tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22780585722944639462024-03-14T01:58:40.692-05:00FiveChiliPeppers...plus two !Join us on our Journey of Raising and Homeschooling Seven "Spicy" KidsKimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03732123375936463052noreply@blogger.comBlogger356125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278058572294463946.post-40424847362860148282015-03-17T16:11:00.003-05:002015-03-17T16:11:40.414-05:00Springtime (cont'd)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Studying the Flowers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mia teaching the girls something about flowers</td></tr>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Signs that Spring is Coming!!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of Daffodils in bloom</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turtles of all sizes enjoying the warmth of the sun</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bushes budding and in bloom</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plants growing</td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And then there are these bright, "sun"-shiny faces... Just for you Mrs. Connie and Mr. Clayton...</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby-K Girlie</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Pea</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute Stuff</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiley</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Bro.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Sis</td></tr>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03732123375936463052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278058572294463946.post-39732490421036522982015-03-17T15:53:00.000-05:002015-03-17T15:53:41.554-05:00Springtime Weather<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Warmer weather meant that we could get out and explore. I took the crew to George Washington Carver's Homestead and Museum. We have been several times, but it never gets old. I love to walk the trails and take in the peaceful, serene surroundings. The kids and I started in the museum. They were naturally drawn to all the interactive exhibits, and we could have spent another hour in that area. We explored further and came upon an exhibit that displayed the creative activities from area school children. The exhibit showcased art in various forms: sculptures, diorama's, written essays, etc... . Surprisingly, after a brief warning to respect the other kids art, all of the crew enjoyed that exhibit a great deal! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-DNi8B0ivw/VQiPk69jcrI/AAAAAAAAEFU/eui0yZLHs4A/s1600/DSC_2953%2B(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-DNi8B0ivw/VQiPk69jcrI/AAAAAAAAEFU/eui0yZLHs4A/s1600/DSC_2953%2B(2).JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretending to do Radio Interviews</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being a Radio Announcer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning about animal sounds</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OUygNm498aw/VQiP74d5UHI/AAAAAAAAEF0/kcq6i0MSBMc/s1600/DSC_2959%2B(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OUygNm498aw/VQiP74d5UHI/AAAAAAAAEF0/kcq6i0MSBMc/s1600/DSC_2959%2B(2).JPG" height="265" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is behind these letters?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Future Research Scientist ...perhaps?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFv1l600QK4/VQiQHWws0HI/AAAAAAAAEGE/EXybOUSKSaM/s1600/DSC_2961%2B(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFv1l600QK4/VQiQHWws0HI/AAAAAAAAEGE/EXybOUSKSaM/s1600/DSC_2961%2B(2).JPG" height="255" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Studying Plants</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next, we were off to explore the outdoors. We hit the walking trail and enjoyed the many sites and sounds that were around us. At one point, I had them all be completely still and quiet listening for sounds around them. It was fun to hear all their answers... and the highlight was when they heard cattle "mooing" in the distance. We found the house that GWC had grown up in and explored the grounds around it. They all wished that we could see the upstairs (which is blocked off from the public).</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I6Dv_7bnbN4/VQiQj4vLsgI/AAAAAAAAEGM/hSFhl-58fkY/s1600/DSC_2963%2B(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I6Dv_7bnbN4/VQiQj4vLsgI/AAAAAAAAEGM/hSFhl-58fkY/s1600/DSC_2963%2B(2).JPG" height="266" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entire Krew</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8zZb4Ogg9lA/VQiQvmaCJoI/AAAAAAAAEGc/z3kq7gt7Wog/s1600/DSC_2970%2B(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8zZb4Ogg9lA/VQiQvmaCJoI/AAAAAAAAEGc/z3kq7gt7Wog/s1600/DSC_2970%2B(2).JPG" height="250" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby K-girlie is smitten or is it the other way around?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gi7r3RyBLqY/VQiRFO1M8iI/AAAAAAAAEGs/IWI52KmE5Ls/s1600/DSC_3046%2B(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gi7r3RyBLqY/VQiRFO1M8iI/AAAAAAAAEGs/IWI52KmE5Ls/s1600/DSC_3046%2B(2).JPG" height="252" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting tired...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vDGWYFpRE_A/VQiRH8jx0jI/AAAAAAAAEG0/71qcZoTwY80/s1600/DSC_3050%2B(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vDGWYFpRE_A/VQiRH8jx0jI/AAAAAAAAEG0/71qcZoTwY80/s1600/DSC_3050%2B(2).JPG" height="187" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting even more tired...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x096cAXpRQ8/VQiRP0xfhEI/AAAAAAAAEG8/-wlfjgNf6NI/s1600/DSC_3058%2B(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x096cAXpRQ8/VQiRP0xfhEI/AAAAAAAAEG8/-wlfjgNf6NI/s1600/DSC_3058%2B(2).JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The prairie... it is beautiful in Spring, filled with beautiful flowers</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> We then took the trail through the prairie which winds its way around to the cemetery (where the Carvers and their neighbor's are buried... GWC is buried in Tuskegee, Alabama). By this time, several kiddos were tired out and dragging...some others were needing the restroom. We headed back to the building and took a restroom break before heading home.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dI2y3bsUG_o/VQiRuK6QMQI/AAAAAAAAEHE/6gDidHIuybs/s1600/DSC_3059%2B(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dI2y3bsUG_o/VQiRuK6QMQI/AAAAAAAAEHE/6gDidHIuybs/s1600/DSC_3059%2B(2).JPG" height="191" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Restroom Break... some are very tired!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ftj-pcqFLYQ/VQiRy5ze9oI/AAAAAAAAEHM/eBSkyYiVKUU/s1600/DSC_3070%2B(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ftj-pcqFLYQ/VQiRy5ze9oI/AAAAAAAAEHM/eBSkyYiVKUU/s1600/DSC_3070%2B(2).JPG" height="268" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Synchronized Leg Lifts</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> We got home just in time to eat Hot Dogs that Mr. Brad grilled for our lunch. After lunch, the crew couldn't resist the draw of Mr. Sun and spent a good portion of the afternoon outside playing. Then it was dinner time, and after dinner, we watched the Voice, our favorite show (sorry Connie, but we got your kids hooked...). We baked some cookies for a bedtime snack. When everyone was ready for bed, we had cookies & milk and read Charlotte's Web. There are lots of pictures of our adventure so, I will post them in two parts. Thanks for following along on our fun adventures. </span>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03732123375936463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278058572294463946.post-70979384949544518682015-03-15T20:52:00.000-05:002015-03-15T20:52:03.176-05:00Busy,Busy Weekend<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To say we have been busy is a bit of an understatement. We had made plans to return to our house when the Kkrew got out of school for Spring Break. So, on Thursday, our kiddos finished up their school in the morning and helped me get the house in order a bit along with helping do the piles of laundry that had amassed. We got almost everything washed before the Kkrew got off the bus. I had all the kiddos help me pack their stuff. Let me just share with you that we had some major fun packing up this group :)! I think we managed to get everything that belonged to our household packed and out of the Kkrew house. In addition, we got all the Kkrew out with at least 4 or 5 outfits, some undies, and some Pj's to sleep in. If we forgot things, we are just making due with what we have or what we can find. I have to wash everyday anyway...so, we just keep the washing machine running all day long... or, so it seems. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Friday morning brought an early start for our road trip. We shoved in, pushed in, squeezed in and filled up every little space in our car with all the stuff we had to carry with us. Brad is a "master" car packer, and we were on the road only an hour later than planned... and yes, we got all eleven of the kiddos in too(I would never<strike> purposely leave</strike> uhh, forget anyone...even the teens). Traffic was a little on the heavy side all the way home...guess everyone was heading out for their Spring Break too. We arrived at our destination with little time to spare. Brad made a trip to pick up things needed, and then we headed to our church for a fundraising event. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">G-baby put together a basketball tournament to benefit our Honduras mission trip. He had been working hard on it for about 4 months, and now we were at the weekend of the event. We are so proud of the maturity he has shown, and he is such a hard worker...planning every detail, gathering donations, calling people and trying to advertise. We helped where he needed us, but he did the majority by himself. We spent Friday afternoon setting up and waiting for the youth ages to show up. Unfortunately, Friday's event was a bust... not one person showed in the youth age group. So, we closed up and went home for the evening. Saturday morning, we faired a little better. We all went to help where we could. The entire team was there to help with some part of the 15 and older event. We had four teams play the tournament, and we made a little profit, but not a whole lot. G. was so optimistic and decided that this was just not meant to be the fundraiser to help our funds increase. It was a beautiful opportunity for him to learn and to grow with the grace of our Lord Jesus. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing before the Teams arrive...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making some fantastic shots</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coloring with Mandy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And there is always time for Lego adventures </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sassy girls</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just being beautiful</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">All the krew was there...they did beautifully throughout the event. They gave help where it was needed, and they watched some of the games. The whole event was over by Noon. We cleaned up, set up for church on Sunday, and then left to go find some food for lunch. We took the kiddos to Taco Bell. Taco Packs fed the majority and made many very happy. The next order of business was home to pay outside for a bit, then it was bath time and off to bed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> Sunday morning arrived a lot earlier than expected... boy, I could have used a bit more sleep :)! The kiddos dressed in record time, and we got them all fed without delay. They are being so cooperative (all week)... I think I need to pinch myself to make sure it is real. Once again, we made it to church with a few (ok, 2) minutes to spare. The kiddos all took off for Children's Church while Brad and I took a sigh of relief. Not one call to come get one child or another... they all sincerely had a great time worshipping today. Like I said, I think I need to wake up from this crazy dream! All kidding aside, the kiddos just make me smile, and they really ALL get along so well! After church, we had pizza at home, and then everyone went outside to play. It was a glorious day! The weather was PERFECT! The kids just played to their hearts content. I took in a few rays, and then I had to return indoors to work on piles of laundry and teacher work...home school stuff that I had put aside from the previous week :( ! To be perfectly honest, my head and respiratory system thanked me...ugh, Allergies. The kids are in our basement playing some heated games of air hockey as I type this. Wonder if I leave them up a little later...if they will sleep later... yeah, I know...doubtful! The plans for tomorrow include a picnic to the park somewhere...stay tuned!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this precious one has all the menfolk in our house hopelessly wrapped around her little finger! </td></tr>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03732123375936463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278058572294463946.post-15563553819196363882015-03-11T10:12:00.000-05:002015-03-11T10:12:37.162-05:00Good Morning World!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating Breakfast</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting on the School Bus. " This book is so good. I can't stop reading it!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She wasn't awake when the others were, but she is such a cutie...I had to include this pic.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Already smiling this morning! Such JOY!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thinking about something...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for School and Oh So HAPPY!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure she is awake just yet, nor is she "really ready" for school, but she's smiling ...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have been having a grand old time here with the Kkrew. It is such a pleasure to spend time with these beautiful children! Our family seems to just meld into their family, and everyone works together stupendously; however, this blending is not without its challenges. Mostly, they are my challenges. I am not a morning person...never have been... I try desperately to get better at starting earlier. I am a semi-structured person, but find it hard to fit into a rigid schedule. So, this homeschooling mom is having a difficult time with the routine of "go-to-school" children. Not that we are not getting it done... I am just a bit slower and more awkward at it. I am sure I have forgotten many things(like 2 of the girlies forgot their glasses yesterday morning). The kids and their teachers are being so forgiving (sending papers back that didn't get signed, helping the kiddos with homework they missed, etc...). I am finally getting into the swing of things and guess what?... we only have 2 more days of school before Spring Break! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> The Home-school crowd sleeps a little later, and then we get started on our schooling while the others are away at school. It has worked well that way, and our kiddos are used to a later start. We are accomplishing lots and lots in our schooling while here. The preschoolers (the Tob-man and the mini-K girlie) are having a great time keeping each other entertained. They enjoy coloring, playdough, studying their alphabet and counting while the big kids do their school. I often hear Tob-man gently instruct the precious girlie, and she is so sweet to him in return... they are quite the pair! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> All the kiddos have been busy playing and exploring outdoors in the warm sunshine after school. We then eat the scrumptious food that we have been so graciously blessed with...then, homework and/or silent reading, baths and then we all meet together to listen to Charlotte's Web (a very good way to calm this large crew before bed). Then it is off to bed. Our days are filled with this same routine during the school week....Next week though... we are taking a road trip to Missouri! We will have many more pictures of our exciting adventures, and I am sure that there will be quite a few stories to share. Come on along and enjoy the FUN...!</span>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03732123375936463052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278058572294463946.post-58924846981547518572015-03-08T21:43:00.000-05:002015-03-08T21:43:03.113-05:00SUNDAY<span style="font-size: large;">Today was a beautiful day to spend together! We all got up in a timely manner, got ready, and made it to church on time. The "hairiest" part was getting everyone into the van...some into car-seats and some buckled in with seatbelts. Everyone seemed in a stupor about so many piling into one van. We kept encouraging children to move, to get buckled, to let the littles into their seats... everyone just stood looking at one another. It was like a comedy of errors. Brad and I managed to move kids into their proper seats, and then we were off... still can't believe we got to church in time for Sunday school :) ! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> After church, we returned home to finish up the lunch meal and eat. I had all the kiddos go outside until we had dinner on the table. They were having so much fun that we had to stop their play to get them to wash their hands and to sit down to eat. Once the meal was done, it was off to play outside again. I had them stay outdoors to enjoy the beautiful sunshiny day. They played, explored, jumped on the trampoline, created and invented new games, and just all around enjoyed their time together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> We called them in at about 5pm to get baths, do homework, and eat (yeah for leftovers!). We read books. The kiddos had 30 min. of silent reading and...I started Charlotte's Web as a read aloud for these two weeks. They seemed captivated, even the little ones, until we had been sitting 30 minutes and some were trying to avoid falling asleep. So, we stopped there and will resume our story tomorrow. Everyone was off to bed ...Springing forward that hour and playing outside made for some very tired children...most were out within a few minutes of being in bed. All of the kids are anxiously awaiting pictures of their baby brother... </span><br />
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03732123375936463052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278058572294463946.post-35393890422888793582015-03-07T14:22:00.001-06:002015-03-07T15:45:19.228-06:00Let the Good Times Begin...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Our Adventure taking care of the Kkrew has begun. The beginning was a bit rocky...we had planned out that we would arrive before C.,C.J., and the girls left. We had thought it all out with the Kids and I arriving early afternoon, and Brad arriving after work that evening. Our plans got thrown out when the weather decided to dump another 2 inches of snow on us and winter weather hit every area across which we had to travel. (You know, the best laid plans of mice and men..) We are very thankful that it was short lived, and we were able to head out the next day. We are also very thankful for people who filled in for us the first evening. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> We made it to the house a little before the bus arrived with the kiddos. It was fun to be there and surprise them as they got off the bus (the squeals of delight and the peals of laughter between the kiddos...well, that makes this momma's heart sing) , and it was almost instantaneous that the kiddos paired up and began to play outside with gusto (in spite of the temperatures being 45 degrees...and,yes, they had jackets on). They played, played and played some more only coming inside just before dark. Dinner was made easy by the wonderful support of Kkrew's church family... they are bringing dinner's every night that we are here... love, love, love this precious church body!!! We finished that first evening doing homework and then off to bed for an early start the next morning. The next day, the majority of the Kkrew was off to school. Our kiddos had some school work to finish, and then they were off outdoors (they love the trampoline). They were slightly bored waiting for their friends to return from school. Once the bus arrived, Levi and the K-boy were "glued" together playing outside, building with Legos and getting into boy mischief. Those two are best buddies! The girls all gathered together playing, riding bikes and chatting. Mandy was the sought after "friend" by the little girls, and they had her fixing their hair and pulling her around everywhere they wanted to go. She is good with them, and it helps me when my attention is needed by others. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> We are missing our big boys, as they are staying at home working and playing in a basketball tournament. They seem to be handling their time at home well. It is hard to believe that they are old enough to stay alone. So far they are showing great responsibility (Nolan said he even cleaned his room this morning :) ) We are missing their humor and fun-loving spirit. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We began today with a big breakfast and then the kiddos were off to play. They alternate playing outside with coming inside for bits of time watching movies, playing games. and looking at books. We are just hanging around the house today... it is such a beautiful day with the promises of spring . </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> This has turned into a long post, but I wanted to share all the fun. In addition, I know that the Kkrew's momma and daddy are grateful to have knowledge of how their babies are doing here. We enjoy so very much our time spent with them! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are no pictures at the moment because I haven't gotten the camera out; however, I promise to take pictures in the near future. It is always amusing to see all the kiddos in action.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03732123375936463052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278058572294463946.post-73200671085514786822015-02-27T21:40:00.002-06:002015-02-27T21:40:49.912-06:00Long Time No WriteMy blog is severely neglected!! We have been busy decluttering and packing up non-essential items. Our home is on the market and has been for sale for almost a year now. Brad has been working at his new job a year in March. We get asked all the time if we are still moving. The answer is Yes, when we sell the house. We never dreamed that it would take so long to sell our current home. We have watched many houses that we liked in our new town sell, but we are still waiting here. The truth is nothing is selling in our current place of residence. We know that God has this, and that He will sell our home in His perfect timing. We just have a difficult time waiting, and it is hard on my hubby making the drive to and from work several times a week. Your prayers are most definitely appreciated.<br />
In addition to waiting, we have been busy with doctor appointments and surgeries for our treasures. This has been the year of operations for us. We have been working with orthodontists and oral surgeons to repair our sweet girls cleft palate. It has required a first set of braces, a bone graft surgery for the hard palate and a palate extension surgery. It looks as if there might be one more surgery on her upper palate. Our princess has been such a trooper through it all. She acts as if the surgeries are an everyday occurrence, but hates the idea of a blended diet once again. We have to add a tarsal coalition to the surgery count. Our Nate developed one on his right ankle and tried physical therapy first, but it was still painful for him to walk any length of time. So, it was off to surgery. It went well, but required an extended recovery: two weeks in cast and on crutches, 4 weeks in a boot and another go at the physical therapy. Add homeschooling, basketball practice and games, and everyday busyness and there you have our life this year. <br />
On a Happy Note: We are so excited that for the next two and a half weeks we will be taking care of the "Kkrew". We were so honored to do this two years ago, and we have been given the blessing of taking care of them this year as their parents are traveling to China to bring another precious baby home from China. We are so excited for them, and can hardly wait to see that sweet boy in the arms of his parents. I know that I will be blogging a bit more often over this time period as the kkrew's parents will want to hear all about their daily happenings. I hope that I can be better at blogging in the future... I love to write and miss recording life events. <br />
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03732123375936463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278058572294463946.post-76699200336476088482014-03-27T12:27:00.000-05:002014-03-28T09:27:02.132-05:00Well...How is it that two months have gotten away from me since I last posted?! All I have to say for myself is that it has been extremely busy around here, and there are many changes taking place. <br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">We are MOVING!</span> We had been somewhat prepared that this would be happening, but it still came as a bit of a shock as well (or maybe I should just say it is a bit surreal). We had been feeling like God was calling us to somewhere different, but we had no clarity on where or when or how or even why. Then.... "everything" started happening. Brad was laid off from his job (praise God that He had given Brad a "heads-up"). After sending out several resumes and applying to several jobs, he was offered a job in Oklahoma....definitely a God story all by itself. <br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">And So...</span><span style="font-size: small;">we are moving from our home of 10 years. It is a bit hard on the kiddos. They have all taken root and grown up here through those years. Our family has grown... we started with 3 little boys and we are now blessed with 4 more children. It is challenging this mom to say the least! Sorting, clearing and packing up the belongings of a family of 9 is quite the task. We are making repairs on the house, cleaning and putting it up for sale. Did I mention that Brad has already left the previous job and begun work at the new one. He is rocking it .... driving 4 hours a day, working 8 hours, and coming home to maintenance, updating plumbing, and making the repairs needed to get this home ready for sale.... not to mention, still being dad to 7 kiddos who demand and need his time He has even found bits of time for us to take a date-night here and there. He is definitely my "Mr. Incredible"! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I am so grateful to friends from near and far who have come and worked so hard to help us. Special thanks to<span style="background-color: white; color: black;"> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">Mr. Clayton, Mrs.Connie and the K-krew</span></span> for taking time out of their Spring Break to come help us get the homestead ready. Wow, the work that got done was amazing, and the time of fellowship we shared was even more so. Thanks to ladies from our church family who have come out to help me paint. We are blown away by their serving hearts and their love for our family.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Of course,</span> a<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">ll of these changes make our children from hard places have stress and anxiety. We continue to keep open communication with all the kids but especially with those who seem to struggle more with change. Most of the kiddos are accepting that the move is inevitable, and everyone is trying to view our upcoming changes with a sense of adventure. We have traveled a few times to "check out" areas where our new home could potentially be, and the kiddos are finding positive things about the new state, town and place. We are trying our best to balance the work load and family time, trying to keep things as much the same as possible for the kids until the house sells. The "girlie" girls have 2 more months of dance and an upcoming recital to look forward too. Baseball season is upon us; however, we are not quite as involved with that this season as in the past. We had to shave a few things as we don't know an official move date yet. We do have a certain young baseball player who is playing with his team from last year at area baseball tournaments. He would have been so disappointed if he couldn't have played at least some this year (he loves baseball beyond words). We are still trying our best to keep our homeschooling on schedule. I am so thankful that I kept pushing the kids to complete extra skills and work. We have had to take several days off in order to complete projects and preparing the house to sell. More than likely we will be doing a bit of schooling this summer to complete the year, but it will give the kids something to do in what I refer to as the "boring"(their word, not mine!) parts of summer. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: blue;">All in all...</span><span style="font-size: small;">we are managing. We are just busy and going all the time. My days are full, and I fall into bed each night with little energy to do much else (hence, the lack of blog posts); however, I am renewed each morning and my strength comes from Jesus. I am so very blessed, and I would not know what to do if I weren't serving my family and glorifying God. He has given me my hearts desire of being a wife to my wonderful hubby and a mother to my many. He is stronger than any of my challenges...Oh Praise Him... hallelujah!! </span></span><br />
I will do my best to update as our move progresses, and as always it is my hope to continue to blog as often as possible. I hope that I still have a few followers left our there in bloggy world. Until next time...<br />
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03732123375936463052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278058572294463946.post-49998987839514453912014-01-04T14:10:00.000-06:002014-01-04T14:10:07.652-06:00A Month in Pictures...part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Our Church's Christmas Play:</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Myh7-mpeD8/UshWxA6EhPI/AAAAAAAAD-U/VALumi1F46c/s1600/KOB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Myh7-mpeD8/UshWxA6EhPI/AAAAAAAAD-U/VALumi1F46c/s320/KOB.jpg" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nate chose to do a speaking part in the play. He was a "city" kid, and he did a fantastic job!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-af0kvlQX1ps/Ushco-pLW-I/AAAAAAAAEAk/3wKxqP_3s2E/s1600/KOB4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-af0kvlQX1ps/Ushco-pLW-I/AAAAAAAAEAk/3wKxqP_3s2E/s320/KOB4.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mia had a speaking part as well! She was a "city" announcing the arrival of the famous singer Rae-d-ence coming to the city . She was quite animated and did a great job! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c5c6htU2RxI/UshW_qBdcdI/AAAAAAAAD-c/wEiD-lwhVjs/s1600/KOB1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c5c6htU2RxI/UshW_qBdcdI/AAAAAAAAD-c/wEiD-lwhVjs/s320/KOB1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "City" Kids Choir. Can you see Levi there in the background?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G2L0JiYIIH8/UshXD5xRHAI/AAAAAAAAD-k/M9UewzUYp30/s1600/KOB2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G2L0JiYIIH8/UshXD5xRHAI/AAAAAAAAD-k/M9UewzUYp30/s320/KOB2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And then, there were the precious "Country Angels". Love all these sweet darlings so very much! But..., the one in overalls has my heart!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0NYynn18vWU/UshXJ8W5hsI/AAAAAAAAD-s/7bPwjqd8LVI/s1600/KOB3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0NYynn18vWU/UshXJ8W5hsI/AAAAAAAAD-s/7bPwjqd8LVI/s320/KOB3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the performers!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Toby's Preschool Christmas Party: </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oU92vER7rxY/UshXUBtYacI/AAAAAAAAD-0/3sachUpjmgQ/s1600/PKparty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oU92vER7rxY/UshXUBtYacI/AAAAAAAAD-0/3sachUpjmgQ/s320/PKparty.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of his classmates sharing their Christmas treats.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GI1DDWdcZ8g/UshXYhkCFWI/AAAAAAAAD-8/hJGIMcwAUaY/s1600/PKparty2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GI1DDWdcZ8g/UshXYhkCFWI/AAAAAAAAD-8/hJGIMcwAUaY/s320/PKparty2.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I am going to break this thing open!"...Pinata Fun!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ou4k37hLbs/UshXixCJaQI/AAAAAAAAD_E/ODbRc2aAx7g/s1600/PKparty1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="218" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ou4k37hLbs/UshXixCJaQI/AAAAAAAAD_E/ODbRc2aAx7g/s320/PKparty1.jpg" title="Cookie Decorating" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Look at the tree I made, momma!"<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toby and his "besses fwend"<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Christmas Cookies:</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OADXrq8q9cE/UshXxIkqFUI/AAAAAAAAD_U/DyBYhoDMLLA/s1600/Cookies1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OADXrq8q9cE/UshXxIkqFUI/AAAAAAAAD_U/DyBYhoDMLLA/s320/Cookies1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anxiously waiting to frost the cookies...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GSgWM8QGBrM/UshX1PVvjqI/AAAAAAAAD_c/MfGaTJ0mdZE/s1600/Cookies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GSgWM8QGBrM/UshX1PVvjqI/AAAAAAAAD_c/MfGaTJ0mdZE/s320/Cookies2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the finished products</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Christmas Day:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T-jWImnTBIc/UshYSOVbrHI/AAAAAAAAD_k/DzhANb-XGWY/s1600/xmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T-jWImnTBIc/UshYSOVbrHI/AAAAAAAAD_k/DzhANb-XGWY/s320/xmas.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We tried to steer our Christmas away from lots of gifts; however, with lots of kids there seems to be lots of presents.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fWSUlhSfpFw/UshYZC7p5wI/AAAAAAAAD_s/pqPEnz_iDv4/s1600/xmas2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fWSUlhSfpFw/UshYZC7p5wI/AAAAAAAAD_s/pqPEnz_iDv4/s320/xmas2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids are opening presents from their Grandma, Grandpa and their Nana. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HavgJ00Kl2o/UshYfUAzurI/AAAAAAAAD_0/sZIsiKdn6TU/s1600/xmas3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HavgJ00Kl2o/UshYfUAzurI/AAAAAAAAD_0/sZIsiKdn6TU/s320/xmas3.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two of Toby's favorite gifts... Monsters, Inc.!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RqaWxsQb6nU/Usha55ujrBI/AAAAAAAAEAE/6MB1KHXmA6A/s1600/xmas4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="189" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RqaWxsQb6nU/Usha55ujrBI/AAAAAAAAEAE/6MB1KHXmA6A/s320/xmas4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garrett showing Nate his gift that he had asked for...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-soxENpXUddI/Usha-XOl_9I/AAAAAAAAEAM/nFW_TMm-NaU/s1600/xmas5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-soxENpXUddI/Usha-XOl_9I/AAAAAAAAEAM/nFW_TMm-NaU/s320/xmas5.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Levi's Nerf Gun...one of his favorites</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hjZJ0-qoZTM/UshbDBvN6ZI/AAAAAAAAEAU/0glmd8JvCJk/s1600/xmas6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hjZJ0-qoZTM/UshbDBvN6ZI/AAAAAAAAEAU/0glmd8JvCJk/s320/xmas6.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mia looking at her stocking gifts</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--pEV4FNfn80/UshbHKQzcXI/AAAAAAAAEAc/cS9BTrKe32s/s1600/xmas7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--pEV4FNfn80/UshbHKQzcXI/AAAAAAAAEAc/cS9BTrKe32s/s320/xmas7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nolan and his girlfriend... she got to spend Christmas Evening with us. Nolan is wearing his gift from "Santa". He asked us for a chain and picked this one.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03732123375936463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278058572294463946.post-12639159420016413702014-01-04T12:43:00.001-06:002014-01-04T12:43:34.335-06:00A month in Pictures...part 1<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well, we made it through another crazy month at our house. I still remain somewhat in denial about how fast a month can go by when you really aren't doing anything amazing...just living life. Maybe it has something to do with our living life in the moment. We just enjoy each day to its fullest... doing our best to work on and complete things that are necessary for our large homeschooling family. I, personally, love to just sit back and take it all in. I love watching my kids in "action" doing all the things they do whether it is school work, playtime, or family time. I know that my time with them will be oh so short, and I want to treasure each and every moment! Sometimes we laugh, sometimes we cry and lots of times we fight, but we love this chaotic, messy, mixed up family and would not trade a moment of our lives together! We cherish the time we get to spend together and the love that we share. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Basketball Practice and Games:</span> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gbMncMH2ETI/UshK4_fYVrI/AAAAAAAAD8o/hYlSo1-iGxI/s1600/basketball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gbMncMH2ETI/UshK4_fYVrI/AAAAAAAAD8o/hYlSo1-iGxI/s320/basketball.jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nate decided to try basketball this year. He is playing on a homeschool team. He loves the sport and since this isn't a very competitive team, he is enjoying the time that he plays.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-waDnM52rrHE/UshK541TGsI/AAAAAAAAD8s/3eBh9Pc-rxk/s1600/basketball1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-waDnM52rrHE/UshK541TGsI/AAAAAAAAD8s/3eBh9Pc-rxk/s320/basketball1.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nolan has aged out of the baseball program here and so, he has taken up basketball. He is playing on a homeschool team as well. He really loves the sport and is playing well.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gmhICMP4n6w/UshK9eWcKKI/AAAAAAAAD80/zAjER6I97iU/s1600/basketball2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gmhICMP4n6w/UshK9eWcKKI/AAAAAAAAD80/zAjER6I97iU/s320/basketball2.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garrett is playing on the same homeschool team as Nolan. He is liking the sport as well. Just look at those moves!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Snow days:</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9k4RKeXCAc/UshLNsx40tI/AAAAAAAAD9M/3DBLu1AKQ1w/s1600/snowdays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9k4RKeXCAc/UshLNsx40tI/AAAAAAAAD9M/3DBLu1AKQ1w/s320/snowdays.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first snowstorm of the year... it arrived a few days before Thanksgiving. The snow stuck around for a few days and then melted away. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JjbhZ-xCoPM/UshLSQqAH9I/AAAAAAAAD9U/LpOISZxeU5k/s1600/snowdays1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JjbhZ-xCoPM/UshLSQqAH9I/AAAAAAAAD9U/LpOISZxeU5k/s320/snowdays1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowball fights</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MIBB8rk-zys/UshLXmrIXqI/AAAAAAAAD9c/fVTTSrZQR3o/s1600/snowdays2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MIBB8rk-zys/UshLXmrIXqI/AAAAAAAAD9c/fVTTSrZQR3o/s320/snowdays2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making a snowman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Family Visits:</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_pvXpx8cNx4/UshPrlYXf9I/AAAAAAAAD9s/NhuR8KxFlkM/s1600/thanskgiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_pvXpx8cNx4/UshPrlYXf9I/AAAAAAAAD9s/NhuR8KxFlkM/s320/thanskgiving.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The snow left and the cousins arrived for a fun-filled Thanksgiving weekend. These are the cousins from momma's side of the family. We are missing 3 of the kiddos; sure wished they could have been here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cu2-Ckfze_M/UshPwmHcNxI/AAAAAAAAD90/-poZM0Yf0uk/s1600/thanskgiving1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cu2-Ckfze_M/UshPwmHcNxI/AAAAAAAAD90/-poZM0Yf0uk/s320/thanskgiving1.jpg" width="170" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These two... always been close and love to be crazy together!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-klivmi3md7k/UshP0TfT7ZI/AAAAAAAAD98/rglGZoqVpJA/s1600/thanskgiving2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-klivmi3md7k/UshP0TfT7ZI/AAAAAAAAD98/rglGZoqVpJA/s320/thanskgiving2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "girlies"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mYTvHXtleIQ/UshQCUNEBLI/AAAAAAAAD-E/T9aAjxcreO0/s1600/thanskgiving3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mYTvHXtleIQ/UshQCUNEBLI/AAAAAAAAD-E/T9aAjxcreO0/s320/thanskgiving3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toby was quite taken with his cousin Ryan. They had so much fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span></div>
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03732123375936463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278058572294463946.post-36933709239464389402013-11-17T21:27:00.001-06:002013-11-17T21:36:38.863-06:00Special Needs: Love and Family<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The following is a post that I wrote for Joy in the Journey. Visit them at <a href="http://joyinthejourneyadoption.blogspot.com/">http://joyinthejourneyadoption.blogspot.com</a> and read some amazing stories of moms sharing the amazing journey of adoption. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Special Needs: Love and Family</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I remember so vividly the days of paper-chasing. Amongst the
many piles, one paper stood out… the “special needs” paper requesting that we
make a selection of those special needs that were acceptable to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband and I agonized over that paper. We
spent many hours, over several days, tearfully discussing and praying over what
we could handle taking into consideration that we already had three very
rambunctious boys. After all, we had always left that in God’s hands. Who were
we to make those decisions? How could we ever make them?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
November 2005, our paper-chase was complete, and our dossier was logged in.
After prayerfully considering those special needs, we had made the decision to
go the “traditional” route for a “healthy” little girl. We thought it would be
the best decision for our family. We felt like we would not be equipped to
handle any extra care that might be required for a special needs child.
However, what we thought and what we felt were of little importance when God
was calling. As the wait for adopting “healthy” children began to increase, we
began to feel God tugging at our hearts and moving us in a different direction.
January 2006 would bring news of a waiting 16mth old little girl through our
agency’s waiting child newsletter. Our hearts were captured from the moment we
read the words in that email, and we knew that this was our little girl, our
Mia. We were blessed beyond measure to be accepted as this treasures’ forever
family. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, God had indeed turned us
in the direction of special needs! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>God
would lead us to adopt 4 special needs children over the next 5 years. Each of
our children is distinctly unique and amazingly wonderful! Two of our children
were born with varying degrees of cleft lip/palate. Although, CL/CP is not an
“easy” special need, it is a very manageable one. Managing this special need
requires a devotion of time and energy. It is an ongoing process that requires
many years of attention including speech theraphy, surgical procedures and
working with a team of doctors for the continued care of the child. We are so
thankful for all the resources available to us and to a very talented and
devoted CP/CL team. One of our children, adopted as an older child, came to us
with many special needs. Some were diagnosed at the time of adoption, and some
have been discovered over time. The needs that we knew about included Hepatitis
B, Microtia /Atresia and hearing loss in one ear. Despite the fact that
Hepatitis B sounds intimidating, it is a very workable disease within the
modern parameters of western medicine. Dealing with this special need requires
trips to a hepatologist and keeping the health of the child in focus. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dealing with Microtia, Atresia and hearing
loss are only slightly more of a complication. Since our child was born with a
malformed ear, with little to no hearing in that ear, she had learned to listen
and hear with only one ear. After consulting with a specialist, the decision
was made to surgically form and give her a non-working ear. This constructive
surgery required 4 different surgeries spanning over one year. The benefit of
this type of surgery was two-fold for our daughter. In addition to giving her
self-esteem a boost, a constructed ear would give an avenue for future hearing
if necessary. We have since dealt with many other special needs for this child
including myoclonic epileptic seizures, facial asymmetry/ palsy, and Reactive
Attachment Disorder. Each of these special needs requires medical attention. In
addition, RAD requires lots of work and determination. Our youngest came to us
with the diagnosis of malnutrition and developmental delays. The papers we
received were a bit vague about a true diagnosis, and this child has been
thriving within the loving arms of our family. Depending on the severity of
this special need, it requires medical attention, additional nutrition and lots
of special care and love. Yet, none of these special needs (or any others for
that matter) prevents children from needing the love of a forever family, nor
should it. Really, the only special need these children have is the need for a
family! As we go about our everyday lives we often forget that our children
have special needs. Sometimes this repression is because we are so busy with
the sheer number of our children but in large part because we choose to forget.
We have always looked upon their needs as gifts from God…the things that make
them who they are to be. In fact, these special needs are so much a part of whom
they are that we forget that there are any differences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Many times I look at my
children and think how very blessed I am. I think of all the joy that my
children bring to me, and I think “Look what we would have missed if we had not
followed God’s direction to these beautiful, loving, joyful children!” We look
at each of our children and see the beauty and love of God in each one. I often
pause <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>thinking about the special
treasures that all of my children are to my husband and I, and I am overwhelmed
with God’s mercy, grace and love for each of us. I praise him for continuing to
love me, and for continuing to grow my love for my children. My husband and I cannot
imagine life without each one of our children, whether by birth or through the
beauty of adoption. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Special needs
adoption is most assuredly a demanding and challenging quest, but Oh my!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The joy is unequivocally in the journey! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Bio:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a wife, mother and a self-proclaimed
Jesus freak. My husband and I have been happily married for almost twenty
years. We are the parents of 7 children... three boys by birth, two girls and
two boys through the beauty of adoption. We are enjoying the 10<sup>th</sup>
year of our homeschooling adventure. It is through the love of Jesus that I am
so blessed…blessed beyond my wildest dreams!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03732123375936463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278058572294463946.post-50678348368500341842013-09-28T01:10:00.000-05:002013-09-28T01:10:30.117-05:00What Have We Been Up To?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;">The Month of August seemed to just disappear at our home. As we <br />
<br />
began school, our days were filled with our studies. Least you think that we are book worms, we did take some time to have fun as well. One of our summer events was celebrating Princess Mia's birthday. It was a small, family event; nevertheless, Mia was thrilled just because she was turning 9. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pKr9qmyr0y0/UkZqJtWk5iI/AAAAAAAAD60/c9pQMgmjAuY/s1600/Miabday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pKr9qmyr0y0/UkZqJtWk5iI/AAAAAAAAD60/c9pQMgmjAuY/s320/Miabday.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princess Girl's Birthday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_DgikznZzGM/UkZqRzaSgNI/AAAAAAAAD68/dSoVG1FW_dw/s1600/miabday1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_DgikznZzGM/UkZqRzaSgNI/AAAAAAAAD68/dSoVG1FW_dw/s320/miabday1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Presents! Excitement Abounds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We took a small break from school and spent a few hours enjoying the beautiful outdoors. We enjoyed a picnic lunch, and playing. There were many activities, basketball, tennis, swings, slides, and the like. They were all going on at the same time, and I spent a lot of time just soaking it in. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DTYZfU6-F5k/UkZqXR0wNOI/AAAAAAAAD7E/gcUnwszC10I/s1600/Picnic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DTYZfU6-F5k/UkZqXR0wNOI/AAAAAAAAD7E/gcUnwszC10I/s320/Picnic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Time...a picnic in the Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-psIKjQUZASM/UkZqcv6lKQI/AAAAAAAAD7M/Pz7bxT-Ovl0/s1600/Picnic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-psIKjQUZASM/UkZqcv6lKQI/AAAAAAAAD7M/Pz7bxT-Ovl0/s320/Picnic1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rather play basketball than to eat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-47xXkf1aLVE/UkZqqen57WI/AAAAAAAAD7U/i1XUhJm44TE/s1600/picnic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-47xXkf1aLVE/UkZqqen57WI/AAAAAAAAD7U/i1XUhJm44TE/s320/picnic+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many games of tennis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Toby started going to Preschool ( he calls it preskoos), and he loves it. He attends our churches preschool two half days a week. It gives him a chance to make new friends and allows me time to devote my attention to the other kids schooling.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jeRXzThoers/UkZqw0ccMvI/AAAAAAAAD7c/e5A0U0epzI4/s1600/Preskool1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jeRXzThoers/UkZqw0ccMvI/AAAAAAAAD7c/e5A0U0epzI4/s320/Preskool1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Day of Preschool </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mandy's friends came from different states, and we all met for a fun weekend. The girls loved being together and sharing news about their lives. They spent some time with memories, but most of all, they giggled, laughed, and enjoyed being girls. Feeling so blessed that God has given us opportunities to meet and keep these girls close together. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XYV8_fy4OoA/UkZq70ZAPpI/AAAAAAAAD7k/8xwFrmpRa7Q/s1600/Ggirlsreunion5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XYV8_fy4OoA/UkZq70ZAPpI/AAAAAAAAD7k/8xwFrmpRa7Q/s320/Ggirlsreunion5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Guilin girls reunion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I17zEcZ7zZs/UkZrDO5hOJI/AAAAAAAAD7s/jEcMQbwyZLc/s1600/Ggirlsreunion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I17zEcZ7zZs/UkZrDO5hOJI/AAAAAAAAD7s/jEcMQbwyZLc/s320/Ggirlsreunion.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made lots of crafts.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YpdHspcVqG0/UkZrKsFJGaI/AAAAAAAAD70/4F5x_3t4-Zo/s1600/Ggirlsreunion4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YpdHspcVqG0/UkZrKsFJGaI/AAAAAAAAD70/4F5x_3t4-Zo/s320/Ggirlsreunion4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and had make-up fun</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nFCTnuTLAmo/UkZrU-mMcxI/AAAAAAAAD78/yXglbz8hCNY/s1600/Ggirlsreunion8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nFCTnuTLAmo/UkZrU-mMcxI/AAAAAAAAD78/yXglbz8hCNY/s320/Ggirlsreunion8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The young sisters made fast friends.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wkIqm0hFLRU/UkZrbOOZt2I/AAAAAAAAD8E/bbTUuXwoQ_M/s1600/Ggirlsreunion6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wkIqm0hFLRU/UkZrbOOZt2I/AAAAAAAAD8E/bbTUuXwoQ_M/s320/Ggirlsreunion6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandy's BFF </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Va80CXBmVEA/UkZrhmXBscI/AAAAAAAAD8M/tSFAobh9CIk/s1600/Ggirlsreunion3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Va80CXBmVEA/UkZrhmXBscI/AAAAAAAAD8M/tSFAobh9CIk/s320/Ggirlsreunion3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Precious Children of God</td></tr>
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03732123375936463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278058572294463946.post-49880001677294564962013-08-19T22:53:00.003-05:002013-08-19T23:05:04.114-05:00School Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Where? Oh, Where did Summer Go? I certainly do not know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Nevertheless, It is time that we give our school year a show!(Okay, that is it for my rhyming...had a little "Dr. Seuss" moment.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"> As an annual tradition on our first day of homeschool, daddy plays the bus driver, and usually, he will take the kiddos to pick up breakfast of some sort. This year, the family decided to eat out for our back-to-school breakfast. So, what did the kiddos choose?...Chick-Fil-a, of course! Even mom was invited to go along, Hip, hip, hooray! After an hour of food and fun, the bus headed back to school. The bus driver was kind enough to allow me off the bus, ahead of the crew, in order to take pictures on this the first day of school. Each of the kiddos seemed compliant with our back to school activities for the first time in several years. I am guessing that they have realized that mom is going to make them participate in this family tradition, and there is no amount of complaining that can get them out of it! Now picture taking that is another matter... . They always try to hide from the camera...ok, well some do that and some love to smile for their audience.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wUGXP4tVPho/UhA968QSNkI/AAAAAAAAD5k/RuSGqRMXF3I/s1600/school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wUGXP4tVPho/UhA968QSNkI/AAAAAAAAD5k/RuSGqRMXF3I/s320/school.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiling for her peeps!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FJFVn_tzyFw/UhA-DWDXUsI/AAAAAAAAD5s/NVAKzyLciME/s1600/school1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FJFVn_tzyFw/UhA-DWDXUsI/AAAAAAAAD5s/NVAKzyLciME/s320/school1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busy eating and carrying on...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mH-CF2TYQDg/UhA-a3BbynI/AAAAAAAAD50/t97IG-k-uzg/s1600/school2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mH-CF2TYQDg/UhA-a3BbynI/AAAAAAAAD50/t97IG-k-uzg/s320/school2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NOT A MORNING PERSON!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-47_zpRlNx5Y/UhA-gjRZEoI/AAAAAAAAD58/USkZuz5EJZk/s1600/school3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-47_zpRlNx5Y/UhA-gjRZEoI/AAAAAAAAD58/USkZuz5EJZk/s320/school3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Sleepyhead, Mr. Easy-going, and Mr.Smiles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R8xBpwO7Uq4/UhA-tz015JI/AAAAAAAAD6E/SncXNVHNOwA/s1600/school4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R8xBpwO7Uq4/UhA-tz015JI/AAAAAAAAD6E/SncXNVHNOwA/s320/school4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for School</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dxG6uI0Dz90/UhA-1bYUaII/AAAAAAAAD6M/eaE5WNSq-0c/s1600/school5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dxG6uI0Dz90/UhA-1bYUaII/AAAAAAAAD6M/eaE5WNSq-0c/s320/school5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How many more are in that bus?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yCa-yrxT40U/UhA-79kh0AI/AAAAAAAAD6U/DBMG44nFRoM/s1600/school6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yCa-yrxT40U/UhA-79kh0AI/AAAAAAAAD6U/DBMG44nFRoM/s320/school6.jpg" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The School Crew... still a few who don't want summer to end.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Kcach7i1SQ/UhA_EAlgNwI/AAAAAAAAD6c/zCU4bn6u1R8/s1600/school7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Kcach7i1SQ/UhA_EAlgNwI/AAAAAAAAD6c/zCU4bn6u1R8/s320/school7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Studious?...really?...Could you please just smile?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jJmBloi-JbQ/UhA_JsnmptI/AAAAAAAAD6k/YlNBT9c3QRE/s1600/school8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="309" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jJmBloi-JbQ/UhA_JsnmptI/AAAAAAAAD6k/YlNBT9c3QRE/s320/school8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I told the teens to let me take a serious (good) start of school picture. These are the faces I got...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our back-to-school kick-off was a great success. This year I staggered the start for each grade level (I get to do that, you know, since I am the teacher!). It simplified the day and allowed for a more relaxed time getting each grade level started. I am teaching a Junior (Nolan), a Freshman (Garrett), a Seventh grader (Mandy), a sixth grader (Nate), 2 third grades (Levi and Mia), and then my preschooler (Toby). It is our 11th year of homeschooling, and I love the blessing of being given this time to spend with my children! Time is going by so quickly, and I am grateful that I can be at home with them each day. Yep, It is going to be a GREAT, GREAT year! </span>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03732123375936463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278058572294463946.post-19730200809206603252013-07-23T22:51:00.002-05:002013-07-23T22:59:40.909-05:00A Summer Tale Part III<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Our summer tale continues with one of our favorite pastimes. If you have followed our blog for very long, you know that we are avid baseball fans and usually spend much of our spring and summer involved in baseball games. Oh, and then there is lots and lots of Texas Ranger Baseball games to watch on TV... and listen to on the radio... and maybe, one day take in a game in person. Go RANGERS!! It is definitely the busiest part of our year. This year was no exception, except for the fact, that we had only 2 boys playing this year instead of the standard 4. Nolan, at 16, has aged out of the program and since we homeschool, he is unable to play highschool ball. Garrett played in the 13-15 year old division. It was a short lived season for his team; however, he seemed to have fun just playing the game. Nate has opted out of playing ball. He has tried his hand at playing several different years, and he has decided it is just not for him. He loves watching the games, but he prefers not to play. And THEN, there is Levi! He adores the game of baseball, and He has a natural talent in this his favorite sport! He played very well on his city team, and he was selected to play on the 8/9 year old All Stars Team. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">As the rest of the events of our summer were taking place, baseball was happening at the same time. Levi and Garrett each had to miss a game while we were in Montana. Upon our return, it was baseball full-force. So, as we were caring for the K-krew, we spent many nights at the ball fields. I have to say that it was GREAT fun to blow people's minds with 11 or 12 very-well-behaved kids in tow. No one quite knew what to make of so many children, and then to think that they could all sit still and watch the game...mind boggling, I tell you! Levi's team played 3 district games, and they won by a considerable margin. During one of the district games, Mia had a very nice surprise. Her best friend (they were actually crib mates at their orphanage...and have a unique story all their own) and family came out to watch Levi play. Mia was SO surprised, and the girls were just adorable getting to visit together! With those district wins, it meant that the All Star Team would head to the State Championship. Brad and I were able to arrange for the girls to stay with their friends (Mia at her "besties"), and we left the big boys at home under the watchful eye of friends. Levi, Toby, Brad and I made the trip to State Championship after a short break for the July 4th holiday. It was a good trip for us and the younger boys. Unfortunately, the team came up against some much tougher competition, and they didn't bring their "A" game. We lost two of the three games we had to win. It was sad not making the championship; however, the boys had a great time playing. Levi just enjoys the game so much , and it made me smile to hear him tell his sister later..."Well we lost but you know what ..they called our names and we got to stand on the baseline during the National Anthem, like REAL baseball players!!!... and I had fun playing three games!" </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7BQLVSp9XOk/Ue88bruH-zI/AAAAAAAAD1o/BVXYHNXALrc/s1600/Bball1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7BQLVSp9XOk/Ue88bruH-zI/AAAAAAAAD1o/BVXYHNXALrc/s320/Bball1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pitcher...down and ready</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-15vv09964Nc/Ue88fUBQCVI/AAAAAAAAD1w/ckR_0Jdpj1I/s1600/Bball2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-15vv09964Nc/Ue88fUBQCVI/AAAAAAAAD1w/ckR_0Jdpj1I/s320/Bball2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Batter up</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HP3i4Tk1I2k/Ue88jlON70I/AAAAAAAAD14/GP3x8W_qDV4/s1600/Bball3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HP3i4Tk1I2k/Ue88jlON70I/AAAAAAAAD14/GP3x8W_qDV4/s320/Bball3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Base Hit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OS8Sx_Fw0rU/Ue88omhqvJI/AAAAAAAAD2A/CzCRBGIKUf0/s1600/besties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OS8Sx_Fw0rU/Ue88omhqvJI/AAAAAAAAD2A/CzCRBGIKUf0/s320/besties.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Besties</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNcVGoGnBqc/Ue88r-K1g4I/AAAAAAAAD2I/0WoGzs_gtVc/s1600/besties1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNcVGoGnBqc/Ue88r-K1g4I/AAAAAAAAD2I/0WoGzs_gtVc/s320/besties1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mia is still giggling over her surprise</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">In between district games and state games, we celebrated the 4th of July Holiday. It was so much fun to share time with Uncle J, Aunt Leslie and the girls. The kids were super excited to see their Uncle as we had not seen him in about 3 years (Uncle J serves in our nations Army). They loved getting reacquainted with their Aunt and cousins who had joined us at the beach last year. It was a nice relaxing few days with lots of laughter, fireworks and food. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vXIos4116A8/Ue89DGERWKI/AAAAAAAAD2Y/mWdL8ck9pcg/s1600/cuzin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vXIos4116A8/Ue89DGERWKI/AAAAAAAAD2Y/mWdL8ck9pcg/s320/cuzin1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousins...Nolan was at work</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Goofy Picture</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">After the Holiday break (the boys practiced a lot), we made the trip to State. Loved watching all these cute boys play hard at a sport they love.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RUV8O84DyWI/Ue89OKm9YiI/AAAAAAAAD2o/jENw3QZNAUU/s1600/state.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="154" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RUV8O84DyWI/Ue89OKm9YiI/AAAAAAAAD2o/jENw3QZNAUU/s320/state.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching and Waiting for their turn</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">not gonna let a ball get past me...not gonna let a ball get past me</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And their OUT</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I guess our Summer Tale doesn't truly end with part III. We still have a few weeks of our summer left. Next week is devoted to VBS at our church. It will be full of lots of fun times and special memories. We are hoping to make a couple of road trips to Texas to see family and to Oklahoma to visit the K-krew (I need to get some of that sweet corn, and more importantly hug on a few of those precious treasures.). We are hoping to make a quick trip up Chicago way as well... we have some friends to see and some baby's to hug. On second thought, I am thinking some of the trips may extend to the fall! That is the beauty of homeschooling, we can either take school with us or make it up later allowing us the freedom of taking some of those trips in the fall. Speaking of homeschool, we are planning, organizing and preparing for school to start about mid-August. What! School?! Man-0-man summers just seem to go faster and faster! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">I hope you have enjoyed our little Tale. It never seems as if it is anything fancy, but our family stays busy and we keep on keeping on. It is my hope to make this "new wave" of blogging a permanent thing; however, once school starts up again, my life becomes more busy than at anytime. So, I am making no promises...</span>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03732123375936463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278058572294463946.post-87644234201369020282013-07-21T21:18:00.001-05:002013-07-21T21:21:47.614-05:00A Summer Tale (Pt II)<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Part Two of our Tale begins a short week after our return from Montana. We were more than excited to get to spend ten days with the K-krew (5 of them). We had been missing them terribly since our stay with them in March. When their parents needed someone to watch them during camp week, we jumped at the chance. They came to stay at our house this time. Most of our time was spent here at our house with a few days traveling back and forth to Levi's District Baseball Games. It seemed like the days went by much too quickly, but each day was filled with lots of activities, lots of noise and the beautiful sound of children's laughter.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ecJ8BAFJxGI/UeyFppT24bI/AAAAAAAAD0Y/h0tnR7rMVBI/s1600/kkrew1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ecJ8BAFJxGI/UeyFppT24bI/AAAAAAAAD0Y/h0tnR7rMVBI/s320/kkrew1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water gun fights...watch out girls there is a sneaky boy behind you!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqA2Y6ZpC4s/UeyFu6Q758I/AAAAAAAAD0g/UAF-zpgR10s/s1600/waterfun1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqA2Y6ZpC4s/UeyFu6Q758I/AAAAAAAAD0g/UAF-zpgR10s/s320/waterfun1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the bigs and their friends joined in on the water fun!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u1M7dXJa0m4/UeyF0lCD8kI/AAAAAAAAD0o/sQc-LBPqCcs/s1600/waterfun2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u1M7dXJa0m4/UeyF0lCD8kI/AAAAAAAAD0o/sQc-LBPqCcs/s320/waterfun2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now, for some water Frisbee!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ib0kti1uisA/UeyF6bKLtgI/AAAAAAAAD0w/vbnB3rug-8Q/s1600/waterfun3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ib0kti1uisA/UeyF6bKLtgI/AAAAAAAAD0w/vbnB3rug-8Q/s320/waterfun3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creating some "bubble-sculptures"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pu0zYGpmnDE/UeyF-1JvMiI/AAAAAAAAD04/XWjLTs-h2kQ/s1600/waterfun4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pu0zYGpmnDE/UeyF-1JvMiI/AAAAAAAAD04/XWjLTs-h2kQ/s320/waterfun4.jpg" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princess Mia blowing lots of bubbles...( it wasn't so long ago that this was an impossible task for her)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3UczPhmVDfg/UeyGEKD0MYI/AAAAAAAAD1A/7ytI8cuRckQ/s1600/waterfun5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3UczPhmVDfg/UeyGEKD0MYI/AAAAAAAAD1A/7ytI8cuRckQ/s320/waterfun5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More "bubble-sculptures"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8T7OvSd2QsI/UeyGKhV1fDI/AAAAAAAAD1I/h_uUGCi35nk/s1600/waterfun6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8T7OvSd2QsI/UeyGKhV1fDI/AAAAAAAAD1I/h_uUGCi35nk/s320/waterfun6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sidewalk Chalk creations</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BU5FZ6MIy0E/UeyGOtP1huI/AAAAAAAAD1Q/0aWBTfykOfo/s1600/waterfun7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BU5FZ6MIy0E/UeyGOtP1huI/AAAAAAAAD1Q/0aWBTfykOfo/s320/waterfun7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two cuties awaiting their turn</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5aqZMb2UnBY/UeyFjKvYWrI/AAAAAAAAD0U/QL0Sr35SdYs/s1600/Kkrew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5aqZMb2UnBY/UeyFjKvYWrI/AAAAAAAAD0U/QL0Sr35SdYs/s320/Kkrew.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Group birthday celebration.... Kaeleb and Kinley have birthdays at the end of June and Kayden and I have birthdays in July</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">We will see a little more of the K-Krew in Part III of our Summer Tale. So, Stay tuned for PtIII.</span>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03732123375936463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278058572294463946.post-1734663525420628792013-07-19T23:30:00.001-05:002013-07-19T23:30:43.854-05:00A Summer Tale ...told in 3 parts (Part I)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Our Summer began with a trip to Montana. It was quite a distance to our final destination, but the beauty of that part of our Great Nation more than made up for the long days of travel. We loved spending time in the great outdoors and seeing many different sights. The weather was absolutely beautiful and even slightly on the cool side. We enjoyed lots of sightseeing, lots of good food, and a few days of relaxation.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vPXzSpZnWzk/UeoH-c4Yt4I/AAAAAAAADyw/8LjRYT1p1Ng/s1600/Montana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vPXzSpZnWzk/UeoH-c4Yt4I/AAAAAAAADyw/8LjRYT1p1Ng/s320/Montana.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside our Cabin in Eureka Montana (5 min. from the Canadian border)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9eVphh-xdk8/UeoIGt2RTuI/AAAAAAAADy4/DHTyqO1IOkA/s1600/Montana1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9eVphh-xdk8/UeoIGt2RTuI/AAAAAAAADy4/DHTyqO1IOkA/s320/Montana1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of our Crew (Nolan had to stay behind for work)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RnPFYgu5OzE/UeoIQH5xIqI/AAAAAAAADzA/diF3YIsnH9c/s1600/Montana2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RnPFYgu5OzE/UeoIQH5xIqI/AAAAAAAADzA/diF3YIsnH9c/s320/Montana2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">God's Amazing Creation</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0zBd_Ss0Bg0/UeoIWDbhZaI/AAAAAAAADzI/PqbbgYlbQD0/s1600/Montana3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0zBd_Ss0Bg0/UeoIWDbhZaI/AAAAAAAADzI/PqbbgYlbQD0/s320/Montana3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock Formations </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IusTMa6j89w/UeoIc5-WIQI/AAAAAAAADzQ/F5ipc5tFCqw/s1600/Montana4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IusTMa6j89w/UeoIc5-WIQI/AAAAAAAADzQ/F5ipc5tFCqw/s320/Montana4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wildlife in Abundance</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">The return trip home included a couple of stops in South Dakota. Since we are studying American History this next school year, we didn't want to miss the opportunity to see Mt. Rushmore. It was awesome to see in person just to get an idea of its enormous size. We learned about the creation of this massive monument and the skilled craftsmanship poured into it. We included a stop in South Dakota's Badlands. The Badlands include a large wildlife preserve and natural rock formations. Of course, Mom and Dad had fun pretending that we were making the trip in "covered wagon", thus driving all the children crazy. At least a few of them appreciated our acting abilities, ha! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sn0N29V-eAs/UeoIiong8uI/AAAAAAAADzY/LDTVHHH14XU/s1600/Montana5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sn0N29V-eAs/UeoIiong8uI/AAAAAAAADzY/LDTVHHH14XU/s320/Montana5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made a stop at Mt. Rushmore on the return trip</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h2YAehq5SIw/UeoIpJuC8pI/AAAAAAAADzg/74N-Wsj9Bw0/s1600/Montana6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h2YAehq5SIw/UeoIpJuC8pI/AAAAAAAADzg/74N-Wsj9Bw0/s320/Montana6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't they look Presidential</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ErnnXCvSvCM/UeoIvefo1aI/AAAAAAAADzo/doUYP4MDKEQ/s1600/Montana7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ErnnXCvSvCM/UeoIvefo1aI/AAAAAAAADzo/doUYP4MDKEQ/s320/Montana7.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He was captivated!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xKZglVj2-TY/UeoI0NPdWdI/AAAAAAAADzw/pPdEjrnwavI/s1600/Montana8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xKZglVj2-TY/UeoI0NPdWdI/AAAAAAAADzw/pPdEjrnwavI/s320/Montana8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A visit to the Badlands ("Must we take a picture, Mom?!")</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h3vy60RPZSU/UeoI7NeevVI/AAAAAAAADz4/U9U4hM773os/s1600/Montana9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h3vy60RPZSU/UeoI7NeevVI/AAAAAAAADz4/U9U4hM773os/s320/Montana9.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Goats in the Badlands</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1bOoqPpOcoQ/UeoI_dd40XI/AAAAAAAAD0A/BzS8VjhtamU/s1600/Montana10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1bOoqPpOcoQ/UeoI_dd40XI/AAAAAAAAD0A/BzS8VjhtamU/s320/Montana10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffalo... I was so excited when we were finally able to locate them.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">We were gone a total of 10 days and had a great time as a family. We were so grateful for the opportunity to make this amazing trip, and we spent a lot of time reflecting on the wonder and beauty of God's masterpiece! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Stay tuned for Part II...</span>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03732123375936463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278058572294463946.post-12326410357551175402013-04-12T21:02:00.001-05:002013-04-12T21:13:56.439-05:00Seven Years Together<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Many Faces of our Mia...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We Celebrated our Seventh Forever Family Day together on April 4th. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This precious little girl brings so much joy to our family. She is sassy, funny, sweet and quite ornery at times. She is loving, caring and kind to everyone. Her smile lights up a room, and oh how I love to hear her giggles and laughter. We love her more than words can ever express! Thank you Lord for this beautiful child.</span></div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03732123375936463052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278058572294463946.post-28724828728644739752013-04-01T18:54:00.002-05:002013-04-01T18:54:48.838-05:00He has Risen! Jesus is Alive!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Our Easter celebration is a celebration because of our Lord Jesus Christ! He conquered death and because of his resurrection those who believe in him will spend eternity in heaven with him. We awakened to an absolutely glorious day! We are so privileged to share the Resurrection Celebration with a wonderful church family! We enjoyed a morning full of beautiful worship of our Lord and Savior. Following our church service, we headed home to enjoy family fellowship over an Easter feast. After eating, the kids headed outside for the annual egg hunt. They are always so fast at hunting that taking pictures becomes a feat. I did manage to get a few action shots...not professional quality by any means. It is always pleasurable to watch the kids excitement and joy at hunting and finding those colorful eggs. It is just as fun to watch them as they check out the loot (Another one of our family traditions is to add surprise eggs to the hunt). I always love to listen as the kids dig through their eggs, find their prizes, and barter and trade for candies and prizes. As my kids get older and reach their teen years, more and more are leaving the egg hunt behind. I know I am going to miss these family times and traditions, and so, I am enjoying each and every moment!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nk3-33CcB-U/UVob1VvcVyI/AAAAAAAADps/6iFBiwGITkM/s1600/Easter8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nk3-33CcB-U/UVob1VvcVyI/AAAAAAAADps/6iFBiwGITkM/s320/Easter8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Easter Bunny DELIVERED!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PlO5_HkDgaU/UVob5b_WzUI/AAAAAAAADp0/5SZW4Kshimo/s1600/Easter9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PlO5_HkDgaU/UVob5b_WzUI/AAAAAAAADp0/5SZW4Kshimo/s320/Easter9.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the loot</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gX75urSx7zo/UVob_QA6AxI/AAAAAAAADp8/5RhC3LooFfA/s1600/Easter13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gX75urSx7zo/UVob_QA6AxI/AAAAAAAADp8/5RhC3LooFfA/s320/Easter13.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hunting on the unfinished play structure...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mE8BTJymPvk/UVocDm37g9I/AAAAAAAADqE/w-e1sdZ8QGo/s1600/Easter14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="97" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mE8BTJymPvk/UVocDm37g9I/AAAAAAAADqE/w-e1sdZ8QGo/s320/Easter14.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hunt is on...(that is Miss Melinda, our Children's Minister joining in the race)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vJlAmcyk3zI/UVocItqvu6I/AAAAAAAADqM/2Gg-LaQ-A20/s1600/Easter15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vJlAmcyk3zI/UVocItqvu6I/AAAAAAAADqM/2Gg-LaQ-A20/s320/Easter15.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He is so Proud </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DfAq42NjTrM/UVocMja79II/AAAAAAAADqU/1bbGQ0FRHn4/s1600/Easter16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DfAq42NjTrM/UVocMja79II/AAAAAAAADqU/1bbGQ0FRHn4/s320/Easter16.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Discovering their prizes...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JNz7r0nSNvo/UVocRDeChiI/AAAAAAAADqc/9tEJFH7W7Kk/s1600/Easter17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JNz7r0nSNvo/UVocRDeChiI/AAAAAAAADqc/9tEJFH7W7Kk/s320/Easter17.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found the dollar egg!</td></tr>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03732123375936463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278058572294463946.post-81395068446394626652013-04-01T18:22:00.000-05:002013-04-01T18:22:11.083-05:00Easter Preparations<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Upon returning from our time with the KKrew, we began to busily work on our school work. We are trying to get "caught up" and on target for finishing this year of school at the end of May. Since our week has been a busy one, we looked forward to Saturday with much enthusiasm! We slept late, had banana/chocolate chip pancakes, and then did fun things getting ready for our Easter celebration. The kids always love dying eggs and this year was no exception. We made the traditional family Bunny cake. I gave Nolan "artistic license" in designing, cutting and decorating the cake(He had a bit of help with the icing and decorating). The whole decorating group did a good job! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Our day was just a fabulous, fun-filled, family time. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GcTgv7ZLYbY/UVoT79T4yUI/AAAAAAAADoU/BYFgySRPH6A/s1600/Easter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GcTgv7ZLYbY/UVoT79T4yUI/AAAAAAAADoU/BYFgySRPH6A/s320/Easter.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making the traditional name egg</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jTp9C3krGkw/UVoUBOiGxiI/AAAAAAAADoc/m9u20o2g7MY/s1600/Easter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jTp9C3krGkw/UVoUBOiGxiI/AAAAAAAADoc/m9u20o2g7MY/s320/Easter1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want to dye this pink</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJxA9Hvk-o8/UVoUG9hVXiI/AAAAAAAADok/0SHJHo4l3e8/s1600/Easter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJxA9Hvk-o8/UVoUG9hVXiI/AAAAAAAADok/0SHJHo4l3e8/s320/Easter2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How many colors?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1C1R4NXCjoo/UVoUMepT_SI/AAAAAAAADos/T94I8BjtGjQ/s1600/Easter5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1C1R4NXCjoo/UVoUMepT_SI/AAAAAAAADos/T94I8BjtGjQ/s320/Easter5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So excited for his turn!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vWonBSUbN6w/UVoUZB0PBUI/AAAAAAAADo0/TODtq4wqgDI/s1600/Easter6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vWonBSUbN6w/UVoUZB0PBUI/AAAAAAAADo0/TODtq4wqgDI/s320/Easter6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The big boys decided to get on the decorating before the eggs were all gone</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BVWnMzOgyw0/UVoUfuomvqI/AAAAAAAADo8/0dKwrjtKtCs/s1600/Easter3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BVWnMzOgyw0/UVoUfuomvqI/AAAAAAAADo8/0dKwrjtKtCs/s320/Easter3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some finished name eggs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YR0ACdPkdT0/UVoUk2aLIZI/AAAAAAAADpE/CSUd00uhXso/s1600/Easter4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YR0ACdPkdT0/UVoUk2aLIZI/AAAAAAAADpE/CSUd00uhXso/s320/Easter4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful color cups</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r3e8r2kqu-g/UVoUyunSSWI/AAAAAAAADpM/hCHGp0R4eAs/s1600/Easter7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r3e8r2kqu-g/UVoUyunSSWI/AAAAAAAADpM/hCHGp0R4eAs/s320/Easter7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting and Shaping the Bunny cake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vY2tBiTcDoY/UVoU9XpEtOI/AAAAAAAADpU/n3qyoHLkXxM/s1600/Easter11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vY2tBiTcDoY/UVoU9XpEtOI/AAAAAAAADpU/n3qyoHLkXxM/s320/Easter11.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished cake complete with a belly button!</td></tr>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03732123375936463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278058572294463946.post-1465031129769883112013-03-23T21:53:00.000-05:002013-03-23T21:53:10.402-05:00A Homecoming<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CwT0PzrfFbE/UU5niUK1giI/AAAAAAAADm0/8jMeyYZ4z-c/s1600/welcome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CwT0PzrfFbE/UU5niUK1giI/AAAAAAAADm0/8jMeyYZ4z-c/s320/welcome.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting Anxiously for their parents</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aqQMwbJndSg/UU5nnY6x-_I/AAAAAAAADm8/13twzYylXZ4/s1600/welcome1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aqQMwbJndSg/UU5nnY6x-_I/AAAAAAAADm8/13twzYylXZ4/s320/welcome1.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There they are...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnarQ4KMYM8/UU5nrTpPDaI/AAAAAAAADnE/FQrzemyynPU/s1600/welcome2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnarQ4KMYM8/UU5nrTpPDaI/AAAAAAAADnE/FQrzemyynPU/s320/welcome2.jpg" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mommy, Daddy,...K!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JMFSaTIK3T0/UU5n8vB_IPI/AAAAAAAADnU/VoZxxuw1Taw/s1600/welcome4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JMFSaTIK3T0/UU5n8vB_IPI/AAAAAAAADnU/VoZxxuw1Taw/s320/welcome4.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hugs All Around</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EOkPUGH7MqY/UU5oDjGUPuI/AAAAAAAADnc/et6c7w4ANQA/s1600/welcome5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EOkPUGH7MqY/UU5oDjGUPuI/AAAAAAAADnc/et6c7w4ANQA/s320/welcome5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Hugs!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PREnpkORmkc/UU5oHQ1vVOI/AAAAAAAADnk/lrdAZ9O87ks/s1600/welcome6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PREnpkORmkc/UU5oHQ1vVOI/AAAAAAAADnk/lrdAZ9O87ks/s320/welcome6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Crowd</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYganlHlPmE/UU5oNNfUTSI/AAAAAAAADns/E8Rbo5dWP8Q/s1600/welcome7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYganlHlPmE/UU5oNNfUTSI/AAAAAAAADns/E8Rbo5dWP8Q/s320/welcome7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There She Is!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gh14rHxM_Bs/UU5oRTi9oYI/AAAAAAAADn0/jRNuySaEWxg/s1600/welcome8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gh14rHxM_Bs/UU5oRTi9oYI/AAAAAAAADn0/jRNuySaEWxg/s320/welcome8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Precious Smile</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F1zrrQOgFrU/UU5oUp_2HYI/AAAAAAAADn8/i2vzHIc3xlw/s1600/welcome9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F1zrrQOgFrU/UU5oUp_2HYI/AAAAAAAADn8/i2vzHIc3xlw/s320/welcome9.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smitten with her big brother</td></tr>
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Once Again, we were blessed to be a part of welcoming home Connie and Clayton and their precious little one. Welcoming home adoptive families is nothing less than wonderful! It never, ever gets old! It never, ever fails to bring me to tears! It is an amazing testimony to what God blesses us with whenever we say "Yes" to His Call! Each and every time a child gets a forever family, it gives but a small glimpse of the love of Jesus. The love He showed to us giving His life so that we can be adopted heirs with Him for eternity. There is a saying that I read recently (which I love!). It says, "We adopt not because we are the rescuers but because we have been rescued." A Welcome Home party is but a brief glimpse of the love and joy that we get to experience when we are welcomed home to be with Jesus. Oh How I Love A Welcome Home Party!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03732123375936463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278058572294463946.post-5311618079223076942013-03-23T19:52:00.000-05:002013-03-23T21:15:54.947-05:00Final Days with the Fab Fifteen<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, as you can imagine, the final days with the Fab Fifteen were busy days or at least filled with activity. The kiddos spent much of Spring Break playing outside, riding bikes, exploring in the forest and many hours of play with Legos. They continued to enjoy each other's company so very much. It is difficult to explain how well they do get along...God orchestrated for sure! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In addition,w</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">e took a trip to town for hamburgers at our favorite place, Freddies, and then we braved the big "W" store with all fifteen. I dislike that place, especially when taking my kids there. I can't explain why exactly, except to say, it is always super stufffed with items and super crowded. Trying to manuever around the store and keep all my chicks with me and out of people's way becomes a monumental task at times(or so it feels). Anyway, the thought of taking 15 had me a little stressed. ln actuality, it turned out to be easy thanks to each teen taking some of the smaller ones and going off to explore. A few stayed with Brad and I, as we were shopping for birthday party supplies. I still managed to forget a few things that I had wanted to pick up but nothing "earth-shattering". The kids were well behaved, and no one asked for anything (which my kids usually drive me crazy with even though it never works). Most importantly, we left Walmart with all fifteen kiddos. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Princess Kennah's birthday was Wednesday, and so we thought it would be fun for all of us to have a mini-celebration. We knew that she would celebrate when mom and dad returned;however, we thought it would be a fun activity for all the kids. Anything to keep them busy, and everyone loves a party. The birthday girl requested a princess party. We honored that request with a "princess" theme. After a birthday dinner, the party began. We had to pretend to "blow out"the candle (because that was one of the things I forgot). Everyone was ready to dig into the cake and ice cream, and Little K was very excited about opening her presents. She was surrounded by lots of helpers, but she managed to get the gifts open much to her delight. Her smile brought happiness and was all the thanks anyone could need. She was(is) a beautiful princess indeed! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eczvNX8z9eM/UU5MMBi5jJI/AAAAAAAADl0/4QJNGf8OWcA/s1600/bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eczvNX8z9eM/UU5MMBi5jJI/AAAAAAAADl0/4QJNGf8OWcA/s320/bday.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princess Cake for a Princess</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_307YHIqblQ/UU5Mj3gsv2I/AAAAAAAADmM/Ctrwn7R0ILg/s1600/bday1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_307YHIqblQ/UU5Mj3gsv2I/AAAAAAAADmM/Ctrwn7R0ILg/s320/bday1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opening presents</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BIl7Nyzcg1k/UU5M0vjDbpI/AAAAAAAADmk/zk9sbiSjDQg/s1600/bday2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BIl7Nyzcg1k/UU5M0vjDbpI/AAAAAAAADmk/zk9sbiSjDQg/s320/bday2.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Princess Doll for a Beautiful Princess </td></tr>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03732123375936463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278058572294463946.post-25558878564156854232013-03-19T12:22:00.000-05:002013-03-19T12:28:43.621-05:00Breakfast with the Fab Fifteen<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HRozz2lHZUQ/UUiXxH7cS7I/AAAAAAAADk8/IlK3HmuhdVI/s1600/Funtimes6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HRozz2lHZUQ/UUiXxH7cS7I/AAAAAAAADk8/IlK3HmuhdVI/s320/Funtimes6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Funny Cereal Face (Can't help but love this cutie...MY BABY)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9noXSxDx_XQ/UUiYaXM0AXI/AAAAAAAADlE/CopIvXMzKUY/s1600/Funtimes7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9noXSxDx_XQ/UUiYaXM0AXI/AAAAAAAADlE/CopIvXMzKUY/s320/Funtimes7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boys, Boys, Boys...silliness extrodinaire!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U2Aj61pczW8/UUiaUHxm0fI/AAAAAAAADlU/p7aaL6fctwc/s1600/Funtimes5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U2Aj61pczW8/UUiaUHxm0fI/AAAAAAAADlU/p7aaL6fctwc/s320/Funtimes5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coco Crisp are a healthy breakfast,right?!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bk1sTOBvuvQ/UUib6gkNUMI/AAAAAAAADlc/fMfRgPE2FS8/s1600/Funtimes4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bk1sTOBvuvQ/UUib6gkNUMI/AAAAAAAADlc/fMfRgPE2FS8/s320/Funtimes4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are yummy!</td></tr>
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Mealtime with fifteen is crazy at best...But after 13 days together, we have developed a system and it works! It is easiest to limit choices and to serve plates in an assembly line. Breakfast is slightly different, and I learned the hard way that the majority's breakfast of choice is waffles or cereal. (Yeah...made eggs, bacon and toast one breakfast...not many happy plates :)! ....even my kiddos who like the occassional big breakfast preferred cereal/waffles...makes it easier for me!...) <br />
Funny Story: We have had meals provided for us by the church...praising the Lord for His provision and for their generousity! Weekends have been my cooking days... I love to cook, but have to say it can be a bit difficult with bunches of kiddos needing my attention. It is difficult, as well, to find things that ALL will like (because,of course, " its not like momma's"). So, for Sunday lunch, I made beef stew using Beef Stew Meat, Carrots,Potatoes (my momma's recipe that has withstood the test of time and lots of kiddos). It was a hit! Most of the kiddos ate it well, and they soped up the gravy with cornbread. One K~krew teen loved it a bit more than most...eating so much that he was miserable (2 huge, heaping bowls)! He kept going on and on about how good it was and how he enjoyed it! I am thinking he is just schmoozing me...! However, yesterday (Monday) Brad was asking him something about food and being hungry. He said,"I am getting so full...so fat... because of Ms Kim's food." To which I replied, "No one has been forcing you to eat so much." His reply,"I know, but that "stuff", you know that "Stuff", you made yesterday. It is so good! It reminds me of China. It taste just like "Dog Meat"... Brad and I started laughing( we just couldn't help ourselves...). He said, "What?! It does! It taste just like dog-meat I had in China." Oh, Dear! It was meant as a compliment, I think!??!<br />
Since, serving time went smoothly this morning, I was able to take some fun pics as they ate and played. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C_u_u11g8ds/UUiStMK4XqI/AAAAAAAADkM/Mi2UqGnOi7M/s1600/Funtimes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C_u_u11g8ds/UUiStMK4XqI/AAAAAAAADkM/Mi2UqGnOi7M/s320/Funtimes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Legos, Oh how I love thee!! (many hours of entertainment!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IgZk9u2ec6c/UUiS4E_jNKI/AAAAAAAADkU/X6wYcQarW08/s1600/Funtimes1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IgZk9u2ec6c/UUiS4E_jNKI/AAAAAAAADkU/X6wYcQarW08/s320/Funtimes1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have to chase these guys off the video games and outside...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yLDHU13dvWM/UUiWWL4Aj9I/AAAAAAAADko/6rEIR4R9o3o/s1600/Funtimes2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yLDHU13dvWM/UUiWWL4Aj9I/AAAAAAAADko/6rEIR4R9o3o/s320/Funtimes2.jpg" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only kid of picture I get of Nate these days...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GrHCYOPQv9I/UUiWk3NurkI/AAAAAAAADkw/ZIjsprhiibk/s1600/Funtimes3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GrHCYOPQv9I/UUiWk3NurkI/AAAAAAAADkw/ZIjsprhiibk/s320/Funtimes3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rock Star Breakfast...(not really her breakfast, but she loved aggravating the teen that it belonged to)</td></tr>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03732123375936463052noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278058572294463946.post-8806091109098560072013-03-18T10:42:00.000-05:002013-03-18T10:42:09.226-05:00More Sunday Silliness Pics<span id="goog_1381377477"></span><span id="goog_1381377478">More crazy pics...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DhUPEtiI9Jo/UUczcdmRMQI/AAAAAAAADi0/NfKXDNz3ViU/s1600/Sunday+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DhUPEtiI9Jo/UUczcdmRMQI/AAAAAAAADi0/NfKXDNz3ViU/s320/Sunday+night.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tried to get them all to cooperate, umm yeah...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qB6S6Cp6jbE/UUczilRfnVI/AAAAAAAADi8/TNyXvF3GLFE/s1600/Sunday+night1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qB6S6Cp6jbE/UUczilRfnVI/AAAAAAAADi8/TNyXvF3GLFE/s320/Sunday+night1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little K burst into tears, 4 yr K covered her eyes, our bunch decided to be silly...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RjapxvGD63w/UUczrTYB2VI/AAAAAAAADjE/toHhFzSkOVw/s1600/Sunday+night2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RjapxvGD63w/UUczrTYB2VI/AAAAAAAADjE/toHhFzSkOVw/s320/Sunday+night2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then K boy decides to refuse...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vi6kvC0VMjY/UUcz2cB20EI/AAAAAAAADjM/6Oo2NWB5u-g/s1600/Sunday+night10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vi6kvC0VMjY/UUcz2cB20EI/AAAAAAAADjM/6Oo2NWB5u-g/s320/Sunday+night10.jpg" width="284" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teen K convinced Littlest K to look for mommy...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G1VdNvnjINk/UUcz__m1hbI/AAAAAAAADjU/YMkjvIqo2SE/s1600/Sunday+night11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G1VdNvnjINk/UUcz__m1hbI/AAAAAAAADjU/YMkjvIqo2SE/s320/Sunday+night11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let the Silliness begin...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cAqUChg2IsU/UUc0LvlTjkI/AAAAAAAADjc/Z8LfpB59v8o/s1600/Sunday+night12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cAqUChg2IsU/UUc0LvlTjkI/AAAAAAAADjc/Z8LfpB59v8o/s320/Sunday+night12.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look, I am making them laugh...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HELkWSd9mDM/UUc0SE76-3I/AAAAAAAADjk/nuAqDNtNZqQ/s1600/Sunday+night8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HELkWSd9mDM/UUc0SE76-3I/AAAAAAAADjk/nuAqDNtNZqQ/s320/Sunday+night8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How many kiddos can we fit in this one bathroom?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BrEOywWZnhI/UUc0Z-IXK3I/AAAAAAAADjs/7Cj4HqKLuKA/s1600/Sunday+night9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BrEOywWZnhI/UUc0Z-IXK3I/AAAAAAAADjs/7Cj4HqKLuKA/s320/Sunday+night9.jpg" width="284" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wait! Isn't it our turn yet?!</td></tr>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03732123375936463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278058572294463946.post-89124535900865233292013-03-18T09:59:00.000-05:002013-03-18T09:59:09.600-05:00Blessed Beyond Measure<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We have been so blessed by the church body during our stay here. Last night was no exception. A big Thank You to Seth and Megan for taking the teens and spending some quality time with them watching movies and chowing on pizza. ...And another huge Thank You to church members who treated us to a night out, and to the Muellers who took time out of their Sunday to come babysit the middles and littles of the Fabulous Fifteen. Brad and I enjoyed our date, but we have to say..."We are getting OLD. We didn't realize that we were just a bit exhausted until we just sat for a little while. After dinner, the most exciting thing we decided to do was to go to a coffee shop for coffee, and we almost fell asleep while sitting there." We do sincerly thank those willing to give us a brief rest, and we are rejuvinated and ready to begin the final stretch of time with these beautiful kiddos! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We had a request for more pictures from the momma of the Kkrew,so we tried our best but many were not cooperative on this Sunday night. The pictures turned out quite comical. Everyone can see all the kiddos in their "Orneriness". Hope you enjoy!</span><br />
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**More pictures to come...having trouble uploading to blogger**</div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03732123375936463052noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278058572294463946.post-3968761926646811282013-03-16T16:13:00.000-05:002013-03-16T16:13:01.877-05:00A Slow Start...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Boys playing on the Playstation</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I did let her choose her own clothes today</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tC724E2oHR0/UUTfL4KK_NI/AAAAAAAADgU/lugi8sOflIo/s1600/SAtAMFun3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tC724E2oHR0/UUTfL4KK_NI/AAAAAAAADgU/lugi8sOflIo/s320/SAtAMFun3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She was picking on Nolan </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_9NKypSwFzE/UUTfTYT5rYI/AAAAAAAADgc/e4zsxFpPBMQ/s1600/SatAMFun2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_9NKypSwFzE/UUTfTYT5rYI/AAAAAAAADgc/e4zsxFpPBMQ/s320/SatAMFun2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look Nolie, I have your hat!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ooNshXV-aw/UUTfZ1f6MxI/AAAAAAAADgk/Pg9fJ__Y9rs/s1600/SatAMFun4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ooNshXV-aw/UUTfZ1f6MxI/AAAAAAAADgk/Pg9fJ__Y9rs/s320/SatAMFun4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She is a sweet, quiet and just a little mischeivious!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We took this Saturday morning very easy. We slept in, if you want to call it that(8am). We ate some yummy cinnamon rolls courtesy of a church member, and got ready for our day at leisure. When we tired of hanging around the house, we made our way to town and walked around the mall. We found a carpet/rug that looked like a checkerboard... we had enough kids to make "human checkers" and, they spent a chunk of time playing the game. The kiddos even attracted a small crowd of on lookers (of course that is the case when taking a crowd of 15 out anywhere). We ate lunch at one of our favorite places, Chick Fil A, and consumed a tray of nuggets, a bunch of waffle fries and 2 gallons of sweet tea. It was a Hit... not one nugget left (or fries or tea for that matter)! We made our way back home and are enjoying a lazy Saturday afternoon. The kiddos are continuing to do well; however, they are wishing for mom and dad to be home. We will do our best to fill the days with some activities, and we are hopeful that it will help the time pass quickly. Well, On to Spring Break week...</span>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03732123375936463052noreply@blogger.com0