tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644232080745247532024-03-04T23:02:11.801-08:00Making Many MemoriesKatrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779770874867573087noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864423208074524753.post-27911599444062728272011-12-12T19:55:00.000-08:002011-12-13T00:58:44.170-08:00Happy Gotcha Day Nevaeh<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes it seems hard to believe that</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it has already been 4 years.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4 years since sitting on this bench at Disneyland's California Adventure</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xdI2K5mAt05bxbHBj32pPwn2L1pnr-akKaXjNTMechAzKsfsHnI-6HGkBbPHjt8Re_zFQyS73vXYEZqSKn95EhkqLRbDRnPNSmHZHY0J8XxQOKKAwHGqQiGNI2symexbrhpe9_FFm1s/s1600/082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xdI2K5mAt05bxbHBj32pPwn2L1pnr-akKaXjNTMechAzKsfsHnI-6HGkBbPHjt8Re_zFQyS73vXYEZqSKn95EhkqLRbDRnPNSmHZHY0J8XxQOKKAwHGqQiGNI2symexbrhpe9_FFm1s/s640/082.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when we got the call that brought </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you into our lives.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwGhPVKvszPmeDWeSwam0v99q_dMN4sondJPPwgJCS2s7GlCfCASMV5ZOcx1248z97Sp_SF7_d2gM5Vze1Xe3YEy1daF0mMvZk4mkQBCb4-C7yJJNRBKil5o0t0HX4tx-4u7XpIU4kfQ/s1600/357_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwGhPVKvszPmeDWeSwam0v99q_dMN4sondJPPwgJCS2s7GlCfCASMV5ZOcx1248z97Sp_SF7_d2gM5Vze1Xe3YEy1daF0mMvZk4mkQBCb4-C7yJJNRBKil5o0t0HX4tx-4u7XpIU4kfQ/s640/357_edited-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You still love to watch this video I made for you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in December 2008 when were weren't sure how much longer you would be with us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwAbfmyu5xmNzQMLQgQloU9qUW3bBQe1J_1XBYj9JFhX0lCAJnGt3R2x6NJlclb0sIq4Ynd1lEjdTWuLZRX1g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And this one from April 2009 when you started doing unsupervised visits</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and weekend visits with your birth parents.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzHxhJHdphyK11vg-zggfZjE8kvI-maYEAGmgYO40xJfroOVs8FsZGn13-ktEAOrdUguZUv7I8zYeDEOjmuqA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And this one from July 2009 right before court when we thought you </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
would be leaving us for good.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx4qH_9lAp0VamWlYG8rAKeU9ZWuLAjRMnrPOVRs_zHVN594LhAdXJ2wOO3WKKBq5JDedVvWT3e2HB7rBVdaA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am still in awe of the <a href="http://makingmanymemories.blogspot.com/2010/07/one-year-of-relief.html">miracle </a>that occurred and the </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sacrifice that your birth mom and dad made</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by allowing us to adopt you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Last <a href="http://makingmanymemories.blogspot.com/2010/12/every-child-has-story.html">Gotcha Day</a> was one of the best days every</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
because I finally knew that there would be many, many more celebrations to come.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This day will always hold a special place in my heart </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my sweet little girl.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HAPPY GOTCHA DAY</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779770874867573087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864423208074524753.post-52532860290625128952011-12-01T16:32:00.001-08:002012-06-26T12:08:24.389-07:00Gotcha Day Tradition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First I would like to say a big</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="font-size: x-large;"><b>THANK YOU </b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
to all who donated or shared our <a href="http://operationorphannomore.blogspot.com/2011/11/be-part-of-miracle-ipad-give-away.html">iPad 2 give-away</a> so far.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It is still going on until December 15th and you can click <a href="http://operationorphannomore.blogspot.com/2011/11/be-part-of-miracle-ipad-give-away.html">here</a> to enter and </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
see all the great gifts you could receive with only a $5.00 donation </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
or sharing on your blog or Facebook page.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But I also wanted to share with you a great opportunity</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
you have to make really cute scrapbook pages </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and cards by using this amazing software</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software">My Memories Suite V3.</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This new version just came out last month </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and it is sooo fun to use.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Plus, if you purchase it using the code <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>STMMMS69334 </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">you receive $10 off and a $10 coupon to use on digital paper kits </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">and you receive <b>4 entries into our iPad give-away </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">because every time </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">the software is purchased using </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b>STMMMS69334</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">We receive $20 towards our adoption.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">My Memories also has a fun <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/MyMemories/140359372717593">Facebook page</a> and blog</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">where they have challenges and contest.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">This weeks contest is called Family Traditions</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">and I have entered our tradition of going to Disneyland every year </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">on December 13th because that is Nevaeh's Gotcha Day.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtizE_Xj0nBOLfIjDowsz1bZ2RWT9-XIyU_N_y45tL4Sy9Ob0e6KkAKDsjfsqy5FEF6Ms73qLZN60AKRnCyX44RW7PvRn3AWLsLLqqVZfZSCMYfk7CqNbGJiwVlnluwnpJFt0tum41gyE/s1600/Gotcha+Day+Tradition-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtizE_Xj0nBOLfIjDowsz1bZ2RWT9-XIyU_N_y45tL4Sy9Ob0e6KkAKDsjfsqy5FEF6Ms73qLZN60AKRnCyX44RW7PvRn3AWLsLLqqVZfZSCMYfk7CqNbGJiwVlnluwnpJFt0tum41gyE/s640/Gotcha+Day+Tradition-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you would like to read more about this fun day that we had</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you can go<a href="http://makingmanymemories.blogspot.com/2010/12/every-child-has-story.html"> here </a>.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The other thing I love about this company is you can use</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the digital paper they offer for free or </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
other kits you can find for free all over the internet.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Right now they have this free kit called <a href="http://www.mymemories.com/store/display_product_page?id=SRDD-CP-1111-9133">Santa</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mymemories.com/system/0012/1494/Santa.jpg?1321891543" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.mymemories.com/system/0012/1494/Santa.jpg?1321891543" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Below you fill find some of the other</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
stuff I have been doing this past month while learning</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to use this new program.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/307126_2552060517054_1120125577_32982549_831406847_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/307126_2552060517054_1120125577_32982549_831406847_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/374286_2672577649907_1120125577_33041488_1940472757_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/374286_2672577649907_1120125577_33041488_1940472757_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFa2ZQdG2Vyd24WtjXl9E6JkQDx0fFHjiZkz19HqBcxbr4aEA-vXPu2huFJ0AMUfOC2LEd9ifVJ_XfkMi4C08iFnd6TDomfYg263HQc-YLw2AM25GRJEO-NL7lQYa2Lr4BlW-mXRZwY40/s1600/Thanksgiving+2011-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFa2ZQdG2Vyd24WtjXl9E6JkQDx0fFHjiZkz19HqBcxbr4aEA-vXPu2huFJ0AMUfOC2LEd9ifVJ_XfkMi4C08iFnd6TDomfYg263HQc-YLw2AM25GRJEO-NL7lQYa2Lr4BlW-mXRZwY40/s640/Thanksgiving+2011-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QTyRhXlSHg48x6RRuqWDqRI9Rpx64rNBrsA_7AnFSU-r55lf2woRAD-hq72zEI0WRiuFgY9bYMWw-xCLnpF_dSEBY9GoIhvNjn4YX5kvoE6sz8kaVmDVXgYBaFoc6AB2SHDNXbyOvbs/s1600/Thanksgiving+2011-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QTyRhXlSHg48x6RRuqWDqRI9Rpx64rNBrsA_7AnFSU-r55lf2woRAD-hq72zEI0WRiuFgY9bYMWw-xCLnpF_dSEBY9GoIhvNjn4YX5kvoE6sz8kaVmDVXgYBaFoc6AB2SHDNXbyOvbs/s640/Thanksgiving+2011-002.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QTyRhXlSHg48x6RRuqWDqRI9Rpx64rNBrsA_7AnFSU-r55lf2woRAD-hq72zEI0WRiuFgY9bYMWw-xCLnpF_dSEBY9GoIhvNjn4YX5kvoE6sz8kaVmDVXgYBaFoc6AB2SHDNXbyOvbs/s1600/Thanksgiving+2011-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QTyRhXlSHg48x6RRuqWDqRI9Rpx64rNBrsA_7AnFSU-r55lf2woRAD-hq72zEI0WRiuFgY9bYMWw-xCLnpF_dSEBY9GoIhvNjn4YX5kvoE6sz8kaVmDVXgYBaFoc6AB2SHDNXbyOvbs/s1600/Thanksgiving+2011-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QTyRhXlSHg48x6RRuqWDqRI9Rpx64rNBrsA_7AnFSU-r55lf2woRAD-hq72zEI0WRiuFgY9bYMWw-xCLnpF_dSEBY9GoIhvNjn4YX5kvoE6sz8kaVmDVXgYBaFoc6AB2SHDNXbyOvbs/s1600/Thanksgiving+2011-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QTyRhXlSHg48x6RRuqWDqRI9Rpx64rNBrsA_7AnFSU-r55lf2woRAD-hq72zEI0WRiuFgY9bYMWw-xCLnpF_dSEBY9GoIhvNjn4YX5kvoE6sz8kaVmDVXgYBaFoc6AB2SHDNXbyOvbs/s1600/Thanksgiving+2011-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/313667_2672464007066_1120125577_33041415_1070323663_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/313667_2672464007066_1120125577_33041415_1070323663_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QTyRhXlSHg48x6RRuqWDqRI9Rpx64rNBrsA_7AnFSU-r55lf2woRAD-hq72zEI0WRiuFgY9bYMWw-xCLnpF_dSEBY9GoIhvNjn4YX5kvoE6sz8kaVmDVXgYBaFoc6AB2SHDNXbyOvbs/s1600/Thanksgiving+2011-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QTyRhXlSHg48x6RRuqWDqRI9Rpx64rNBrsA_7AnFSU-r55lf2woRAD-hq72zEI0WRiuFgY9bYMWw-xCLnpF_dSEBY9GoIhvNjn4YX5kvoE6sz8kaVmDVXgYBaFoc6AB2SHDNXbyOvbs/s1600/Thanksgiving+2011-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QTyRhXlSHg48x6RRuqWDqRI9Rpx64rNBrsA_7AnFSU-r55lf2woRAD-hq72zEI0WRiuFgY9bYMWw-xCLnpF_dSEBY9GoIhvNjn4YX5kvoE6sz8kaVmDVXgYBaFoc6AB2SHDNXbyOvbs/s1600/Thanksgiving+2011-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QTyRhXlSHg48x6RRuqWDqRI9Rpx64rNBrsA_7AnFSU-r55lf2woRAD-hq72zEI0WRiuFgY9bYMWw-xCLnpF_dSEBY9GoIhvNjn4YX5kvoE6sz8kaVmDVXgYBaFoc6AB2SHDNXbyOvbs/s1600/Thanksgiving+2011-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QTyRhXlSHg48x6RRuqWDqRI9Rpx64rNBrsA_7AnFSU-r55lf2woRAD-hq72zEI0WRiuFgY9bYMWw-xCLnpF_dSEBY9GoIhvNjn4YX5kvoE6sz8kaVmDVXgYBaFoc6AB2SHDNXbyOvbs/s1600/Thanksgiving+2011-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://s-hphotos-iad1.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/385414_2672490207721_1120125577_33041424_1294873057_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://s-hphotos-iad1.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/385414_2672490207721_1120125577_33041424_1294873057_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QTyRhXlSHg48x6RRuqWDqRI9Rpx64rNBrsA_7AnFSU-r55lf2woRAD-hq72zEI0WRiuFgY9bYMWw-xCLnpF_dSEBY9GoIhvNjn4YX5kvoE6sz8kaVmDVXgYBaFoc6AB2SHDNXbyOvbs/s1600/Thanksgiving+2011-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QTyRhXlSHg48x6RRuqWDqRI9Rpx64rNBrsA_7AnFSU-r55lf2woRAD-hq72zEI0WRiuFgY9bYMWw-xCLnpF_dSEBY9GoIhvNjn4YX5kvoE6sz8kaVmDVXgYBaFoc6AB2SHDNXbyOvbs/s1600/Thanksgiving+2011-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The layouts above our my first attempt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at making my very own personalized Christmas Cards.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another plus is that I can upload these layouts to </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
any of the popular printing companies:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shutterful, Snapwish, Winkflash, Picaboo, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS and on and on.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And at Costco I can print out a 12x12 page and stick it in a regular scrapbook.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can even add embellishments after it is printed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The list of possibilities are endless.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It would make my day if you would share</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this wonderful opportunity with others.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then they can become obsessed with digital scrapbooking too :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779770874867573087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864423208074524753.post-82476389982026012202011-11-18T11:15:00.001-08:002012-06-26T12:08:53.322-07:00All I Really Want for Christmas ...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Today is National Adoption Day...</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today as you think about what your </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
plans are for Thanksgiving and for Christmas...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today think about what it might be like</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
if all you wanted was a family to </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
eat Thanksgiving dinner with</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or wake up to on Christmas morning...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today give words of encouragement </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to those who have decided to </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
add a new member to their family</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
instead of telling them how hard it will be...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today find out how you can help </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
those who have been <a href="http://static.reecesrainbow.org/angeltreekids/">abandoned by their families</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or those who are trying to <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1264320601"></span>adopt<span id="goog_1264320602"></span></a> or <a href="http://www.angelsfoster.org/">foster </a>them...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today as you think about how grateful you are</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for everything you have....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today go out and make a difference...<br />
<br />
Because all they really want for Christmas<br />
is a FAMILY</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PjMz0MmYejQ" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">All I really want for Christmas is someone to tuck me in</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">A shoulder to cry on if I lose, shoulders to ride on if I win</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">There's so much I could ask for, but there's just one thing I need</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">All I really want for Christmas is someone who'll be here</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">To sing me happy birthday for the next 100 years</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">And It's okay if they're not perfect or even if they're a little broken</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">That's alright, 'Cause so am I</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">Well, I guess I should go, it's almost time for bed</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">Maybe next time I write you I'll be at home</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">'Cause all I really want for Christmas is someone to tuck me in</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">Tell me I'll never be alone, someone whose love will never end</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">Of all that I could ask for, well, there's just one thing I need</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">All I really want for Christmas</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"><b>All I really want for Christmas</b></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"> <b>is a family...... </b></span><br />
<br />
I am so grateful that this will<br />
be the last Thanksgiving and Christmas that our little one<br />
will have to spend in an institution.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Because all we want for Christmas is for her to part of our family.</b></i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779770874867573087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864423208074524753.post-91373354845442384162011-10-31T22:49:00.000-07:002011-10-31T22:49:40.228-07:00Happy Halloween with Daddy BI'm afraid I haven't been very good about keeping up on my personal blog. The adoption has kind of taken up any extra time that I seem to have.<br />
<br />
But today I took Nevaeh for her visit with her birth dad, Daddy B, and I wanted to make sure I blogged about it before I forgot.<br />
<br />
You see, birth parent visits are getting harder for me. Especially now that I am so busy with the new adoption. Nevaeh was supposed to see Daddy B on her birthday but I forgot to even call him. It happens to be my son, Jared's, birthday too and I just got busy. Plus Daddy B works odd hours and I would always remember to call him when he was at work. So unfortunately, 1 month went by after her birthday without a phone call from us. I was actually a little afraid to call. I was feeling pretty guilty.<br />
<br />
But when I did call, Daddy B made we remember why it is I want Nevaeh to still have a relationship with her. He apologized for not calling us. He told me he had lost his job and his phone had been turned off around her birthday. I told him I would love to bring her for Halloween so he could see her in her cute costume.<br />
<br />
So we showed up at the local McDonald's, 15 minutes late like usual (although this time it was because I was picking up really cute pictures of her to give to him). He was waiting for her with open arms and presents.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5I8kAOfgFYbAxluh_vkQ9hAsm-pPGUSFSCAqd266U36BF4CF_E9B7Vwf7i8RFwJW2yI3TIGOLWXkMVUrE8Mx23T5oodAu9VgBTEZqCGSi_FLG4Di58TECH1bkVHiB0ZZB5uarcxetdx8/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5I8kAOfgFYbAxluh_vkQ9hAsm-pPGUSFSCAqd266U36BF4CF_E9B7Vwf7i8RFwJW2yI3TIGOLWXkMVUrE8Mx23T5oodAu9VgBTEZqCGSi_FLG4Di58TECH1bkVHiB0ZZB5uarcxetdx8/s640/023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I really dont' care if he brings presents because I know that he doesn't have any extra money. But the fact that he makes an effort to be part of her life and brings things he thinks she would be interested in really impresses me.<br />
<br />
When we got there I asked if he wanted lunch and he said he had already eaten. He then gave me a gift card to McDonald's that his mother wanted us to have. And he kept thanking me for taking the time to bring Nevaeh to see him.<br />
<br />
This is a completely different type of visit than what we have with Mommy M, birth mom. As a matter of fact, we did visit with her before Nevaeh's birthday, on Mommy M's birthday, and I choose not to blog about it :( So I am so excited to see that now that Mommy M is out of Daddy B's life he is not selfish at all and really cares about Nevaeh.<br />
<br />
They spent some time putting the puzzle he brought for her together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHjQhVQOcFmtdrmhcsoZYGR0n9rMnSJvjzk9J_hu50sFsTiJM9SsqrolFHi4oaZK9u5kNrC37jy9BLYnH2guWnLw909VMOJVfg8XkAaKpPbq-2YcqnHPseCa-pSjtydnobuInUaUemmA/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHjQhVQOcFmtdrmhcsoZYGR0n9rMnSJvjzk9J_hu50sFsTiJM9SsqrolFHi4oaZK9u5kNrC37jy9BLYnH2guWnLw909VMOJVfg8XkAaKpPbq-2YcqnHPseCa-pSjtydnobuInUaUemmA/s640/027.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yQpP4HdGx-EMzHKRhzWKojiNyKKZ5DT20yaJW_DZ8dtjZ0uiYI6LpbDxq78KtC9Esr6YOec6mpSdqKurT1H9kKAN0IrI_fugXT91cDuvn2OzNlvSuPNfXXKfk7UVtiUorfPDzUjNMYQ/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yQpP4HdGx-EMzHKRhzWKojiNyKKZ5DT20yaJW_DZ8dtjZ0uiYI6LpbDxq78KtC9Esr6YOec6mpSdqKurT1H9kKAN0IrI_fugXT91cDuvn2OzNlvSuPNfXXKfk7UVtiUorfPDzUjNMYQ/s640/026.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And of course Nevaeh's favorite part was being pushed around in the highchair like it was a ride at Disneyland.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgoOv3eUAH0bCkA_Ekb4u5K1mUMIkyFIsaFnpwiJehCcxWD785c-OvTaUOnSQlXH2ndgiBpQ153PXvROLpIwNQIqTfllkL-9-egVqmRiXHLclA-Si-Tqizrf0NdNbg2SbGM-Le7QO2Gc/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgoOv3eUAH0bCkA_Ekb4u5K1mUMIkyFIsaFnpwiJehCcxWD785c-OvTaUOnSQlXH2ndgiBpQ153PXvROLpIwNQIqTfllkL-9-egVqmRiXHLclA-Si-Tqizrf0NdNbg2SbGM-Le7QO2Gc/s640/033.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So although my day was super busy and on the way there I was grumbling to myself about having to fit this visit into my day, I am so glad that we went. Because this child is loved by so many people. And I always want her to know that. Even if it means making me feel awkward or inconvenienced at times.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVixk6lB5JQdHdorBViyvuBTzMOOOWH5Jyl2WgEHeX1jDtJbt0DF57fniK3IV6dwNUFrGHdIKlO3XGaZlHVSGhTOb_UN9lv0Du45sj2VBcejZHyZa0tjAOhKFEifg-sgZpTOLVhjj5aY/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVixk6lB5JQdHdorBViyvuBTzMOOOWH5Jyl2WgEHeX1jDtJbt0DF57fniK3IV6dwNUFrGHdIKlO3XGaZlHVSGhTOb_UN9lv0Du45sj2VBcejZHyZa0tjAOhKFEifg-sgZpTOLVhjj5aY/s640/024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
As a side note, I did try to call Mommy M to get her pictures to her but her phone has been disconnected again too. But that relationship still needs a lot of help. The next phone call with her will probably be an uncomfortable one as I have decided she has to meet us in a public place from now on. She has too many people in and out of her life and I think some of them do drugs, as she may be doing again due to very rapid weight loss. So meeting her at her apartment or driving her in my car is not an option anymore. I'm sure that is not going to go over well with her but I can't chance it.<br />
<br />
And speaking of awkward, Daddy B asked for our address today. He was saying how he wanted to be able to send a card to Nevaeh in case he didn't have a phone again. Not real sure how I feel about that one. I skirted the issue by saying I would text it to him later.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I feel so alone in this open adoption relationship thing. It is very different than your typical open adoption. These people have served time in prison. They have substance abuse issues. Just not feeling real comfortable about letting them know where we live. But how do you keep a good relationship and tell someone that?<br />
<br />
So after our visit today we came home and went trick or treating. Nevaeh had a blast and Steve and I had a hard time keeping up with her. It will be very interesting next year when we are trying to keep up with two of them. We might have to recruit the older brothers to help out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDfZ7x_UTONP8brbCkIx1iFyXU5pDEi9hhot6KpCgI00zZjcw9zYFgRSein6P7dwBZ6CbrH-EHoauvpUuzh29NQUgP8GsUU_XrL9jT6oy_BlhNDH0CqLdMBYjI2Ufs3gOgVJZCq-Kz64/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDfZ7x_UTONP8brbCkIx1iFyXU5pDEi9hhot6KpCgI00zZjcw9zYFgRSein6P7dwBZ6CbrH-EHoauvpUuzh29NQUgP8GsUU_XrL9jT6oy_BlhNDH0CqLdMBYjI2Ufs3gOgVJZCq-Kz64/s640/038.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy Halloween</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVx7UtyNP2S0zzwHfw2y1cAAWdMnH7q_9hXrevKecwJ6bWE5U5Bj-pye8tZLpChIKJVKqc0FwnUZXzrLhxpg4qnrM9RaiF40yeVjbarN9lc07IzarazfQ2r1gN9QVIGd0Uq0dW1SKhfTU/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVx7UtyNP2S0zzwHfw2y1cAAWdMnH7q_9hXrevKecwJ6bWE5U5Bj-pye8tZLpChIKJVKqc0FwnUZXzrLhxpg4qnrM9RaiF40yeVjbarN9lc07IzarazfQ2r1gN9QVIGd0Uq0dW1SKhfTU/s640/036.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779770874867573087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864423208074524753.post-63932575644270289732011-08-17T23:15:00.000-07:002011-08-18T16:26:46.357-07:00FREE Digital Scrapbooking Software Give Away<div style="text-align: center;">Hi Fellow Bloggers</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just wanted to let you in </div><div style="text-align: center;">on a FREE Give Away I am doing over</div><div style="text-align: center;">at</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.operationorphannomore.blogspot.com/">Operation Orphan No More</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">See the beautiful invitation I made for Nevaeh's </div><div style="text-align: center;">Birthday Party below</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2L94rsvzuVe0QzcJNd-pcwHr3Q9nkBSq__H6a4ZgokHN0aBWKyLXtnMz2KaH0Fp1ALUsq1ZTIGRD5xrihBUBmAFVUOmSrT3tUOFOG0qTWUq7ksQfnQGAQNlSrJqCNb9d0mVpYEQGuXJE/s1600/Nevaeh%2527s+4th+Bday+invite-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2L94rsvzuVe0QzcJNd-pcwHr3Q9nkBSq__H6a4ZgokHN0aBWKyLXtnMz2KaH0Fp1ALUsq1ZTIGRD5xrihBUBmAFVUOmSrT3tUOFOG0qTWUq7ksQfnQGAQNlSrJqCNb9d0mVpYEQGuXJE/s640/Nevaeh%2527s+4th+Bday+invite-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Want to be able to make really cute stuff just like it?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Want it to be fast, easy and painless and possibly FREE?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well </div><div style="text-align: center;">What are you waiting for?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Go read all about it on my other blog :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">and if you figure you don't every win anything but </div><div style="text-align: center;">are interested in just purchasing it </div><div style="text-align: center;">I have a great deal on that toooo.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
</div>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779770874867573087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864423208074524753.post-27647073059319171012011-07-23T09:56:00.000-07:002012-06-26T12:07:34.418-07:00We are Expecting - Another Daughter<div style="text-align: center;">
We are excited to announce that we will be adding another daughter to our family.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We would love for you to follow along on our </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
journey to bring our little one home.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just go <a href="http://www.operationorphannomore.blogspot.com/">here</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and becoming a follower</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or sign up to receive emails.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will not be posting much about the adoption process on this blog.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It will remain our family blog.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hope you come and join us :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is going to be a journey of a lifetime.</div>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779770874867573087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864423208074524753.post-32187627668574516562011-07-06T10:52:00.000-07:002011-07-06T10:52:39.144-07:00Photo Books of our Life<div style="text-align: center;">I love making digital photo books.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't necessarily have a favorite company </div><div style="text-align: center;">that I use.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm afraid I am not very loyal.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I go where the deals are.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love that I can share my books with people on-line.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love that I can make them as simple or as complicated as I want.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">These books are not in any particular order.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I do have my favorites.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love Nevaeh's Tinkerbell Party,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">her Yellow Shoes Book and the one</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I made for her birth parents.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love her adoption day one too but</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am making another one that includes her</div><div style="text-align: center;">sealing day as well.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I will be adding more to this page as I finish them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab" height="425" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/flashslideshowphotobook/slideshow_pb.swf"/><param name="flashvars" value="xmlURL=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fpsdata%3FprojectGUID%3D2AauGrFk2bsnfa%26uid%3D002007621585%26size%3D0%26ts%3D1309970652000%26height%3D425%26width%3D425&size=0&ob=0&fc=0&ss=0&sb=0&ft=0"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="quality" value="best"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><embed width="425" height="425" align="middle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="wrapper" quality="best" menu="false" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="xmlURL=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fpsdata%3FprojectGUID%3D2AauGrFk2bsnfa%26uid%3D002007621585%26size%3D0%26ts%3D1309970652000%26height%3D425%26width%3D425&size=0&ob=0&fc=0&ss=0&sb=0&ft=0" src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/flashslideshowphotobook/slideshow_pb.swf"></embed></object><br />
<div style="margin-top: 0; text-align: center; width: 425px;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=2AauGrFk2bsmEA&eid=118">Click here to view this photo book larger</a></div><div style="margin-top: 0; text-align: center; width: 425px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-top: 0; text-align: center; width: 425px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-top: 0; text-align: center; width: 425px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-top: 0; text-align: center; width: 425px;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab" height="425" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/flashslideshowphotobook/slideshow_pb.swf"/><param name="flashvars" value="xmlURL=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fpsdata%3FprojectGUID%3D2AauGrFk2bsnfp%26uid%3D002007621585%26size%3D0%26ts%3D1309971089000%26height%3D425%26width%3D425&size=0&ob=0&fc=0&ss=0&sb=0&ft=0"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="quality" value="best"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><embed width="425" height="425" align="middle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="wrapper" quality="best" menu="false" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="xmlURL=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fpsdata%3FprojectGUID%3D2AauGrFk2bsnfp%26uid%3D002007621585%26size%3D0%26ts%3D1309971089000%26height%3D425%26width%3D425&size=0&ob=0&fc=0&ss=0&sb=0&ft=0" src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/flashslideshowphotobook/slideshow_pb.swf"></embed></object><br />
<div style="margin-top: 0; text-align: center; width: 425px;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=2AauGrFk2bsmER&eid=118">Click here to view this photo book larger</a></div><br />
<br />
<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab" height="425" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/flashslideshowphotobook/slideshow_pb.swf"/><param name="flashvars" value="xmlURL=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fpsdata%3FprojectGUID%3D2AauGrFk2bsnYSU%26uid%3D002007621585%26size%3D0%26ts%3D1309973710000%26height%3D425%26width%3D425&size=0&ob=0&fc=0&ss=0&sb=0&ft=0"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="quality" value="best"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><embed width="425" height="425" align="middle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="wrapper" quality="best" menu="false" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="xmlURL=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fpsdata%3FprojectGUID%3D2AauGrFk2bsnYSU%26uid%3D002007621585%26size%3D0%26ts%3D1309973710000%26height%3D425%26width%3D425&size=0&ob=0&fc=0&ss=0&sb=0&ft=0" src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/flashslideshowphotobook/slideshow_pb.swf"></embed></object><br />
<div style="margin-top: 0; text-align: center; width: 425px;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=2AauGrFk2bsmFV&eid=118">Click here to view this photo book larger</a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab" height="425" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/flashslideshowphotobook/slideshow_pb.swf"/><param name="flashvars" value="xmlURL=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fpsdata%3FprojectGUID%3D2AauGrFk2bsnYTQ%26uid%3D002007621585%26size%3D0%26ts%3D1309973872000%26height%3D425%26width%3D425&size=0&ob=0&fc=0&ss=0&sb=0&ft=0"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="quality" value="best"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><embed width="425" height="425" align="middle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="wrapper" quality="best" menu="false" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="xmlURL=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fpsdata%3FprojectGUID%3D2AauGrFk2bsnYTQ%26uid%3D002007621585%26size%3D0%26ts%3D1309973872000%26height%3D425%26width%3D425&size=0&ob=0&fc=0&ss=0&sb=0&ft=0" src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/flashslideshowphotobook/slideshow_pb.swf"></embed></object><br />
<div style="margin-top: 0; text-align: center; width: 425px;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=2AauGrFk2bsmFm&eid=118">Click here to view this photo book larger</a></div><br />
<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab" height="425" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/flashslideshowphotobook/slideshow_pb.swf"/><param name="flashvars" value="xmlURL=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fpsdata%3FprojectGUID%3D2AauGrFk2bsnYUM%26uid%3D002007621585%26size%3D0%26ts%3D1309973958000%26height%3D425%26width%3D425&size=0&ob=0&fc=0&ss=0&sb=0&ft=0"/><param name="menu" value="false"/><param name="quality" value="best"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><embed width="425" height="425" align="middle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" name="wrapper" quality="best" menu="false" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="xmlURL=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fpsdata%3FprojectGUID%3D2AauGrFk2bsnYUM%26uid%3D002007621585%26size%3D0%26ts%3D1309973958000%26height%3D425%26width%3D425&size=0&ob=0&fc=0&ss=0&sb=0&ft=0" src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/flashapps/flashslideshowphotobook/slideshow_pb.swf"></embed></object><br />
<div style="margin-top: 0; text-align: center; width: 425px;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=2AauGrFk2bsmF3&eid=118">Click here to view this photo book larger</a></div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www2.snapfish.com/snapfish/projectshareewelcome/l=3969082023/p=85561309974058636/g=152555663/cobrandOid=1000/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/otsc=SYE/otsi=SPBKlink/">Link to Christmas Book</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/projectshareewelcome/l=13563858008/p=43161309974188432/g=38956597/cobrandOid=1000/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/otsc=SYE/otsi=SPBKlink/">Link to Halloween Book</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/projectshareewelcome/l=13565489008/p=52661309974277195/g=38956597/cobrandOid=1000/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/otsc=SYE/otsi=SPBKlink/">Link to My Yellow Shoes Book</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/projectshareewelcome/l=13565490008/p=16761309974366439/g=38956597/cobrandOid=1000/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/otsc=SYE/otsi=SPBKlink/">Link to Birth Parent's Book </a>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779770874867573087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864423208074524753.post-3871049573297920342011-06-21T01:07:00.000-07:002011-06-21T01:18:10.040-07:00Daddy B - Father's Day Visit<div style="text-align: center;">Have I ever mentioned that this open adoption thing is hard?</div><div style="text-align: center;">So you might ask...<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Why do you do it then?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes, I am not sure.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes,I think it would be so much easier to just pretend she doesn't have "other" family.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes, things are awkward </div><div style="text-align: center;">and sometimes they just drive me crazy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I haven't written much about our visit lately because </div><div style="text-align: center;">there has been so much "Drama" in B and M's lives.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Today I came to the conclusion once again that </div><div style="text-align: center;">Daddy B is so much more together and in love with this little girl </div><div style="text-align: center;">than Mommy M.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad349/skmorriss/1308640757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad349/skmorriss/1308640757.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I really don't mind bringing her to visit him.<br />
He spends his whole time playing with her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad349/skmorriss/1308640711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad349/skmorriss/1308640711.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
And she loves hanging out with him<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad349/skmorriss/1308640649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad349/skmorriss/1308640649.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Today we even picked up Grandma N<br />
and Nevaeh had a great time playing with her hat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad349/skmorriss/1308640742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad349/skmorriss/1308640742.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Plus, Daddy B brought her a Kung Fu Panda Bear.<br />
<br />
It's been a while since Nevaeh has seen Daddy B.<br />
(Part of the Drama)<br />
<br />
So she didn't go running into his arms as usual.<br />
It didn't take long for her to warm up to him but I made<br />
the mistake of calling him Daddy once and<br />
she stopped and looked at me funny and then said<br />
"that's not my daddy, that's Daddy B..."<br />
<br />
<i>There was a huge blowup on Valentine's Day over how she addressed them.</i><br />
<i>Let's just say "more drama" and leave it at that.</i><br />
<br />
After visiting with Daddy B we went to take food to<br />
Mommy M.<br />
I won't go into detail about our visit with her.<br />
I thought about it and it just wouldn't be fair for me to<br />
post her problems on an open blog.<br />
<br />
But trust me...<br />
The woman drives me crazy with so much DRAMA, DRAMA, DRAMA!!!!!<br />
<br />
And so I go back to thinking about the whole open adoption thing.<br />
<br />
It's hard on me.<br />
I don't like "DRAMA".<br />
<br />
But in the end it still feels right.<br />
And in the end there is a little girl who knows she is loved by so many.<br />
And sometimes we do things we hate for the people we love even if it means dealing with the DRAMA.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779770874867573087noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864423208074524753.post-65505737057338209162011-06-13T16:17:00.000-07:002011-06-21T01:19:53.910-07:00Angels Foster Care 5K<div style="text-align: center;">I participated in my first 5K on Saturday.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqyNIK4pUjUJJxp2m14d-VtdqJLTKdUx3EsfLVQ7tuUR2d9Ra5cV9wmJIkyBy6Qv3LhT4Oqz_zWNaNt6eKAQ2grlNrNdoO2zEdHWDNhk6IevlDth5Ht-z0Fl2j1JabMA1UFuieCrZuxE/s1600/059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqyNIK4pUjUJJxp2m14d-VtdqJLTKdUx3EsfLVQ7tuUR2d9Ra5cV9wmJIkyBy6Qv3LhT4Oqz_zWNaNt6eKAQ2grlNrNdoO2zEdHWDNhk6IevlDth5Ht-z0Fl2j1JabMA1UFuieCrZuxE/s640/059.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I did not make very good time because I kept stopping to </div><div style="text-align: center;">take pictures.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTN9xfZOE6y4H9_fdteB7p_eqCpFsXZZCkkv_5fePD9MAI-vYtNOMrxOFgZVVjM_g20RCCd81wMuyGpYnWXzSHz6nOl5zBDMWedowdZdK-0s92WcOmnHuZHPl8KeZoQ1xn3y-4Dig7V-g/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTN9xfZOE6y4H9_fdteB7p_eqCpFsXZZCkkv_5fePD9MAI-vYtNOMrxOFgZVVjM_g20RCCd81wMuyGpYnWXzSHz6nOl5zBDMWedowdZdK-0s92WcOmnHuZHPl8KeZoQ1xn3y-4Dig7V-g/s640/060.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">View of the course from the bridge.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ae_82a2W-z6EKBYizpBLRofHYBdxMT4O0wYxtCvmMF7sJvf_NTlahAqqZeX6rXdPh-p_EQ94r-COYWtpxG9kGjuFOcDD9PgLChV55PIK5AK4eoHQxqpusH32g-VLSW2fYQf7uK1MrN8/s1600/061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ae_82a2W-z6EKBYizpBLRofHYBdxMT4O0wYxtCvmMF7sJvf_NTlahAqqZeX6rXdPh-p_EQ94r-COYWtpxG9kGjuFOcDD9PgLChV55PIK5AK4eoHQxqpusH32g-VLSW2fYQf7uK1MrN8/s640/061.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I really had no idea how seriously some people take their</div><div style="text-align: center;">5K's.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JPHffTFlWEBbAHW2TleKcL6e04-oTZdZ36RAYZ7y_zX3W6mSrQu2-FMFnVaUmEW15ktWehbUfzs9EuLnUlgzcuV4GtU_XoxfB07LDwH3kRTxNPQ0QNsJnB9dfDHRRd1B0bYPJ3oTZ8k/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JPHffTFlWEBbAHW2TleKcL6e04-oTZdZ36RAYZ7y_zX3W6mSrQu2-FMFnVaUmEW15ktWehbUfzs9EuLnUlgzcuV4GtU_XoxfB07LDwH3kRTxNPQ0QNsJnB9dfDHRRd1B0bYPJ3oTZ8k/s640/056.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The first runner crossed the finish line in just under 16 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hadn't even made it to the bridge or the 1 mile marker</div><div style="text-align: center;">by that time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJXrIeslBSzicJ8IHNuS4-E1WgMECB1jP6lBT0IK8XVEkAvQ6imh3s_3ADD3I5yNYf9irMm9BQTXb1bSosXpxyOkKzZAs_h7KGYKZzQOL0Upao1LZmILqLQR1L2g-tPVJfcMtrE6f3fA/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJXrIeslBSzicJ8IHNuS4-E1WgMECB1jP6lBT0IK8XVEkAvQ6imh3s_3ADD3I5yNYf9irMm9BQTXb1bSosXpxyOkKzZAs_h7KGYKZzQOL0Upao1LZmILqLQR1L2g-tPVJfcMtrE6f3fA/s640/062.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The course was at Liberty Park in San Diego.</div><div style="text-align: center;">There were some really neat places to take pictures.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Behind Nevaeh is a huge ship.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOty2RoRR7V6uLxCYOktrx6mapK1Y770m4_sNILqxoQbu6hB8TI3t_1jePKyKsVgXiR7_vvmgI82UYxHygg-RPAl-u9_yhslCPQGRALYk_lRLGYa8a_9kVC4gzBJPL0wzFFIAm7oO7cTs/s1600/072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOty2RoRR7V6uLxCYOktrx6mapK1Y770m4_sNILqxoQbu6hB8TI3t_1jePKyKsVgXiR7_vvmgI82UYxHygg-RPAl-u9_yhslCPQGRALYk_lRLGYa8a_9kVC4gzBJPL0wzFFIAm7oO7cTs/s640/072.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And these full size cannons.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZKAp6Pt-YsCga2I0NN4rbEC4iNUY6irQwRX6BvB2ZMbSe7v1LnE584TZVHRIa2lJnanpoKfh4f5cLcnqMjKk1BSEa09rikZE3OO5e2Pk30GiOVD-5Ny9y7nTXmVelWxrpjlpaoSlzhU/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZKAp6Pt-YsCga2I0NN4rbEC4iNUY6irQwRX6BvB2ZMbSe7v1LnE584TZVHRIa2lJnanpoKfh4f5cLcnqMjKk1BSEa09rikZE3OO5e2Pk30GiOVD-5Ny9y7nTXmVelWxrpjlpaoSlzhU/s640/067.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">There was great free food</div><div style="text-align: center;">along with giant sized stuffed pancake people.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg743QS90ecZJoUfQGBqdsv0-aOukVuSteE2y4h071Vd-RYyp2-bx1I7AYOZJsww7fxNVt-rjWG66esxlkK_579OrqfBacB1h-Glsg_N24EnT-OwAJDa-6WRKOROl6Lt2U6RDl19jLXBqo/s1600/065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg743QS90ecZJoUfQGBqdsv0-aOukVuSteE2y4h071Vd-RYyp2-bx1I7AYOZJsww7fxNVt-rjWG66esxlkK_579OrqfBacB1h-Glsg_N24EnT-OwAJDa-6WRKOROl6Lt2U6RDl19jLXBqo/s640/065.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Nevaeh had a great time on the free bounce house</div><div style="text-align: center;">and slide.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYjCE_7h17HR82FvsHRPSA3-7hlpf4JN3bf_loJXR8iUOSfI3Mhgi8IVgux1JkPWP7UQQPHeqjE0lLK5WIqGr7SXVvAaupnDy5iHEAV2G0EdaYodUEtCmVKJ-TNTPs33vtzu2TIL1JuQ/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYjCE_7h17HR82FvsHRPSA3-7hlpf4JN3bf_loJXR8iUOSfI3Mhgi8IVgux1JkPWP7UQQPHeqjE0lLK5WIqGr7SXVvAaupnDy5iHEAV2G0EdaYodUEtCmVKJ-TNTPs33vtzu2TIL1JuQ/s640/066.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Of course going down head first was the best part.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwdeNs9eRtNprsg51UhLGg5nMXasu6c4UsmMbMdCwHXqZg5JJPwFIbwXQzJpUhPSzbGV0zptFSqlxHyBe1MkFp-7T5xa7A4t-dn1GEE3v_QfbPGYXic6hF4Cl_6scwWZttjdyRI5toZg/s1600/070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwdeNs9eRtNprsg51UhLGg5nMXasu6c4UsmMbMdCwHXqZg5JJPwFIbwXQzJpUhPSzbGV0zptFSqlxHyBe1MkFp-7T5xa7A4t-dn1GEE3v_QfbPGYXic6hF4Cl_6scwWZttjdyRI5toZg/s640/070.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Then we were off to impress the football players.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhiBhtQwWIqUJNuFwvAE_m6fGAjk2BS1zDYRLYPHHDFnKMg0RGwYQov4z41eSVd_oSRay2cvmEoZqcB8i7Sc6iTtOlt5rkJno9asr1vAivZPD6tCrludspGR3eadnU5lfDS-4o006p0c/s1600/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhiBhtQwWIqUJNuFwvAE_m6fGAjk2BS1zDYRLYPHHDFnKMg0RGwYQov4z41eSVd_oSRay2cvmEoZqcB8i7Sc6iTtOlt5rkJno9asr1vAivZPD6tCrludspGR3eadnU5lfDS-4o006p0c/s640/071.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't let the pink outfit and bows fool you.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nevaeh can hold her own when it comes to playing any game that involves a ball.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bNwMf5zgeZnGyyPMgwVlfT0JDfNKSwkF4iMdFnXo-inG_ZMTpEAOBVh6y8vIUH7ccvxjFFEVH0aITOdiG1FEUtjv_M9zdpzJx-a16RaDHM5tLnB-Jl4CpEWa7Dn92x3JCQA7tiDq7Pc/s1600/064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bNwMf5zgeZnGyyPMgwVlfT0JDfNKSwkF4iMdFnXo-inG_ZMTpEAOBVh6y8vIUH7ccvxjFFEVH0aITOdiG1FEUtjv_M9zdpzJx-a16RaDHM5tLnB-Jl4CpEWa7Dn92x3JCQA7tiDq7Pc/s640/064.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But this, this is the reason why we came.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It wasn't to try and beat our best time at a 5K.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It wasn't for the beautiful scenery or ocean breeze.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nor the free food and entertainment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was to support an organization that brought me</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the best gift I could ever have.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks to these ladies and all their hard work,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">babies all over San Diego County will be safe tonight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They will be placed in loving homes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">while their parents try and get their act together</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">or while CPS figures out they got it wrong.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(that is what happened with our first placement)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Foster Care is a broken system. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One that needs so much repairing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But with all it's faults, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">there are still people like Cathy and Rachel</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">who work tirelessly to ensure</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">that these babies are safe and loved</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">while the grown ups figure out the rest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next year</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">our whole family will be involved.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Want to join us? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779770874867573087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864423208074524753.post-33578203523848197162011-05-21T14:10:00.000-07:002011-05-21T20:42:07.451-07:00Who Are You Thinking About Today - The Unloved<div style="text-align: center;">It was very interesting to me that today, </div><div style="text-align: center;">I happened upon a post by Nie Nie asking</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.blogher.com/show-tell-nienie-asks-who-are-you-thinking-about-today">"Who are you thinking about today?"</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Considering that there is so much doom and gloom in the world, </div><div style="text-align: center;">(especially today since it is suppose to be the end of the world) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I wanted to focus on the reality that I live in and the pure joy and beauty I have found from it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I wanted to focus on all the wonderful families who have touched my life </div><div style="text-align: center;">and changed if for good ever since I first started following the </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fillmoreflash.blogspot.com/2011/05/anyas-homecoming-video.html">Fillmore Family</a> and their <a href="http://fillmoresjourneytoanna.blogspot.com/">journey to Anya</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygrCoiKr78JxQv9eIOhyUNipTH_kPZTU_I2Ooh_7ILAo2FihpG_5YmHN9XAfdFKYvk_3vjitsicd1QnLBLiUajgt5a34OruY1rWFljJCL2tjTqKIhp4uI9t4EEYq1OLFYRLgM5yq7NA/s640/IMG_7248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygrCoiKr78JxQv9eIOhyUNipTH_kPZTU_I2Ooh_7ILAo2FihpG_5YmHN9XAfdFKYvk_3vjitsicd1QnLBLiUajgt5a34OruY1rWFljJCL2tjTqKIhp4uI9t4EEYq1OLFYRLgM5yq7NA/s400/IMG_7248.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">After following them I was hooked on learning more about other</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/">Reece's Rainbow Families </a></div><div style="text-align: center;">and the children who are orphaned because they have "special needs".</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For the past week I have been following the <a href="http://kareensjourneyhome.blogspot.com/2011/05/playing-with-our-girl.html">Cox Family</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The are in U country right now meeting their new princess for the first time.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I wake up every morning to see if there is a new post</div><div style="text-align: center;">and cry along with them as they experience the joy of adoption.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic05xyI5nkXqjCh4Tuf6L9YrLbTxL5dSgTSw7aCq6l-tWFTNqNpOr-L6q1j2QKozgfSK_puW8DvyAD4qsexQpFa0k0U2DrbuTTQvIXE7Ab4UhJXg9emWoaQq07Fmk4EbeUhN8-4B4ndJXs/s400/IMG_2197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic05xyI5nkXqjCh4Tuf6L9YrLbTxL5dSgTSw7aCq6l-tWFTNqNpOr-L6q1j2QKozgfSK_puW8DvyAD4qsexQpFa0k0U2DrbuTTQvIXE7Ab4UhJXg9emWoaQq07Fmk4EbeUhN8-4B4ndJXs/s400/IMG_2197.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love reading <a href="http://covenantbuilders.blogspot.com/2011/05/first-swim.html">Julia's blog</a> and feeling her pain and passion </div><div style="text-align: center;">as she desperately tries to tell people of the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1361544757">condition that </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://covenantbuilders.blogspot.com/2011/05/nothing.html">these orphans live in</a> and then being able to follow </div><div style="text-align: center;">along and see first hand the change that one little boy</div><div style="text-align: center;">has gone through because he is now loved.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrySE21V5FX7a7z9VOP76TkXLm7EQI1qLNnPud1lhRZxwn7dilN5GqtMpdqzfRoSHD0EXVBZlf-pLeZr_9zjX7yJEyZqF07xaZke5_nN-W2aqt84uFWE4xcd1xQ2lNYhCYu57AeXNXvM/s640/DSC_0208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrySE21V5FX7a7z9VOP76TkXLm7EQI1qLNnPud1lhRZxwn7dilN5GqtMpdqzfRoSHD0EXVBZlf-pLeZr_9zjX7yJEyZqF07xaZke5_nN-W2aqt84uFWE4xcd1xQ2lNYhCYu57AeXNXvM/s400/DSC_0208.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was also lead to<a href="http://babynumber10.blogspot.com/2011/05/perfect-gift.html"> Patti's blog</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">where I have learned so much about children with Down Syndrome</div><div style="text-align: center;">and the joy they bring to their families everyday.<br />
<br />
I am also impressed more and more each day by the dedication and<br />
determination of Cathy at <a href="http://makingmanymemories.blogspot.com/2011/05/who-are-you-thinking-about-today.html">Angels Foster Family Network.</a><br />
And by all who work with her to unsure the safety of foster babies.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is my life. </div><div style="text-align: center;">These are the people that inspire me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Others may go through life complaining and saying how</div><div style="text-align: center;">horrible the world is and asking where is the love and </div><div style="text-align: center;">compassion today?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, I have found it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am living in this blog world.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
I am rejoicing with these people </div><div style="text-align: center;">when there becomes one less orphan </div><div style="text-align: center;">in the world.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And these are the reason I was inspired to start</div><div style="text-align: center;">my <a href="http://prettyprincesspreschool.blogspot.com/">Pretty Princess Preschool blog</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So I could somehow try and raise awareness and <a href="http://prettyprincesspreschool.blogspot.com/p/story-time-felt-and-bird-rock-family.html">funds</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">for these very "Special" children.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is who I am thinking about today.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is who I think about everyday.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I will continue to think about them </div><div style="text-align: center;">until there are <a href="http://operationorphansnomore.blogspot.com/">Orphans No More</a>.</div>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779770874867573087noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864423208074524753.post-59817238955296402932011-05-18T23:48:00.000-07:002011-05-18T23:48:48.184-07:00Two New BlogsHi Followers :)<br />
<br />
I am excited to announce that I have launched two new blogs. The first blog is <a href="http://www.prettyprincesspreschool.blogspot.com/">Pretty Princess Preschool </a>. This blog is for anyone with toddlers, preschoolers or even young elementary age children. I will be posting wonderful fun ideas several times a week. There will be lots of free ideas too with links to other free sites. There will also be lots of ideas using the products I am selling to <a href="http://prettyprincesspreschool.blogspot.com/p/story-time-felt-and-bird-rock-family.html">raise funds</a> for orphans in Easter Europe and for foster care children.<br />
<br />
I would appreciate it if all of you would post my link on your facebook pages, like my Pretty Princess Preschool Facebook page or say something on your blogs about this new blog. I love and believe in these products, <a href="https://www.storytimefeltsandmore.com/">Story Time Felts</a> and <a href="http://www.birdrockfamily.com/?Click=17212">Bird Rock Family</a> (please see fundraiser page to order) and <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/">Reece's Rainbow</a> and <a href="http://www.angelsfoster.org/">Angels Family Foster Network</a>, the two causes, that I am trying to raise funds for.<br />
<br />
I know that not everyone who reads my blog will be able to order something but by passing the word along I am sure there are many people out there who will want to.<br />
<br />
My other new blog is <a href="http://operationorphansnomore.blogspot.com/">http://operationorphansnomore.blogspot.com/</a>. It will be dedicated to raising awareness for the special needs orphans featured on Reece's Rainbow. I will be helping to raise funds for specific children and families and I will be using this blog to post about fundraisers and things that are going on in that community.<br />
<br />
This blog will go back to being my family blog.I will continue to write about Nevaeh's visits with her birth parents, which I haven't been for the past two because I was consumed with my other passion, the orphans. But I do have stuff to report on that.<br />
<br />
I would like to thank all of you for following me on this site and for commenting when you can. It makes me feel like I am not talking to myself :)Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779770874867573087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864423208074524753.post-66680943351883391212011-05-17T17:42:00.000-07:002011-05-17T17:42:59.932-07:00Can you really shield them from the pain?Below is a poem that my 14-year-old son Jared wrote for his English class. Jared had just turned 11 when we got the call to foster Nevaeh. He also shares her birthday. This picture was taken the day I brought her home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkVnLKzk5DJnX3PYBq1qcwu47nWObCE61QlW87qo4e4eTL-MZ402K7249tq4sYUAHL4c182Pilm2eOJZ4MSudHUHnhnTAlanwUgU5CUjaf5Lr88k3yXt1NO5Crj17QLnNlJgBqWKZJZk/s1600/326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkVnLKzk5DJnX3PYBq1qcwu47nWObCE61QlW87qo4e4eTL-MZ402K7249tq4sYUAHL4c182Pilm2eOJZ4MSudHUHnhnTAlanwUgU5CUjaf5Lr88k3yXt1NO5Crj17QLnNlJgBqWKZJZk/s640/326.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i>Foster Adoption</i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><b>Is she right for us?</b></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Sitting on a bench in the happiest place on earth, we received a phone call to help a child who was beaten shortly after birth,</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Her parents would abuse her when she wouldn’t be quite,</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Our family made a decision that we would help her with all our might.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><b>Are we right for her?</b></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Nevaeh entered our home as a new foster child,</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Her love for us was scarcely mild,</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">She kicked and screamed and wanted her mommy,</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">And my family seemed to be turning into zombies.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><b>Will it get better?</b></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Nevaeh started to bond with us and we bonded with her,</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Our family now loves this child for sure,</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">She is now calming down; she knows she’s safe with us,</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Her parents are still allowed visitation so take her to them we must.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i>Who will keep her?</i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Her parents are improving and Nevaeh must now stay with them over night,</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">On the drive to their home our hearts beat ten times faster because of fright,</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Thoughts raced through my head: Will they beat her again, will she be okay, will she still be alive to see the light of day?</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">One year later, Nevaeh is still visiting her parents,</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">The family who will keep her was still undecided,</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">We thought for sure Nevaeh’s biological parents would be the ones to keep her.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i>She IS right for us:</i></b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">One day we got a phone call from Nevaeh’s new and improved parents,</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">They told us they would give us possession of her but they would still like visitation,</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Tears in our eyes, we arrived at court,</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Nevaeh is now legally ours.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>We ARE right for her:</b></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">After two and a half years of waiting,</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Our excitement of our new family member almost led to fainting,</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Angels is the foster agency all this happened in,</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">And Nevaeh is the angel that we finally did win.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX98m71GgWLybUUnyp1WoCWTAjLHnlrqEPHzNzy8DdKfC_RN20adhwBuR6pe7W0z_nTFULE6eVEnbuoKuzyB_lFA0ykiy-3AFcVNwTEhksFbtr1PrTM97tKF_8hKM6pFzP4X1d746jwsw/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX98m71GgWLybUUnyp1WoCWTAjLHnlrqEPHzNzy8DdKfC_RN20adhwBuR6pe7W0z_nTFULE6eVEnbuoKuzyB_lFA0ykiy-3AFcVNwTEhksFbtr1PrTM97tKF_8hKM6pFzP4X1d746jwsw/s640/026.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This picture was taken on Nevaeh's 3rd birthday and Jared's 14th birthday</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Up until 2 days ago, when Jared got up in front of our church congregation to bare his testimony, I had no idea of the impact that the whole foster care process had on him. I watched this young man, wise beyond his years, get up and fight back tears as he told of his experience in the temple and the joy of knowing that Nevaeh would be a part of our family forever. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Jared had asked me a few times during the foster process if I thought we would be able to keep Nevaeh. We had talked some about how it was very possible that she could return to live with her birth family since that was the goal of foster care. We had talked about loving her even though it would hurt to lose her. But I would always go to my room to quietly cry about the pain I felt. I know realize that my son was hiding his pain from me too. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Foster care is such an amazing journey. There is no way you can be a good foster parent and not completely love the child that is in your care. There is no way you can know the birth parents for two years and not feel sorrow and compassion for them. There is really no way that you can shield anyone from the pain of the process. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It is just part of the process. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779770874867573087noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864423208074524753.post-4228427564538044532011-05-16T01:44:00.000-07:002011-06-21T01:21:56.632-07:00Better Than the Royal Wedding<div style="text-align: center;">Today - April 30, 2011 - A very special event occurred</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCEwYBrlRTvX_Ov5JxHzwIqfgnByGY5Zb2uyKJBAmtokZIqoTP2nOKkLDdjKkHqHIhyrv-7mOx8siIVRuXIV9e_wG7Go-2k5zPonQWtKXBZPV3X7U1WVpdZAkHLtXbogCr0LCOvU0u18/s1600/M014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCEwYBrlRTvX_Ov5JxHzwIqfgnByGY5Zb2uyKJBAmtokZIqoTP2nOKkLDdjKkHqHIhyrv-7mOx8siIVRuXIV9e_wG7Go-2k5zPonQWtKXBZPV3X7U1WVpdZAkHLtXbogCr0LCOvU0u18/s640/M014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">There was no media coverage</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">There was no huge crowd of people</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSC_odDOUmn_t5jdE3dbKyq8jjyotEkjOQeIbrOnOmoshuKFtNIsar215pgfIDmoSGD2RowhmFAIYyNW52AnC-CRM2MsaQQje3EjNhZs691UIaY1Ej6Q1nGSrmoWRDi_kLknXXf0JIbs/s1600/M001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSC_odDOUmn_t5jdE3dbKyq8jjyotEkjOQeIbrOnOmoshuKFtNIsar215pgfIDmoSGD2RowhmFAIYyNW52AnC-CRM2MsaQQje3EjNhZs691UIaY1Ej6Q1nGSrmoWRDi_kLknXXf0JIbs/s640/M001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In fact, the guest were very few in numbers</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8r8kjPulVzhCAXQ_SNZJ9uREh8Xzifz3YMrv-ODpXcwKcA7va6p5-pRrYyTXx2pglrjg-Ca3gBjTeubZaYxlz8ayCUlWsEcP1-sgS9wVkyNQDRnzUbTsUBS_Ed5NUkHkd6QsUFZdHTRc/s1600/M043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8r8kjPulVzhCAXQ_SNZJ9uREh8Xzifz3YMrv-ODpXcwKcA7va6p5-pRrYyTXx2pglrjg-Ca3gBjTeubZaYxlz8ayCUlWsEcP1-sgS9wVkyNQDRnzUbTsUBS_Ed5NUkHkd6QsUFZdHTRc/s640/M043.jpg" width="394" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But a Princess of the King of Kings</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2YhssOnXOKbFer1YS8DPbpz9P7pT7JeVM2iQwGflO0t9RSyfpEBL66iCG7xAixb1pxOCS5PfitnzQHlTeiiYxJqXTZTCr68tYUwMr1I7iCYFWrmwTVpgdPJKjwLMMAA5qVwqDnI6qnM/s1600/M012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2YhssOnXOKbFer1YS8DPbpz9P7pT7JeVM2iQwGflO0t9RSyfpEBL66iCG7xAixb1pxOCS5PfitnzQHlTeiiYxJqXTZTCr68tYUwMr1I7iCYFWrmwTVpgdPJKjwLMMAA5qVwqDnI6qnM/s640/M012.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Joined by a Grandpa, a Grandma, 2 Aunts and An Uncle</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOemVZ4VFjiiGRF8oDb79f0Wpb-Y3bqX5cXvEyONe4Q3y4GXFgJAzZ17FlkrW45g2Vx_9nX3L2kHKd65eP2CwvTWiRj45a7_KZps1r-QZZdSpxyHSJu3OeLdgI0fTIJQlq9x10TF7hYo/s1600/M030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOemVZ4VFjiiGRF8oDb79f0Wpb-Y3bqX5cXvEyONe4Q3y4GXFgJAzZ17FlkrW45g2Vx_9nX3L2kHKd65eP2CwvTWiRj45a7_KZps1r-QZZdSpxyHSJu3OeLdgI0fTIJQlq9x10TF7hYo/s640/M030.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">a Father </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmefRs1KnfFL-VosmBJbzq88JDWNqHiORISznryERcG1_DBROwethTrLpgbaJ3HE0cUNat4fcZrjVSGJOZdKoJaQrfQpFIYulQhNvJbWF7y10Ge1sXk8ve0-s9ZZsNASgCfVUaq_EjOfg/s1600/M024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmefRs1KnfFL-VosmBJbzq88JDWNqHiORISznryERcG1_DBROwethTrLpgbaJ3HE0cUNat4fcZrjVSGJOZdKoJaQrfQpFIYulQhNvJbWF7y10Ge1sXk8ve0-s9ZZsNASgCfVUaq_EjOfg/s640/M024.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a Mother</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQv0yF44egAsJDIiA3-QK40pDGUiYVP3aFJd-OEi-NK1I_j3Sc8sJjp8bJqIKGGEFt2zL-C4b11tFJ80A4qY89FrNfb8ZAzCzBQ9-EvghWED84nmD_VHgzIYNGcjLfgivIAHk4DoSOOs/s1600/M018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQv0yF44egAsJDIiA3-QK40pDGUiYVP3aFJd-OEi-NK1I_j3Sc8sJjp8bJqIKGGEFt2zL-C4b11tFJ80A4qY89FrNfb8ZAzCzBQ9-EvghWED84nmD_VHgzIYNGcjLfgivIAHk4DoSOOs/s640/M018.jpg" width="419" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">and three handsome Princes</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigl4yjWJp6QBuLw5yIyDTUyv679-rSTHfBX8Re8BoATwEZWhAdWi-sNWOkopbV_ekC8iIQ0J-gKhHtIU02ZlPv6fy0BIDeBkLyUFJVCFlzWYrTkaJUlQWPkGexMSFFC_sAvM3cpeGmQ1s/s1600/M079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="449" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigl4yjWJp6QBuLw5yIyDTUyv679-rSTHfBX8Re8BoATwEZWhAdWi-sNWOkopbV_ekC8iIQ0J-gKhHtIU02ZlPv6fy0BIDeBkLyUFJVCFlzWYrTkaJUlQWPkGexMSFFC_sAvM3cpeGmQ1s/s640/M079.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">walked into the House of the Lord </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfTTmg252Bnsder0PwIrAXlb3Iaaeld2uXwewME3cJGJi1kxdnstSDxwg5KITYIlCDVLsXhuOZsVNoOFM1YpxN3K02PTiiV8wLJzaWlLarLKhhkZagj94p-SSR6Yhng5OsjHfSDcECJc/s1600/M081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfTTmg252Bnsder0PwIrAXlb3Iaaeld2uXwewME3cJGJi1kxdnstSDxwg5KITYIlCDVLsXhuOZsVNoOFM1YpxN3K02PTiiV8wLJzaWlLarLKhhkZagj94p-SSR6Yhng5OsjHfSDcECJc/s640/M081.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">and became an Eternal Family.<br />
<br />
<br />
It was a day that will live on in history.</div>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779770874867573087noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864423208074524753.post-8718402887354706242011-04-24T22:38:00.000-07:002011-04-24T22:38:03.662-07:00Easter TalkI am so grateful for this beautiful Easter Day that I had to share with my family. My day started out a little hectic because I had been asked to give a talk in church. I know some people find this a hard task but normally I don't mind doing it. The only fear I had today was that a lot of times people come to visit on Easter Sunday and they are usually expecting to hear something profound. So I was feeling a little inadequate for that challenge. The other problem I had with today is that because 4 other wonderful women where speaking too, we each had about 5 minutes. For those of you who read my blog, you know that I am a very wordy person so a 5 minute limit was a huge challenge for me.<br />
<br />
I also am a procrastinator so I waited until 9:30 p.m last night to even start my talk. I finished around 11:00 p.m. (mostly because I kept getting distracted and would check my email and Facebook). But at 12:00 a.m. I woke up with my mind racing that I would have to change my talk because it wasn't me. I had kept it brief but it wasn't really what my heart was feeling. So I arose at 6:00 a.m. (that is extremely early for me as I am NOT a morning person.), took my shower and started to rewrite my talk. I needed to be to church by 8:15 a.m. and so my adorable little girl did not get her hair done this morning. I had a choice between her hair and my hair and I was not going to get up and speak in front of a whole congregation without curling my hair.<br />
<br />
So I am posting it here for anyone who is interested in reading it. Some of you may be able to figure out what the great oak tree was and others may wonder what I am talking about. Someday I will post what it is but for right now I will just leave the talk as is.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJryWouLZ6DYOa5LAPbl1fe4MVeH9x9K5TxvG8UUnod_PvEFF9rwdmxIClvLDA4Gwc39CGtxDrbqtzcSlfszbqergWbWtlB82WaHMYb0wWuXsC8eJjXjB_e8KR5DuxxTcZWkj03Mc5viA/s1600/jesusattomb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJryWouLZ6DYOa5LAPbl1fe4MVeH9x9K5TxvG8UUnod_PvEFF9rwdmxIClvLDA4Gwc39CGtxDrbqtzcSlfszbqergWbWtlB82WaHMYb0wWuXsC8eJjXjB_e8KR5DuxxTcZWkj03Mc5viA/s400/jesusattomb.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Good Morning Brothers and Sisters,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">I am humbled to being giving a talk on Easter morning and was trying to think of what I would be able to share with you that would enrich your testimony of Easter and the Savior; or be something that you may not already know. I am not sure I would really be able to accomplish that in the 5 short minutes I am suppose to speak, but I will share with you my testimony and love for the Savior and for the Easter session.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Easter is my favorite season. I love how green and clean everything looks. I love the smells that are in the air, and I love the cool weather mixed in with some warmer days. I try and soak it all in because I know that all too soon the heat will come and everything will look brown once again.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">When I think of all the events that happened in the Savior’s life I think about how Easter is the most important one and President Hunter seems to agree with me when he said this:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Without the resurrection, the gospel of Jesus Christ becomes a litany of wise sayings and seemingly unexplainable miracles: but sayings and miracles with no ultimate triumph. No, the ultimate triumph is in the ultimate miracle: for the first time in the history of mankind, one who was dead raised himself into living immortality. He was the Son of God, the Son of our immortal Father in Heaven, and his triumph over physical and spiritual death is the good news every Christian tongue should speak" <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">What a blessing we have in knowing that Christ conquered both physical and spiritual death. And that because of this accomplishment we can do the same and live with Him again.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Recently, I have been reading a book by Stephen E. Robinson called “Believing Christ” and I was going to base my talk on it. Until I realized that I actually already believe Christ. I already know that I am far from perfect and yet that if I give him all my pennies he will make up the difference and I may become perfected in him (from the parable of the bicycle as told in the book) . I seem to have a different problem. One that my husband summed up quite nicely for me this morning when I asked him if he was following me down the stairs. To which he replied “I’ll follow you anywhere – until I want to go a different direction.” This seems to be the story of my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000066;">In </span><a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/as-many-as-i-love-i-rebuke-and-chasten?lang=eng"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b>April Conference 2011</b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000066;">, D. Todd Christoffson retold a story by President Hugh B. Brown. President Brown spoke of a time when he was pruning a current bush that was trying to become a berry tree. He told about how he was the gardener and how he knew what he wanted the tree to become even if it took a lot of pruning to do so. He then told about a position in the Canadian Army that he really wanted but was turned down for. At first he was upset and questioned why and then figured out that the Lord was the gardener here and that he was going to make him what he intended him to be.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.5pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.5pt;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Well lately, I have been on a path to become a great oak tree. At first, I was scared to start down the path. I didn’t think I could endure all that it would take to become this great oak tree. After a while, I was getting use to the idea. I was becoming surer of myself and the path that the Lord wanted me to take. Then one day the pathway was closed and I stood in the garden confused and hurt. Why did the Lord close the pathway? Why did he make me think that I could become a great oak tree if that was not what he had really intended for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.5pt;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.5pt;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Now I am not unfamiliar with this way of pruning. I have been pruned this way many times before and when finished have been able to look back and see what it was the Lord was trying to do. Yet, once again I fell into my old pattern of standing and screaming in the garden. Begging with the Lord to just tell me why I wasn’t supposed to be on this path any more. Why was I not good enough to be an oak tree? And if not an oak tree, what kind of tree was I going to become? I’m the type of person who wants to know the end of the story right now.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.5pt;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.5pt;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I am now slowing learning that when the Lord closes a pathway he wants me to stand quietly and ask “Now, where would you like me to go? What would you like me to do next?.” Instead of standing there trying to get him to change his mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.5pt;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19.5pt;">I do not know what the Lord has in store for my future. The point is that it </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 26px;">doesn't</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19.5pt;"> matter what kind of tree he wants me to become. It could be that someday he will put me back on that path and I will still become a great oak tree. The thing about an oak tree is they take forever to grow. I know because we have the scrawniest looking oak tree in our front yard that doesn’t look much bigger than it did 7 years ago when it was planted. I think I was trying to grow into the oak tree too fast. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.5pt;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19.5pt;">But it </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 26px;">doesn't</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19.5pt;"> matter what kind of tree I become because the willow tree and the oak tree are both allowed into the Lord’s kingdom. All I have to do is study my scriptures, say my prayers and keep the commandments and the Lord will help me become whatever it is he has planned for me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.5pt;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.5pt;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The gospel is the good news that Christ atoned for our sins and was resurrected. Easter is a time of great joy. It is my testimony that Christ does live and that he does love each of us enough to prune us down and help us become all he wants us to be. But it would be a lot easier it we didn’t fight it. We need to believe in him enough to trust that he knows what he is doing and to follow him anywhere – even places we may not want to go. And be prepared to change our course when he wants us to. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.5pt;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.5pt;"><span style="color: #000066; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I am so grateful for the gospel in my life and for all my Savior has done for me. It is my prayer that I will continue to grow through my experiences and be able to become all he wants me to become. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.5pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.5pt;"><br />
</div>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779770874867573087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864423208074524753.post-50356973276356137362011-04-22T01:42:00.000-07:002011-07-04T00:26:47.993-07:00I Wished for YouMy Dearest Nevaeh,<br />
<br />
I can't believe it has been a year already. One whole year of relief. One whole year of knowing that you are our forever daughter. One whole year of not having to worry about if you are staying with us or leaving to live somewhere else. I can't believe it has been one whole year of pure bliss.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">April 22nd, your <a href="http://makingmanymemories.blogspot.com/2010/04/its-girl-officially.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><b>Adoption Day</b></span></a>, will always hold a special place in my heart. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAJbH9SuRinqzrhdU8s4P__Ccf-EHj75afVZRiMbqZ7jzLmNQMThklDyVQGKHwLNdaaPEmP1cEyTcfsV3RE9ClRr_QKkblemB2jE6x19w4QIcqLEfQXPbFE89JfxLKosBPHhQx511tc0/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAJbH9SuRinqzrhdU8s4P__Ccf-EHj75afVZRiMbqZ7jzLmNQMThklDyVQGKHwLNdaaPEmP1cEyTcfsV3RE9ClRr_QKkblemB2jE6x19w4QIcqLEfQXPbFE89JfxLKosBPHhQx511tc0/s640/018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
You have brought so much joy and happiness into our lives since the day you came and your little personality has blossomed so much over this last year. You have a way of making all of us laugh - the way you stand on a chair and wave your hands around like you are the ring leader of a circus. And then how you tell us to clap for you and you take a bow. Of course this is all happening while we are suppose to be doing family scripture study. You definitely have us all wrapped around your little finger.<br />
<br />
Recently I purchased a bunch of adoption books for you. The day they came in the mail I was on my way to do some grocery shopping. I sat in the parking lot and started reading them. As I sat and read "I Wished For You" tears streamed down my face. You are still too young to really understand the book but we sit and read it together anyway. I change the name of the bear to your name because you always get a kick out of stories if I put your name in.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><b>I Wished for You by Marianne Richmond</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">"Mama, Tell me again how I'm your <i><b>wish come true</b></i>"</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG70NxRoxieSmWdT92tPjI9rbJVKAH6saVGQUhYQxS4ha9ho7ZogW-nBmuSGT2AW1_QEhefw-_ObDxyKojZDoqBWYnp93iqM0EVExALRYByZGEC_HmtYDc_sRSF_KskwhZDrBe-tsnC_o/s1600/nevaeh+pooh+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG70NxRoxieSmWdT92tPjI9rbJVKAH6saVGQUhYQxS4ha9ho7ZogW-nBmuSGT2AW1_QEhefw-_ObDxyKojZDoqBWYnp93iqM0EVExALRYByZGEC_HmtYDc_sRSF_KskwhZDrBe-tsnC_o/s640/nevaeh+pooh+hat.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">"A long time ago, a wish started growing in my heart. At first, it was a quiet wish that nobody knew. Then it became an out-loud wish that grew and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">grew</span> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>grew</b></span>. Until one day, my wish came true."</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEqquhAhoBYrK2XG8G8Q9WtvmvwXUuqtOfWZDNWYcGnPXrftFSOvBIDsxAlVw9VVQzx2-wUPk41Qefnzuer75JkoYvq59ExD6IuJGOMY4eq7q0kn08llfWwyOEYY9m0F8pcknNZwYxiQ/s1600/Nevaeh+cherry+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEqquhAhoBYrK2XG8G8Q9WtvmvwXUuqtOfWZDNWYcGnPXrftFSOvBIDsxAlVw9VVQzx2-wUPk41Qefnzuer75JkoYvq59ExD6IuJGOMY4eq7q0kn08llfWwyOEYY9m0F8pcknNZwYxiQ/s640/Nevaeh+cherry+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">"Why did you wish for me, Mama?"</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouM6iVv0gObmS6xdP45k49YUlXyHOKT88I9kg8kfj43srE9GN89WuJ4N1ddR9Xxj7N2bNhj5MSrfu6I8JAcVRX8HsbzDTkEunJPtlEbgjBQJ1WbVSKa72hEfnmKfZStVRLtgHtDoYZRo/s1600/e1900819-af75-11dd-b97e-0015171b9e6cw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouM6iVv0gObmS6xdP45k49YUlXyHOKT88I9kg8kfj43srE9GN89WuJ4N1ddR9Xxj7N2bNhj5MSrfu6I8JAcVRX8HsbzDTkEunJPtlEbgjBQJ1WbVSKa72hEfnmKfZStVRLtgHtDoYZRo/s400/e1900819-af75-11dd-b97e-0015171b9e6cw.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">"Because, I had an empty place in my heart that I wanted to fill with love for a special child like you."</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXp-JMnAnfOJUAtb354oNrnZ-ah1aR0RX_MLv3lQ3Nb49CAB8jedbuYaej4PR1cE9xf0wAhCso_6M8xc9RBVKJBtEPOLyro-8TpQn07cHyjgsEbWV6uR-oue7jS8OckZqNBWJj-DU_T4s/s1600/911d8c8f-af75-11dd-b97e-0015171b9e6cw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXp-JMnAnfOJUAtb354oNrnZ-ah1aR0RX_MLv3lQ3Nb49CAB8jedbuYaej4PR1cE9xf0wAhCso_6M8xc9RBVKJBtEPOLyro-8TpQn07cHyjgsEbWV6uR-oue7jS8OckZqNBWJj-DU_T4s/s400/911d8c8f-af75-11dd-b97e-0015171b9e6cw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">"Oh. What about the mama who grew me in her tummy? Didn't she wish for me, too?"</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteSXZzO_YNHuZVwszFNNdkRORBC5dtI-FpKG3Uo543e4SDf1wpUAuRFHZ3JVk1r8WwaYlYwEGV2H2j8i_4e1JKhavRvXZc2cmeygPH40iqHBzy7A7T19suVhXH1HpTSQH_ROVxox8-WQ/s1600/misty+with+nevaeh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteSXZzO_YNHuZVwszFNNdkRORBC5dtI-FpKG3Uo543e4SDf1wpUAuRFHZ3JVk1r8WwaYlYwEGV2H2j8i_4e1JKhavRvXZc2cmeygPH40iqHBzy7A7T19suVhXH1HpTSQH_ROVxox8-WQ/s400/misty+with+nevaeh.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">"Sometimes, Nevaeh, a mama will grow a baby in her belly, and for all kinds of reasons, she'll decide she cannot be the very best mama she wants to be. The mama who grew you loved you enough to make a different wish- a wish for a family who would love her little one with a total and adoring love. The kind of love I have for you."</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho47BjHRG20hON1MKfCkEyHRXkg-R58dXSEc8l8yAgvkfoWZSD0Rv6EEJLxipwXDtmCq9GIefmGG6pfRqr2wsZqLNdd_5DyLrFVi0Uu1HBlW_8XJv2rtL0XQrr9OYpUTY53LI43zip2dQ/s1600/nevaeh+butterflies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho47BjHRG20hON1MKfCkEyHRXkg-R58dXSEc8l8yAgvkfoWZSD0Rv6EEJLxipwXDtmCq9GIefmGG6pfRqr2wsZqLNdd_5DyLrFVi0Uu1HBlW_8XJv2rtL0XQrr9OYpUTY53LI43zip2dQ/s640/nevaeh+butterflies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">"Mama, Did you wish for me by name?"</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJOUmAElgPljtY4esB-zpc-aP7DywKo6GAmH0IOG647ZBwdTllmeXHIcFq-b90GHFGpJqSSmg_e0PGcjqc_JPqFwN5hn7cTS7Oklqc6ZQhdL1pihtmS-6Utd7nfYRuCDMLdIHjVF2tZc/s1600/tinkerbell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJOUmAElgPljtY4esB-zpc-aP7DywKo6GAmH0IOG647ZBwdTllmeXHIcFq-b90GHFGpJqSSmg_e0PGcjqc_JPqFwN5hn7cTS7Oklqc6ZQhdL1pihtmS-6Utd7nfYRuCDMLdIHjVF2tZc/s640/tinkerbell.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">"When I first wished my wish, I didn't know your name. But that didn't stop my wishing. I asked God to look around and find the child who would be the perfect one for me."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNUsUCeCxQkGrDF4w_YC668xn_OkAgyWCvFG4feWtq1UIBzvTu_UpbC1loTRoQC0NiNiR7sqf2kRA3uYl7cKmEsocWpW23PZ5zUPnhwnU0NKoobR4NckAuGgX0z4rRdg-xPpJqvfmyKY/s1600/bunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNUsUCeCxQkGrDF4w_YC668xn_OkAgyWCvFG4feWtq1UIBzvTu_UpbC1loTRoQC0NiNiR7sqf2kRA3uYl7cKmEsocWpW23PZ5zUPnhwnU0NKoobR4NckAuGgX0z4rRdg-xPpJqvfmyKY/s640/bunny.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">"Nevaeh, of all the children in the whole wide world, God picked <u><i>you</i></u> for me."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQlypw7fkcoAOCbrxf7Z56JU7o2jN4E2X3JtLAvE2K6uJQSeDWMuNIEU8qY50nQxV1ekxBjvJOFipK-_6nmBglnXnHuulwFjrsNlwwLa70nmj70XDiUQF0KT-vV-KNyBuGc_57rmRmd4/s1600/cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQlypw7fkcoAOCbrxf7Z56JU7o2jN4E2X3JtLAvE2K6uJQSeDWMuNIEU8qY50nQxV1ekxBjvJOFipK-_6nmBglnXnHuulwFjrsNlwwLa70nmj70XDiUQF0KT-vV-KNyBuGc_57rmRmd4/s640/cat.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">"Did you wish for me all day, Mama? Or only when the stars were out?"</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJzX4keMLyTG4pzfdZKt2V-c13uzOrlG2QLvpcdPLxo2OJmPa4cGGS7H4XSN07SRZTxFbrY72dbXdB7i88eov9e8x5UBt0SxB5c1s8D5cKt6P4Dbvb0OTOXNlNPvSDuIBSShcCZgRi-k/s1600/snowman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJzX4keMLyTG4pzfdZKt2V-c13uzOrlG2QLvpcdPLxo2OJmPa4cGGS7H4XSN07SRZTxFbrY72dbXdB7i88eov9e8x5UBt0SxB5c1s8D5cKt6P4Dbvb0OTOXNlNPvSDuIBSShcCZgRi-k/s640/snowman.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">"All the time. I wished for you with my morning coffee, and when I made my bed. I couldn't get my wish for you out from in my head."</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkX6FvMnVZTv3G5_danRVW_AVuDDOd_Xrvt-zOPQim42WIVBMEI_dXO-Pv1ukID-sUyjjfTl2eVSOto_6SN2UHhFq92RJ1joqBrq34afwiWNI51KB4tXj9X4lADQfiq93iDFHC89wLS8/s1600/nevaeh+with+me.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkX6FvMnVZTv3G5_danRVW_AVuDDOd_Xrvt-zOPQim42WIVBMEI_dXO-Pv1ukID-sUyjjfTl2eVSOto_6SN2UHhFq92RJ1joqBrq34afwiWNI51KB4tXj9X4lADQfiq93iDFHC89wLS8/s640/nevaeh+with+me.JPG" width="425" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">"Did you ever think, that your wish might not come true?"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpopn4kZA5JruWYvlGPDx8sBMvbaDVp4W4yRcY8cjGzn_pcgfpFMfiIG34922wsjg06jjPxHuLDOkR4gSDf5ZRb4SQ2Zh_3j5KdxLafqtZpU_8rhbgamSKgo-oNlj8KqraDabEaQ7a-I/s1600/Nevaeh+and+boys.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpopn4kZA5JruWYvlGPDx8sBMvbaDVp4W4yRcY8cjGzn_pcgfpFMfiIG34922wsjg06jjPxHuLDOkR4gSDf5ZRb4SQ2Zh_3j5KdxLafqtZpU_8rhbgamSKgo-oNlj8KqraDabEaQ7a-I/s640/Nevaeh+and+boys.JPG" width="425" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">"Oh yes...I wished for you through many phone calls and through mountains of paperwork. I wished for you while I waited and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">waited</span> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">waited</span>. "</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">"Sometimes, I didn't hear any news about your for weeks or months. But I held onto my wish tightly - like the string on a balloon."</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">"One day... One glorious, special, wonderful day, I found out my wish was coming true."</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13mVQabvnoZo-jReLc808H1eQ_FDgDCISpCVMQksT8zJyvQrnwuIIoXfOgS62ofvCE1ZuyG1n3v3QddHl-OX8-83oMaGpBZYiRaW-bDoONP1MdFkCDtgkXtnypBZEKpztbS6hGO_mDDg/s1600/nevaeh+and+jacob.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13mVQabvnoZo-jReLc808H1eQ_FDgDCISpCVMQksT8zJyvQrnwuIIoXfOgS62ofvCE1ZuyG1n3v3QddHl-OX8-83oMaGpBZYiRaW-bDoONP1MdFkCDtgkXtnypBZEKpztbS6hGO_mDDg/s640/nevaeh+and+jacob.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">"What did you do?"</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fWiSaOfeIv1asD8gtwzVHv0IMAFbTt8zSBrL6_3TZOozUlR-Wab0GgRKG6apurrVVXENwaA7S9RBzr7mG67hA8kbLLUuFVCG_0aWkZXN8GrgjChyFdlKDnywLzrq3Mf53OySHyA9ac8/s1600/Nevaeh+3+wood+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fWiSaOfeIv1asD8gtwzVHv0IMAFbTt8zSBrL6_3TZOozUlR-Wab0GgRKG6apurrVVXENwaA7S9RBzr7mG67hA8kbLLUuFVCG_0aWkZXN8GrgjChyFdlKDnywLzrq3Mf53OySHyA9ac8/s400/Nevaeh+3+wood+picture.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">"I shouted for joy! And I cried happy tears. I told all my friends... and they hugged me and cried, too. Everyone knew how much I had been wishing for you."</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDZD1zu4vCWw5qxOmdOSDLJrt6q0seIzfr5Q8NXqa1QKcQS6oHqFvrxpjQD6dxspuWGuJ9qwG4yaRO4oOuyQU_mAv28v2GL7cf0L0d1GPqCQKbWYvfM7nBqT24g6p7JOhKRMj_O8vrvk/s1600/070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDZD1zu4vCWw5qxOmdOSDLJrt6q0seIzfr5Q8NXqa1QKcQS6oHqFvrxpjQD6dxspuWGuJ9qwG4yaRO4oOuyQU_mAv28v2GL7cf0L0d1GPqCQKbWYvfM7nBqT24g6p7JOhKRMj_O8vrvk/s640/070.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">""Do wishes always come true?"</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5AJexEfVm-KmSX-9X2ai-PphfZmpXRe9UD0uGB7M0rfRAt57VMJ4tqhsUyCzlfxeNFjRZWaz17RqML7gcClVzPNl2pssWmEJuqpgrq-97KoouGDU-Vt7otdYySwy6ujPFs4xKp8a5-H4/s1600/standing+by+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5AJexEfVm-KmSX-9X2ai-PphfZmpXRe9UD0uGB7M0rfRAt57VMJ4tqhsUyCzlfxeNFjRZWaz17RqML7gcClVzPNl2pssWmEJuqpgrq-97KoouGDU-Vt7otdYySwy6ujPFs4xKp8a5-H4/s640/standing+by+tree.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">"No, not all of our wishes come true. But don't ever stop wishing for the hopes of your heart."</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFTVEmrnZ8lwUb2icxKBB88YE8sRmK0Y9YXbV2wc7bjv5o4vtMGGNVbsKCkEeRbvDtfuO58_Pig2fAzn3cVSTybLVkEjP3bpAAO3Q6CYndxnOG-Z141lEIPZqIjGj-cNFLcqqkAWbeN8/s1600/shhhh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFTVEmrnZ8lwUb2icxKBB88YE8sRmK0Y9YXbV2wc7bjv5o4vtMGGNVbsKCkEeRbvDtfuO58_Pig2fAzn3cVSTybLVkEjP3bpAAO3Q6CYndxnOG-Z141lEIPZqIjGj-cNFLcqqkAWbeN8/s640/shhhh.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">"I won't".</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">"But I came true."</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSp3BtIC-MF4WMAzXTsvGfaY0bhnD541czc8vDV5b7p_QR-0vUlAfz0HeXQ3qJli3Mr45a5a9dcZnzc1x3fSNMald-ZITXeSdn1jAHZRUq52E6mmIzcAQlIviTUGWv1aU3EFTn5DkCjaI/s1600/nevaeh+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSp3BtIC-MF4WMAzXTsvGfaY0bhnD541czc8vDV5b7p_QR-0vUlAfz0HeXQ3qJli3Mr45a5a9dcZnzc1x3fSNMald-ZITXeSdn1jAHZRUq52E6mmIzcAQlIviTUGWv1aU3EFTn5DkCjaI/s640/nevaeh+tree.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">"Yes, you did, Nevaeh. I wished for you , and you are always and forever my <i><b>wish come true</b></i>."</span><br />
<br />
Thank you, Nevaeh, for bringing us so much love and laughter. Thank you for helping us to learn to have faith and rely on God when all hope seems lost. Thank you for being my wish come true.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Your Forever MommaKatrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779770874867573087noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864423208074524753.post-17673885796947508272011-04-20T23:19:00.000-07:002011-04-20T23:24:09.930-07:00Time 4 Learning Review/Egg HuntNow that Nevaeh is 3 1/2 I have decided that I really need to start working with her on school work. One of the problems of having older children and then starting over again is that there seems to be even less time in the day to work with her. I am either trying to help Joshua with his school work, or I am driving Jared and Jacob around town.<br />
<br />
So I decided to give Time 4 Learning a try. It is something that Nevaeh and I can do together before nap time. We curl up on the bed together and just log in on my laptop. She enjoys interacting with the animated characters and I am grateful to not have to come up with something creative to do.<br />
<br />
Some of the activities that we have done include having a book read to her and then answering questions to see if she understood the story; working on recognizing patterns and matching games. The program also has a playground of just silly games you can play once you have completed your lessons for the day; but Nevaeh is really not interested in them and she enjoys just doing the lessons.<br />
<br />
I wish that they had worksheet for me to print off that went along with the lessons though. One of the things that we need to work on is Nevaeh's fine motor skills. Unfortunately, the worksheets are not introduced until they start doing 1st grade work.<br />
<br />
I signed up because the were offering a $4.99 introduction price. It normally cost $19.99 a month and I am not sure I think it is worth it for the preschool level. They do offer a lot more for older children and maybe that price would be worth it if she was doing more than 15 minutes a day of work and it include worksheets to be printed off.<br />
<br />
I do have my oldest son, Joshua, signed up for Time 4 Writing and we love using that program. I hate having to assign writing assignments and I especially hate having to grade them, so this is a great program for us. He logs into the computer daily and has assignments to complete. Then once a week he has a written paper to turn into an on-line teacher who gives him feedback about what he needs to improve on.<br />
<br />
If you are struggling to teach your child how to write,I highly recommend the Time 4 Writing program. I would like to be able to say that I recommend the other program for preschool age students but the cost seems a little much to me for their age. If you have school age children that you would like to keep busy during the summer I would give the $4.99 trial a go and see how they like it. It might be a good way to keep them from saying "Mom, I'm bored" and help you keep your sanity during the summer.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.time4learning.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>http://www.time4learning.com</b></span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b><a href="http://time4writing.com/">http://time4writing.com</a></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Time4Learning is an <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/homeSchool-online.htm?ref=Review+Referring" style="color: #0084f7; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">online education program</a> that can be used as a <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/homeschool-curriculum.htm?ref=Review+Referring" style="color: #0084f7; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">homeschooling curriculum</a>, an <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/curriculum/afterschool.html?ref=Review+Referring" style="color: #0084f7; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">afterschool tutorial</a> or for <a href="http://www.time4learning.com/summer-school.shtml?ref=Review+Referring" style="color: #0084f7; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">summer learning</a>. As a member, I've been given the opportunity to share my experiences. The content in this review was not written by Time4Learning. While I was compensated, the opinion is entirely my own.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Nevaeh and I went to an egg hunt today put on by one of the ladies in our church. They meet weekly for a little preschool group but Nevaeh doesn't do well learning in a larger group setting so we only go to the parties. She wasn't really interested in participating in the games or craft. She was more interested in hunting for eggs and getting candy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad349/skmorriss/019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad349/skmorriss/019.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad349/skmorriss/024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad349/skmorriss/024.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Thinking about sharing candy with her doll</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad349/skmorriss/028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad349/skmorriss/028.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad349/skmorriss/026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad349/skmorriss/026.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Snack Time</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad349/skmorriss/036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad349/skmorriss/036.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad349/skmorriss/033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad349/skmorriss/033.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I finally got her to sit still long enough to take a picture with her new doll.</div><div style="text-align: center;">She had the doll with blonde hair that was given to her by her social worker</div><div style="text-align: center;">but when I saw this one with her golden brown hair I just had to get it.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Of course, Nevaeh really could have cared less. She was more interest in </div><div style="text-align: center;">getting candy and running around. I on the other hand really enjoy finding</div><div style="text-align: center;">matching outfits and bows for both of them. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779770874867573087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864423208074524753.post-2722675092972418022011-04-08T23:15:00.000-07:002011-04-10T17:29:20.566-07:00One Woman's DreamHave you ever had a dream - a dream so big - that you thought there was no possible way you would ever be able achieve it?<br />
<br />
I often wonder if that is how Andrea Roberts felt when she set out to change the world by saving one orphan at a time. Did she think to herself, I am just one woman, what could I possibly do to help all these children? Well here she is 5 years later and she has helped to find homes for almost 500 orphans.<br />
<br />
In the March 1, 2010 addition of <a href="http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20350685,00.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><b>People Magazine</b></span></a> Andrea was named "A Hero Among US". I was so glad to see a real life hero listed in People Magazine. A mom, an everyday ordinary person, doing extra-ordinary things. It made me think that if this one woman could do so much to help change the world, that maybe, just maybe I could do something too.<br />
<br />
Of course Andrea herself would tell you that she has not done this all alone. She has a whole army of moms and dads who feel the same way I do about these beautiful children. But the fact remains that she was able to organize this incredible venture and make so many people want to join and follow.<br />
<br />
Just recently she has added to her ranks of followers, Patrica Heaton, who donated $10,000 to <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><b>Reece's Rainbow</b></span></a> when their Twitter account reached 10,000 followers. The Reece's Rainbow website was so busy during this time the team who works on the site had to shut it down for a while and rework things to handle all the extra traffic.<br />
<br />
I know that God's hand is in this marvelous cause and feel like I am really a part of His army lead by Andrea on earth. I am so grateful that this woman dared to dream and believed in God and herself enough to follow through with it.<br />
<br />
So the next time you have a dream and think to yourself, I am only one person, what can I do to help change the world, remember Andrea and that with God nothing is impossible.<br />
<br />
And while you are at it, stop by and take a look at these sweet faces who so desperately want to belong to a family. Could you be that family?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxfk5Z-Bu-UW0fssAt1CTUWAQkYrZVRlinSS7DqzQYkDCViYJe7Wb2bbCtSgYbOO6zaT6mYu5lWiJfuI9iPJ-n639XVCClHnDW2j1U0yXWkeW9rgftF7K0f92VCmTk3_21sJf5D2mPuw/s1600/vilis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxfk5Z-Bu-UW0fssAt1CTUWAQkYrZVRlinSS7DqzQYkDCViYJe7Wb2bbCtSgYbOO6zaT6mYu5lWiJfuI9iPJ-n639XVCClHnDW2j1U0yXWkeW9rgftF7K0f92VCmTk3_21sJf5D2mPuw/s400/vilis.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><br />
This little guy is <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/vilis"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><b>Vilis</b></span></a> and he will be 5 on April 12th. This will not be a happy birthday for him because 5 is not a good age to be when you are in an orphanage and so this little guy really needs a home soon. Most of the time money is a big obstacle when it comes to adopting a foreign child but this child already has over $8,000 in his grant account. Please take the time to go and read about Vilis and see if you could be his mommy or daddy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TqRpHFwsJ60woRhBvFV1r-Vl-g9OCRNqm6PlqF2qSp0Fq1MgHnHMLipoeuoA3W-yasK5goyRhG0Usn-MotZI5x9xbVbxVJp9FenSeer1JN2wJBz8Atw6X9wPjCCxHpsnKv8NKCH4rgU/s1600/marat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TqRpHFwsJ60woRhBvFV1r-Vl-g9OCRNqm6PlqF2qSp0Fq1MgHnHMLipoeuoA3W-yasK5goyRhG0Usn-MotZI5x9xbVbxVJp9FenSeer1JN2wJBz8Atw6X9wPjCCxHpsnKv8NKCH4rgU/s400/marat.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><br />
This is <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/marat-3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><b>Marat</b></span></a> and he will be 13 in June. The only reason he sits in an orphanage is because he is HIV positive. Time is running out for Marat and he knows it. He is a very smart child with a high IQ and will never have the opportunity to do any good with it if he is not adopted. He will be turned out into the streets and most likely never hired for a job because of his HIV status. He wants a family so badly. So if you know of anyone who might want this super cute, smart boy as a son please forward them this information. Remember, HIV is not as scary as you think. We need to stop living in the 80's and be more informed about how hard it really is to catch this disease and the normal life these children can live.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDaMUGV4b6uB7DMtXJj8i-6ogTkuwboQyvVwfz1CCXRbKccywY0pwaVYwkXx2THFVt6Q7fCh-9HIHbWxB_KDRAnDsWrlMsW72h96CDDFOzJ5DO-eKKNFLuHD1_p1nssxaZDCeDQOSw2o/s1600/pryce-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDaMUGV4b6uB7DMtXJj8i-6ogTkuwboQyvVwfz1CCXRbKccywY0pwaVYwkXx2THFVt6Q7fCh-9HIHbWxB_KDRAnDsWrlMsW72h96CDDFOzJ5DO-eKKNFLuHD1_p1nssxaZDCeDQOSw2o/s400/pryce-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This is <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/pryce4906"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Pryce</span></a> </span></b>and he just turned 7. Pryce has CP and is not walking yet but he is an intelligent friendly little boy who needs a mommy and dad to help him be all he can be. He qualifies for the older grant too. Unfortunately, the boy who is adopted first is the one who will get the grant money. So if you can't adopt, would you be willing to donate to the older children's fund so that someone else might be able to give these sweet boys a home.<br />
<br />
And last, of course I have a family I would love for you to help out. Patti, over at <a href="http://babynumber10.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><b>A Perfect Lily</b></span></a>, has done so much for the Reece's Rainbow children by helping to raise money for them. But now Patti's family needs our help. You see, her DIL is unable to have children and they are getting ready to watch the precious little foster babies they have been taking care of return home. So her son and DIL have decided to try and adopt. Unfortunately, even domestic adoptions are not cheap. This young couple is having an awesome giveaway that is worth looking into. Hop on over <a href="http://babynumber10.blogspot.com/2011/03/baby-sent-from-stars-giveaway.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><b>here</b></span></a> to see if you might be able to contribute a few dollars to their cause.<br />
<br />
And I would love for you all to share my blog with your friends on Facebook. Remember, you never know whose children these are and you just might be the person who leads them to their forever family.Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779770874867573087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864423208074524753.post-1999915107315114112011-03-17T23:12:00.000-07:002011-03-17T23:36:38.047-07:00Today I Choose - To Be HappyThe last week has seemed like an especially hard week on me emotionally. Not because of anything going on in my own life but because of all the suffering happening in the world - the tsunami, orphans losing families that for some reason or another are not able to go and get them, families being told by judges that the children they want to adopt would be better off kept in institutions, and families desperately trying to raise the funds they need to adopt the children they are trying to rescue.<br />
<br />
I love being connected to the world through the internet but at the same time you can easily read about some horrible tragedy happening almost every hour.<br />
<br />
So today I have decided to take a break from my normal Finding Forever Families Friday and focus on my blessings and being happy. Because, although I believe that God wants us to be aware of those who are less fortunate and suffering in the world, I do not believe that He wants us to live in misery.<br />
<br />
My crying or feeling hopeless does nothing to relieve the suffering of these people. I cannot take their suffering away. I can pray that God will comfort them in their trials and that they will find relief and I can ask how I can help but my being miserable does nothing to fix anything for them.<br />
<br />
Two years ago I was going through my own trials and misery and I would have never wanted anyone to suffer for me in hopes that I would suffer less. My Savior is the only one who can take on that job.<br />
<br />
Today I choose - to be happy. And here is a face that should be the poster child for happiness. I have never met a happier child.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIldapJ6fVBp9m22y-Kv3ipQYO9D1ONVoXf4fnKqaHMv0kQgmh501H4rBQSNia4ZwD_R4OxEOTEMKCk3ZaFwEEvHrvYHuDfw7__Q0FZd1XXDbKWESoemomNfrE7Ia3PJkKeMxGnizvbU/s1600/080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIldapJ6fVBp9m22y-Kv3ipQYO9D1ONVoXf4fnKqaHMv0kQgmh501H4rBQSNia4ZwD_R4OxEOTEMKCk3ZaFwEEvHrvYHuDfw7__Q0FZd1XXDbKWESoemomNfrE7Ia3PJkKeMxGnizvbU/s400/080.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Nevaeh can walk into a room and change the mood of the grumpiest person. She has a little personality that can light up the room and make just about anyone smile.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6ifzzlmIiI2PR0Slh2vt3RJcggokFdTkoZFDh0XcmnHcNKZr2zKy1r32EEVEokRgIefTC9PyFYGClApLzOipHBEodUtYFVpCZT9rw7IeyrpStrXwDQ6GBI_HL4mFvN6hnUfUk0Ck2eg/s1600/097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6ifzzlmIiI2PR0Slh2vt3RJcggokFdTkoZFDh0XcmnHcNKZr2zKy1r32EEVEokRgIefTC9PyFYGClApLzOipHBEodUtYFVpCZT9rw7IeyrpStrXwDQ6GBI_HL4mFvN6hnUfUk0Ck2eg/s400/097.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />
One of Nevaeh's favorite questions to ask me daily is "Mama, you happy?" I usually pick my head up from the computer and grumble a "yep" without really meaning it. To which she replies " I'm happy, too"<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">But why shouldn't I be happy. I have been blessed with so much.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihztI3QnHcl-RAWhY3802DMXL9QtqItYF43VCHjj5ntND2E7nvpfrId6k8PYPsrK5e-hpJjcOk-apVTQp0ojrgHylYZUgbdAofRRkk1IvPXZ9WpXogAG5i82iUDy5udMjfYZMpPghfjyg/s1600/092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihztI3QnHcl-RAWhY3802DMXL9QtqItYF43VCHjj5ntND2E7nvpfrId6k8PYPsrK5e-hpJjcOk-apVTQp0ojrgHylYZUgbdAofRRkk1IvPXZ9WpXogAG5i82iUDy5udMjfYZMpPghfjyg/s400/092.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<br />
So to help me get my fill of happiness today, I walked away from the computer and took these precious videos of my happy, happy children.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/0TLs84vOtys?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/7DMPBZttrTM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<br />
Next Friday I will post again about the children who desperately need to find families. But I will do it with a happy heart knowing that I am doing all that is within my power to help. I will no longer do it with a doom and gloom approach because I know that God still wants me to be happy even if there are orphans in the world and people who are suffering.<br />
<br />
I can post information about them, pray for the families who are trying to raise money and send the money that I can to help. But I no longer want to feel guilty that I can't send money every month to all of them that I have found blogs for. And I don't want to feel guilty that I can't bring all of them home. I can only do what is within my power to do and leave the rest up to God.<br />
<br />
Because I suffered and fought long and hard to be the mother of this beautiful little girl that is so happy and full of life and when she asks me "Mama, you happy?" I want to smile and laugh and hug her and say "Yes, sweetheart. I'm very happy because I am blessed to have you in my life".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ui_ev34PMOXuGWCfjDODEvKXFpTixVF6VZ8SObH0bWk2o3MrRcLCchzwHKehyphenhyphenaFxAjPvG-YBRiIdaPpxLV6Wx2oi_OymUO22Vcsq-_ArgmweacsZCyTYUSAtFX22MSgmLzUkIDRnqm4/s1600/082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ui_ev34PMOXuGWCfjDODEvKXFpTixVF6VZ8SObH0bWk2o3MrRcLCchzwHKehyphenhyphenaFxAjPvG-YBRiIdaPpxLV6Wx2oi_OymUO22Vcsq-_ArgmweacsZCyTYUSAtFX22MSgmLzUkIDRnqm4/s400/082.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;">Some Happy Scriptures</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 18px; font: normal normal normal 18px/21px 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://lds.org/scriptures/ot/ps/146.5?lang=eng#4" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Psalms 146:5</span></a></h3><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #2f393a; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God:</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #2f393a; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 18px; font: normal normal normal 18px/21px 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/13.17?lang=eng#16" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">John 13:13-17</span></a></h3><br />
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #2f393a; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div class="" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font: normal normal normal 16px/22px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/scriptures/nt/john/13.13"><span class="verse" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">13</span>Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for <span class="clarityWord" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">so</span> I am.</div><div class="" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font: normal normal normal 16px/22px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/scriptures/nt/john/13.14"><a class="bookmark dontHighlight" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=864423208074524753&postID=199991510731511411" name="14" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #486fae; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; text-decoration: none !important; vertical-align: baseline; z-index: -1;"> </a><span class="verse" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">14</span>If I then, <span class="clarityWord" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">your</span> Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.</div><div class="" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font: normal normal normal 16px/22px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/scriptures/nt/john/13.15"><a class="bookmark dontHighlight" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=864423208074524753&postID=199991510731511411" name="15" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #486fae; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; text-decoration: none !important; vertical-align: baseline; z-index: -1;"> </a><span class="verse" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">15</span>For I have given you an example that ye should do as I have done to you.</div><div class="" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font: normal normal normal 16px/22px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/scriptures/nt/john/13.16"><a class="bookmark dontHighlight" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=864423208074524753&postID=199991510731511411" name="16" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #486fae; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; text-decoration: none !important; vertical-align: baseline; z-index: -1;"> </a><span class="verse" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">16</span>Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.</div><div class="highlight" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #fefbbf; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: normal normal normal 16px/22px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/scriptures/nt/john/13.17"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><a class="bookmark dontHighlight" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=864423208074524753&postID=199991510731511411" name="17" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #486fae; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; text-decoration: none !important; vertical-align: baseline; z-index: -1;"> </a><span class="verse" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">17</span>If ye know these things, happy</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> are ye if ye do them.</span></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px;"></span></div><h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #4870b7; font-size: 18px; font: normal normal normal 18px/21px 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</h3><h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 18px; font: normal normal normal 18px/21px 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://lds.org/scriptures/ot/prov/14.21?lang=eng#20" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Proverbs 14:21</span></a></h3><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #2f393a; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #2f393a; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"></span></div><h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 18px; font: normal normal normal 18px/21px 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://lds.org/scriptures/ot/prov/16.20?lang=eng#19" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Proverbs 16:20</span></a></h3><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #2f393a; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.</div>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779770874867573087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864423208074524753.post-82702948288598286282011-03-04T12:53:00.000-08:002013-01-10T17:04:42.242-08:00Finding Forever Families Fridays - I Just Haven't Met You Yet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Today's Finding Forever Families Fridays</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>is a video I put together of many </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>of the children that are listed on Reece's Rainbow.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>These children are all children with special needs. </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Most of them either have Down Syndrome or HIV.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Some of them have other physical or mental ailments.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>But all of them will end up in Institutions if not adopted. </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>More information can be found at</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.reecesrainbow.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>www.reecesrainbow.org</b></span></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Soon after we finalized Nevaeh's adoption</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>I went to the San Diego Fair with a friend to </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>try and educate people about adoption.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>While we were in the car</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>we heard this song by Michael Buble.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>My friend commented that it reminded her of adoption.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>I had only heard it a few times before</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>but had never thought of it that way.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>As you watch the video below</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>think about if one of these children are yours</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>and you just haven't meet them yet!</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxNtAbnnoeaMgGiotOryUabw4Yol9IdyWuFCEnjdFO5SZVukw6UTsv5kDMkOc76Geqpd2MuOskhTHEChhjgLA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>I'm not surprised, not everything lasts<br />
I've broken my heart so many times, I stopped keeping track<br />
Talk myself in, I talk myself out<br />
I get all worked up, then I let myself down<br />
<br />
I tried so very hard not to lose it<br />
I came up with a million excuses<br />
I thought, I thought of every possibility<br />
<br />
And I know someday that it'll all turn out<br />
You'll make me work, so we can work to work it out<br />
And I promise you, kid, that I give so much more than I get<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I just haven't met you yet!</span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br />
I might have to wait, I'll never give up<br />
I guess it's half timing, and the other half's luck<br />
Wherever you are, whenever it's right<br />
You'll come out of nowhere and into my life<br />
</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br />
And I know that we can be so amazing<br />
And, baby, your love is gonna change me<br />
And now I can see every possibility<br />
</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>And somehow I know that it'll all turn out<br />
You'll make me work, so we can work to work it out<br />
And I promise you, kid, I give so much more than I get<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I just haven't met you yet</span></i><br />
</b></span></div>
Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779770874867573087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864423208074524753.post-21223635998875480092011-03-03T20:47:00.000-08:002011-03-03T20:47:51.495-08:00Our Perfect Disneyland DayThe first Wednesday of the month my sister, Tami and I take our girls to Disneyland. We love going on this day because we leave late enough in the afternoon and late enough at night that we don't hit any traffic. We also love that the crowds are less.<br />
<br />
For Christmas, I got Nevaeh a Minnie Mouse costume with a matching costume for her doll. I had been waiting for her to grow into the shoes that went with it but yesterday's weather looked so perfect I just couldn't wait any longer. So I stuffed socks in the front of the shoes to make them stay on her feet.<br />
<br />
I was a little sad to find that the doll's headband (Minnie Mouse ears) had been dropped and broke. I borrowed some super glue and thought I fixed it. After making these minor wardrobe repairs, we were on our way.<br />
<br />
When we walked through the entrance of Disneyland there was a short line to see Minnie Mouse. Tami suggested that I take Nevaeh right over and get her picture taken with her. I had planned on going to see the Minnie Mouse in Toon Town but the line can be really long for that one. We hurried over and got in line, but right as we did, Minnie had to leave and starting walking away.<br />
<br />
Because we are Disneyland experts, I knew where she was headed and started to follow really fast. I really just wanted to find out how long it would be until the next Minnie would come out. As we approached the gate for her to go behind she turned and saw Nevaeh and her doll. She leaned over and hugged Nevaeh and then picked the doll up and cradled it. Unfortunately, when she handed it pack the headband fell off and it broke again. And of course I didn't have my camera out to take any pictures.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNExzvuZficilLy7LX-aney_12ctpTYEsvDKOSoNlwhsCL4uOYKzgJC_nGiOds1Km7es0EiqOZpMI3cGASCySXYm9MGkkIAqugeHiIAxZ57qbypynE48TXu-N7DNZslPEd1Fx-lI-_yA/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNExzvuZficilLy7LX-aney_12ctpTYEsvDKOSoNlwhsCL4uOYKzgJC_nGiOds1Km7es0EiqOZpMI3cGASCySXYm9MGkkIAqugeHiIAxZ57qbypynE48TXu-N7DNZslPEd1Fx-lI-_yA/s640/003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">This is what the doll is suppose to look like with her Minnie ears on.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The escort then hurried Minnie Mouse behind the gate. I asked one of the other workers how long it would be until she came back. They said 2 minutes. I then asked where we should go and wait since you never know where they are going to locate themselves on Main Street. They told me we could just stay there and that when Minnie Mouse came out she would walk us over to where she was going to be. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I quickly got Nevaeh out of her stroller and started looking for my camera. Neaveh wanted to play with the umbrella that I throw out of the stroller while looking for the camera. When I took it away she throw a huge fit. My hopes and dreams of the perfect picture with Minnie Mouse were dashed.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So I started bribing her. I know - bad mom. But it worked and she gave the umbrella back. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to get her ears on her before Minnie Mouse came back out. Luckily for me, my son was there and grabbed the stroller so I could run ahead and get these great pictures.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMugOkxyo9HCm1fOR8SGxzVIgJA8qXgcf7tb9E5dNuLM18IPJ4iNsXOAAsVSxRdTyCL5YgdyjuaDF8K8mXtbHA4UnXQR3BtROMElCeNvstUMauoGOt6eXM8cJ724JZcgXMvtYTOLG-wc4/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMugOkxyo9HCm1fOR8SGxzVIgJA8qXgcf7tb9E5dNuLM18IPJ4iNsXOAAsVSxRdTyCL5YgdyjuaDF8K8mXtbHA4UnXQR3BtROMElCeNvstUMauoGOt6eXM8cJ724JZcgXMvtYTOLG-wc4/s640/001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMI90Zr9g6CwMps10h_nj2vvExpKJuKoLD8p4lzkHE9FluZ0y7PV2eFr-Sqry-f6DwKvmZDKQV4V-JFpoEd6txVo_REoDzg_YoTb3kD8YQnddt1md8kjPBf5V4sr8GwlnFoU5Wztu6aA/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMI90Zr9g6CwMps10h_nj2vvExpKJuKoLD8p4lzkHE9FluZ0y7PV2eFr-Sqry-f6DwKvmZDKQV4V-JFpoEd6txVo_REoDzg_YoTb3kD8YQnddt1md8kjPBf5V4sr8GwlnFoU5Wztu6aA/s640/002.JPG" width="476" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Tas-yQbxaUtX2M-hbt5Az7PKb4Bb2q1eHDjOrewAM0Jcnl0EgpbFjuozbzYnamjgIxEX0kdf1vof1PcjkmZXQt4KUmNOQ0SLt03Us4FWSRJcinK3aCiUA3aASq-1xI28X3l9sLSjVpY/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Tas-yQbxaUtX2M-hbt5Az7PKb4Bb2q1eHDjOrewAM0Jcnl0EgpbFjuozbzYnamjgIxEX0kdf1vof1PcjkmZXQt4KUmNOQ0SLt03Us4FWSRJcinK3aCiUA3aASq-1xI28X3l9sLSjVpY/s640/003.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ938PwSP7kJOHy974TUmIH6Kjbs8O6QabN5yi1bkET6uYkhDYM8wG4mVEhq1csyovlzCA7L1o5r3_GncIrW24vlCBGfQxt2TW1LibWmIj8JM421kU9LuX1zAv0IgF97h5Onz75-IFMvA/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ938PwSP7kJOHy974TUmIH6Kjbs8O6QabN5yi1bkET6uYkhDYM8wG4mVEhq1csyovlzCA7L1o5r3_GncIrW24vlCBGfQxt2TW1LibWmIj8JM421kU9LuX1zAv0IgF97h5Onz75-IFMvA/s640/006.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The little girl in the Tinkerbell outfit running to catch-up is my niece. She was waiting in line to see Goofy when she noticed that Minnie Mouse came back. She did finally catch up and got to hold Minnie Mouse's hand. Poor Nevaeh tripped on the way up the stairs and isn't smiling very big here because I think she is still a little stunned. I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that her shoes are 2 sizes too big.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0DzA5nRmvpfJBEGBkhbdvu4SHiyCoNVgwfVmMpnag3bGdnFhKivtwo1nFVtB2rF9SzFElCMUwXRol5bRile2i0I1EMU6YDBu46tb0oWxjW0Yd_EpkRHZ0jyEcf7SNZtk5dlk4XZ-ALo/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0DzA5nRmvpfJBEGBkhbdvu4SHiyCoNVgwfVmMpnag3bGdnFhKivtwo1nFVtB2rF9SzFElCMUwXRol5bRile2i0I1EMU6YDBu46tb0oWxjW0Yd_EpkRHZ0jyEcf7SNZtk5dlk4XZ-ALo/s640/029.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwKPRBpIwf0cC5Z61Ms5PSCP4gRUFx0iN5J6Rsyjd48QUffij_Q8i0LAHJx8bOSxvwh91nbLS62EsaBRtF0YCxGh2XiaF4aH5Sd0PiAQ82U0S2-ZiaKu0CuIbQzbrPZ9Y65DAV2htn7U/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwKPRBpIwf0cC5Z61Ms5PSCP4gRUFx0iN5J6Rsyjd48QUffij_Q8i0LAHJx8bOSxvwh91nbLS62EsaBRtF0YCxGh2XiaF4aH5Sd0PiAQ82U0S2-ZiaKu0CuIbQzbrPZ9Y65DAV2htn7U/s640/030.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81kQs5TNN3Vaz3VOtT7FmBrjIafVAO-QXkiildOJYHxKT3gVLQ5LtXrlm0HB1lZNfrSwMdb9zhD-LaISUndgvJTyhgturUafdTL81KuzllDKNetc0PRFNnP7jLf5hzgm-zgA5dVLiwRc/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81kQs5TNN3Vaz3VOtT7FmBrjIafVAO-QXkiildOJYHxKT3gVLQ5LtXrlm0HB1lZNfrSwMdb9zhD-LaISUndgvJTyhgturUafdTL81KuzllDKNetc0PRFNnP7jLf5hzgm-zgA5dVLiwRc/s640/031.JPG" width="476" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpC0IMk4D1FMi2AVwzpOs0u9MnHDOs6z7oCWhAMBTIa8SnoDhw2Y46Egbgsk0gIMGoCaTD5gltaV5HKwQwP25Ll2xSmWrH48iXUgW5wPoj6JbACEwFzDS8OBg8VLweViJOEH03h_33sO0/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpC0IMk4D1FMi2AVwzpOs0u9MnHDOs6z7oCWhAMBTIa8SnoDhw2Y46Egbgsk0gIMGoCaTD5gltaV5HKwQwP25Ll2xSmWrH48iXUgW5wPoj6JbACEwFzDS8OBg8VLweViJOEH03h_33sO0/s640/032.JPG" width="476" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Later on that day we did stand in line to see Minnie Mouse at her house. Neaveh does not really like to pose with the characters. She would rather hug and kiss on them and tell them that she loves them. So her happy faces are usually pushed into a character's chest where they can't be seen.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxMRVKuhOZJ4jgakQEVxDTPR157WfLT7aXzJGUBd-CVjAPZBJr6p8aBxG68kEHWc2j-NYSzQlBWbirusJobOp8jFdgwtU8rZiEkrbHeIz4HZM3XA-4Ex00R0x4IBSjPT9VwXKn4c-Odc/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxMRVKuhOZJ4jgakQEVxDTPR157WfLT7aXzJGUBd-CVjAPZBJr6p8aBxG68kEHWc2j-NYSzQlBWbirusJobOp8jFdgwtU8rZiEkrbHeIz4HZM3XA-4Ex00R0x4IBSjPT9VwXKn4c-Odc/s640/037.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrR_NMlv_ReIKXwFNr8Bybw7lDqU5L-ibu3H3f10dYdVUh8zi7z_EAP03q323x0t4PuQu6RZLpLvv1Duuq6KOYh7QsCLq4bhOaoZwIlANfiKKGj5TsT4qav_k5Di7vdJgUG6_MoaWBQk/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrR_NMlv_ReIKXwFNr8Bybw7lDqU5L-ibu3H3f10dYdVUh8zi7z_EAP03q323x0t4PuQu6RZLpLvv1Duuq6KOYh7QsCLq4bhOaoZwIlANfiKKGj5TsT4qav_k5Di7vdJgUG6_MoaWBQk/s640/038.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">We had to stop on by and see Mickey too. I was sad that he wasn't in his normal outfit that would have matched better. But considering we go the first Wednesday of ever month, I'm sure we will have many more opportunities to take pictures with the mouse. Maybe I will even be able to get the dolls headband fixed.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">All and all is was a great day at Disneyland. Nevaeh was stinky a few times when I wanted her to wear the ears or hold the doll. It seemed she only wanted to hold the doll if my niece wanted to hold her. Other than that she could have cared less. We have to work on her sharing skills.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I am so grateful to my oldest son, Josh, for coming with us. He was a little sad that the Tangle line was closed and he didn't get to do his smoldering look for Rapunzel and have his picture taken. He made the day so much easier for me and made it possible for me to keep track of all Nevaeh's accessories. Plus he made riding the train and the tram possible. I would not have been able to do it without him.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">But The best part of the trip was when I woke up this morning to a sweet little girl who said,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> "Aw, I loveof you mommy. Thank you for taking me to Disneyland. It was perfect." </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779770874867573087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864423208074524753.post-65041773888222519132011-03-01T20:07:00.000-08:002011-03-01T20:07:33.513-08:00Still in a DazeI was not prepared last night for how I felt. I had seen A's (our 2nd foster daughter) grandma at Wal-mart numerous times since I left A with her over 3 years ago. But I have not seen A since that dreadful day.<br />
<br />
So last night when I was at Wal-mart and heard a familiar voice scream "Get back here before I knock your head off" I was not prepared for the feelings that flooded over me when I looked up to see A running in front of her grandma. I only knew it was A because her grandma was following her. I probably would not have recognized her without her grandma there.<br />
<br />
My heart skipped a beat as I look down into the eyes of this beautiful little girl that I last saw when she was 11 months old. But what broke my heart even more was when I said "Hi A" and she looked directly at me and said "How do you know me?" I just replied that I knew her when she was a baby and then she bounced away.<br />
<br />
Her grandmother then told me that she doesn't know that she was taken away and lived with a foster family. I don't blame her. Would a 4 year old really understand that anyway? She only lived with us for a month. Yet I was surprised at how quickly she bonded with me.<br />
<br />
At visits she would get down and go see her mom and grandma, but if she was hurt in the least little way she would come running back to me for comfort. She never had a problem leaving the visits either. I would say it was time to go and she would just tot on over and hold up her arms to me.<br />
<br />
She looked happy last night. Her grandma said she finally kicked the mom out and does not allow her to see A anymore. That was a huge relief to me. Last time I saw the grandma she told me that the mom was watching her while grandma was at work. I didn't understand how the grandma could have custody because the mom was seen as unfit, yet the mom was allowed to babysit.<br />
<br />
I walked around Wal-mart in a daze the rest of my shopping trip. My heart ached for this little one and the life that will be her's. Yet, I know that it was meant to be. If she had stayed even one month longer, we would not have gotten Nevaeh.<br />
<br />
So all I can do is hope that she felt loved the month she was with us and that somehow that carries over to the rest of her life.<br />
<br />
And then I remember how blessed I am to have this little one that I thought was going home after being with us for over 19 months.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8FB9EVrFJaEpsQhU23ID-7-p6aRr7kxRX7af0pFt-sHmKGC0UUf33e1htEqDm15LUc007JB5RrqBp0hulcAf91tZBzw18Hvphgw-v95C-NpwN6cHpXrpuClBqoWguAOl9Ck_Q4GOwY4/s1600/Nevaeh+18+months+Easter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8FB9EVrFJaEpsQhU23ID-7-p6aRr7kxRX7af0pFt-sHmKGC0UUf33e1htEqDm15LUc007JB5RrqBp0hulcAf91tZBzw18Hvphgw-v95C-NpwN6cHpXrpuClBqoWguAOl9Ck_Q4GOwY4/s320/Nevaeh+18+months+Easter.JPG" width="268" /></a></div><br />
This is her 18 month Easter picture that was taken right before she started overnight visits at the halfway house.<br />
<br />
If you would like to see the video I made when I thought she was going home you can go <a href="http://makingmanymemories.blogspot.com/p/for-good-dedicated-to-my-angel-friends.html" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">here</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">. </span>It is dedicated to all who have loved a foster baby and had to let them go. It is a feeling that can never be explained if you have not lived it.<br />
<br />
These children live forever in your hearts.Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779770874867573087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864423208074524753.post-29266545687352960712011-02-17T09:10:00.000-08:002011-02-17T09:10:23.964-08:00Inspirational Video of Young Woman with Down SyndromeAs many of you know I have been advocating for children with Down Syndrome who live in Easter Europe. The reason I feel so passionate about this is because these children are sent away to adult institutions to live out the remainder of their lives when they turn 4 years old. Some of the institutions are better than others, but for the most part, these children are considered throw aways. They are seen as burdens to their society with no real potential.<br />
<br />
So in my effort to educate and raise awareness about these beautiful children, I stumbled across this interview. Now I do realize that not all children with Down Syndrome will turn out like this amazing young woman. My point is to show that there is so much potential there. So much that they have to give. So much that will be wasted if they are just locked away in an institution somewhere.<br />
<br />
So when you think of these children, please stop and think of this video and ask yourself if you could be blessed by adding someone like this to your family.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0" height="412" id="flashObj" width="486"><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="flashVars" value="videoId=784219182001&playerID=34762727001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAB_0P-vE~,oPpEPJJj0Ohvv2-IX8O4W3nfCuRj9a4y&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" /><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com" /><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashVars="videoId=784219182001&playerID=34762727001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAB_0P-vE~,oPpEPJJj0Ohvv2-IX8O4W3nfCuRj9a4y&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="486" height="412" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" swLiveConnect="true" allowScriptAccess="always" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779770874867573087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864423208074524753.post-74535257365856953622011-02-14T17:41:00.000-08:002011-07-04T01:13:01.885-07:00Love Is<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><i><b>Love is</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCP-r3Wj31YxFWblJ35hmm69-cCHrGTHorwlYJdMyb4EyNw8wlRGv4BNoRtT5Y9qiF7yXviHnhK8BGKopAMkJjLqrKdZ4NrnH98FwbplSQtItDF-NF31HJRUkImuZtua2DfAMZndoOQlU/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCP-r3Wj31YxFWblJ35hmm69-cCHrGTHorwlYJdMyb4EyNw8wlRGv4BNoRtT5Y9qiF7yXviHnhK8BGKopAMkJjLqrKdZ4NrnH98FwbplSQtItDF-NF31HJRUkImuZtua2DfAMZndoOQlU/s640/013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">a sweet, nutty husband who comes home after a long day at work</div><div style="text-align: center;">and massages my head and shoulders to help get rid of my sinus headache</div><div style="text-align: center;">even though he is not feeling well himself.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Love is</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_em2S1aBAQayYFdGrbfDX5atlsD852a0bOIAnunXHi5wWAqL8-FKkZq9Piaw_mWi9PiOZszM5YKSmymPn0iCdL7FCnldv6mjC3bgwdJ1iQ30qOxxHjJFVPDFMnBcNHSWELWnEwZ_pg78/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_em2S1aBAQayYFdGrbfDX5atlsD852a0bOIAnunXHi5wWAqL8-FKkZq9Piaw_mWi9PiOZszM5YKSmymPn0iCdL7FCnldv6mjC3bgwdJ1iQ30qOxxHjJFVPDFMnBcNHSWELWnEwZ_pg78/s640/037.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">a sweet son who gets up every morning to make breakfast for me and his sister after </div><div style="text-align: center;">he returns home from early morning church.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Love is</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLoty7JtjWa8lsg0ycHQcvYfGcGpxBc0bnGpeGPDnzTqOPQRT-miqe-3AEkMd-7vRqjqHPiZGzxccLkubMDI4HaXrbdKiz16WBUAcQEmBzyaKxXefM5IaW1tCkfNrLyvE3MnmqvBe2fI/s1600/IMG_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLoty7JtjWa8lsg0ycHQcvYfGcGpxBc0bnGpeGPDnzTqOPQRT-miqe-3AEkMd-7vRqjqHPiZGzxccLkubMDI4HaXrbdKiz16WBUAcQEmBzyaKxXefM5IaW1tCkfNrLyvE3MnmqvBe2fI/s640/IMG_0036.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">a charitable son that cares enough about what I care about </div><div style="text-align: center;">to donate his own money to an orphan on the other side of the world and</div><div style="text-align: center;">to fast for him to find a family without me knowing about it until after the fact.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Love is </span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwaceunQw1GNkRmCzs4OI8P_vs2KKHnPFwP_WY5bSAykLaStWXBMhBnMJEIY4T268yAWwHUrOaY6y7Y_X_VXqpEa1cwNk1aqcAHwW82JpZMJ92QuNCxKaaLfz79SudlY15ZLatots1tc/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwaceunQw1GNkRmCzs4OI8P_vs2KKHnPFwP_WY5bSAykLaStWXBMhBnMJEIY4T268yAWwHUrOaY6y7Y_X_VXqpEa1cwNk1aqcAHwW82JpZMJ92QuNCxKaaLfz79SudlY15ZLatots1tc/s640/050.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">a compassionate son that plays with and reads to a very active toddler for me</div><div style="text-align: center;">when I am not feeling well and need to take a nap.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Love is</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0pFTTTuTQ4eeLEQksX1VEG56cj_rGZVXc3hkEI3BgsIwZMOU8KsW0kDfBut3eCWfjqslvSdVeZedZlc4aU3u9cyzJhUtmqqRTyBe0C4s2JCFLpRjvT2a93dAOhlDDbhv00ibJabjUkE/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0pFTTTuTQ4eeLEQksX1VEG56cj_rGZVXc3hkEI3BgsIwZMOU8KsW0kDfBut3eCWfjqslvSdVeZedZlc4aU3u9cyzJhUtmqqRTyBe0C4s2JCFLpRjvT2a93dAOhlDDbhv00ibJabjUkE/s640/042.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">an active Princess who says in her sweet little voice</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Aw, no worries mama, I'll help you clean upa my mess."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Love is </i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Gq-J3aLSFqnw9ixBa03sqa6BEt8ogRRgK2nl8K9xkXQNbtvawuVKbrmzBDd4PuJ_Ii2ZLNUW6sX4b4lvetuBJVfIq1J2aGGLgxwDSVYtzU_w3jRWSPoZVHnk5g8mNGsygTkzjtHT6aY/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Gq-J3aLSFqnw9ixBa03sqa6BEt8ogRRgK2nl8K9xkXQNbtvawuVKbrmzBDd4PuJ_Ii2ZLNUW6sX4b4lvetuBJVfIq1J2aGGLgxwDSVYtzU_w3jRWSPoZVHnk5g8mNGsygTkzjtHT6aY/s640/014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">a grandma who stays up late to make beautiful dresses for all of her little </div><div style="text-align: center;">granddaughters and a grandpa who drives her to delivery it and has to sit in </div><div style="text-align: center;">traffic for over two hours because of a freeway closure and then has to turn around </div><div style="text-align: center;">and go right back home.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Love is</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8Cx_JJbUpNaQyYt_QWHCFmLtiNJ4W558t0uqUrA1xFC5HqT2yOnvQRmah55v3gT4X9DyvE1m0E6yhyphenhyphenB6fjw-y0Fc5NfxYBAIvlQ3Oko5orUpmhWiOowpvCDH9ULLbz4T188fYNNHzko/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8Cx_JJbUpNaQyYt_QWHCFmLtiNJ4W558t0uqUrA1xFC5HqT2yOnvQRmah55v3gT4X9DyvE1m0E6yhyphenhyphenB6fjw-y0Fc5NfxYBAIvlQ3Oko5orUpmhWiOowpvCDH9ULLbz4T188fYNNHzko/s640/019.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPuwkDCIviqNwzpVZbZtTIS9j5n3NuC3RiHgeCXjcjZJ41vCoO3qTqe23Wk6ZZ2N5372oCWKuXD8_rPbBJRqT0uhyphenhyphenOWL9OGc1tdxNM4xy8GQ-9o_tr0eNRdmsidvQTX5koQcNIDq61nU/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPuwkDCIviqNwzpVZbZtTIS9j5n3NuC3RiHgeCXjcjZJ41vCoO3qTqe23Wk6ZZ2N5372oCWKuXD8_rPbBJRqT0uhyphenhyphenOWL9OGc1tdxNM4xy8GQ-9o_tr0eNRdmsidvQTX5koQcNIDq61nU/s640/002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLczc9p2bJA1I5YCQ83D1QIQ8ClYBckmtMKKwVujRPtPUVtjsdRc-Gxde3e2l9kAdAZJxJj73BRLNH1VIXUmNtvUN3iK1W97fX8KGTOgLNufyoKqJKlaL5JCQ7x2jcCr9BozOXRjRI_GE/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLczc9p2bJA1I5YCQ83D1QIQ8ClYBckmtMKKwVujRPtPUVtjsdRc-Gxde3e2l9kAdAZJxJj73BRLNH1VIXUmNtvUN3iK1W97fX8KGTOgLNufyoKqJKlaL5JCQ7x2jcCr9BozOXRjRI_GE/s640/021.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">a grandma and grandpa that send Valentine's Cards with special notes</div><div style="text-align: center;">written inside.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Love is</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVaaeL8W97VZoGEGgdovPBbGmYik8bNQo3pH7qiy_tYdDgCgaY4qtGDIt7vt017SNvqFZNi0UxsJXN07j7MVooU6MFQmUx31HpiPc9Xye5mzQreQjJf1zgcotXrNvJOLg3y7go7nVz0R0/s1600/lake+powell+vacation+649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVaaeL8W97VZoGEGgdovPBbGmYik8bNQo3pH7qiy_tYdDgCgaY4qtGDIt7vt017SNvqFZNi0UxsJXN07j7MVooU6MFQmUx31HpiPc9Xye5mzQreQjJf1zgcotXrNvJOLg3y7go7nVz0R0/s640/lake+powell+vacation+649.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">a grandma and grandpa that call to check up on their family</div><div style="text-align: center;">even though they are having health problems.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Love is</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QnaEyBfdl_ZoNzMkn4J3W8yMEa04TpdrzEcFVCWAYirY5KxGFv_TQUH8hMP6XEhhe7mLMM7emoQ-vY52pA82YSet9ufXIkFAkqfC4Iu5fryNvmRzrEJtwGZMp1eLoRcCZxSHIkLcJMc/s1600/bill+and+misty+new+apartment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QnaEyBfdl_ZoNzMkn4J3W8yMEa04TpdrzEcFVCWAYirY5KxGFv_TQUH8hMP6XEhhe7mLMM7emoQ-vY52pA82YSet9ufXIkFAkqfC4Iu5fryNvmRzrEJtwGZMp1eLoRcCZxSHIkLcJMc/s640/bill+and+misty+new+apartment.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">taking the time to move a birth family to their new apartment after</div><div style="text-align: center;">they have been homeless for over 6 months and visiting with them on Valentine's Day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Love is </span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpX5izF_pN9LdTrzyrb_3PCZsPKov3VYTkRjk65Xm98ljxt_SjW-ADwFGCIUDrmCWLBgRM-DaIFCv6n0nfKFfYhIHcd46v1hZlUH-QKy0TryOTxWb9SHeT068jJX_CKmTvBKJ4Aj_cQLg/s1600/vanessa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpX5izF_pN9LdTrzyrb_3PCZsPKov3VYTkRjk65Xm98ljxt_SjW-ADwFGCIUDrmCWLBgRM-DaIFCv6n0nfKFfYhIHcd46v1hZlUH-QKy0TryOTxWb9SHeT068jJX_CKmTvBKJ4Aj_cQLg/s640/vanessa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">what I want more than anything for this beautiful orphan with a heart condition</div><div style="text-align: center;">on the other side of the ocean.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Love is</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoF7JedC-82spR3XIUrA50meKXvBFA1h_PsTnD95hIj53sNNH4G2MDQFPg7p-WxQlgnDUAWe5l72xBJzI_5fpbHr0K477eh61JIiGFKSevJQbLwtJb50FOE02cyX4P-c96N_9bSjM5Sd8/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoF7JedC-82spR3XIUrA50meKXvBFA1h_PsTnD95hIj53sNNH4G2MDQFPg7p-WxQlgnDUAWe5l72xBJzI_5fpbHr0K477eh61JIiGFKSevJQbLwtJb50FOE02cyX4P-c96N_9bSjM5Sd8/s640/014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">my family. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Who support me in everything I do.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Happy Valentine's Day</i></b></span></div>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779770874867573087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864423208074524753.post-2227780412985266552011-02-14T08:33:00.000-08:002011-02-14T08:35:22.706-08:00Matching MondaysPlease hop on over <a href="http://anothersmalladventure.blogspot.com/2011/02/matching-mondays_14.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>here</b></span></a> to see who Brenda has listed this week. These darling children are adoptable from the Foster Care system.<br />
<br />
There are <a href="http://www.cakidsconnection.org/ViewChild.php?ChildID=498621"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>three beautiful little sisters</b></span></a> that are looking for a home together that live in California.<br />
<br />
And this <a href="http://www.cakidsconnection.org/ViewChild.php?ChildID=498338"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>little guy</b></span></a> is also from California.<br />
<br />
Please take the time to post this link on your Facebook account or Blog so that others are made aware of these children. That would make my day!<br />
<br />
You never know who will have the seed of adoption planted in their hearts. It may not be today but you never know about tomorrow.<br />
<br />
If you would have asked me 7 years ago if I would ever be a foster parent and then adopt, I probably would have told you no.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>But look what I would be missing out on!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuweVj794IZxh10r_8ErHLBCT9_H0gYvWNm9G2ULKmiasdF1mby2J8CJocES0M74MitDrmsziJsVpAi0n4k9nk-QGSO7pVd47_0udJpQ8OkDWj1xOy9UvaSlVP5uDdTElsZNGXPkF-WPw/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuweVj794IZxh10r_8ErHLBCT9_H0gYvWNm9G2ULKmiasdF1mby2J8CJocES0M74MitDrmsziJsVpAi0n4k9nk-QGSO7pVd47_0udJpQ8OkDWj1xOy9UvaSlVP5uDdTElsZNGXPkF-WPw/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKyYsvyjt5x62RT7q73JzUNJf7PHkOdHFbmYQ6sl0GTyfThqKzG7MaWUzvq42-uRjae9kH35r90Qw-XBT7ChM3di_Nvx5xa4jmc2KYSUzwork9MaeIpdE8JUxG3j15TYTmLrzBtfn0Q4/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKyYsvyjt5x62RT7q73JzUNJf7PHkOdHFbmYQ6sl0GTyfThqKzG7MaWUzvq42-uRjae9kH35r90Qw-XBT7ChM3di_Nvx5xa4jmc2KYSUzwork9MaeIpdE8JUxG3j15TYTmLrzBtfn0Q4/s320/004.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eNQU4tQZrHLGcfaSY0KNwjjpfPYMS5xL6pY-OAmmjJV9r4X-vrd54l4a0x1CKPpGISCRgiXW2sxcxYCcvGe161lQVcj9UhFaH1H2FmJDvafS502OxvbTtTJ0BvC00QB4wEf6vjJw0eM/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eNQU4tQZrHLGcfaSY0KNwjjpfPYMS5xL6pY-OAmmjJV9r4X-vrd54l4a0x1CKPpGISCRgiXW2sxcxYCcvGe161lQVcj9UhFaH1H2FmJDvafS502OxvbTtTJ0BvC00QB4wEf6vjJw0eM/s320/020.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWOPK6m96Q9ACYlHQ68szSok4HtfgkV7GWWcZ3Z1P2sS4SYQF6GN5u7KT69pRzMQRbmUsL6rMcjw_1LVyMX-SPBOfksi4zco6iW-DGrNjaZZ06RskboCltNSc5eXLEmNaBDSsNpUAiH0/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWOPK6m96Q9ACYlHQ68szSok4HtfgkV7GWWcZ3Z1P2sS4SYQF6GN5u7KT69pRzMQRbmUsL6rMcjw_1LVyMX-SPBOfksi4zco6iW-DGrNjaZZ06RskboCltNSc5eXLEmNaBDSsNpUAiH0/s320/024.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
</div>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779770874867573087noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-864423208074524753.post-47983749644822275032011-02-07T11:23:00.000-08:002011-02-07T12:43:59.997-08:00Matching MondaysIn my attempt to help others save the one, I have decided that every Monday and Friday I will be posting pictures of children who are in need of forever families.<br />
<br />
Brenda, of Another Small Adventure, post pictures of children who are in the foster care system and available for adoption on her blog every Monday. I will provide a link to her blog so others can share with their friends and families those children who are in need of a home.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://anothersmalladventure.blogspot.com/2011/02/matching-mondays.html">http://anothersmalladventure.blogspot.com/2011/02/matching-mondays.html</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzTsvd812FecQzBuBfCBdIxAnpjLhWTw_PpcC9_uVU1CDZE7mqaPP4llInQC7XGBkcXYkIiuc0Vz99HRrxDeUab2N7GvynxZN8S3Z_dCTqAG_GJcWxSe_hWkD072kmySl3xG-ce31bj0/s1600/RJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzTsvd812FecQzBuBfCBdIxAnpjLhWTw_PpcC9_uVU1CDZE7mqaPP4llInQC7XGBkcXYkIiuc0Vz99HRrxDeUab2N7GvynxZN8S3Z_dCTqAG_GJcWxSe_hWkD072kmySl3xG-ce31bj0/s1600/RJ.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I honestly believe that most families out their could find such joy in adopting a child into their lives. They just need to find that perfect child for their family and be made aware of them. This is my goal. To make every family aware.<br />
<br />
We do not have to concentrate on the masses, just look to save the one.<br />
<br />
Which one will you save?<br />
<br />
Or better yet, which one will save you?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03779770874867573087noreply@blogger.com1