376254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9RBl5vTWoc1AkvMN1qm4vbzsxqgygzUe_Z2CgdbOk1V2upBBVO5iX9hKuoHp-fB_-hS9uC14YRb7pUrnPgxEcmHKgCZ-ISwi6GC40-5SlCMg6IzLUM1jo-qlnMmLgEeF27wkOo0nZ3o/s640/blogger-image-1590376254.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUfyOFsu39SuMsk81wwy6snqY2h9dVT76f4X2EURhz0cQ3c-qNUumbUO3HXOJCZOrltcjUGIiT9Hbtu0C3-sRPHot9T4dQQbiNyGf4-G9tE-DG3pE3GpFEFPv3fPOweK5S3AYbHdQm7E/s640/blogger-image--1004253058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUfyOFsu39SuMsk81wwy6snqY2h9dVT76f4X2EURhz0cQ3c-qNUumbUO3HXOJCZOrltcjUGIiT9Hbtu0C3-sRPHot9T4dQQbiNyGf4-G9tE-DG3pE3GpFEFPv3fPOweK5S3AYbHdQm7E/s640/blogger-image--1004253058.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GQRFjIwkNPnqbi365P7lWGWQc_e2UPfHXz_BP83QJZ-eC30nTAX87NuhnzIiv0k1kj-P0bH_KJ0q3M-9oGH0lYsW_5gvRxEmqUktUnnPjwcMJ2wnyLX1NKaRIaG4xh6UE60gQ2TBDcU/s640/blogger-image-1130989224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GQRFjIwkNPnqbi365P7lWGWQc_e2UPfHXz_BP83QJZ-eC30nTAX87NuhnzIiv0k1kj-P0bH_KJ0q3M-9oGH0lYsW_5gvRxEmqUktUnnPjwcMJ2wnyLX1NKaRIaG4xh6UE60gQ2TBDcU/s640/blogger-image-1130989224.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqB9ZSs7IDzHDzTVeIQvVTmxvBKWKw7WG7XH1dyl-PO-U32PXgChTcFVlHE1u5-6QCx_XMym3NYKl4Qecsytww_8cqiLe6dUTKdjWLY-sZT-McgFeHqlLf25zGOImYZkiWxki9sCvZ0p8/s640/blogger-image--1823061385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqB9ZSs7IDzHDzTVeIQvVTmxvBKWKw7WG7XH1dyl-PO-U32PXgChTcFVlHE1u5-6QCx_XMym3NYKl4Qecsytww_8cqiLe6dUTKdjWLY-sZT-McgFeHqlLf25zGOImYZkiWxki9sCvZ0p8/s640/blogger-image--1823061385.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Anna and I ended the weekend hanging out in the hammock! Talk about a beautiful day enjoying a beautiful property. I was blessed to not have to cook all weekend! HUGE TREAT! It was really a gift to hang with the 4 biggest kids!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmhXVmqg_FaNWPjSj1ymt5w_KMHR-ZvvlpSOuzaEadtIe1sfbzSPmag-ZnQeEUmDg1Ev076Ac5NAztJwzZhtysnP2jnyAsA5oAu9UgXG0OESWt7txOnNIfWY765XZVDbkLmEssXT6afU/s640/blogger-image-2006800393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmhXVmqg_FaNWPjSj1ymt5w_KMHR-ZvvlpSOuzaEadtIe1sfbzSPmag-ZnQeEUmDg1Ev076Ac5NAztJwzZhtysnP2jnyAsA5oAu9UgXG0OESWt7txOnNIfWY765XZVDbkLmEssXT6afU/s640/blogger-image-2006800393.jpg"></font></a></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>When we got home these beautiful ladies had cleaned the whole house! It was incredible! Seriously, my heart was so blessed to come home and have the kids well taken care of and the bonus was a clean home! It was awesome! I didn't want these girls to leave:)<br><br>I am so thankful for each and every single one of my kids! What a treat to have the big kids all to ourselves for a few days!<br><br><br><br><br><br><br></span><br style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17679265370655421932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034044339369402776.post-1694080788974172572016-10-05T23:19:00.003-07:002016-10-05T23:30:30.558-07:00God's great provision... For Kaliyah<div><br></div><div>Sweet baby Kaliyah has been fed by many... LITERALLY!</div><div><br></div><div>We have a great Facebook page here in town for local moms which has been a HUGE BLESSINGS to our family! </div><div><br></div><div>When Kaliyah was having trouble with every kind of formula we tried in ARIZONA, I had a friend reach out to this groups of mamas... And the amount of moms that came forward ready and willing to donate breastmilk was astounding!!</div><div><br></div><div>What a gift! This sweet baby has been nourished so well by the gift of so many mamas. She hadn't been sick even one time:). Praise God!! </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ju1_tRJ5iIz7W1nKjFGsMRfcE2IYkr9ErUIex-ocZUtAeAiAF00V7S8yVZJMOY2CoJ7ZIaAxaS4Hv22YtNWPl5FLFH_CKWN9xMhBKnfHh1_wAAuRGB1z_6CzYQDadZxe7JOHl0NDXFs/s640/blogger-image-2087914685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ju1_tRJ5iIz7W1nKjFGsMRfcE2IYkr9ErUIex-ocZUtAeAiAF00V7S8yVZJMOY2CoJ7ZIaAxaS4Hv22YtNWPl5FLFH_CKWN9xMhBKnfHh1_wAAuRGB1z_6CzYQDadZxe7JOHl0NDXFs/s640/blogger-image-2087914685.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Just the other week a gal brough milk to our home!!! Her name was Hope and she literally was delivering hope and great health to our little sweetie!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Kaliyah is almost 10 months old and she is still receiving breast milk. She tolerates formula fine now and through this same site we have been given loads of free formula from moms who don't need the samples they receive. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Adoption isn't inexpensive so we clearly have seen the hand of God in providing this great food for Kaliyah through the very generous hands of others! It never ceases to amaze me when I see the faithfulness of and the creative ways of our Gracious God as he provides for us!!:) </div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17679265370655421932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034044339369402776.post-44109240700960459292016-09-13T00:44:00.003-07:002016-09-13T00:44:43.774-07:00This is happening....<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDbY4fCbJVv7YRfIgD5TzwHYgJCgXv7Zna1R_A6oKyg31-U8BUtyOecaHLJ6RyMrFIOx9qfAEcEeWeiOiFnWn9CR-6M2gl9j47HMGL3hRLqcNtMz3CotR5b5iOCZ0P1vIdLoGv725CLs/s640/blogger-image--210685216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDbY4fCbJVv7YRfIgD5TzwHYgJCgXv7Zna1R_A6oKyg31-U8BUtyOecaHLJ6RyMrFIOx9qfAEcEeWeiOiFnWn9CR-6M2gl9j47HMGL3hRLqcNtMz3CotR5b5iOCZ0P1vIdLoGv725CLs/s400/blogger-image--210685216.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And just like that our sweet little guy isn't so little anymore:)</div>
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We are finally getting around to Lou's graduation open house...</div>
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We are really proud of him and all of his hard work to finish school and work towards his future. </div>
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We know God has great things in store for him and we are excited to watch it unfold. </div>
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He loves working at Feed My Starving Children and hopes to continue working for them and has had a desire to go into mission work as well. We will see where God leads him:) </div>
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We would love for you to pray for him as well! We are praying that God would continually draw him closer to Himself and that He would lead and guide him in His will for his life! </div>
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We are so thankful for the gift that Louis is to all of us:) </div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17679265370655421932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034044339369402776.post-3547282886402799812016-08-20T09:34:00.000-07:002016-08-20T09:34:07.755-07:00Summer nightsWhile the big kids are at youth group Jojo and I try to have some fun with the 5 littles. <br />
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We are so blessed by all of the great places to explore and enjoy practically right in our own back yard. We literally walked about a quarter of a mile to this park area. The kids loved watching the swans and ducks... as well as the people! The highlight was catching frogs. <br />
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Jojo even said it was better than walking to Oberweis for icecream... now that is saying something!<br />
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Summer is passing by way too quickly. Some of our friends are back in school... most go back on Monday and we are putting it off and going to enjoy summer for two more weeks. Seriously, the kids and I even considered doing school six days a week to have a really long nice summer next year... we will see how that plays out...<br />
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But truly, it flies by entirely too quickly! So we are going to cherish the last two weeks of playing, swimming at the pool, going for walks, and just spending time together!<br />
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Is she yummy or what! Seriously, this girl is pure JOY!<br />
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The boys enjoying the park on campus... Isaiah has earned the nick name Kamikaze this summer... He is wild at the pool, wild at the lake, wild in the house... just down right wild a lot of the time... But I think Jojo might give him a little competition jumping off the swings:)</div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17679265370655421932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034044339369402776.post-53514607223254017202016-08-07T23:14:00.000-07:002016-08-07T23:15:44.061-07:00In honor...There has been so much hurt directly affecting people close to me the last couple of weeks. And literally after hearing of the 4th death in a two day time frame while at FMSC prior to our prayer time... I broke...<br />
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Those lost are not even people I know... Yet those I know and love are hurting deeply... so I hurt...<br />
That is one thing that losing Samuel taught me... empathy...<br />
Grieve with those that grieve, rejoice with those that rejoice... people don't have to hurt alone... We can help shoulder that burden...<br />
My heart hurts for those that hurt...<br />
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This past Saturday we packed in honor of the Pals family... When the slide was up on the screen as I set up for orientation... it was almost too much... too much hurt... One amazing family wiped out in a moment... All at once... Read this amazing article that was written on the FMSC blog and take a moment to pray for their families... She says it all so well...<br />
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‘Now I Know in Part….’</h1>
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“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18</h2>
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Death and life. Hunger and fulfillment. Sorrow and joy. At Feed My Starving Children, we wade in the mire of these dichotomies <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">daily</em>.</h3>
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We know that more than 6,000 children a day die from hunger related causes. We grieve. We take action. We hope. We do it all again the next day.</h3>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">We are about life</em>, despite so often being surrounded by death.</h3>
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This week we lost one of our own. <a href="http://fmscblog.com/author/jamison-pals/" style="border: 0px; color: #20437b; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Jamison Pals</a> was a grant writer for FMSC for the past three years. He left us in April to pursue missions in Japan with his family. While here, he touched countless lives. He was about to touch countless more through ministry in Japan.</h3>
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Not only were we inspired as staff by his heart for Christ, but thousands upon thousands of children will <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">live</em> because of the work he did as a grant writer.</h3>
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<a href="http://kstp.com/news/minnesota-family-fatal-crash-interstate-80-nebraska/4218656/" style="border: 0px; color: #20437b; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">He died with his family on a road in Nebraska</a>. His wife, Kathryne. His two toddlers, Ezra and Violet. A two-month-old infant named Calvin. The thought is almost incomprehensible.</h3>
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We are grieving with the families of Jamison and Kathryne. But we are not without comfort and hope — this is the wonder and the miracle of a life with Christ.</h3>
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We know from God’s word that there is a time for everything “and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…”</h3>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Good and gracious God,</em></h3>
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May we take time to mourn, to grieve.</h3>
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Thank you for your grace — that there is room for questioning and anger in grief.</h3>
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And that sorrow may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning.</h3>
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Be near to us as we walk the line between sorrow and joy every day.</h3>
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Thank you for Jamison, Kathryne, Ezra, Violet and Calvin.</h3>
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Thank you for the thousands of children who eat MannaPack Rice™ and the volunteers and donors who make it possible.</h3>
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Thank you for the comfort and healing from your presence, and we humbly ask for more of it now.</h3>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Amen.</strong></h3>
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After traveling to the Dominican Republic with FMSC, Jamison wrote a <a href="http://fmscblog.com/author/jamison-pals/" style="border: 0px; color: #20437b; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">blog post</a> about fatherhood. He closed with this verse:</h3>
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<em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12</em></h3>
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More on the Pals Family</em></h2>
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<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; line-height: 20.8px; list-style: circle; margin: 10px 10px 10px 40px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://joyofjapan.org/" style="border: 0px; color: #20437b; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Read Jamison and Kathryne’s blog, For the Joy of Japan</a></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/joyofjapan" style="border: 0px; color: #20437b; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Support For the Joy of Japan</a></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.hopeingod.org/event/memorial-worship-service-jamison-kathryne-ezra-violet-and-calvin-pals" style="border: 0px; color: #20437b; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Memorial Worship Service for the Pals</a></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.worldventure.com/remembering-the-pals-family/" style="border: 0px; color: #20437b; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">World Venture Remembers the Pals Family</a></li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.hopeingod.org/news-events/bethlehem-blogs/pastors-blog/now-lord-jamison-kathryne-pals-family" style="border: 0px; color: #20437b; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Bethlehem Baptist Church Remembers the Pals Family</a></li>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hrSJwO5dJXg" width="480"></iframe>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17679265370655421932noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034044339369402776.post-17529337937932388912016-08-01T00:24:00.000-07:002016-08-01T00:24:40.985-07:00Summer<br />
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Summer is absolutely flying by at the speed of lightning!!! Way too fast for me!:( </div>
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I think we may not start our school till after labor day just so we can soak up a bit more of summer! I think with teaching last year I was a bit behind even before summer began... </div>
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It has been pretty non stop, especially for the big boys... In the above picture they were getting ready to leave for the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans. They loved it... worshipping with 25,000 other Christian youth. We were so happy they had the opportunity to go. Literally, they were home for 3 days and off they went to Haiti! </div>
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My sister and crew were up from St. Louis just for a day visit... But it was really special! It is always a treat to spend time together... even if it is far too short! The kids loved the toilet bowl slide at the pool. We have spent countless hours there... It has been a perfect summer weather wise:)</div>
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Hope and Eli chatting it up... They discovered they really could get married since she is adopted... The conversations were hilarious!</div>
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Sweet baby Kaliyah Joy and her old man face... She was passed out cold at the pool. She has been such a great sport... Goes with the flow and seriously is the happiest baby whether it is hanging at the pool or inside in her exersaucer she is a joyful baby! </div>
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We were so blessed by this perfect little baby!</div>
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My two biggest helpers while the big 3 men are in Haiti! They have been amazing! I literally don't know what I would do with out them! </div>
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The Haiti crew at 4:30 am as they headed out. I spoke with Greg for just a few minutes tonight! They are all safe and well and having an amazing time! I can't wait to hear all about it, especially from the kids perspectives! I really miss them all! But we are so thankful that they have this wonderful opportunity to share the love of Jesus with the people in Haiti! </div>
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I was amazingly blessed by the head pastor's wife Gretchen coming over and helping me with laundry tonight... What started out as towels ended up as the WHOLE bunch of laundry...load after load as we talked! It was so nice to have some adult visiting and the helping hands with folding! What a gift to my tired heart today! </div>
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<br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17679265370655421932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034044339369402776.post-31738588124092621702016-07-18T00:41:00.000-07:002016-07-19T16:36:58.578-07:00Modern day miracle...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">What a heavy week for us all... all of the violence has me honestly downright confused, angered, and so very saddened... (More on that another day)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Here is a little feel good for you...:)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">James1:17</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Every good and perfect gift is from above,</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30284A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30284A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30284B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30284B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> who does not change</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30284C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30284C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> like shifting shadows... </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">(That is our GOD!!! He does not change... not ever!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">How does this... </span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Become this sweet little bundle of love on the left being cradled in his sister's loving arms??? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">6 years ago on the 14th of July these 2 beautiful thawed donated embryos above, as well as one more, were transferred into my womb... I will never forget literally all of the feelings I felt on that day! I felt so excited, thankful, and a bit anxious for sure... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But I knew in my heart it was soooooo much more than that... I was getting to experience a miracle first hand in the flesh... All by the grace and to the glory of GOD! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Out of those 3 embryos, God allowed Levi Ryan to take hold and grow inside of me... Totally someone else's DNA... growing and thriving off of my blood supply... Being fearfully and wonderfully knit together by our loving God! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Seriously, it AMAZES me to this day... He was frozen for 5 years and God choose to breathe life back into that tiny little embryo and jump start his life right back up! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And we are forever grateful to God for allowing us to parent this amazing little guy! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are forever grateful to his donor mom for entrusting us with the most precious gift of all... this precious child!!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And we are forever grateful for the sweet, tender hearted, always enthusiastic, affectionate Levi... We ALWAYS laugh that he seriously has enough excitement in him over things to make up for a whole crowd of people! We love it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Levi enjoying the mountains in Estes Park)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So rejoice with us today for the miracle that took place 6 years ago in Levi's little life and in ours... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And if you are in need of your own miracle or to see the Lord's faithfulness in your life... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">DO NOT DOUBT FOR A SECOND... that He can't work for you... or doesn't TRULY CARE ABOUT YOU! He does! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know it can be hard to make sense of so much that is going on... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes things aren't as we might want or even expect...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes things are <b><u>exactly</u></b> as might hope for them to be...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But through it all we can trust that He is still who He says He is...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He does not change... not ever... He is the same yesterday, today, and forever... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He is the same... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Miracle worker, redeemer, restorer, helper, healer, Comforter...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our powerful all providing and faithful God! </span></div>
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<h1 class="passage-display" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: inherit; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 500; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Psalm 139:13-14</span></h1>
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<span class="text Ps-139-13" id="en-NIV-16253" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>For you created my inmost being;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-16253A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16253A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br>
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">you knit me together<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-16253B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16253B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in my mother’s womb.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-16253C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16253C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br>
<span class="text Ps-139-14" id="en-NIV-16254" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>I praise you<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-16254D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16254D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;</span><br>
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">your works are wonderful,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-16254E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16254E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br>
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I know that full well.</span></span></div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17679265370655421932noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4034044339369402776.post-45211790125499670122016-07-14T01:34:00.001-07:002016-07-14T01:34:12.294-07:00The fourth<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
And we were off... the kids and I to celebrate the fourth of July with all the extended family on my side... </div>
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Dad planned on joining us in a few days:)</div>
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We had the strangest weather on the drive up... a huge storm that we nearly skirted... blinding sun, 5 rainbows, 2 double rainbows... loads of rain... It was down right bizarre... but thankfully we arrived safe and sound in the north woods.</div>
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Morning one... Paul Bunyans for their amazing to die for donuts with grandma, grandpa, cousins and family from St. Louis! Seriously, the best!!!</div>
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All the teens hammocking by the water's edge... so beautiful!</div>
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It is always a tradition to watch the local waterski show... The minocquabats! What a fun night!</div>
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Some of the teens on the fourth :) It is the best when your cousins can also be your best friends! I am so thankful that they have so much fun together!</div>
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The Neumann crew! We were only short one niece on the fourth of July... What a blessing to have almost everyone together for the day... It is a rarity, but such a treat!</div>
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Dad and I with the little boys down by the lake! These two played in the sand all weekend, loved the kayaks, and enjoyed lots of cousin time!</div>
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Uncle Josh and Aunt Lyndsey brought up the BIG JOE! It was the perfect addition... it was almost like having extra pier to hang out on... The wrestling matches that went on while playing on this were hysterical! Everyone loved relaxing on the BIG JOE!</div>
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Aunt Katy hanging out with Kaliyah... She was all passed out from lots of fresh air:)</div>
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The fourth of July always ends with a pow wow and the fireworks show in the local town close by... And literally it is like you are a part of the show... The embers literally are falling right on the crowd... It is the craziest thing... </div>
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We had a beautiful weekend! I think it is one of the kids favorite places on earth... On the way home Levi kept saying he wished the cabin was his home... It is beautiful, relaxing, and the perfect place to spend time together with family... Gift from God!</div>
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<br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17679265370655421932noreply@blogger.com0