tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64080701050188714372024-03-04T23:47:26.256-05:00A Future and a HopeFor I know that thoughts that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace, not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11Jeanine Kaminskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568520971903283877noreply@blogger.comBlogger131125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408070105018871437.post-55800697720642736592019-01-02T01:31:00.002-05:002019-01-02T23:04:17.096-05:002018 In Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I will begin this post at the end! Here was our 2018 Christmas photo!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg18LgSjKhGbXPi9QwIgpLNFAM_ZN_7DBsbo1Ef0vEquxSUHEG5fvpHtcqrhpE0MFWm-l49z8speqg08VMzKsg4NsioSXxqJO1gVQMrQrIN1bTWgIlQ3bpB9KxTXhUwjoWIzA_KaUQtFA/s1600/Kaminski%252C+Jeremy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg18LgSjKhGbXPi9QwIgpLNFAM_ZN_7DBsbo1Ef0vEquxSUHEG5fvpHtcqrhpE0MFWm-l49z8speqg08VMzKsg4NsioSXxqJO1gVQMrQrIN1bTWgIlQ3bpB9KxTXhUwjoWIzA_KaUQtFA/s320/Kaminski%252C+Jeremy.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is increasingly difficult to keep up with pretty much all the "goings on" in our lives. I have decided to include the highlights and lowlights of our year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For me, this past year has been one that I continued to learn so much about myself. Much of which I did not like. As it seems, even in my 40's I can be a very selfish person. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our focus is always on the Lord and serving. That is difficult as the kids become older with busy lives. But I must admit that I am proud how they handle things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here is a sample of their service:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*Sunday morning baristas for 700 worshipers (2 kids)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*orchestra members (2<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> kids</span>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*choir member (1 child)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*youth group greeter (1 child)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*AWANA workers (3 kids)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*Upwards team coaches (5 kids)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*special music (2 kids)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*camera operator (1 child)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our kids are devoted to their jobs almost to a fault.....almost!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We decided that as wonderful as it was for our kids to be so involved in our church, they also needed to be involved somewhere in the community. Our local theater was the obvious solution. It is run by volunteers and my kids participate in several of the groups formed from the Smoot Theatre.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our year started with us helping take down the beautiful, plenteous, Christmas decorations in the beautiful, historic Smoot Theatre. We learned so much history as we heard the wonderful stories told about shows at the Smoot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">January: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGaXFkhTIDQaWxaA2NGLjpMbYSLof_siErL5yw-HGC7kZIurCwCw4p8aNOdc0zad247yyMMPbYekdZkRupDwMISWPIEbRXCVbSWLp2rLCXeiYYS8DaDYN0mQYT269Op-oA3kDVu4PBNo/s1600/Working+at+Smoot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGaXFkhTIDQaWxaA2NGLjpMbYSLof_siErL5yw-HGC7kZIurCwCw4p8aNOdc0zad247yyMMPbYekdZkRupDwMISWPIEbRXCVbSWLp2rLCXeiYYS8DaDYN0mQYT269Op-oA3kDVu4PBNo/s1600/Working+at+Smoot.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The storage areas alone hold so much history. If the walls could talk!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVt6ur45fLuUpzcZl0k1JEsYZfkqJ8uQL2980YxiujkCJfeDHRtGuBU80cMfn5RYr4adyyemX3ASSs4S_laJ8fyJxKD82sMpIEGAycIZiaJT11O_Gv-_1PwVjBxZ3movyoEhLD1rQFZJo/s1600/smoot+help.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVt6ur45fLuUpzcZl0k1JEsYZfkqJ8uQL2980YxiujkCJfeDHRtGuBU80cMfn5RYr4adyyemX3ASSs4S_laJ8fyJxKD82sMpIEGAycIZiaJT11O_Gv-_1PwVjBxZ3movyoEhLD1rQFZJo/s1600/smoot+help.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rebecca had all four wisdom teeth removed and provided quite the entertainment for us as she was coming out of anesthesia!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBDvjZ94-3yXzDiXMOThnj4qUL8LMOOageBLb6dQIi7HlQrfjI2k1LfG0BeizCrBd418ZyjpoT_q0CWC1ivmeGDIDAJwdbwThd3-KhBYSJxzsomk2KcnGfPWQaDUNRtUVqJgm06O0hFk/s1600/Becca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBDvjZ94-3yXzDiXMOThnj4qUL8LMOOageBLb6dQIi7HlQrfjI2k1LfG0BeizCrBd418ZyjpoT_q0CWC1ivmeGDIDAJwdbwThd3-KhBYSJxzsomk2KcnGfPWQaDUNRtUVqJgm06O0hFk/s1600/Becca.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> February:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We gave Ben's last growth hormone shot. He is officially done growing as his growth plates have closed. Th<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">is ended 14 years of nightly injections.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJenykPYKiEwfqGmQ2UU3yYDmFXtVk5cY2s6s5puLKtqer4PYeb7-gZpDa9zm_vcYovRr0JPIdRz9oMSJkPV1FnReGMVXwySJW-mZLFi_PbCqSvvAsuZ7bYu2DMAEswky7yrERmJUAREo/s1600/last+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="750" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJenykPYKiEwfqGmQ2UU3yYDmFXtVk5cY2s6s5puLKtqer4PYeb7-gZpDa9zm_vcYovRr0JPIdRz9oMSJkPV1FnReGMVXwySJW-mZLFi_PbCqSvvAsuZ7bYu2DMAEswky7yrERmJUAREo/s320/last+shot.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> A little Valentine's mini-makeover for the littlest Kaminski.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOGeCGp9iUvwjNWlvHRUqpJfpGxtchNf3W9MGRTh2Ti_Djen_v5X2JKVCfjWXE6dhsMIU3QF_ElJcI8vlkilJFM6-2uWGDGZhrheZtr37KYzJMFyk631CX7sdeaMP4QlYCVkeD4j9eSE/s1600/V+day+makeover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="750" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOGeCGp9iUvwjNWlvHRUqpJfpGxtchNf3W9MGRTh2Ti_Djen_v5X2JKVCfjWXE6dhsMIU3QF_ElJcI8vlkilJFM6-2uWGDGZhrheZtr37KYzJMFyk631CX7sdeaMP4QlYCVkeD4j9eSE/s320/V+day+makeover.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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Celebrated Chinese New Year with friends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCFi12UVRwhSjeeBbDBzcy1R_GZltFG9IFhcWLh79e35QmFGM0C5_guBvx7VIqn2Np19T1iFmxQdZ5JynUBqh01_YROa58WPW_1ko1qv2pTviFO51k9l3ZXNN23ML-YZXpys4RBYGomU/s1600/CNY+at+MC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCFi12UVRwhSjeeBbDBzcy1R_GZltFG9IFhcWLh79e35QmFGM0C5_guBvx7VIqn2Np19T1iFmxQdZ5JynUBqh01_YROa58WPW_1ko1qv2pTviFO51k9l3ZXNN23ML-YZXpys4RBYGomU/s1600/CNY+at+MC.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">March:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kyle got a newer, much more dependable car.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJfDR_MVznZ4IP_7fJHQkiGkpG45KF0ctwf7QrJr5ixBWNh8JrgmBg7HeGcJqmd3Pi5ReyJ2hAYXU7pHA5omY2LkpkkY1CnOxIqfk3gXdbYmY7edx0hVvaBYQrBrAiIIwobOovd3ZwJc/s1600/Kyle%2527s+new+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJfDR_MVznZ4IP_7fJHQkiGkpG45KF0ctwf7QrJr5ixBWNh8JrgmBg7HeGcJqmd3Pi5ReyJ2hAYXU7pHA5omY2LkpkkY1CnOxIqfk3gXdbYmY7edx0hVvaBYQrBrAiIIwobOovd3ZwJc/s320/Kyle%2527s+new+car.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">April:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No surprise to us.......we have an official asthma diagnosis for Micah. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHfr5KIuml3OZSyQr5kHrZ-dtxEzGPicq4Q1P34fzcboyxjJ8OE7QUrlKgT62KN9ItDoGd3wOKA2NqudLAb4Gf0RB3K7hEr4OPn695dS2emuaAsIdsMfg3onLIqLDOxQAY6XIb9Ijvug/s1600/Asthma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHfr5KIuml3OZSyQr5kHrZ-dtxEzGPicq4Q1P34fzcboyxjJ8OE7QUrlKgT62KN9ItDoGd3wOKA2NqudLAb4Gf0RB3K7hEr4OPn695dS2emuaAsIdsMfg3onLIqLDOxQAY6XIb9Ijvug/s1600/Asthma.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another season of Upwards soccer. Jeremy/Mariah's team</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkiOBX2C1gTJzQN15SzwZq1MkANQn6oSoTy-Qb_peXvhVWR6yBnWgu5YYzVDtqpdOOnyCrr70-sij4RpQaShRT90ADdQP7Oa9bFEVb2vvL6iXXqycAVFv9m-kRKf2BfyKQS1Z8o-MYXA/s1600/Soccer+team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="214" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkiOBX2C1gTJzQN15SzwZq1MkANQn6oSoTy-Qb_peXvhVWR6yBnWgu5YYzVDtqpdOOnyCrr70-sij4RpQaShRT90ADdQP7Oa9bFEVb2vvL6iXXqycAVFv9m-kRKf2BfyKQS1Z8o-MYXA/s1600/Soccer+team.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Rebecca also coached a team.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNfboRh2d9VEhWnz4PFzesPBYcYm58gcidO6D5QVdztI5zID48HpBHIVKarKipM52CHJIP_GirD9xxT2QrOp8xUc5YYM0k_MkatxETx3qEdhTjzgy8sbU98-nK2Miv2AKoZIMgLEPtPc/s1600/Becca%2527s+soccer+team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="214" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNfboRh2d9VEhWnz4PFzesPBYcYm58gcidO6D5QVdztI5zID48HpBHIVKarKipM52CHJIP_GirD9xxT2QrOp8xUc5YYM0k_MkatxETx3qEdhTjzgy8sbU98-nK2Miv2AKoZIMgLEPtPc/s1600/Becca%2527s+soccer+team.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ben's second game of the season earned him his <b><i>first</i></b> ER visit this year. Technically,<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> his sec</span>ond ER visit happened because the first ER visit was a less than stellar experience when we insisted on a transfer to a capable hospital....2 hours away. That visit began in the ER.</span></span> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjy2kbz0SVA5kolpKdFSuuHJlWiduq2LvXIpjekR-Px5yMpNyqpuYZ0fHI3AIdOHe0paUS22Y3B7HlkTxLoXXD49pgND_By_eN9xf_TJEjGW7mNofFDjABF-VoUTs4haalvI5Gyh9_PAE/s1600/broken+arm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="966" data-original-width="749" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjy2kbz0SVA5kolpKdFSuuHJlWiduq2LvXIpjekR-Px5yMpNyqpuYZ0fHI3AIdOHe0paUS22Y3B7HlkTxLoXXD49pgND_By_eN9xf_TJEjGW7mNofFDjABF-VoUTs4haalvI5Gyh9_PAE/s320/broken+arm.jpg" width="248" /></a></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We were told at our local hospit<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">al <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">that </span></span>his bones were "close enough" to go home and call an orthopedic surgeon sometime the following week. We <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">not<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">-</span>so-politely requested a trans<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">fer.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0P16xLKpYAnznKy-S3lV2ehJm5LTrLWM9YgSiIzrb5iQa4xB3RFQD7NdjFuLlOdNqppzW_DIGr1dvfzD8l4eChLCAbqI9Y-loO7elesVAeWLaaR2heyOH7t7wIV3h1WgAEBXNG8p6xvQ/s1600/Broken+arm+x-ray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="749" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0P16xLKpYAnznKy-S3lV2ehJm5LTrLWM9YgSiIzrb5iQa4xB3RFQD7NdjFuLlOdNqppzW_DIGr1dvfzD8l4eChLCAbqI9Y-loO7elesVAeWLaaR2heyOH7t7wIV3h1WgAEBXNG8p6xvQ/s320/Broken+arm+x-ray.jpg" width="245" /></a></span></div>
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After a 3 hour surgery the next m<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">orning</span>, we had new hardware and saved his ulnar nerve.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaUTJdp7G66VG9N4-c0jjN8nMASJGgge9kmEdRYYKFYvSbTUVCrVyrU754uh3JmZr-vzeReoqA5p2JUlQvQqER_q332jB1T5ynLS1o4niQvxhzUeyz0S6zlIToDyZs_mlpJ03Ncdjf8I/s1600/broken+arm+hardware.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="711" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaUTJdp7G66VG9N4-c0jjN8nMASJGgge9kmEdRYYKFYvSbTUVCrVyrU754uh3JmZr-vzeReoqA5p2JUlQvQqER_q332jB1T5ynLS1o4niQvxhzUeyz0S6zlIToDyZs_mlpJ03Ncdjf8I/s320/broken+arm+hardware.jpg" width="268" /></a></span></div>
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Mariah still continues a special friendship with a sweet girl who could not be more opposite her! We believe they "even" each other out. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">did not plan to dress alike! <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Elana is such a sweet, sweet friend!</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqbvZ9EAAY8eTw_u9pV_jqMIdx4vE6JMW-aCAh7S4R5q5wrR1Ddu14O6Xv4rM3Je28q2XYNpbS9JkxnQiWR6UQpN9zMSir8YxesJ_rwFWABdK-58gQ1nS00ZExe_sZ51eY50xKwX3aUg/s1600/good+friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqbvZ9EAAY8eTw_u9pV_jqMIdx4vE6JMW-aCAh7S4R5q5wrR1Ddu14O6Xv4rM3Je28q2XYNpbS9JkxnQiWR6UQpN9zMSir8YxesJ_rwFWABdK-58gQ1nS00ZExe_sZ51eY50xKwX3aUg/s1600/good+friends.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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May:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We bought a truck! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenpqA6EV5biqAfdOmfYoAsq9zGoiS1oB7Rg7EC0nTxHoCSnTcllpOjekyueJjm5B-Bvxyqp9zWBjYgjq_G75X3RcHuJK_dEdCO0tBT7jAKNJRtXn3cmK7HlsUFd4yvXe0IunSAJiEHsg/s1600/New+truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenpqA6EV5biqAfdOmfYoAsq9zGoiS1oB7Rg7EC0nTxHoCSnTcllpOjekyueJjm5B-Bvxyqp9zWBjYgjq_G75X3RcHuJK_dEdCO0tBT7jAKNJRtXn3cmK7HlsUFd4yvXe0IunSAJiEHsg/s1600/New+truck.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Jeremy now believes he has joined a special "man club".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">June:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The boys volunteered to run spotlight at the Smoot for <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">a show.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7z2sSiAx7QYldEZr2DIU6XfTOeZb6jbdSJ8oL04_jIoboyvT4AE2su9d_aBOXrq01qLTJDbSQk08kVgqZEhxXM_xwsdLqDZ2-CDeAlHEzmBLo2O9uzUfdyd3vqRhdklQ-GBV68i0qys/s1600/boys+run+spotlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7z2sSiAx7QYldEZr2DIU6XfTOeZb6jbdSJ8oL04_jIoboyvT4AE2su9d_aBOXrq01qLTJDbSQk08kVgqZEhxXM_xwsdLqDZ2-CDeAlHEzmBLo2O9uzUfdyd3vqRhdklQ-GBV68i0qys/s1600/boys+run+spotlight.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rebecca got hired at Stoked as a barista! She has learned that people are really serious about their coffee!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHt01rBmszWI-gfPhVXOutWpww5MIikyR91gu1AOxG4nj2j8zvD1_pIEWamOElQDkGApI4gsbH7YB0Pu0tx3zql_ed0G0yRFtLvsQrRGEnGkOv9a9wEJV-KrtMq9OZeK_uWZc9LW0extk/s1600/Becca+at+Stoked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="984" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHt01rBmszWI-gfPhVXOutWpww5MIikyR91gu1AOxG4nj2j8zvD1_pIEWamOElQDkGApI4gsbH7YB0Pu0tx3zql_ed0G0yRFtLvsQrRGEnGkOv9a9wEJV-KrtMq9OZeK_uWZc9LW0extk/s320/Becca+at+Stoked.jpg" width="243" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She turned Sweet 16!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_KHC3ino7MO4-R9fCsf9R2KHdxtOULgE5oMwC5d-R2IxB7_H3EIDN8hhhf0W5kM-CC1fd5MsAKTV1wE1gLWS0rlTWg6W510xNyg5rmgHvUh0fd5eUC6p3GgfJoRIHVDK6qLGT70Rf7Q/s1600/Becca%2527s+birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_KHC3ino7MO4-R9fCsf9R2KHdxtOULgE5oMwC5d-R2IxB7_H3EIDN8hhhf0W5kM-CC1fd5MsAKTV1wE1gLWS0rlTWg6W510xNyg5rmgHvUh0fd5eUC6p3GgfJoRIHVDK6qLGT70Rf7Q/s1600/Becca%2527s+birthday.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mariah discovered she loved being behind the mic!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2DPvNuTZ-lg6qvqKN7SFnhdjT0brYnhl1-6JAHLE8uQxvsoUghe0i2liSGtTWJIn61b4R-sIsTKLmxyOpYB-K_jTrRU00STowIVPB5ZSWch670X2_H8a34KWiM-1F-A5TPjQevYbZ4I/s1600/radio+DJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2DPvNuTZ-lg6qvqKN7SFnhdjT0brYnhl1-6JAHLE8uQxvsoUghe0i2liSGtTWJIn61b4R-sIsTKLmxyOpYB-K_jTrRU00STowIVPB5ZSWch670X2_H8a34KWiM-1F-A5TPjQevYbZ4I/s1600/radio+DJ.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Mariah struggled through some health problems. Lots of UTIs caused an adrenal crisis.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvVINVd9wc7uydLR-6P59YGBDwP-RH0-rzzyCQHYdRUpFHj8DLFMM1Hx9CvMM5QTqyC5Vj3JPYMv91kQG33bmMiLpA47GZ6nmG4Er_X0OaYvLc3B-siQ8KgQXuNOUM1a43Lh5Toa4-j4/s1600/Momo+sick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="979" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvVINVd9wc7uydLR-6P59YGBDwP-RH0-rzzyCQHYdRUpFHj8DLFMM1Hx9CvMM5QTqyC5Vj3JPYMv91kQG33bmMiLpA47GZ6nmG4Er_X0OaYvLc3B-siQ8KgQXuNOUM1a43Lh5Toa4-j4/s320/Momo+sick.jpg" width="245" /></a></span></div>
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This earned her some testing....still cute even in a hospital gown.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9UIZ4bYp2PyRkqEAkgLe9db6I50NuLbON3mGZTcKkhOTfeTkLOoUMVQK2FH4va9fnv8ViX2lK_grpLlvTNCmKOk6i_b0Wff51NZfM3A7Qfq1S4AkIwJcCHwORE5g0AIz7jXW16Pyj58/s1600/CHP+surgery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9UIZ4bYp2PyRkqEAkgLe9db6I50NuLbON3mGZTcKkhOTfeTkLOoUMVQK2FH4va9fnv8ViX2lK_grpLlvTNCmKOk6i_b0Wff51NZfM3A7Qfq1S4AkIwJcCHwORE5g0AIz7jXW16Pyj58/s1600/CHP+surgery.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
After my front-loader washing machine malfunctioned and continued <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">attempting to</span> fill <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">with water </span>after the door remained opened, flooding part of my basement.....we bought a new, quite expensive Speed Queen washer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjYfzc6h_55bSF8n_idNd_RahuOIUbGRoPBaIEmd8rygJ7tSdJDFiXaSotdvZpFSqD0GUzdAK4kQY2JSKqHzvtPpy_TMSHBzsHASmnHGS9XpDk86ISC7s2sToSCa2i_X64kcBtFXTfGo/s1600/new+washer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjYfzc6h_55bSF8n_idNd_RahuOIUbGRoPBaIEmd8rygJ7tSdJDFiXaSotdvZpFSqD0GUzdAK4kQY2JSKqHzvtPpy_TMSHBzsHASmnHGS9XpDk86ISC7s2sToSCa2i_X64kcBtFXTfGo/s320/new+washer.jpg" width="267" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
My niece, Jessica, got married.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6etfITyWxGMEqEqRqvJAadjjXlARubpqzpWnrko9llj30RR9rpfz22M-bUifH5hHoOUu4HX2uqYGgkmO3H3afyIdGSMujaaT6SWqmweLeIG0Xx3ry-QHSriETgcLyNNT2r2KWdrrFOo0/s1600/Jessica%2527s+wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6etfITyWxGMEqEqRqvJAadjjXlARubpqzpWnrko9llj30RR9rpfz22M-bUifH5hHoOUu4HX2uqYGgkmO3H3afyIdGSMujaaT6SWqmweLeIG0Xx3ry-QHSriETgcLyNNT2r2KWdrrFOo0/s1600/Jessica%2527s+wedding.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
July:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once again the big kids helped at "Camp Vaudeville" at the theatre.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiin6T4h3KGVC_HS8rJvxOSS8Q7d63B9EeQ7p3gkiinhgG2XhBndYHrRiln_OgGvj4dMNK1b1QbfDdahWZ2WWmwSbgoJIWHY6Lk876UhW6CsjqwuTGIyhDS-iqf1MXj7kMhhPbHmOR8J7g/s1600/IMG_1131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiin6T4h3KGVC_HS8rJvxOSS8Q7d63B9EeQ7p3gkiinhgG2XhBndYHrRiln_OgGvj4dMNK1b1QbfDdahWZ2WWmwSbgoJIWHY6Lk876UhW6CsjqwuTGIyhDS-iqf1MXj7kMhhPbHmOR8J7g/s320/IMG_1131.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mostly, they are friends. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzHoCV_N2YktB2RoEp_DOrW5adKmbCzG62TLqS6U3ITgiqypn0knntsydM9zAotNyqPs8DK7Ka4jkwee275YDfvkv5Koy6h6hI97Nt84L-xzfU_MH6BTJ-6inLa09kDkMwbbUKIw2hSE/s1600/Camp+Vaudeville.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzHoCV_N2YktB2RoEp_DOrW5adKmbCzG62TLqS6U3ITgiqypn0knntsydM9zAotNyqPs8DK7Ka4jkwee275YDfvkv5Koy6h6hI97Nt84L-xzfU_MH6BTJ-6inLa09kDkMwbbUKIw2hSE/s1600/Camp+Vaudeville.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
The camp shared how immigrants changed Vaudeville. Selah was asked to share a little about life in China to the 40 children who attended. She handled the questions afterwards well. Even the hard ones that asked if she knew who her "real" parents were. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For anyone who does not understand<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, </span>Jeremy and I are real. We are not fake.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXgTGUK8yGGP0cet1lTZstGxk9bj8yzRMQ00UvPz_H4zDJ41a9keLhh0LrGX9CL1c-2Df14bf77IIc44xViIoEjJ7fXY6wJ8xkt6xiY1sR81kl2ZtJMq9ZYIqTA1SH9sPk3YeYB83R-g/s1600/IMG_1110.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1334" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXgTGUK8yGGP0cet1lTZstGxk9bj8yzRMQ00UvPz_H4zDJ41a9keLhh0LrGX9CL1c-2Df14bf77IIc44xViIoEjJ7fXY6wJ8xkt6xiY1sR81kl2ZtJMq9ZYIqTA1SH9sPk3YeYB83R-g/s320/IMG_1110.PNG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We surprised Rebecca for her 16th birthday and arranged a trip to the National Aviary in Pittsburgh with two of her best friends!This was <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">a dream for her.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ93Yxr-4bmllAtm9OgurTkMRFK3Dw3zQ3aLuP5JIJngGkmTQ0ognoqrrf3pxc_v8uDZ_AgEDA7HfSrlB_D6cXYYUrXI6MRww7od9AW5ojv3d5cFzKD9432_lwLAwdg_fqXn5xLiMtqUc/s1600/Crew+at+aviary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="750" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ93Yxr-4bmllAtm9OgurTkMRFK3Dw3zQ3aLuP5JIJngGkmTQ0ognoqrrf3pxc_v8uDZ_AgEDA7HfSrlB_D6cXYYUrXI6MRww7od9AW5ojv3d5cFzKD9432_lwLAwdg_fqXn5xLiMtqUc/s320/Crew+at+aviary.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Somehow we even pulled off a private meet-and-greet with the aviary's toucans...Becca's favorite bird! God is in the details.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDIHnIM8DjoGZtQGJzg7puVtB6eMMkXRjXv2DkFYqavRmtn0DUady4Hra6NMQdGKceMAcyIZMbYrPUaxdOkxZY4D7-TQjmFsnT_B3evYX3PCcDvb5YDAN1oRjlBoLwnmNEXbU_QMPS0c/s1600/Becca+at+aviary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="991" data-original-width="695" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDIHnIM8DjoGZtQGJzg7puVtB6eMMkXRjXv2DkFYqavRmtn0DUady4Hra6NMQdGKceMAcyIZMbYrPUaxdOkxZY4D7-TQjmFsnT_B3evYX3PCcDvb5YDAN1oRjlBoLwnmNEXbU_QMPS0c/s320/Becca+at+aviary.jpg" width="224" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
August: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Micah's Barbershop Quartet continued to sing all summer. This was t<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">he <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">M</span>erchan<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ts <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">W</span>alk in downtown Parkersburg.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PX4P1ymtHZO8AbSAyqLpGfDvnFBfM0UGZ2KA0JUDJeWYkD8rKj5XzGHmsi_baM5vNIxA9c8MnwWWbLUL0S3oIIxl_Iwg5BZUU8bl_yrQWaBIW29RjVXMfGYn-JZBpdevss5-EbowP-w/s1600/Barbershop+singing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PX4P1ymtHZO8AbSAyqLpGfDvnFBfM0UGZ2KA0JUDJeWYkD8rKj5XzGHmsi_baM5vNIxA9c8MnwWWbLUL0S3oIIxl_Iwg5BZUU8bl_yrQWaBIW29RjVXMfGYn-JZBpdevss5-EbowP-w/s1600/Barbershop+singing.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They even earned enough money for official Barbershop vests!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi443fVMB8W2hkcqH_WlBY2YE_BDufWXw-VozNQW61AKcqxzWWqcn9yHFPFVk2JcqeOpAi9KAmVnARkV2CYlUiFG7SV6wZIEb21JcMEEyYugCA5IP6D7c7eJUnnCghaHLOpsHgkND7vBm4/s1600/New+barbershop+vests.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi443fVMB8W2hkcqH_WlBY2YE_BDufWXw-VozNQW61AKcqxzWWqcn9yHFPFVk2JcqeOpAi9KAmVnARkV2CYlUiFG7SV6wZIEb21JcMEEyYugCA5IP6D7c7eJUnnCghaHLOpsHgkND7vBm4/s1600/New+barbershop+vests.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Kyle's second year of college at OVU and Becca started dual enrollment as a high school junior<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">/</span>college freshman at OVU.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8EJRwmZMSe4_FQRgOUIQUq8wWzd3sRd_vSPqqvh4J9oGnzWUYfJQV6NzOhHqbl8_4uBGtKOVm8fmETvoZl7rg4zKC9AeBZoOVDTji4iNwfr5y1zStYWwyzfkUUjRLnIg2KOjWkhIV_Q/s1600/college.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="749" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8EJRwmZMSe4_FQRgOUIQUq8wWzd3sRd_vSPqqvh4J9oGnzWUYfJQV6NzOhHqbl8_4uBGtKOVm8fmETvoZl7rg4zKC9AeBZoOVDTji4iNwfr5y1zStYWwyzfkUUjRLnIg2KOjWkhIV_Q/s320/college.jpg" width="246" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Three kids were invited to join the OVU Singers under the direction of Mrs. Pamela McClain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0igYXhsjacM99cDZRv1ymzIYJEuqemXgFtcn2TGbMIwNnIb-nfwDlxM9DGsn9Md_s-KgXTNziGjf6tfcPklKkFmXrybmbtsCzfrG_1U_xpQnqK04eNWEDwAmAuJZqMbHejBLu5NOkgTQ/s1600/OVU+Choir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="750" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0igYXhsjacM99cDZRv1ymzIYJEuqemXgFtcn2TGbMIwNnIb-nfwDlxM9DGsn9Md_s-KgXTNziGjf6tfcPklKkFmXrybmbtsCzfrG_1U_xpQnqK04eNWEDwAmAuJZqMbHejBLu5NOkgTQ/s320/OVU+Choir.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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This year began my 12th year homeschooling.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8YbHTIsfWDatzUvjlogS1d-PH3fCdBzPUJ1aMf2rPhVaLgE0-3GKq4QtCDUyFVwdrDxztWfP1KEbcWrQvoMNwxYbPHmACd7gA0d37krm-rsCa-IdOdOe4bMy973dcHm8wqoxk3BjGec/s1600/Homeschool+crew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="749" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8YbHTIsfWDatzUvjlogS1d-PH3fCdBzPUJ1aMf2rPhVaLgE0-3GKq4QtCDUyFVwdrDxztWfP1KEbcWrQvoMNwxYbPHmACd7gA0d37krm-rsCa-IdOdOe4bMy973dcHm8wqoxk3BjGec/s320/Homeschool+crew.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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Selah began a new adventure at South Parkersburg High School.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjVqthJeJI0mmLeRBNW-tcoItCNoOjXi0thhI-JPTTKIy6maxlZM-3bNw5sPDvijWc8kuVdeFI3PyGK0FqeYO6C9GCMkoBY0fdMG_d772aELgly0FPqKzAbJoEhwadwgsptI3nd8ABS4/s1600/Selah+at+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjVqthJeJI0mmLeRBNW-tcoItCNoOjXi0thhI-JPTTKIy6maxlZM-3bNw5sPDvijWc8kuVdeFI3PyGK0FqeYO6C9GCMkoBY0fdMG_d772aELgly0FPqKzAbJoEhwadwgsptI3nd8ABS4/s320/Selah+at+school.jpg" width="241" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One of my</span> biggest struggles this year has been the loss of two sweet friends. These two women both lost their battle with breast cancer within two weeks of each other. Valerie and Julia were very dear friends. Both hold such a special place in my heart and I am still trying to honor their lives and our friendships. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">September:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My second niece, Kaitlyn, got married!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEXxf8X4KbE-xC-bQdFoLB3mPpC8DyOFOe5e8mSaSHpd52q7UQxf_wVYqsWW5KVN43utJL9f6Vlad-W0_FqGtp9TgIcmfIWOonFYG5yxV_id7RJ2xt6q3DENetor_mMSmqb-W9vyLQe8/s1600/Kaitlyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEXxf8X4KbE-xC-bQdFoLB3mPpC8DyOFOe5e8mSaSHpd52q7UQxf_wVYqsWW5KVN43utJL9f6Vlad-W0_FqGtp9TgIcmfIWOonFYG5yxV_id7RJ2xt6q3DENetor_mMSmqb-W9vyLQe8/s320/Kaitlyn.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Micah joined the Smoot Youth Band a<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">s</span> a student helper. He loves playing trombone<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> and helping out there.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLIYI24chd80E_MQo7SZqL_w0w8zqQi_1eCqp_LNRXprkNTL6a0KJOuDcyLCTDkbn_HvPBZXkgzbFfaqkJGWa7ZJsgUjhK4BeoDPOLquo_fX7Uo-Kh7Xoad9wVvridn_dMdT_oTlW53k/s1600/Smoot+band.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLIYI24chd80E_MQo7SZqL_w0w8zqQi_1eCqp_LNRXprkNTL6a0KJOuDcyLCTDkbn_HvPBZXkgzbFfaqkJGWa7ZJsgUjhK4BeoDPOLquo_fX7Uo-Kh7Xoad9wVvridn_dMdT_oTlW53k/s1600/Smoot+band.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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Mariah still has regular labs. Sometimes she is a rockstar, sometimes she really struggles.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2mt7c05g0gFpnh4U7nCYN7xvlgMDTwBPlW6I49mRnXHBDI2g2Ux9XowW2VwtMmh5HDcrv46phMjIhsOTst2wLaMUba5GTnxIOwoysU-rqS-sAwxbSUThU3s-dr84ewxlWaf7CUBM7AA/s1600/Bloodwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2mt7c05g0gFpnh4U7nCYN7xvlgMDTwBPlW6I49mRnXHBDI2g2Ux9XowW2VwtMmh5HDcrv46phMjIhsOTst2wLaMUba5GTnxIOwoysU-rqS-sAwxbSUThU3s-dr84ewxlWaf7CUBM7AA/s1600/Bloodwork.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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Flag football started and Mariah decided to try her hand at football instead of cheerleading<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> (see what I did <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">there with "hand").</span></span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ben was one of her coaches. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jeremy was another. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Poor girl!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWmw4Rwsc3vbtGr0lLM4u2YzBMEmHuG4NNoPl4ktZYYDEV_T7Md7M1nczBQUMiLgwc6Lrpw5-D9XFFhKr9NkrzYoUPrNXWjGX6DNtCV_-Z8ELF6-P_1yo8Oaj-86ztYiLWbQlFBSP3-o/s1600/Ben+and+Momo+at+Upwards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWmw4Rwsc3vbtGr0lLM4u2YzBMEmHuG4NNoPl4ktZYYDEV_T7Md7M1nczBQUMiLgwc6Lrpw5-D9XFFhKr9NkrzYoUPrNXWjGX6DNtCV_-Z8ELF6-P_1yo8Oaj-86ztYiLWbQlFBSP3-o/s1600/Ben+and+Momo+at+Upwards.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Becca took on c<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">o<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">aching</span></span> a cheer team! Somehow I cannot find a photo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">October:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kyle attended a business competition<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> and placed second.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKinI_3p6ZWjxEKjOJg6DhpF5M6qbVt0yoHJYy7pJMMXA_Snd3LjWSMI05bcuX5rXrYnJPSjIISTSOb2mE34U3-lCZFnw5D4TORNofXxHOfJ5gpCqiCtwzcrGG3j_RLNw4JOjIjnQRxE/s1600/Kyle%2527s+awards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKinI_3p6ZWjxEKjOJg6DhpF5M6qbVt0yoHJYy7pJMMXA_Snd3LjWSMI05bcuX5rXrYnJPSjIISTSOb2mE34U3-lCZFnw5D4TORNofXxHOfJ5gpCqiCtwzcrGG3j_RLNw4JOjIjnQRxE/s320/Kyle%2527s+awards.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After 39 months Selah finally got her braces off!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ma_LdWTMyeNQ-s-8xWRdy-AtXu3BAyWgy3130PX0vNPfzN1_8DjMszNFwhWpGP0r8U9AJciCFmTKCfoU1zo-bPxdQ1WOBnWq5kIx3vhrc_KgB7Ol4gCNYMBHd78pgTTubZ68AW74JC8/s1600/Selah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ma_LdWTMyeNQ-s-8xWRdy-AtXu3BAyWgy3130PX0vNPfzN1_8DjMszNFwhWpGP0r8U9AJciCFmTKCfoU1zo-bPxdQ1WOBnWq5kIx3vhrc_KgB7Ol4gCNYMBHd78pgTTubZ68AW74JC8/s320/Selah.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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We visited a local pumpkin farm with some of the kids.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53tbfZIygS0Y4_q7AibThVX_i6roR0xG5yT-gjF_11t6R-4ZL3wwTR0zunRO0BZFSOXr7CYYYpJwFSAjJZ1HAkrmYgxwzKbaLaIoAPfW70sI8IwfhD9ivcvg98y9sEmYzNT2orZMcz90/s1600/Butcher+Farms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53tbfZIygS0Y4_q7AibThVX_i6roR0xG5yT-gjF_11t6R-4ZL3wwTR0zunRO0BZFSOXr7CYYYpJwFSAjJZ1HAkrmYgxwzKbaLaIoAPfW70sI8IwfhD9ivcvg98y9sEmYzNT2orZMcz90/s320/Butcher+Farms.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
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Jeremy's brother and wife, Wendy, along with Jeremy and me threw a 50th Wedding anniversary party for his parents. What a legacy they have created!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xiIuThtewWGP-cThLJYSE2uln-LAHzkRP5v4A0CK6XIxQjgT6oR1t8Xp9xcEE9JH3rYlJbWToxapBly29E6oe39MtIOKqSDIX4MBeD60GjQ6r4HK6pGzx1vgQD9BJDwszMHXdSd3svI/s1600/anniversary+tables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xiIuThtewWGP-cThLJYSE2uln-LAHzkRP5v4A0CK6XIxQjgT6oR1t8Xp9xcEE9JH3rYlJbWToxapBly29E6oe39MtIOKqSDIX4MBeD60GjQ6r4HK6pGzx1vgQD9BJDwszMHXdSd3svI/s320/anniversary+tables.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TBg_60UyhUQrL7_X50SJE5dl8gJIyR-f4qALXBb5v41LiQ8xD9QNm49hY_f8z0MbHCRth41M-7WXQ5pxAivpPx4KwcDlJesp7PN2F73aQJhw3vbBEreM6e6w3vJvD-fFfNYvFQwzMO8/s1600/family+anniversary+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TBg_60UyhUQrL7_X50SJE5dl8gJIyR-f4qALXBb5v41LiQ8xD9QNm49hY_f8z0MbHCRth41M-7WXQ5pxAivpPx4KwcDlJesp7PN2F73aQJhw3vbBEreM6e6w3vJvD-fFfNYvFQwzMO8/s1600/family+anniversary+photo.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_E-gVHLUncyEcMsF430b6sDaH0igntmgtFNsG1HS0lOPHyjhXVWT7hkfM1kLFmTbn_Nx3orOTuNTySmaw-HtoJGhwtG5a23GUwsPObUqUbqCV2bypy_BdReSq_K8yjJeyD64lB4Mc90A/s1600/anniversary+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_E-gVHLUncyEcMsF430b6sDaH0igntmgtFNsG1HS0lOPHyjhXVWT7hkfM1kLFmTbn_Nx3orOTuNTySmaw-HtoJGhwtG5a23GUwsPObUqUbqCV2bypy_BdReSq_K8yjJeyD64lB4Mc90A/s1600/anniversary+cake.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">November:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jeremy helped head up a mission team for Guatemala.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62TxNoTzT6o-CAw_bXdc_SqPC6pbsx3sYA7p5R_V61mMHAIhbY-danNTSGvFqN7925ONW2z3Y5p-ZG0HQIEAmIIXzHbMcotSyMKR5ze4xFQ5rXJE2I1bmBaLOfo5V6kbBTit5gW97GZM/s1600/Guatemala+trip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62TxNoTzT6o-CAw_bXdc_SqPC6pbsx3sYA7p5R_V61mMHAIhbY-danNTSGvFqN7925ONW2z3Y5p-ZG0HQIEAmIIXzHbMcotSyMKR5ze4xFQ5rXJE2I1bmBaLOfo5V6kbBTit5gW97GZM/s1600/Guatemala+trip.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jeremy was caught <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">by the missionar<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ies there in this photo. There are hardly any<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> photos of him as he was the designated photographer on t<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">he trip.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi9QbPHYRj7s5GizJWYqQ9VvVn1BD1taIxg-ryoVFkIuk_cZpT1lhxt19Q9Z8Yp-KqILh1sraJcUcsp23hgmq1jOXdOPQ_96XqguSvkcAIAs_DXZkbarpk1OQUQ8gx_ODGCqdqcMCbSs/s1600/Jeremy+in+Guate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="749" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi9QbPHYRj7s5GizJWYqQ9VvVn1BD1taIxg-ryoVFkIuk_cZpT1lhxt19Q9Z8Yp-KqILh1sraJcUcsp23hgmq1jOXdOPQ_96XqguSvkcAIAs_DXZkbarpk1OQUQ8gx_ODGCqdqcMCbSs/s320/Jeremy+in+Guate.jpg" width="242" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And in typical Ben fashion, whi<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">le Jeremy was in Guatelamala</span> he landed in the ER...again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-e6lOuoe246uexkn2j70sQUqCpmG1xNfucSSOEFD38r4xTYh3CLP6cofyzJi1QAAznqLGtygAfsKwy6B3ocsDf4L7iRLCPzpjoYGaS-MDHLz170GY2-XX7z1RNy57iZQzuHwBYBqhaiM/s1600/ER+visit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-e6lOuoe246uexkn2j70sQUqCpmG1xNfucSSOEFD38r4xTYh3CLP6cofyzJi1QAAznqLGtygAfsKwy6B3ocsDf4L7iRLCPzpjoYGaS-MDHLz170GY2-XX7z1RNy57iZQzuHwBYBqhaiM/s320/ER+visit.jpg" width="251" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
When we couldn't get in to a local orthopedic surgeon for two months, we got an appointment with his surgeon in Morgantown.<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was likely b<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">roken with a<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">n awful sprain. </span></span></span>No new x-rays though as he has had more radiation exposure than any boy should experience in a lifetime.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbK-UVQoePQUlrtOs5XxDR4OXWLmWpsB1bW-3ScMayWEqtnz4MwoVyAadHmgtQZoAni7naMRkIHAgCHPmR-9luMyMc0XPVee36LgtpMTiwi1v8wTOqnZ8G5yoMHncAr7MQLZnYa-IJrM/s1600/First+Cast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="983" data-original-width="749" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbK-UVQoePQUlrtOs5XxDR4OXWLmWpsB1bW-3ScMayWEqtnz4MwoVyAadHmgtQZoAni7naMRkIHAgCHPmR-9luMyMc0XPVee36LgtpMTiwi1v8wTOqnZ8G5yoMHncAr7MQLZnYa-IJrM/s320/First+Cast.jpg" width="243" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Less than two weeks later<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span>Ben broke his walking cast. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Seriously...he broke it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bizDIt9xx9bs7jq3gPIj0eIMIHb-qE-JufcImY-KaOymtsfPkOsPL-pJyo0Szp-lDel9wcRdjI6_HcSVPhQCE5-IJAPVVyZIRS75gGSn5mimGxrhZJ3RdMv5YUkgaZvsKAea3g3lGnY/s1600/Broken+cast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="982" data-original-width="743" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bizDIt9xx9bs7jq3gPIj0eIMIHb-qE-JufcImY-KaOymtsfPkOsPL-pJyo0Szp-lDel9wcRdjI6_HcSVPhQCE5-IJAPVVyZIRS75gGSn5mimGxrhZJ3RdMv5YUkgaZvsKAea3g3lGnY/s320/Broken+cast.jpg" width="242" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Take two...<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">he ended up cho<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">osing</span></span> </span>blue again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhup2NLu8F98ruQC4-nSMz80dz7nlUd1n8tPXlc6A_P20nP2cEkwhasZOZgkseoabUD0bO54whPLXPCfdSMS-t0z3F-B8FR7FoyKTkkkTptV4tYVgyTFlMNeldaCb9UsJjjW10kSnRXdU/s1600/New+cast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="750" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhup2NLu8F98ruQC4-nSMz80dz7nlUd1n8tPXlc6A_P20nP2cEkwhasZOZgkseoabUD0bO54whPLXPCfdSMS-t0z3F-B8FR7FoyKTkkkTptV4tYVgyTFlMNeldaCb9UsJjjW10kSnRXdU/s320/New+cast.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
We volunteered at the Smoot and were so amazed to <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">enjoy</span> "A Christmas Carol". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBuSXsbjs0nF3ULjZ8exvTropusxEnSJ2JQFXLZgOSdjmeDydXq1dVuLrPjp_X78N6ZuzGDP_PbrJv4uXyl_Y5c8e3i1ADfT77TfEWQHjdEObmUirsv5prHbCdzxg9OG_uFQd-VeJdzk/s1600/Smoot+Balcony+Bunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="750" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBuSXsbjs0nF3ULjZ8exvTropusxEnSJ2JQFXLZgOSdjmeDydXq1dVuLrPjp_X78N6ZuzGDP_PbrJv4uXyl_Y5c8e3i1ADfT77TfEWQHjdEObmUirsv5prHbCdzxg9OG_uFQd-VeJdzk/s320/Smoot+Balcony+Bunch.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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</span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Anot</span>her blessed Thanksgiving.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLw0b5j1X4fuS0Sjb3O1UvPhLksmEAtAQBpgBzCgECSQTNBBWy6XXD5010EnMWPBpuFv700qV2M4vJi4R1LFhOO5bXh1jr2FNVZ5Q8iim0tVHj9EfHWQs6w8_uBuIzxbm1xaaLktl9QnM/s1600/Thanksgiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLw0b5j1X4fuS0Sjb3O1UvPhLksmEAtAQBpgBzCgECSQTNBBWy6XXD5010EnMWPBpuFv700qV2M4vJi4R1LFhOO5bXh1jr2FNVZ5Q8iim0tVHj9EfHWQs6w8_uBuIzxbm1xaaLktl9QnM/s320/Thanksgiving.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There were more gigs this year than I can begin to count. I think this was at the Blennerhassett Museum's Festival of Trees. I believe the kids had 24 performanc<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">es.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYW8pNDXaBx7EXbdd3doSGak2e-I5ZIdLIHB-CugyzzB7c1UCoTeITzVSCdlspnLUuv2G1qYfeDpxygzPg0Ghh3sfM519f9ZHKdUYb7yepgyMiVsp7rA2P92zx4rV4S2ZKSVSAWhVS5s/s1600/BBQ+Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYW8pNDXaBx7EXbdd3doSGak2e-I5ZIdLIHB-CugyzzB7c1UCoTeITzVSCdlspnLUuv2G1qYfeDpxygzPg0Ghh3sfM519f9ZHKdUYb7yepgyMiVsp7rA2P92zx4rV4S2ZKSVSAWhVS5s/s320/BBQ+Christmas.jpg" width="284" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
December:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">More gigs/concerts pretty much determined our schedules. These four sang for the Parkersburg Christmas Concert at St. Xavier Church. The acoustics there are amazing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnlBdXLmQtsc0UBnqv4BkjvqsU_uLaliBGeRtSZNL88tOdRLsL-dlJzuOUatfKDEs9csyn8zVBGaEhTOePH8YBX2P6FkFlNlOsFcnRPo87V0QXwIwu_l_Q5tnom6Ns-nAnQ-PvEbCdLQ/s1600/Smoot+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="750" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnlBdXLmQtsc0UBnqv4BkjvqsU_uLaliBGeRtSZNL88tOdRLsL-dlJzuOUatfKDEs9csyn8zVBGaEhTOePH8YBX2P6FkFlNlOsFcnRPo87V0QXwIwu_l_Q5tnom6Ns-nAnQ-PvEbCdLQ/s320/Smoot+kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The following weekend<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">'s concert</span> was at Trinity Episcopal Church as all of the Smoot groups gave their own absolutely incredible Christmas Concert.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkb4owzN89wGM0z4sdb-j6MJawa16-aA-dQ4m4ws6SCDM_ClI9k-_VULLo59eMpCjGu4YWqDEBHg2p6GJ-l6cubZPquNz94PMPSD0AYXLa_ES4jojhSGtPOo67ZdsOY7-cULimWM4Sp0/s1600/Smoot+at+Trinity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="750" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkb4owzN89wGM0z4sdb-j6MJawa16-aA-dQ4m4ws6SCDM_ClI9k-_VULLo59eMpCjGu4YWqDEBHg2p6GJ-l6cubZPquNz94PMPSD0AYXLa_ES4jojhSGtPOo67ZdsOY7-cULimWM4Sp0/s320/Smoot+at+Trinity.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
We also celebrated our 23rd anniversary amidst the bustle of the season. If I look a little tired and worn, I am.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Dq8If9DGETnyOXYeYNwKk7WcfkLNsdhQz0G5kAOVs9RIboUs2YD0omyVdE9GHA3ep1axZYkI716brDVlzh1tvgah-wvhPPud8g8K4Vqm3ErvOxwGTTpBeYBFh9clZsYSWL1ys33alvw/s1600/Our+anniversary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Dq8If9DGETnyOXYeYNwKk7WcfkLNsdhQz0G5kAOVs9RIboUs2YD0omyVdE9GHA3ep1axZYkI716brDVlzh1tvgah-wvhPPud8g8K4Vqm3ErvOxwGTTpBeYBFh9clZsYSWL1ys33alvw/s320/Our+anniversary.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
We do love Christmas<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, e</span>specially Mariah!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTql9w1muE9RDbzSXEhdEbXgImu5HtBdHLU_4uwp9qznagI2SVFOW66nZmZQ9OKHkvCQDyrZl0fpamKHoR6qkgWCS67wMmGdoUvqtKsK5iN8ry-MDfSdwJoyFO39Q4GTncY6E4p6lI0C8/s1600/Momo%2527s+snowflake+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="749" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTql9w1muE9RDbzSXEhdEbXgImu5HtBdHLU_4uwp9qznagI2SVFOW66nZmZQ9OKHkvCQDyrZl0fpamKHoR6qkgWCS67wMmGdoUvqtKsK5iN8ry-MDfSdwJoyFO39Q4GTncY6E4p6lI0C8/s320/Momo%2527s+snowflake+dress.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
She told Santa she wanted a real dinosaur, one of his reindeer, and a real unicorn. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincf9QOUEI4eAxUf1HBgYxiyO9DuoFegSetPSTgPD5eq16bJRMGD-BLX7iyBltSXSl6IGHfKJENiTtpwk4k5VjYRAA_loeFUmAWuCuI1F7G_SQU-YHbobAxbuEVwnd_GzeQhzP0VdNHOQ/s1600/Momo+with+Santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincf9QOUEI4eAxUf1HBgYxiyO9DuoFegSetPSTgPD5eq16bJRMGD-BLX7iyBltSXSl6IGHfKJENiTtpwk4k5VjYRAA_loeFUmAWuCuI1F7G_SQU-YHbobAxbuEVwnd_GzeQhzP0VdNHOQ/s1600/Momo+with+Santa.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Christmas Eve was spent as a family in the Christmas Eve Service at Fellowship.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRQOAKLBxG8-FY967HilTdB31AF3rjFDTgsBcGoG0VLrAmDd9VEJN7UTZ45E0X0mkj1Vs6Ear4SDsOUhiZIHiS8zqNPwSlkOOK5U7dlSFTudnLf-LEz6d32YggtIADQ8bqoicifLGXCQ/s1600/christmas+Eve+Service.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRQOAKLBxG8-FY967HilTdB31AF3rjFDTgsBcGoG0VLrAmDd9VEJN7UTZ45E0X0mkj1Vs6Ear4SDsOUhiZIHiS8zqNPwSlkOOK5U7dlSFTudnLf-LEz6d32YggtIADQ8bqoicifLGXCQ/s1600/christmas+Eve+Service.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
We are beyond blessed to provide Christmas to our kids. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8faIcdX75bVf9TrQ7vG7watOC9HuzgPdwLPSzezCecxDaFJYCh7wTylXohxMC1vWnWM1lNLoKT1A_yprblkbvS6O5NoXfaptaaxMnPxPPR67B2gL55QU8n4s7k3ZTpTpmB11H6WrGYOA/s1600/IMG_0931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8faIcdX75bVf9TrQ7vG7watOC9HuzgPdwLPSzezCecxDaFJYCh7wTylXohxMC1vWnWM1lNLoKT1A_yprblkbvS6O5NoXfaptaaxMnPxPPR67B2gL55QU8n4s7k3ZTpTpmB11H6WrGYOA/s320/IMG_0931.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Two days after Christmas our friends brought a<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> s</span>weet baby boy into this world. We must visit!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBDftyJJajYTnze5cXXLdWMONRqqy-7eK5KQG0icpKt77rgSnRjnR88z_5U4S8DpETohgmS8b6c-gLhwMVcYXk4ZszT-ay3PZlx1-0MjfwcdDGEd3WPjrSkfXJon-lVGlA_w4q2aqJvw/s1600/IMG_0978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBDftyJJajYTnze5cXXLdWMONRqqy-7eK5KQG0icpKt77rgSnRjnR88z_5U4S8DpETohgmS8b6c-gLhwMVcYXk4ZszT-ay3PZlx1-0MjfwcdDGEd3WPjrSkfXJon-lVGlA_w4q2aqJvw/s320/IMG_0978.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I am facing the music that Jeremy is a baby hog.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYGr4ThyMr7EuRjaUAXoSHzWm7uvbMQR87qQ_hh1eR2wWCnfTC7XDvsGyHqU70iB86ySIwy4qIaWV-CoND9atnRh9v6TvkbOP4axp-SYqJhZ6FfGJy25qU6WcQIT2d13Au62FKPpRexc/s1600/IMG_0982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYGr4ThyMr7EuRjaUAXoSHzWm7uvbMQR87qQ_hh1eR2wWCnfTC7XDvsGyHqU70iB86ySIwy4qIaWV-CoND9atnRh9v6TvkbOP4axp-SYqJhZ6FfGJy25qU6WcQIT2d13Au62FKPpRexc/s320/IMG_0982.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
We also attended <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">'</span>The Nutcracker'</span> at the Smoot. Kyle and Becca helped seating people in the balcony<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.</span> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWairTidzqVTdtaH3x6P5jhg7Hp9a_0sopxvqNQPBeefAV13DkdJx5Nn-RvjjFQ5dXxcVgOKaDKW0_eANKgTtOFvFH5mmmDMf2rL19m9kC9Vgp7H6PF0Vr1dABfeJp7_4KoGmMN8nfIZ4/s1600/Nutcracker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="750" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWairTidzqVTdtaH3x6P5jhg7Hp9a_0sopxvqNQPBeefAV13DkdJx5Nn-RvjjFQ5dXxcVgOKaDKW0_eANKgTtOFvFH5mmmDMf2rL19m9kC9Vgp7H6PF0Vr1dABfeJp7_4KoGmMN8nfIZ4/s320/Nutcracker.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
If we were not busy enough, my sweet amazing husband had a birthday as well. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jeremy, you are my safe place, my adventure, my laughter, my joy, my comfort, my love, my delight, my mischief, my rock, my muse, my encourager, my solace, my partner in all things. You are the one for me, for always. I read this from a friend about her hubby. I changed it just a little and adapted for us. It is true....every word.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPdxOb4dRmvWX_oA8LDPc3aSjzCt1h33b6-sMmSJRA5PQUCZ3ADTxgEp57N6sfcl4LCQD2tGLKi5wA6iSKxl-nBSGrR6h3PtVbOMW-2jzaSOZidlLKiHx63TzviLBgea9NEjq-XvFc9s/s1600/IMG_2632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPdxOb4dRmvWX_oA8LDPc3aSjzCt1h33b6-sMmSJRA5PQUCZ3ADTxgEp57N6sfcl4LCQD2tGLKi5wA6iSKxl-nBSGrR6h3PtVbOMW-2jzaSOZidlLKiHx63TzviLBgea9NEjq-XvFc9s/s320/IMG_2632.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We celebrated Jeremy's birthday, which also happens to be Selah's Family Day. Those days are hard for her so this year we kept it really quiet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJVUyzKziuvU77RD-c4vxAUgHhYmRO4szpeYnyo24doKjreJJjxCoSME8lqGWmaULroPquk3AQ8pvloVj4Fcm4A4ut1co7HDL_zLrl0gFHcq8QYVhdKw3XQBbVDzWlku9XOxIb5h5lqY/s1600/Jeremy%2527s+Birthday+Dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="750" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJVUyzKziuvU77RD-c4vxAUgHhYmRO4szpeYnyo24doKjreJJjxCoSME8lqGWmaULroPquk3AQ8pvloVj4Fcm4A4ut1co7HDL_zLrl0gFHcq8QYVhdKw3XQBbVDzWlku9XOxIb5h5lqY/s320/Jeremy%2527s+Birthday+Dinner.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now, I'll go take a nap.</span><br />
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</xml><![endif]-->Jeanine Kaminskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568520971903283877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408070105018871437.post-83953468502076779192018-08-04T00:42:00.001-04:002018-08-04T00:59:29.982-04:00It's broken!<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our Upwards soccer season started April 14th. It was Ben's last season to play. He really enjoys playing.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He worked hard getting in shape. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He ran daily.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He began weight lifting.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He was ready!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then two minutes into week two something happened. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was not there. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mariah had a birthday party and I was going to be a few minutes late fo<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">r his game</span>. I stopped to get her a lunch at Wendy's and had ordered the meal at the drive through. My phone rang as I waited. I saw it was Jeremy. I thought it was strange he was calling me then. After all, he was coaching Ben's game. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I answered the phone and I heard Jeremy's voice saying, "Hold on, Jeanine<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">!</span>"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was a bit confused. Why was Jeremy, one <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">of Ben's coaches, calling me after the game started<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">?</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then I heard, "We need to get him stabilized!"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Can you imagine what was going through my head? I completely jumped out of the drive through<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span>waving as I drove past the window in apology. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jeremy finally came back on the phone and told me that Ben broke his arm and they were trying to get his arm stabilized.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The 3 mile drive to the field is a blur.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once I got there I immediately followed Jeremy and kids to the local ER. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then I saw my boy as he stumbled out of the van. Oh my goodness!!!! My heart was a mess. My <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">boy was clearly in shock and <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">pain was obvious.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RGGgKJDj9KBSHGk9DHyeEDgTDr5EPD-_ujSEx0sQ3AcWPGiVxn7f2sbLiIjqgUHBT2Z02yFaONVDidst_QoN-kcTO_sT4jNVRBShaPFWx4NwzGKfJCI-QhX3HsA6wio4fRM-fcJ6jcE/s1600/Ben+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RGGgKJDj9KBSHGk9DHyeEDgTDr5EPD-_ujSEx0sQ3AcWPGiVxn7f2sbLiIjqgUHBT2Z02yFaONVDidst_QoN-kcTO_sT4jNVRBShaPFWx4NwzGKfJCI-QhX3HsA6wio4fRM-fcJ6jcE/s320/Ben+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We got him checked in and the day seemed to get worse, if that was possible.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We saw a few nurses, a physician assistant, and radiology techs.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPX_rgN6SeS9Fz5DYtK2c6hkNcGqo6ciLgLcVVHRZGWlOnuPdpN-ntUPaexTYiDO-m5h57oN02yMsmA4kU-0iA34NRl4rb4ers1ciNWfVaKpv1OeFNMDp28Y9nnEwW4tyONyJa10MMO4/s1600/Ben+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPX_rgN6SeS9Fz5DYtK2c6hkNcGqo6ciLgLcVVHRZGWlOnuPdpN-ntUPaexTYiDO-m5h57oN02yMsmA4kU-0iA34NRl4rb4ers1ciNWfVaKpv1OeFNMDp28Y9nnEwW4tyONyJa10MMO4/s320/Ben+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There seemed to be a bit of confusion. We never saw a doctor.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The IV line for pain meds was started but the meds barely lasted 30 minutes. He was miserable. Then his O2 sat</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> dropped. He tends to do that with any sedation.</span> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQp8O5GftGdeRHcMpua72eLEsZtUUFkJRv1xSpX86HdX3rDq3CVFbTh_0hKcC8sVbWInXSiMGnG8KIjl8sT2T3-JsxBA0utG3LPKwb5ADX9yCfAdXUBT2T-NY4N8aqobV1QoS9hDEY43o/s1600/Ben+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQp8O5GftGdeRHcMpua72eLEsZtUUFkJRv1xSpX86HdX3rDq3CVFbTh_0hKcC8sVbWInXSiMGnG8KIjl8sT2T3-JsxBA0utG3LPKwb5ADX9yCfAdXUBT2T-NY4N8aqobV1QoS9hDEY43o/s320/Ben+3.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They came in and took him <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">to radiology. They showed me th<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ese x-rays...</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvCMBxkf8c1wB_sYjsJ5qcY_HTR2bAZ6O5dSOIXsUW6JjjJVPXL-jMR16-p_OrXEt5qDrp3jJXiVMUbaQ5Ls8Tda_N51ikX8BC7Omw-9gHRXxw5b0aBybpoUXt6hQPv2ioo0DAM3KFpk/s1600/Ben+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvCMBxkf8c1wB_sYjsJ5qcY_HTR2bAZ6O5dSOIXsUW6JjjJVPXL-jMR16-p_OrXEt5qDrp3jJXiVMUbaQ5Ls8Tda_N51ikX8BC7Omw-9gHRXxw5b0aBybpoUXt6hQPv2ioo0DAM3KFpk/s320/Ben+9.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">...<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">and t<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">hen this</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkl0ecbfYQCN2aubxdC2jgfVMacqPm1k0Gq3TpPP6ynFEskdS5RVPzUGVldNcb4QnJhr8vOsKzmQyOgf7hB3U9ddqkqcsc0KK-IoMyNaPxtfpEE3FKicfUlx4KtdfZFoaiMmn3PVoTgo/s1600/IMG_8595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkl0ecbfYQCN2aubxdC2jgfVMacqPm1k0Gq3TpPP6ynFEskdS5RVPzUGVldNcb4QnJhr8vOsKzmQyOgf7hB3U9ddqkqcsc0KK-IoMyNaPxtfpEE3FKicfUlx4KtdfZFoaiMmn3PVoTgo/s320/IMG_8595.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After a few hours there, Jeremy left to go home and check on the five kids at home and gather stuff to spend the night. While he was home the Physic<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ians </span>Assistent came in and told me they were discharging him to go home. Telling us we could find an orthopedi<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">c surge<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">on the next week.</span></span> There was absolutely no way I was going to allow that<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am not afraid to advocate for my kids. I demanded a transfer. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We drove Ben to Morgantown's Ruby Memorial Hospital.....2 hours away.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A couple of boys stayed home and we took the girls with us and met my parents in the parking lot of Ruby at 11pm. They took the girls back to PA with them for the night.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The orthopedic surgeon and team were waiting for us. They could not believe our hospital was sending us home. We definitely made the right choice.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7VTU3C4wECaXhVEeuj6stj5WL1d6PXBjjUfehz-V-quwpZSJE6lG312dxcTtm7T1KBSLJKtwhiRqA-YPEyDx_tkciWp95yDh-Bm4rJzJDL_kE9cYkZ5bhjqKYZwt-KtcW0xJ-D8BGXM/s1600/IMG_8618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7VTU3C4wECaXhVEeuj6stj5WL1d6PXBjjUfehz-V-quwpZSJE6lG312dxcTtm7T1KBSLJKtwhiRqA-YPEyDx_tkciWp95yDh-Bm4rJzJDL_kE9cYkZ5bhjqKYZwt-KtcW0xJ-D8BGXM/s320/IMG_8618.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ben was taken into surgery by 9:00 the next morning, Sunday. They also had trouble with his O2</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> in the OR.</span> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgev9Rhsi-pL03bPh_N71x5YG-VQ44rj8o8OrqOgj0H25ubDhDo3wV3PzSBrTwSpM5BwYjBpNlMPYeXEnCloadNeZ5FNFz909t5ejJ1fkk7mpgMaHcrnar9w8-1QMp46dwYc8N3s51ayPY/s1600/IMG_8606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgev9Rhsi-pL03bPh_N71x5YG-VQ44rj8o8OrqOgj0H25ubDhDo3wV3PzSBrTwSpM5BwYjBpNlMPYeXEnCloadNeZ5FNFz909t5ejJ1fkk7mpgMaHcrnar9w8-1QMp46dwYc8N3s51ayPY/s320/IMG_8606.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Jeremy <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">and <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have been th<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">rough our share of surge<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ries with our kids. I am pretty <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">sure we have close to 20 surgeries we have waited through. So when we had been up/awake for <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">well over 30 hours.....I <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">was happy to see Jeremy finally get a few minutes o<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">f rest while we waited <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">during surgery.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBaNZWHOiLx4YfCKy6KaO7Wuzs8PFiQ12lXnH7AczYHK2heNoD_kzvn_TfLxvyTlp_m0OeR25f4xTkbyEQ7qnRmfEcgYdy0s05TZD3iLUq2jKZ3-2oeI18u6w_PmYeiqT4Qa1XC_P6B4/s1600/Ben+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBaNZWHOiLx4YfCKy6KaO7Wuzs8PFiQ12lXnH7AczYHK2heNoD_kzvn_TfLxvyTlp_m0OeR25f4xTkbyEQ7qnRmfEcgYdy0s05TZD3iLUq2jKZ3-2oeI18u6w_PmYeiqT4Qa1XC_P6B4/s320/Ben+4.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">was very short<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">-lived. Ne<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">xt <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">thing <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I kn<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ow, I saw him pacing.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIZTIzH39jUT82NUMd12JS6l5n4lXiRhcyQxL76lBPWXxrrYG1xlJE_RMrWYB6j9uJHObiaC2Zz6MHNeM_XnDkiK5DJHNbzSP-KlvRkfq_4ctn-xI8LouM9kpYCWXTq0zRxpH-HF61e0/s1600/IMG_8602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIZTIzH39jUT82NUMd12JS6l5n4lXiRhcyQxL76lBPWXxrrYG1xlJE_RMrWYB6j9uJHObiaC2Zz6MHNeM_XnDkiK5DJHNbzSP-KlvRkfq_4ctn-xI8LouM9kpYCWXTq0zRxpH-HF61e0/s320/IMG_8602.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After six previous surgeries for Ben, I knew that bedside manner does not determine the quality of a surgeon. So imagine my surprise when Dr. Tager looked at Jeremy and me before surgery and told us that his oldest son is just a tad younger than Ben. And since his kids are not at the hospital that he would treat Ben as "his boy" as long as he was back in surgery. He assured us Ben would be safe. And with his history of coding once under sedation...they were on their toes!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62Q7S4CQoicjT9t_Yjj6PQGdy4AraTUNMRTN3C3BsnN0U4H5PrmVzBeqxWNxyjvIrVFJIaXw5Qed6nUOzVPyCfH9RrKQSWKGjLVao8VOgrE_fnzFgcsY9Pj4YuMHitZbXcPA3oFukGCY/s1600/IMG_8600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62Q7S4CQoicjT9t_Yjj6PQGdy4AraTUNMRTN3C3BsnN0U4H5PrmVzBeqxWNxyjvIrVFJIaXw5Qed6nUOzVPyCfH9RrKQSWKGjLVao8VOgrE_fnzFgcsY9Pj4YuMHitZbXcPA3oFukGCY/s320/IMG_8600.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Two plates, 13 screws and no cast!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIWNAY9YgIC3ClWQnxNmbHHLdPMD12XRmCpdIzMkR-vvJPvn1U80aSGJWdpphk34KPbhIcJvLEn8e4p6h4O_87HIf3C2Muh4FZrDMaabLXM9aQrrbHrxL5G9FLFRrIkNi9zw76hgSqlc/s1600/IMG_0414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1382" data-original-width="1600" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIWNAY9YgIC3ClWQnxNmbHHLdPMD12XRmCpdIzMkR-vvJPvn1U80aSGJWdpphk34KPbhIcJvLEn8e4p6h4O_87HIf3C2Muh4FZrDMaabLXM9aQrrbHrxL5G9FLFRrIkNi9zw76hgSqlc/s320/IMG_0414.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">T<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">here were the doctor's initials on his arm! <i><b>DST</b></i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTX8xOhJ2DR0KK_a5psVeIS8YlK1gJTMd1ut1x7zngH4HdzoSbzWrK5sxQObndzE-xcJvu3yAz_sdBjs17ActJZG5iu_RFJd0NZNt18_pUQSLVMD2KS3VWL0rnQQh9T2R1MgtRyzMqVI0/s1600/Ben+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTX8xOhJ2DR0KK_a5psVeIS8YlK1gJTMd1ut1x7zngH4HdzoSbzWrK5sxQObndzE-xcJvu3yAz_sdBjs17ActJZG5iu_RFJd0NZNt18_pUQSLVMD2KS3VWL0rnQQh9T2R1MgtRyzMqVI0/s320/Ben+5.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">We were discharged a few hours later. Mom and Dad made that trip back with our girls and I know they </span>were exhausted. With no sleep and struggling with utter exhaustion.....we drove back home with Ben and our girls.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkN1PZjyPmB01kr5jibsxi2i4qP5H_iTGSmair0KSvudEVNi153ynVKXMXQSCW8vogg3vXQV18PwHoBuPwYflO3EpnQXvrUJXOvqyqOASkOLVW0ZrkBGLvYi63MR-IgGFNkxqAekYJwY/s1600/IMG_8621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkN1PZjyPmB01kr5jibsxi2i4qP5H_iTGSmair0KSvudEVNi153ynVKXMXQSCW8vogg3vXQV18PwHoBuPwYflO3EpnQXvrUJXOvqyqOASkOLVW0ZrkBGLvYi63MR-IgGFNkxqAekYJwY/s320/IMG_8621.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Six weeks of lifting nothing at all......NOT A THING!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Need I remind you that he is a 14 year old boy<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">?</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Oh my! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">few days post-op we took the dressing off. Tha<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">t may have been <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">more traumatic than p<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">rep for surgery! He was so af<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">raid to lift his arm.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yYFiOj0jLA3e20ZE5HikZg2dOM_6YJfWBvhwfTu7K_lsHlTVhDMFRUgUfkxf2cWcLXEO41xIbEHdEHpH1EblqcxiXnxLDkyVZoBeETMgsBPTRaH1FWeshLtjd_i3kcOxdYPhWhwHaz4/s1600/IMG_0465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yYFiOj0jLA3e20ZE5HikZg2dOM_6YJfWBvhwfTu7K_lsHlTVhDMFRUgUfkxf2cWcLXEO41xIbEHdEHpH1EblqcxiXnxLDkyVZoBeETMgsBPTRaH1FWeshLtjd_i3kcOxdYPhWhwHaz4/s320/IMG_0465.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ben and</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rebecca go to church early every week with Jeremy.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Seven days after a <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">his</span> surgery, Ben insis<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ted on <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ser<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">vi<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ng the coffee at our church<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, using one arm.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwh1DijFIiWoYzR6M02A_-0ZGF8yb8LebK1vqIo2NF9mRM3va_RcFl5XD21DJvQi_W1Pw77yPwsI14UL40aw9937f3DPaIJu48Z8S9MBQEKe46XfzD3zXCC6mzLaLpMshvkicbEDeG94I/s1600/IMG_0475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwh1DijFIiWoYzR6M02A_-0ZGF8yb8LebK1vqIo2NF9mRM3va_RcFl5XD21DJvQi_W1Pw77yPwsI14UL40aw9937f3DPaIJu48Z8S9MBQEKe46XfzD3zXCC6mzLaLpMshvkicbEDeG94I/s320/IMG_0475.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
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</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ben spent the</span> r<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">emainder of the soccer season as an assist<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">a<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">nt coach<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> (Dark brown shorts standing to the right of his dad<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">).</span></span> He was such a good sport about it but it killed him to just watch. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48qLvUsJ0J2t4sA-fM0_5BSZ1PENHIJ5nE5kA4wFyKOrXZJ8FCAo2JeiGE7yzepJY49Z10Zk-s8IoFZ2HCANRpc295zOXmXqy2mf3UmEtGohs8b2mmSfis797E-Xva-lDq_fWptTqOc4/s1600/Ben+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48qLvUsJ0J2t4sA-fM0_5BSZ1PENHIJ5nE5kA4wFyKOrXZJ8FCAo2JeiGE7yzepJY49Z10Zk-s8IoFZ2HCANRpc295zOXmXqy2mf3UmEtGohs8b2mmSfis797E-Xva-lDq_fWptTqOc4/s320/Ben+8.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After six weeks we had another x-ray. It was healing but still quite broken. That meant six more weeks of severe restrictions. He could now lift a coffee cup. (I forgot to ask if the cup was allowed to be full.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xbTLWTjrfxdi-xOA6LmDwlSMIu27Q_XI58q7Q5rNETeBwHTPZDEzTbuWtrNoGgGPCw-18a2lH9C1L59oDhadyfkUSZduhlQ1TZjDBBHrXOyjl5dF1chsDnKrsIqobtUXmTrK_XltPoM/s1600/Ben+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xbTLWTjrfxdi-xOA6LmDwlSMIu27Q_XI58q7Q5rNETeBwHTPZDEzTbuWtrNoGgGPCw-18a2lH9C1L59oDhadyfkUSZduhlQ1TZjDBBHrXOyjl5dF1chsDnKrsIqobtUXmTrK_XltPoM/s320/Ben+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Three long months<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">,</span> many miles walked in the neighbor<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">hood</span> and many, many books later Ben was finally released to do anything! He could finally earn money cutting grass....not just feeding the neighbor's cat while she was on vacation.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ben's surgeon was one of the kindest men we have met. He is caring and sweet. That was such a bonus for us!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiok3ipl1hlX58Tr9qvyiTBqSbTsPw99i3f-KtaFxuoSJHFP6K6aNE4N4w6e0V-uK8mHRfz15XilJzm00I8t8mD9SChZ6kxzI5ppteiPdlBe-65-fi7-8W83IYYpyw1kOp08AuVPOubD4/s1600/Ben+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1593" data-original-width="1600" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiok3ipl1hlX58Tr9qvyiTBqSbTsPw99i3f-KtaFxuoSJHFP6K6aNE4N4w6e0V-uK8mHRfz15XilJzm00I8t8mD9SChZ6kxzI5ppteiPdlBe-65-fi7-8W83IYYpyw1kOp08AuVPOubD4/s320/Ben+7.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ben really is not a tall kid. His growth pla<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">tes are close<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">d so he is done growing (a little early but expected for him). <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ben is 5' 8".</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We are happy he is such an easy kid. He takes it all as it comes. Honestly, Ben is probably the <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">easiest kid for this to happen. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Throughout this experience I learned:</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*Jeremy and I are an excellent team</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*Each experience brings us closer together </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*Our extended families are an excellent support</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*</span>I am stronger than I t<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">hought</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*I do<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> not ever care to experience<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> this again</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I wonder if this c</span>ould this possibly be the resurrection of <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">my blog? </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<br />Jeanine Kaminskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568520971903283877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408070105018871437.post-42592713547622368322018-07-29T12:59:00.001-04:002018-07-29T23:05:38.888-04:00It's been how long? Yikes! A very special birthday!<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After such a long hiatus from writing it is really hard to start again. Journaling is one of my passions. It certainly pales in comparison to loving and serving my Lord. It also pales in comparison to loving and serving my husband and family but here I am. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJbwXToBBkWDNC2z3XYim_119Uj3BtCd9VYF5gD4RNwKrfEOssEKRFcxh31bSbLXZL9YR-5siSAW6mlonmPCTFHmNAjBo1MJNJV2UIi5c3yWe4Q7EsEQ5HdEBx5_LtecGmK9FR86ZoEI/s1600/IMG_1180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJbwXToBBkWDNC2z3XYim_119Uj3BtCd9VYF5gD4RNwKrfEOssEKRFcxh31bSbLXZL9YR-5siSAW6mlonmPCTFHmNAjBo1MJNJV2UIi5c3yWe4Q7EsEQ5HdEBx5_LtecGmK9FR86ZoEI/s320/IMG_1180.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Writing these days is hard. I struggle with time! I still homeschool several kids. Our oldest completed his first year of college and maintained a 3.8 GPA! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Due to the sheer size of our family we typically do not have large birthday celebrations. Each of the kids have had one birthday party as a child where they invited friends. Then we do something special for their 16th birthday. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jeremy and I always enjoy the planning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kyle's 16th birthday included tickets to go see comedian, Tim Hawkins. Since his birthday is in January, the trek to some obscure location in the middle of nowhere through a snow storm was almost as fun as the event itself!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Selah's 16th birthday happened to fall on Thanksgiving Day. She celebrated her birthday in Pennsylvania with both sides of our family! There were over 50 there to help her celebrate! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Micah's 16th birthday included a laser tag/pizza party with the teens at our church. As we remember well, all of our kids ended up with influenza. Ahhhh......the memories!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At the end of June we celebrated Rebecca's 16th birthday with a family party here at home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jeremy and I were so excited for her! She opened a few gifts but was completely shocked to read this..... </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Happy Sweet 16!!!</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rebecca,</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For your birthday we are planning a trip to the National Aviary in Pittsburgh! They have many birds there, including a "keel-billed toucan"! We have to wait until the exhibit opens up again in July! Olivia and Gabby will be enjoying the visit with us. We love you! </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She has had a great love for toucans for years! Yes, years. I have no idea where or how but it has been there for as long as I remember. It only seemed fitting to make these arrangements! She was utterly shocked! It was so fun to watch!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEo_YZdGruxGXEQkRkGu_UYpqp3-FqYNR1SBFdGjeGVI0ikBRMAO0UJ9VoJ2lFtg8CveSAWBaKSrXxFbOlbB0yLdAWAcvMX1tTUHXVFQ24RVwM-_NWTxxK_mrAuFgiIkGd04AX-AHN9cA/s1600/IMG_9194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEo_YZdGruxGXEQkRkGu_UYpqp3-FqYNR1SBFdGjeGVI0ikBRMAO0UJ9VoJ2lFtg8CveSAWBaKSrXxFbOlbB0yLdAWAcvMX1tTUHXVFQ24RVwM-_NWTxxK_mrAuFgiIkGd04AX-AHN9cA/s320/IMG_9194.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">then </span>we had to wait.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">........and wait. </span><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Somehow we had to arrange <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">our visit </span>to fit the schedules of 10 people. Several of which have jobs! But we did it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Whose kid is in the front row? She is a bit animated.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We drove two vehicles to get there since Kyle had to work late on Friday. I am stunned he (and Ben) drove through the 200 miles and navigated the horrible, confusing, traffic and Pittsburgh streets to arrive safely at my parent's home in Leechburg, PA!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We visited Jeremy's mom and dad for a little bit. Olivia and Gabby were introduced to Jeremy's dad...who hilariously, purposefully pronounces words incorrectly. They secretly thought, "That poor old man!" until I saw them struggle to maintain composure. We are so used to it but I realized this was a first for them. We all died laughing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We then went on to my parents' for supper. Olivia and Gabby were enjoying the country life and food! My mom is an excellent cook! They ate all of her yummy pleasures. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Saturday morning my dad put Kyle's car in the garage and ran his computer on it to read codes. (Don't be too impressed. I don't actually understand mechanic talk. I've just heard it for my entire life!) He discovered that the mechanic here in WV that "fixed" the exhaust lead did not actually fix the leak at all. My dad was quite upset. Dad said the welding done was not nearly enough to fix the problem and there was a second hole even bigger that was not ever touched. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I wish you all could know my dad. My dad is one of the hardest working men I know. He turned 68 this past week and has not slowed down one bit. He is a retired steel worker but works from 8am until 10pm in his garage. He undercharges his customers. He is an excellent mechanic. He is taken advantage of by so many. There is one thing my dad hates.....is a dishonest mechanic. And, especially hates it when they take advantage of his children or grandchildren. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Just an hour in his shop......</span><br />
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And a little bit of quality welding....we are good to go! No more check engine light! We kind of miss it. Kyle got so used to it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After lunch we drove to downtown Pittsburgh's North Side to the National Aviary. Our plan was to buy a ticket for Rebecca to feed the toucan! Unfortunately those limited tickets sold out. I could have cried for her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is Bob. Pittsburgh's keel-billed toucan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewmo4O5noG7UrSH1qpXpfgUtTb6c3pHSeNiU1POEYuwcw_UJ2AxgPoU4PaaBBlkvGMFUWK4C_wMuscf_uAeM5Z6D2ixZ07apb5Hj3TRoQKDkkFW7AEmkLELKSFuhyphenhyphenPht4NgaA68L8hFI/s1600/Bob.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewmo4O5noG7UrSH1qpXpfgUtTb6c3pHSeNiU1POEYuwcw_UJ2AxgPoU4PaaBBlkvGMFUWK4C_wMuscf_uAeM5Z6D2ixZ07apb5Hj3TRoQKDkkFW7AEmkLELKSFuhyphenhyphenPht4NgaA68L8hFI/s320/Bob.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Instead we bought a ticket for her to feed the lorikeets. I could see Becca's disappointment. But it was fun to feed these beautiful birds. Gabby is such a funny teen! None of the birds were coming to her. Not one! Finally this happened......</span><br />
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And Olivia.....she looks pretty <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">even whe<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">n <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">she isn't <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">trying.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiktdI84gZiHvdl_ldpKLrkpGhyphenhyphen6vseqjY5hBvFxqMTw8NddV_2e1q1G3Ef4xB2cRw9xysgUHStKa5gEHTFZ6vGVlRUoYs3HZwSkFIbzD17CSQYaiez_WC_zH6_GTX0mZx3o6uNoCN-57k/s1600/5BB3D48D-858D-4532-8760-9CC62E99AB65.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiktdI84gZiHvdl_ldpKLrkpGhyphenhyphen6vseqjY5hBvFxqMTw8NddV_2e1q1G3Ef4xB2cRw9xysgUHStKa5gEHTFZ6vGVlRUoYs3HZwSkFIbzD17CSQYaiez_WC_zH6_GTX0mZx3o6uNoCN-57k/s320/5BB3D48D-858D-4532-8760-9CC62E99AB65.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We went into the theater to watch those with tickets feed the toucans. Again, I saw her disappointment. Then the Lord did his thing </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Two people who bought tickets did not show up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They were paged.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They still did not show.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So I did what I dreaded. I sat silent for a fe<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">w moments then finally </span>asked if just one in our party could take the place of the two who were missing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The National Aviary staff called Rebecca up and she ended up having a <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">mini-</span>private session with the toucan of her choice! She had tears in her eyes! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbiXAvASdtmJ6DZIFRHO14DRuKLHPSFyW_z3CU92qosp_RqOYS43UdVGcpySLpsFf4UF5twEnRP2UGDf-xymgMzyzmk7BrtgPTBNc21xqUk5cBlwHrtJm1BsLemnYhcL-eTJE_C2oeQyA/s1600/293AC379-6ED7-4F55-A019-2104786FF56B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbiXAvASdtmJ6DZIFRHO14DRuKLHPSFyW_z3CU92qosp_RqOYS43UdVGcpySLpsFf4UF5twEnRP2UGDf-xymgMzyzmk7BrtgPTBNc21xqUk5cBlwHrtJm1BsLemnYhcL-eTJE_C2oeQyA/s320/293AC379-6ED7-4F55-A019-2104786FF56B.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is an aracari toucan. One of the smallest toucans. She is a star. She has been on Good Morning America, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and a few other shows.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Huge shout out to the National Aviary staff for unexpectedly making this visit so special.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Olivia was also thrilled at this creature. Jeremy.....not so much. He beli<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">eves t<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">hey are one of the u<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">gl<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">iest <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">things created.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJsCXr8g0J0eDzxCuRfGvxGXXkpJRUV12WrFIQDEzMCtcYJ7rugh7Cxom8kKahXQLCEqbG1YhqgHYwbgpXh07fyL6iHgazW5WpeO9enSe366anrrQUx7SIvToKy7NEFnZyhEvEz-QBbI/s1600/28EA0412-8902-4B6F-AC91-121AA722468C.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJsCXr8g0J0eDzxCuRfGvxGXXkpJRUV12WrFIQDEzMCtcYJ7rugh7Cxom8kKahXQLCEqbG1YhqgHYwbgpXh07fyL6iHgazW5WpeO9enSe366anrrQUx7SIvToKy7NEFnZyhEvEz-QBbI/s320/28EA0412-8902-4B6F-AC91-121AA722468C.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We hung around (pun intended) to see "Ferdinand" climb right over our heads! He was a tad faster than we anticipated.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was certainly a fun trip. I'm not used to all the giggling, talking, and laughing in the car! Boys are much different to travel with! We had so much fun! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thank you again, National Aviary, for such a fantastic day!</span></div>
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Jeanine Kaminskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568520971903283877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408070105018871437.post-75461806382954383452017-03-04T00:41:00.002-05:002017-03-04T00:41:16.691-05:00Holidays and Birthdays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We did it! We got a Christmas family photo taken this year. We waited till Christmas Eve, but it happened! Yeah!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiti5FDHvYa5Rm5fGD-QrRXVlUN9RCGyHPWS3DHes9yampJDV-zbocTFinAzlZYtbY8uG5L1G9EJppyjX3TboBOOhIhA85-4jyYGPzDd_ZOqk7AWw4pNkz-l_u8a2kxyj7SEZOhKOMKK3o/s1600/Family+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiti5FDHvYa5Rm5fGD-QrRXVlUN9RCGyHPWS3DHes9yampJDV-zbocTFinAzlZYtbY8uG5L1G9EJppyjX3TboBOOhIhA85-4jyYGPzDd_ZOqk7AWw4pNkz-l_u8a2kxyj7SEZOhKOMKK3o/s320/Family+photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our Family room is traditionally where our Christmas stockings are hung and then opened Christmas night. It is our cozy room. We spend a lot of our evenings in this room. This photo was taken before half of my lights decided to go out. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRrNyWeXcHFQLp5dgBHeDmxMJs6zEi7c78IvLexI7HX-55UAk1Jq7oB8Dy70FWfhWx6co5jdW2URVGSCFFw1pZfPPI1E-hXlrMZDFjzTyhVRcTlT7jE70VOhOiMfDMh2cQ3YUlpK6tNw/s1600/Christmas+FR.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRrNyWeXcHFQLp5dgBHeDmxMJs6zEi7c78IvLexI7HX-55UAk1Jq7oB8Dy70FWfhWx6co5jdW2URVGSCFFw1pZfPPI1E-hXlrMZDFjzTyhVRcTlT7jE70VOhOiMfDMh2cQ3YUlpK6tNw/s320/Christmas+FR.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Five days after Christmas we celebrate Jeremy's birthday. This year I made him a lemon cake. It was not my favorite, but no one complained.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqsQtXEMRJcuJM1XFhFvD2nnlEqCi_t54xPf_-KXuFHAzAltyZPI4bw1SzP78JR2JapKQgy4vYMQp8zbhyF9lXO2vG97V-WR05Keu7PLzZ07UugtcvdQXKsHVOZydSlRtR6q9rcevK28/s1600/Jeremy%2527s+bday.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqsQtXEMRJcuJM1XFhFvD2nnlEqCi_t54xPf_-KXuFHAzAltyZPI4bw1SzP78JR2JapKQgy4vYMQp8zbhyF9lXO2vG97V-WR05Keu7PLzZ07UugtcvdQXKsHVOZydSlRtR6q9rcevK28/s320/Jeremy%2527s+bday.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We have been quite busy for several months here. Between November 24th and February 17th we celebrated: Thanksgiving, 7 birthdays, our 21st wedding anniversary, Christmas, Selah's Family Day, New Years, Chinese New Year,<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdUI7yvntfCOws8I4IAurpqEPQQwOAS5OwytIDVuiFx3Y6SIdWNgEv8kJQYuu65wDUwPkM8-eoI_zeOvjH1O_54jMWeFvNCF0pejiIrXu9XY3apPfrDI9X6u2zlr4z06BdAKiNjG_CZY/s1600/CNY.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdUI7yvntfCOws8I4IAurpqEPQQwOAS5OwytIDVuiFx3Y6SIdWNgEv8kJQYuu65wDUwPkM8-eoI_zeOvjH1O_54jMWeFvNCF0pejiIrXu9XY3apPfrDI9X6u2zlr4z06BdAKiNjG_CZY/s320/CNY.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
...and countless Christmas concerts with our church and the Smoot choirs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bear with me as I share just a photo or two from each!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had a birthday, too. Just another day but Jeremy and the kids really made me feel special. Little did I know that this birthday (I was sick) would be so different. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBAqetFCXAAQxJlEVsm4A_UKhkaGBf233bKr8Vonb7uSvH86hWE8vL9_vSMEAtT201qHf7TJghXwkF9rWxGxGm3ZkUKE1uMurQYLhQdBsPsGP4YhaYQoDlnH4BfUK0Cpm9x200gN0CYoA/s1600/bday+flowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBAqetFCXAAQxJlEVsm4A_UKhkaGBf233bKr8Vonb7uSvH86hWE8vL9_vSMEAtT201qHf7TJghXwkF9rWxGxGm3ZkUKE1uMurQYLhQdBsPsGP4YhaYQoDlnH4BfUK0Cpm9x200gN0CYoA/s320/bday+flowers.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kyle turned 18 this January. It is special because his birthday is just three days after mine. He really was the best birthday gift I could have ever wished for that year. He is such a great young man! He makes us so proud as we watch him mature and grow in his walk with the Lord. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5hXHLJnFy4wlILnWadxq2l5pVGo90ftoFnM0HmZWpPuHEhZJdihXf7-lAX_ygYsIxqiVlACrSDAkOXHfyt_81bXMq7FXiY-XXBgI5h1OyBAyYOCG7d3LFdVST5HJejObvzcKy7wr8zc/s1600/Me+and+Kyle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5hXHLJnFy4wlILnWadxq2l5pVGo90ftoFnM0HmZWpPuHEhZJdihXf7-lAX_ygYsIxqiVlACrSDAkOXHfyt_81bXMq7FXiY-XXBgI5h1OyBAyYOCG7d3LFdVST5HJejObvzcKy7wr8zc/s320/Me+and+Kyle.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUIfpg9p_E_wVfrX71E3A8xwFJv2l5ls8UxvYsAENoohEMdVig1Cx5lzWisfZotvc8zRdJuwsUcr_PIVEf6KI7rdr-Jo8Ff0gy4cYBzycW0ZHxvkYsrgU1PGDGRlYjjUEp_ne2dyuEPM/s1600/Kyle+Senior+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUIfpg9p_E_wVfrX71E3A8xwFJv2l5ls8UxvYsAENoohEMdVig1Cx5lzWisfZotvc8zRdJuwsUcr_PIVEf6KI7rdr-Jo8Ff0gy4cYBzycW0ZHxvkYsrgU1PGDGRlYjjUEp_ne2dyuEPM/s320/Kyle+Senior+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just a couple days after Kyle's birthday, Jeremy left for work one morning. It was icy. His car slid off the road. He walked home to get tools and our boys but when they returned they discovered two other cars slid off the road and hit his. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before it was all said and done the police came. The officer fell. A fourth vehicle was involved and hit the other three. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The car was a complete loss. Jeremy was not at fault. Mostly, I am thankful no one was hurt. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQXK1Nw36fadTqnFYRC1Au6yHKsimbJRHnBwEnh1rOojll1COIBzENze2RrbzDpEh0mRKnvHvbZ3SyPf7jrWwWBLbJgo_kl5VP7-XOKFkGrP8RTmQoC2qWUK7DgmW_h4fur3Sf-oaNH4/s1600/Car+wreck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQXK1Nw36fadTqnFYRC1Au6yHKsimbJRHnBwEnh1rOojll1COIBzENze2RrbzDpEh0mRKnvHvbZ3SyPf7jrWwWBLbJgo_kl5VP7-XOKFkGrP8RTmQoC2qWUK7DgmW_h4fur3Sf-oaNH4/s320/Car+wreck.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> My mom had a birthday in February and Jeremy decided to get tickets for my mom and me to attend a Sandi Patty concert held right here in the town next door...Marietta, OH. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7rBUG_6Eur3z60CbcHttoMJ9Zz7TftWuZhzYIdjwEq1R1xC9SE_dd-CA4B4kxuNYuwdu9AvW554PFtqhSnEZn1V6bic08o3RZSPidlrls8GxDEKPeBlsDoqg32fvyxA2kPfwZxXzweY/s1600/Concert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7rBUG_6Eur3z60CbcHttoMJ9Zz7TftWuZhzYIdjwEq1R1xC9SE_dd-CA4B4kxuNYuwdu9AvW554PFtqhSnEZn1V6bic08o3RZSPidlrls8GxDEKPeBlsDoqg32fvyxA2kPfwZxXzweY/s1600/Concert.JPG" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think she enjoyed it! I will say that the man sitting next to me was not happy that my coughing was interfering with his illegal videography. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I used a lot of cough drops. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUf2_dYQJcQuORH558E5Y6aVLcE4xOF6PcwQ4GIVYWGKqgN7D58DvaUl6xUsQtTTED-c7LSYw-2cW1x-XS7MGrVEK4ZlFI59l9tWA6gW0KKLG-URBD8TT9VBdDg0UoPiJEy3hhy2brRMU/s1600/Sandi+Patty.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUf2_dYQJcQuORH558E5Y6aVLcE4xOF6PcwQ4GIVYWGKqgN7D58DvaUl6xUsQtTTED-c7LSYw-2cW1x-XS7MGrVEK4ZlFI59l9tWA6gW0KKLG-URBD8TT9VBdDg0UoPiJEy3hhy2brRMU/s320/Sandi+Patty.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kyle, Mariah, Micah and I drove my mom home because Dad had Kyle's car all ready. Mariah sure eats up all the special time with Grandma and Pap. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKR1evNLG3hOavlhPadpWZwVWzbUlrQgP1JLnuN7bGvAkrGHuKkFQp4GvKaDhuHYkHXDMVIBgEPImyNfF5MRvzYV1Ausw3NrJJ3PUbF7VxwQgqFm-e9vo7iNRL3oIEXlJgyRV4N1IUBGA/s1600/Mom+and+momo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKR1evNLG3hOavlhPadpWZwVWzbUlrQgP1JLnuN7bGvAkrGHuKkFQp4GvKaDhuHYkHXDMVIBgEPImyNfF5MRvzYV1Ausw3NrJJ3PUbF7VxwQgqFm-e9vo7iNRL3oIEXlJgyRV4N1IUBGA/s320/Mom+and+momo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Kyle bought a car on Black Friday but my dad needed to be sure it ran well and met his standards for the grandkids! Now Kyle needs to take his test!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKkzssTrW_JWNZzv0hmqMYanpxC5ZLQqbQTvhDBiBtmlG0rIX-EooJJwen_apUkIeudwOOCym5447i5rcOXrKyTiRd2jKZUShmTdvtkOlmsOxMPtff8gPvZg0ETPX2zqtLT4M11tD3Cg/s1600/Kyles+car.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKkzssTrW_JWNZzv0hmqMYanpxC5ZLQqbQTvhDBiBtmlG0rIX-EooJJwen_apUkIeudwOOCym5447i5rcOXrKyTiRd2jKZUShmTdvtkOlmsOxMPtff8gPvZg0ETPX2zqtLT4M11tD3Cg/s320/Kyles+car.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Then the kids were getting sick. The lack of cold weather has had quite the affect on the viruses that are circulating. It began with Rebecca, then Mariah.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVmt4WFuHXHdQ1r_lnO53yrwAOQCwTxL73nDWWPazOBFucpBNDCumyxLwrd8KQOHsckV0Fvi-wOOyKQFazAGvaI3m-sdZf0K4zvrrK1RKZDxTlDr_ZwsEcRxDl3VMIkob63Vcsj2LQF8/s1600/Flushed+cheeks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVmt4WFuHXHdQ1r_lnO53yrwAOQCwTxL73nDWWPazOBFucpBNDCumyxLwrd8KQOHsckV0Fvi-wOOyKQFazAGvaI3m-sdZf0K4zvrrK1RKZDxTlDr_ZwsEcRxDl3VMIkob63Vcsj2LQF8/s320/Flushed+cheeks.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Any illness with her puts us on high alert. I believe her shirt is on backwards. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nyZd0EBfTZHxNKQ_BCKbI9Y0YG5Al2xTDp_Ah03R2wTlfhfmBBUIznGDCcFPG3v3xA89q1v7zhsQDFT9KlT7JrZTCAUfhCJYCda3mW6gxed5S0FVp8n8SSTj1zKnMcbrbeNg7S8IhAE/s1600/temp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nyZd0EBfTZHxNKQ_BCKbI9Y0YG5Al2xTDp_Ah03R2wTlfhfmBBUIznGDCcFPG3v3xA89q1v7zhsQDFT9KlT7JrZTCAUfhCJYCda3mW6gxed5S0FVp8n8SSTj1zKnMcbrbeNg7S8IhAE/s320/temp.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
My poor girl was so sick. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAw0uV2ljdypWzYuuKMOD19UHKiL5g571ixtzKSKE4mQEj8AZYxGdaAyGwVEqH8Ktd-NjRJtdD1fFOmyx9rt9KDXvieAYEeDTKXI-BOgaV69FrGSu7C0opjJwVpbtASglZwM8dJDu6COM/s1600/momo+asleep.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAw0uV2ljdypWzYuuKMOD19UHKiL5g571ixtzKSKE4mQEj8AZYxGdaAyGwVEqH8Ktd-NjRJtdD1fFOmyx9rt9KDXvieAYEeDTKXI-BOgaV69FrGSu7C0opjJwVpbtASglZwM8dJDu6COM/s320/momo+asleep.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then we had another birthday. This was Micah's 16th! We had a laser tag part for him in the church's gym. It seemed like the kids loved it. He had a great turn out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwgiNd-t-HsDymhLNCSkb97bmGyTiTZAobKAxbcE7nrnM2byOyw7d_28oq3M_zq0Azm6cZJlqr5I8N1VLkAPRPLabRAxv5hqLEsTe-mxY5UeNFpySJH15u488WeETXkNNaLdfG6vqpZQ/s1600/Micah%2527s+b-day+cake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwgiNd-t-HsDymhLNCSkb97bmGyTiTZAobKAxbcE7nrnM2byOyw7d_28oq3M_zq0Azm6cZJlqr5I8N1VLkAPRPLabRAxv5hqLEsTe-mxY5UeNFpySJH15u488WeETXkNNaLdfG6vqpZQ/s320/Micah%2527s+b-day+cake.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next morning all three of my boys woke up sick...fevers, coughs, aches, general fatigue. Again, Becca and Mariah got sick.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We finally ended up at the doctor several days later and it was decided four kids had the flu. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Life still went on. Smoot Choir practices continued...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY720jZ0ycbDoF3rioSnGFD6TOI6MfFcCpQZaiIEKE8zkbyPQku3ymT4d85GuRj3UreDpaM9NuG34F_7RctneSaBpMeYQV1DYDVI6vUzCIDLim6tSZbt76avvXAQxQHP8iAGzU-_4svWM/s1600/smoot+practice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY720jZ0ycbDoF3rioSnGFD6TOI6MfFcCpQZaiIEKE8zkbyPQku3ymT4d85GuRj3UreDpaM9NuG34F_7RctneSaBpMeYQV1DYDVI6vUzCIDLim6tSZbt76avvXAQxQHP8iAGzU-_4svWM/s320/smoot+practice.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">School... Daddy makes a great and far more fun teacher than Mommy.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2Eku_66xxBbVmT8txvFEjDyUhTnKF1UJLVFRERcCPfVTw4ejO_UXLFhCF5dAPaTXkjnA9jdZtrCYLT8x6is9x7EgokIPAxWstmF9W2uliRYFl8QkAyNc1t6EB4UxvUR0Wxxu0YqJB_w/s1600/daddy+and+school.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2Eku_66xxBbVmT8txvFEjDyUhTnKF1UJLVFRERcCPfVTw4ejO_UXLFhCF5dAPaTXkjnA9jdZtrCYLT8x6is9x7EgokIPAxWstmF9W2uliRYFl8QkAyNc1t6EB4UxvUR0Wxxu0YqJB_w/s320/daddy+and+school.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
He always marches to the beat of his own drum. Good thing we homeschool He would never be allowed in school with all of his weapons.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMPkJRMUwnLnIOFxX8byyQFn7AEwgb3KVC5IccDiTWisJZFrwrFzbOfOJkmn0Kqd7tD7-sq6QIpqaRirInnEjqqrZeB6jT5O5BHRFteVwqtDypPb1BUBZtSR5mBKPRjchlYh5BhaZWe8/s1600/Ben+at+school.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMPkJRMUwnLnIOFxX8byyQFn7AEwgb3KVC5IccDiTWisJZFrwrFzbOfOJkmn0Kqd7tD7-sq6QIpqaRirInnEjqqrZeB6jT5O5BHRFteVwqtDypPb1BUBZtSR5mBKPRjchlYh5BhaZWe8/s320/Ben+at+school.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I have been struggling with some vocal cord issues. On more than one occasion my vocal cords have had spasms and cut off my airway. Jeremy was lucky enough to witness one of these events a few weeks ago. It is scary. Those 20-30 seconds seem to last forever. My doctor sent me to my ENT who scoped me. After a difficult scope, my ENT noticed some damage to my vocal cords. There is no cure. It may be caused by reflux. But, I also am fighting a terrible sinus infection. This all has flared my asthma like never before. I am tired. I have not slept well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With several more appointments to a few more specialists we will try to get to the bottom of what exactly is happening. It is not life-threatening. For that I am thankful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mariah is my sidekick and goes everywhere with me. She keeps me young!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJEcEl132UInB2Q4-ZcStfgkvq6a6tK_OIsZQo2__wnUUTfXew9VIq0xmDeeTltdKeQvfTMPyzNrYyM3PjfSb_2H3UVkYaxwDflx5cyE-nGI_3RU-Xj7KJ_5pmo9Chv-Q14CMD9QlNDc/s1600/Momo+and+mom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJEcEl132UInB2Q4-ZcStfgkvq6a6tK_OIsZQo2__wnUUTfXew9VIq0xmDeeTltdKeQvfTMPyzNrYyM3PjfSb_2H3UVkYaxwDflx5cyE-nGI_3RU-Xj7KJ_5pmo9Chv-Q14CMD9QlNDc/s320/Momo+and+mom.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We are so grateful that all of our kids seem to be on the mend. Jeremy has been under the weather this past week, but as usual, he tells no one and refuses to admit he is not feeling well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe this is it for the kids being sick. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now that holidays and birthdays are wrapped up (until June), maybe we can establish normal again! </span><br />
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<br />Jeanine Kaminskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568520971903283877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408070105018871437.post-91451443507024942052016-12-14T02:36:00.000-05:002016-12-14T22:59:00.330-05:00Today she is 6!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPZMXF1TE125TdF1aGMcU6z851UtsdC_J1FdU23qu_YbsQ4X4Lk6rFEM-j6KICMe6WFDdrhITKEtl2RhWuyoH357pRkBgZCHJFRx4Hf4DsKDoMhtO1jkcG3Z9hZ59loMnWahStkAW_wU/s1600/Mariah+singing.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPZMXF1TE125TdF1aGMcU6z851UtsdC_J1FdU23qu_YbsQ4X4Lk6rFEM-j6KICMe6WFDdrhITKEtl2RhWuyoH357pRkBgZCHJFRx4Hf4DsKDoMhtO1jkcG3Z9hZ59loMnWahStkAW_wU/s320/Mariah+singing.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This past Sunday night Mariah sang for the children's Christmas program at church. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Today is a day to celebrate. Even though we do not know Mariah's exact date of birth, this is the day that was chosen by her orphanage as her birthday. We will celebrate. Actually, every day is a celebration in her world. She truly is one of the happiest kids I've ever known. She lives life to the fullest. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have frequently shared her funny sayings. She is hilarious!! She keeps us on our toes, for sure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I wish I had her zeal for life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mariah is an amazing child. She makes friends literally everywhere she goes: in docto<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">r's office</span> waiting rooms, ball games, Sunday School, choir concerts,<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span>the grocery store........anywhere! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here are a few photos from this past year and a brief explanation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She d<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">i<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">d</span></span>n't make it to the end of <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">the Hometown Ch<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ristmas</span></span> at the Smoot. She <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">anticipated </span>the fake snow waiting near a fan all night. Then she fell asleep before 'White Christmas' and missed the snow. Until the "snow man<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"</span> realized what happened and he sprinkled her! Thank you Mr. Snow Man!!! You made her day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioIKj45afyDk-eoGgQoID7L7Fbdjzm0tiz1PPkOY7c64DLzIM45pz3NNaj8rICfxvkOcH9NXehaPWebopOq_9NXiGsz2gdc7YmQ5Tzv6xX7_qPqhuOI_52wmYVtXA-Ea2nJ5Tq_SDT1g/s1600/IMG_2850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioIKj45afyDk-eoGgQoID7L7Fbdjzm0tiz1PPkOY7c64DLzIM45pz3NNaj8rICfxvkOcH9NXehaPWebopOq_9NXiGsz2gdc7YmQ5Tzv6xX7_qPqhuOI_52wmYVtXA-Ea2nJ5Tq_SDT1g/s320/IMG_2850.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Today we will celebrate the life that the Lord entrusted to us 4 1/2 years ago. She needs us. She desperately loves us. And boy does everyone love her back. She is more than a spark. More like a blaze! I cannot wait to see what God has planned for her life. It has to be big! She knows nothing less!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In September we went to Disney as her wish with Make-A-Wish. This trip gave her many of her wishes and gave Jeremy and I an entire week with our kids, uninterrupted with doctor appointments and financial concern. The heat was hard on her. I am thankful for an un<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">a</span>ssuming stranger among a sea of people who made us aware that she was in trouble. God sent us that man and I don't believe he even knew it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here she was after we were able to wake her and quickly give her the medicine she needed. You can see it in her eyes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5bqNLsFhgkndL5P6Zo74LTYk57uDTJejoh1rFyHSBRbpwl4jdLlnAf2zZaFzElxdqd24OnvkgurOFtkeGtrUi9X8VrLIDTV320u5wHfCGE_sSA5x43hCbMcAeO_nuZF8UoN-nctjNNY/s1600/IMG_2022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5bqNLsFhgkndL5P6Zo74LTYk57uDTJejoh1rFyHSBRbpwl4jdLlnAf2zZaFzElxdqd24OnvkgurOFtkeGtrUi9X8VrLIDTV320u5wHfCGE_sSA5x43hCbMcAeO_nuZF8UoN-nctjNNY/s320/IMG_2022.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> She loved "It's a Small World"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUynKUFYEBOxpFA3ze4frk5bZ34zaqHzn8303O4tU7lao-P11s5DHglbuYtU9rshWyV2Vwj4Ulf6zF3toX3xX8M_mdFavgFkFZF2WQhOcfAbcYiXHkzLTGEVS-RYbZOLbDrbqQb-BBHI0/s1600/IMG_1685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUynKUFYEBOxpFA3ze4frk5bZ34zaqHzn8303O4tU7lao-P11s5DHglbuYtU9rshWyV2Vwj4Ulf6zF3toX3xX8M_mdFavgFkFZF2WQhOcfAbcYiXHkzLTGEVS-RYbZOLbDrbqQb-BBHI0/s320/IMG_1685.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm pretty sure nothing compares to Frozen!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmKatpyceCfsZoj4LxApw8FuIAyYSX8AzYR4wl7rMJ9twLbNGb7QxEKXglULIpbpql3VjysU7Qmibl94yQEOmqDMm8rUxea1D1ekv1tV6zLXEwVpoJ6GGplLD6KRUvKwU6LtpJwjn_zA/s1600/Frozen+show.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmKatpyceCfsZoj4LxApw8FuIAyYSX8AzYR4wl7rMJ9twLbNGb7QxEKXglULIpbpql3VjysU7Qmibl94yQEOmqDMm8rUxea1D1ekv1tV6zLXEwVpoJ6GGplLD6KRUvKwU6LtpJwjn_zA/s320/Frozen+show.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She loves Belle! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMOPiMkkISO8Gll9g30wi4RoJKwp_1DU1PIbtuppzBWvBrbpFPGHAc4YFdnlhqh3JlcSMBUTAvb8M-4a346yPX4fclGS89fT_CmeC1UnrCfkXa_CQIPbRj-VLAG07R1dJpCkQ7zPEGxw/s1600/Belle+and+Momo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMOPiMkkISO8Gll9g30wi4RoJKwp_1DU1PIbtuppzBWvBrbpFPGHAc4YFdnlhqh3JlcSMBUTAvb8M-4a346yPX4fclGS89fT_CmeC1UnrCfkXa_CQIPbRj-VLAG07R1dJpCkQ7zPEGxw/s320/Belle+and+Momo.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She made a new friend in the play area.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XIgAG6qoVtPhJpPUst-tinl5LQEKE1aqvSb170v_UPaexiSaljA1tkkzRVWlxxo5i8EgcUVsVNUqQjwCiq2LxPAnv_ZrRo6VxC2ko7DsgxbaSb4Wf1chS3LyQlEsDetGEtc30uey7hI/s1600/Disney.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XIgAG6qoVtPhJpPUst-tinl5LQEKE1aqvSb170v_UPaexiSaljA1tkkzRVWlxxo5i8EgcUVsVNUqQjwCiq2LxPAnv_ZrRo6VxC2ko7DsgxbaSb4Wf1chS3LyQlEsDetGEtc30uey7hI/s320/Disney.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She and daddy......and <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hello Kitty </span>photo bomber.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aWIbYvWS9Bk5k3K-YJR63Dn8VED3_q2lrHDIKbdlS2fR1JUAl9AGgbNlVbI8ZzR9m-K_1OXE6ZuZYpid9PLO2cL6biDSG6gQ44KsvaoLkKFiMtTSrbXMVrYSL_WbnEqMBGBuy_3TTRc/s1600/Daddy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aWIbYvWS9Bk5k3K-YJR63Dn8VED3_q2lrHDIKbdlS2fR1JUAl9AGgbNlVbI8ZzR9m-K_1OXE6ZuZYpid9PLO2cL6biDSG6gQ44KsvaoLkKFiMtTSrbXMVrYSL_WbnEqMBGBuy_3TTRc/s320/Daddy.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She was so thrilled to ride a horse!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUNtWM4mETIJY9PJaOG6nouBBb25U1w9ksw_LOY1Wi19XrnoJNEsi5iHUwA5dnebgtvVgf7RUNxHxqIKHZwfvfcjULZS95NjIqpLfS3r3ymQYmw7PC2_wK0D7aSkaWgIsyOiKRzjV_70/s1600/Horse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUNtWM4mETIJY9PJaOG6nouBBb25U1w9ksw_LOY1Wi19XrnoJNEsi5iHUwA5dnebgtvVgf7RUNxHxqIKHZwfvfcjULZS95NjIqpLfS3r3ymQYmw7PC2_wK0D7aSkaWgIsyOiKRzjV_70/s320/Horse.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We saw great light shows and fireworks!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aKIr9ZNGpiDLRlzFo3nrnR04qKSTrHvQXMA4yxxhWQ0VF-nrP0gCuoWDHuVYPpmRAYeg5-ROKZN22ocIRkuX63I3dt2PS72u1WPFq-m1qwRdTMwaANvbFkdF1xbb83j6RgEFiWddcGQ/s1600/IMG_2031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aKIr9ZNGpiDLRlzFo3nrnR04qKSTrHvQXMA4yxxhWQ0VF-nrP0gCuoWDHuVYPpmRAYeg5-ROKZN22ocIRkuX63I3dt2PS72u1WPFq-m1qwRdTMwaANvbFkdF1xbb83j6RgEFiWddcGQ/s320/IMG_2031.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Who doesn't love Minnie!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She lost several teeth this year too. Most recently, both front teeth!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She played her second season of soccer and scored her first goal!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DhaCANwO1zS1CFW7jZplkHyxmnwflOy3ZWFSEMJXetvOtjyxKb61HNeMNgh7uCMYiNIw9Vs7Xqsmkzkvv5-YMr7gZcH-svYDHGCqrLNgT8khbitgfIogd0wUiiQHf_2l_RNNo8tQod0/s1600/soccer+tunnel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DhaCANwO1zS1CFW7jZplkHyxmnwflOy3ZWFSEMJXetvOtjyxKb61HNeMNgh7uCMYiNIw9Vs7Xqsmkzkvv5-YMr7gZcH-svYDHGCqrLNgT8khbitgfIogd0wUiiQHf_2l_RNNo8tQod0/s320/soccer+tunnel.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She started kindergarten! Photo is from first day of school, outside!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGuos2iHaUHNe9kJILd_e0hS3yV77dILPULEKq5KSDEwKqkKYBe8HXjvFcQterFGGNL9ghOEmeV199FCt47_7574QiFrQ40DxYqf8_2NrlrglRqLegRKaK8muPiQoBLKZM-bIK8_ixp8/s1600/IMG_1286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGuos2iHaUHNe9kJILd_e0hS3yV77dILPULEKq5KSDEwKqkKYBe8HXjvFcQterFGGNL9ghOEmeV199FCt47_7574QiFrQ40DxYqf8_2NrlrglRqLegRKaK8muPiQoBLKZM-bIK8_ixp8/s320/IMG_1286.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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Went to a friend's house (thanks Nita) and held some peeps.</span><br />
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Cousins are some of the best kind of friends(Joshua)!</span><br />
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More cousins (Hannah)!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEj7PjiYber4Uz0HyveupXPIVd25CjmpTYI7PajpHK7MBWxkRcuZ48inpGChaNW4LNYfB79k8QEHGECzIbHyF-lit_FUnXmS6n39VmJ1icweDT4a_zlmB8vOa7lrpCkjQFurAnfCppXOQ/s1600/IMG_2692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEj7PjiYber4Uz0HyveupXPIVd25CjmpTYI7PajpHK7MBWxkRcuZ48inpGChaNW4LNYfB79k8QEHGECzIbHyF-lit_FUnXmS6n39VmJ1icweDT4a_zlmB8vOa7lrpCkjQFurAnfCppXOQ/s320/IMG_2692.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
More cousins......Elizabeth (in college)!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJB9xHOfmYGi46hTi-A_Sp5xU-KvJBAOCnANJCIsXe7_gSkmIH8ic3vjF3N9U8DNUazBBDgKlERYnLkllaGgIaZioGv5-3EAXfoVfi39HeBLwVn9fEyWmMf6uo64eVf-ik0Obc383MmP8/s1600/Lizzy+and+Momo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJB9xHOfmYGi46hTi-A_Sp5xU-KvJBAOCnANJCIsXe7_gSkmIH8ic3vjF3N9U8DNUazBBDgKlERYnLkllaGgIaZioGv5-3EAXfoVfi39HeBLwVn9fEyWmMf6uo64eVf-ik0Obc383MmP8/s320/Lizzy+and+Momo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
And more cousins! S<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">everal were still missing.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYAf9r32WyI2gkA0o9YEAQeiKTbSWcqSS4Vgm5r1_uW3I30AaRCfRo6Mqvc8m66GINWTsdvMbczH6FkLhC-kzbUjJ4lYhCYIs_Zbmde2SMeJXGKq2JCah3Jzp5NxHHUIpUb5euCoIuxk/s1600/IMG_2698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYAf9r32WyI2gkA0o9YEAQeiKTbSWcqSS4Vgm5r1_uW3I30AaRCfRo6Mqvc8m66GINWTsdvMbczH6FkLhC-kzbUjJ4lYhCYIs_Zbmde2SMeJXGKq2JCah3Jzp5NxHHUIpUb5euCoIuxk/s320/IMG_2698.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
She loves her friends!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2cJ9Z8dPrciKRl136ewUXe6_pbJwPAVWQ6mAilT2AkE8eJQHO3-mvUdfF8u4MKzwFjWEA3yhysG53GhUnpp4P-yTMXhtKzEOfh-E9_jeN6tnPNKk9FvWbvhsSljd5NBSWmnL0mXcVXw/s1600/IMG_1322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2cJ9Z8dPrciKRl136ewUXe6_pbJwPAVWQ6mAilT2AkE8eJQHO3-mvUdfF8u4MKzwFjWEA3yhysG53GhUnpp4P-yTMXhtKzEOfh-E9_jeN6tnPNKk9FvWbvhsSljd5NBSWmnL0mXcVXw/s320/IMG_1322.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
She<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> is <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">mostly patient</span> </span>(pun intended!)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3TORYXoKygkHgg5HoCFmV4fBfQCu0ku0e-9i1uRcxKORcH14_0qf3qDMxKY09XKxNEez3VSor8-q_is7egd6lVmUlTXVg_Ia3UOCNUcL-427UOmuVXDLcwoDkb2syZcskorfQitYNoxI/s1600/IMG_2463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3TORYXoKygkHgg5HoCFmV4fBfQCu0ku0e-9i1uRcxKORcH14_0qf3qDMxKY09XKxNEez3VSor8-q_is7egd6lVmUlTXVg_Ia3UOCNUcL-427UOmuVXDLcwoDkb2syZcskorfQitYNoxI/s320/IMG_2463.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Then we ran into Santa and Mrs. Claus at Target after the doctor appointment.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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More "friends". Just another example of her sense of humor!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNwH1hoZALy3JVDnRGzwnaXsm6NnOpPP5Y9dFzui5N9i0KPt3wvzK-igfi0YQqRi-NDLhJpa2ZwApT7yGufdqFfgSYIOAA8BXBr5Pb-WfrPaO-Oe_Ue-4nYthaaS92SNaAMSJ0_pf0ws/s1600/IMG_2790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNwH1hoZALy3JVDnRGzwnaXsm6NnOpPP5Y9dFzui5N9i0KPt3wvzK-igfi0YQqRi-NDLhJpa2ZwApT7yGufdqFfgSYIOAA8BXBr5Pb-WfrPaO-Oe_Ue-4nYthaaS92SNaAMSJ0_pf0ws/s320/IMG_2790.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
More being funny with Daddy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A natural beauty! Just woke up.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgri-IlVw1R9dbRWshSPzZhZxBeKtUrw3erOlcNggqM_2_hPjd4ibLfDsfXZGRdvmi12UfYLqYi7s4b-XzApmEJ7nwMabpBrBfZ6zEv-8iIJ19rhKpFTidHfxMHOG0vt3AkVEMe-TLgm-k/s1600/Bed+head.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgri-IlVw1R9dbRWshSPzZhZxBeKtUrw3erOlcNggqM_2_hPjd4ibLfDsfXZGRdvmi12UfYLqYi7s4b-XzApmEJ7nwMabpBrBfZ6zEv-8iIJ19rhKpFTidHfxMHOG0vt3AkVEMe-TLgm-k/s320/Bed+head.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">N</span>ervous for her lab work. This time she did not cry.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love when she falls asleep in the car!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Daddy's car!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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No words!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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And finally, the grandparents wore her out!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All of our older five kids are in the teen group at church. So once a month we have a free evening with Mariah. She loves the time with us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcC3T74vmZ4wNTnBIJp_sFgPb776NTsriuElWoWuSy4p_ARcWjlbTsmxbvVijd9Vfr-7whurKRw442BJcP05-C86E7IxzOfAW2eBVLmXnhpx9D5ZX6a7epd2ts-gnhAV6MNRaCPlZo0_A/s1600/IMG_1083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcC3T74vmZ4wNTnBIJp_sFgPb776NTsriuElWoWuSy4p_ARcWjlbTsmxbvVijd9Vfr-7whurKRw442BJcP05-C86E7IxzOfAW2eBVLmXnhpx9D5ZX6a7epd2ts-gnhAV6MNRaCPlZo0_A/s320/IMG_1083.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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We have been thoroughly enjoying the Christmas season this year. We started a little earlier and I am thrilled we did. We have been watching Christmas movies, decorating, and our baking is next week! We have had countless choir concerts with church and Smoot, Christmas parade, window shopping, and other things planned (gingerbread house display and Christmas tree display). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tonight, before I put her to bed I asked her for one more photo of my favorite five-year-old who is turning six. She just giggled and jumped out of bed in agreement. Here was that photo. Nothing fancy, my hair is a mess but I sure do love this girl. I gave up the glamor years ago. Can you see her joy as she gives me bunny ears? </span><br />
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Happy sixth birthday sweet girl! We love you to the moon and back! And as Courtney says......<i>"God danced the day you were born"</i>!</span></div>
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<br />Jeanine Kaminskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568520971903283877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408070105018871437.post-12478481670046794662016-07-17T16:49:00.001-04:002016-07-17T16:49:27.288-04:00It's Been a Long Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTZc102yEve_ciwBOapzdXFAKXSDGF8yNqs-ke2xy43vHhS1JhY7XEB1GCtqS-oQYzCAP0HjUj4lBDMWkEgDAp4377miLcHZ_njc3kgQmSgYLX95Z9HbKo_yXk3mIWophjodLCNhTiZ0/s1600/FullSizeRender%252819%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTZc102yEve_ciwBOapzdXFAKXSDGF8yNqs-ke2xy43vHhS1JhY7XEB1GCtqS-oQYzCAP0HjUj4lBDMWkEgDAp4377miLcHZ_njc3kgQmSgYLX95Z9HbKo_yXk3mIWophjodLCNhTiZ0/s320/FullSizeRender%252819%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I first began blogging I was pretty faithful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As life got harder, I slacked. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For many reasons. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I struggle with the delicate balance of honestly and privacy. It has been more than a year. The above photo was taken just a few weeks ago. I could not do life this gracefully without Jeremy. And in all sincerity, I am not graceful. Jeremy far exceeds me in that category. He offers such great stability. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremy has a way of offering peace. His prayers are absolutely beautiful and raw. I love him and his example to our children. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is always crazy here with so many kids with the typical and not-so-typical medical needs. We took our first vacation as a family of 8! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBRGw44NfIxksNRmP_w55RU5i24hfdqYK3q2eqvB9Frm4ihvCarsIsNN1_d3QKXjG2D-TZD0mH447Klz0ZsTDbof6BpWgvi-80IZ25lzeTx70OTdb90YqnynJ1KdHUU9wjnt2g7pIvOs/s1600/FullSizeRender%252815%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBRGw44NfIxksNRmP_w55RU5i24hfdqYK3q2eqvB9Frm4ihvCarsIsNN1_d3QKXjG2D-TZD0mH447Klz0ZsTDbof6BpWgvi-80IZ25lzeTx70OTdb90YqnynJ1KdHUU9wjnt2g7pIvOs/s320/FullSizeRender%252815%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We painted the entire exterior of our house. It took about 5 weeks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We even put the kids to work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Over the years several boards have warped and pulled up. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPdewfGn-NfFhYlLkDhongbDf6JIU84NrTWk2ae1UE66PdhnToLoN8ARo92ddnEEwjWHSQuOjoraIw8oW4D_RZYrk8QRIHcfURUJ-n1Vt8jrMcWFDqvVczFfTLXsa4b0ZYK5qKi2par4/s1600/IMG_7239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPdewfGn-NfFhYlLkDhongbDf6JIU84NrTWk2ae1UE66PdhnToLoN8ARo92ddnEEwjWHSQuOjoraIw8oW4D_RZYrk8QRIHcfURUJ-n1Vt8jrMcWFDqvVczFfTLXsa4b0ZYK5qKi2par4/s320/IMG_7239.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sweet friends came to visit.....twice!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A new school year.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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New Christmas traditions.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Mariah's first Christmas play at church, and Ben's last.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Jeremy's trip to Israel.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Mariah's dislocated elbow. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes, she dislocated it again. The hospital knows us well. <br />
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Micah's broken finger (thanks to some football).<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Three minor surgeries for ingrown toenails.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One hospitalization for a terrible uti.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One sinus surgery.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Several adrenal crisis.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Daily vision therapy.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62-cWGOQo9sZzZxrdL1OtYb_PVHAn16XSdQtu4ivPglqLrIWnlHNaK9u0GYMD6Av5x21eLD5eCWJuM4n71uqukcjpeKh80fqt2yStd-jYZjBXlI1vNEUA3CP-XXzpJUjPa2qQjuSwsfA/s1600/IMG_5632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62-cWGOQo9sZzZxrdL1OtYb_PVHAn16XSdQtu4ivPglqLrIWnlHNaK9u0GYMD6Av5x21eLD5eCWJuM4n71uqukcjpeKh80fqt2yStd-jYZjBXlI1vNEUA3CP-XXzpJUjPa2qQjuSwsfA/s320/IMG_5632.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
An adorable haircut!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaPuXiPCItqjt62KYRVxcsuEoza5Fnvo85rG5S4Nsxq1EXD_A1p5dZR3uswlXQMpRccNh4LqY-QCSsDP6mvHmZPhmTxkRcGFLVpkj1jgaLSJnPYwh27LLpN5GUtckcWPFGLIxoK5U_cg/s1600/IMG_6551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaPuXiPCItqjt62KYRVxcsuEoza5Fnvo85rG5S4Nsxq1EXD_A1p5dZR3uswlXQMpRccNh4LqY-QCSsDP6mvHmZPhmTxkRcGFLVpkj1jgaLSJnPYwh27LLpN5GUtckcWPFGLIxoK5U_cg/s320/IMG_6551.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
After.........<br />
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Another haircut!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVml8gTqwenUPS6kX-n9oaUu1smn642VQKeesCnhu5cQyjq8SKy3ASbEjOhyr93ZWVJULo-h-ShYC0p3p8wJM9OOfj3IBP9HXlb052UFMwRlJYPORarSSytoOrBzDGiac6PA2xVDELwAU/s1600/becca+long+hair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVml8gTqwenUPS6kX-n9oaUu1smn642VQKeesCnhu5cQyjq8SKy3ASbEjOhyr93ZWVJULo-h-ShYC0p3p8wJM9OOfj3IBP9HXlb052UFMwRlJYPORarSSytoOrBzDGiac6PA2xVDELwAU/s320/becca+long+hair.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
After......<br />
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......and another!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvFaXANErN6zNJR7Tk8XjJ6mHEmN7tVhhNKaEwlEH3GK9kCbeGwDZ0NhzVFoauU4nDCex1unqNhOzxGdzSdplytX-fp-Ic3GVv1aS8RI33dm0-iXtBJ8Z3hcg5_PH1CSPg2gOEucvxGI/s1600/Selah+short+hair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvFaXANErN6zNJR7Tk8XjJ6mHEmN7tVhhNKaEwlEH3GK9kCbeGwDZ0NhzVFoauU4nDCex1unqNhOzxGdzSdplytX-fp-Ic3GVv1aS8RI33dm0-iXtBJ8Z3hcg5_PH1CSPg2gOEucvxGI/s320/Selah+short+hair.JPG" width="222" /></a></div>
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A hailstorm like we have never seen before.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Soccer season with Jeremy coaching and all of our kids participating.</span><div style="text-align: left;">
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First and second lost tooth!</div>
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</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Third lost tooth!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Fourth lost tooth! This was just last night.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oral surgery to attempt to bring down an terribly awkwardly impacted tooth.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBkoTIdCc9gDOeraebh7YBvSelPQ5ph4zAtguSs72wmDOMWfWZh8D6yzbuMvea7BQewyehH5URs7yWRln1aB3-S024TvYZPvZrXKBdYbp6NquE8eDF7WRQ-dCOBX9eZRTvqKQoS3qN_U/s1600/Selah+oral+surgery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBkoTIdCc9gDOeraebh7YBvSelPQ5ph4zAtguSs72wmDOMWfWZh8D6yzbuMvea7BQewyehH5URs7yWRln1aB3-S024TvYZPvZrXKBdYbp6NquE8eDF7WRQ-dCOBX9eZRTvqKQoS3qN_U/s320/Selah+oral+surgery.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
Flood clean-up in southern WV.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Uncle Jeff and Aunt Wendy's gorgeous wedding!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Everyone had a part in the wedding.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Kids joined the Smoot Choirs.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Boys' and Girls' Ensembles. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Delayed reaction to a bee sting......which was headed toward and adrenal crisis. Again this was just yesterday and the reaction this morning.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_fCDWO4xEiuIaTW2Flq20jcyMXIjVV3RO3E_I_UzK4VTrQyJOSOLqHQRnwkXD7JiNkop_O0YV_oBTyv6nQQx8fLy7-6hZlHOAw1QC-uXTYyXgQ3DXEzoEY8mF0jhmNLdLGtX5z49FZiw/s1600/IMG_7320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_fCDWO4xEiuIaTW2Flq20jcyMXIjVV3RO3E_I_UzK4VTrQyJOSOLqHQRnwkXD7JiNkop_O0YV_oBTyv6nQQx8fLy7-6hZlHOAw1QC-uXTYyXgQ3DXEzoEY8mF0jhmNLdLGtX5z49FZiw/s320/IMG_7320.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> It all leaves just a little time for this!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And through it all a couple of friends gathered together to have prayer for my family. Better yet, they texted me to let me know. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For us! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can you even imagine? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am humbled. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am blessed to have prayer warrior friends when it gets tough. And it gets tough a lot around here. During one extremely difficult medical situation Jodi and Rene sent me this photo. (I hope you girls don't mind!)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYqDIFp2WSlcwD32Gckm8suzmCIiJD6cC10pEkQMvZfia8rXX4QCt2zYa2QCyZKWlFb9y9qUEZqKnwagrzX_U_Ni6uOgmp5k0o_3NyX2nOSOv067lDCIBXnRGB-8ToRPxAEeRrWZqyL0/s1600/IMG_7325%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYqDIFp2WSlcwD32Gckm8suzmCIiJD6cC10pEkQMvZfia8rXX4QCt2zYa2QCyZKWlFb9y9qUEZqKnwagrzX_U_Ni6uOgmp5k0o_3NyX2nOSOv067lDCIBXnRGB-8ToRPxAEeRrWZqyL0/s320/IMG_7325%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Their lives were put on hold that day as Jeremy and I sat in a waiting room for 10 hours......waiting and being told, "One more hour." four times.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They did what they could.......they prayed together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know my life seems busy. And honestly, it is. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am tired.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Homeschooling is hard!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Medical appointments for us seem to never go as planned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are days I struggle just getting out of bed. I give medicine twice each night to Mariah at 12am and 3:45am.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But we try to use each moment to help our kids understand that life is never easy. We are not promised easy. In fact, we know we are doing God's will because Satan tries to attack us when we are weak and vulnerable. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In this season of my life I lean heavily on several verses in Scripture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This one I love:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 Corinthians 12:9</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One day these words I type will be distant memories. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I pray that I am serving Him in all I do and say. After all, that really is all that matters. </span></div>
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Jeanine Kaminskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568520971903283877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408070105018871437.post-52680416350427805842015-06-28T00:53:00.001-04:002015-06-28T15:21:05.623-04:00Thirteen Already?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPUBl9O9pwbbtVGdf3c82ZidlT3PjwtxoVFpHBClUxAV2Oomnxolsl2EbHoZemzMg-2CRzo-ctLGswPNWi2qn7mfc8su6yEfCpiZPivvYsPcAGPUfWa8S9IuBMm4JSUp04jwj3BU9gpg/s1600/DSC_0231-80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPUBl9O9pwbbtVGdf3c82ZidlT3PjwtxoVFpHBClUxAV2Oomnxolsl2EbHoZemzMg-2CRzo-ctLGswPNWi2qn7mfc8su6yEfCpiZPivvYsPcAGPUfWa8S9IuBMm4JSUp04jwj3BU9gpg/s320/DSC_0231-80.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a normal Wednesday night and we went to bed. I was 34 weeks pregnant with our third child. I woke much earlier than normal not feeling well. I got out of bed around 5:45am. I was not sure what exactly was wrong but I soon realized something was very wrong. Jeremy was not feeling the greatest as his stomach was a little upset. I did not say anything. Part way through my morning I called my sister. I did not call my mom because I think I knew what she would say and do! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I realized that my water had broken, not sudden but definitely broke. I was not due for six more weeks. It could not be so! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I called my OB's office and then Jeremy. We had an appointment that afternoon. We went to the appointment then we were rushed over to the hospital for a room. The testing confirmed I was not going to stay at our local hospital to deliver this baby. Our baby girl's lungs were no where near ready to breathe outside of the safety of my womb. It was also confirmed that her umbilical cord was around her neck twice (our doctor saw that on the ultrasound). </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My wonderful neighbor/friend did not even hesitate to keep my older boys until we could get things figured out. They loved Miss Bill Bill so that choice was easy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My parents did exactly what we asked them not to do. They began their trip here to WV. However, I had to tell them (as they were halfway here) that we were being transferred to WVU Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I arrived at WVU around 10pm June 27th...............16 long hours after labor had begun. I was miserable. Jeremy had driven so fast and my parents followed. It was a dark, dreary, rainy night. Jeremy and my parents sat around my bed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGeXXnD97nwyY5M-D2pG9PHIQoGiiNY7RcMYqnF98Gq49OJIaH9KfDB54zmVsv0wgT_8HUGnHU2jZmQuaDCI436KwCQ_H96QkTqhciWsTBkaeiKU-x0M7urQK_T7QeGqg2C_sAupvdZg/s1600/IMG_4758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGeXXnD97nwyY5M-D2pG9PHIQoGiiNY7RcMYqnF98Gq49OJIaH9KfDB54zmVsv0wgT_8HUGnHU2jZmQuaDCI436KwCQ_H96QkTqhciWsTBkaeiKU-x0M7urQK_T7QeGqg2C_sAupvdZg/s320/IMG_4758.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The head of pediatrics came into our room and give us a very grim outlook for our baby girl. She was struggling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I do remember that Jeremy's parents arrived sometime on the 28th. The hours were long and all ran together. We all sat and waited for progress. Many doctors came and left my room. Then I was taken to the delivery room. It was explained that they needed to be sure they could take our baby immediately to the NICU.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At 9:33pm, June 28, 2002 we welcomed a beautiful baby girl into our lives. She was whisked away from us as quickly as possible. She was struggling. She was gray.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJscFvNRbL9_P3-5pSFAh-0rfh94RQCj9JrmvQcvixhBLmsHohsSRrHteQyYyO_okMBzaqOzNaRL9l9hJtVqe9Ts_X61vryVqjHA1w-rf-S5HQfhqC-_X1cLXQs_2AZZiiWKaZyCuE8o/s1600/IMG_4759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJscFvNRbL9_P3-5pSFAh-0rfh94RQCj9JrmvQcvixhBLmsHohsSRrHteQyYyO_okMBzaqOzNaRL9l9hJtVqe9Ts_X61vryVqjHA1w-rf-S5HQfhqC-_X1cLXQs_2AZZiiWKaZyCuE8o/s320/IMG_4759.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rebecca was resuscitated twice. It was quickly decided she needed intubation. I was finally allowed to see my baby girl at 3am. Oh my! She was beautiful! I was heartbroken to see her first tear. She was on the vent and unable to verbalize anything. That tear ran down her face and pooled into her ear. I remember crying as I saw that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Those first few days were difficult. She struggled with her blood pressure, bilirubin, and her lungs. She was so bruised from the trauma of birth. Her face was black and blue. Her eyes were blood-filled.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUb_DmXnZTT4R5CjQOsHEmkT6OyuhHbj-s8pbmOlBCL86QaBbW-VoFwmtpOyh2C2R9uIHASF-CdLuvl6YmzyrLcPvWyQ6x1qlKpHUODG5awVMumZxSA9g8aLCjg7q0mgIQENOc4O05iE/s1600/Jeremy+and+Rebecca.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUb_DmXnZTT4R5CjQOsHEmkT6OyuhHbj-s8pbmOlBCL86QaBbW-VoFwmtpOyh2C2R9uIHASF-CdLuvl6YmzyrLcPvWyQ6x1qlKpHUODG5awVMumZxSA9g8aLCjg7q0mgIQENOc4O05iE/s320/Jeremy+and+Rebecca.JPG" width="228" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everyone was amazed how quickly she improved. She was removed from the vent after only 3 days. Her lungs were still not mature but she was improving. I finally was able to hold my baby.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0dG0ggbJkTVVWULmWgzfySxM5rWld88dogXL3Tcq4VM1Nx8jamrYhT5yLiKK2e_S_9A5xW3G7Y1OocTk3nx4wwnmhFPCPFUkAiZWcAQbrgjgyahpb8VZhvBOTWInI69pOvdcvbl-lpE/s1600/IMG_4760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0dG0ggbJkTVVWULmWgzfySxM5rWld88dogXL3Tcq4VM1Nx8jamrYhT5yLiKK2e_S_9A5xW3G7Y1OocTk3nx4wwnmhFPCPFUkAiZWcAQbrgjgyahpb8VZhvBOTWInI69pOvdcvbl-lpE/s320/IMG_4760.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She came home on July 5th. Just one week later! God performed an absolute miracle in our baby girl. Rebecca Rose was our sweet baby girl.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz37Bm-4xl0lzwQAyHL5MI5v5-xmMYfgXebZ5hBfPbgiYZYcvkASl4k6eOTmjnhgk-xUUmMP82lP1Ks_6m0V6es8rxDcd16eePM8TsKOIeMsQaABXXWwdSh4wpzN_XQmGL8zEuCZUaKjQ/s1600/IMG_4761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz37Bm-4xl0lzwQAyHL5MI5v5-xmMYfgXebZ5hBfPbgiYZYcvkASl4k6eOTmjnhgk-xUUmMP82lP1Ks_6m0V6es8rxDcd16eePM8TsKOIeMsQaABXXWwdSh4wpzN_XQmGL8zEuCZUaKjQ/s320/IMG_4761.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am still amazed as I watch this daughter of ours. There could not be a more blessed family than ours. Rebecca has blossomed into a radiant young lady.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yvM_be2thOItyeUAhmGT5A1klod-z2PfMCenh4n02UEbwb83cNWilm_TWz4y_9457DkD9lt0KCdJ5lMyEaygUK34aNxqx9XeDBy8Ft5AkTHrOgLh3B7Xs6kxLTVXSAettlncAELuD_E/s1600/FullSizeRender%252814%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yvM_be2thOItyeUAhmGT5A1klod-z2PfMCenh4n02UEbwb83cNWilm_TWz4y_9457DkD9lt0KCdJ5lMyEaygUK34aNxqx9XeDBy8Ft5AkTHrOgLh3B7Xs6kxLTVXSAettlncAELuD_E/s320/FullSizeRender%252814%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Beautiful for a wedding!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfQ7ziyIpLI2U6iQG_KN9L-IF7bFmYDeMb94OT9Ch7uQUMiyO7Ndv1tIpZi1Iy37aBWXAsuxvz9MCfVNg0hD6C_kacjYgYtlrIXtVozdnnlMM00uUP0sy6slPgRg-iVEkRUDwNN5EsxU/s1600/summer+2010+fun+049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfQ7ziyIpLI2U6iQG_KN9L-IF7bFmYDeMb94OT9Ch7uQUMiyO7Ndv1tIpZi1Iy37aBWXAsuxvz9MCfVNg0hD6C_kacjYgYtlrIXtVozdnnlMM00uUP0sy6slPgRg-iVEkRUDwNN5EsxU/s320/summer+2010+fun+049.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> She passed me in height a year ago and now stands at 5' 4" tall. She is the most selfless girl I know. She gives and gives anything to anyone. Material things mean nothing to her (which I admit can be frustrating to a mom who spent a lot of money on a new necklace that she willingly gave away). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just a month or so ago at church, Rebecca sat with a Chinese college student who was leaving to go back to China the next day. We had met her just two days before. The family that Rebecca was sitting with are friends of ours and as soon as church was over they told me that they believe Rebecca is a missionary in the making. I guess Rebecca just sat beside this student and talked to her and then shared her Bible with her. I was almost moved to tears that this family saw that about our girl.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have watched her grow up. We have watched her sacrifice so much over the past few years. Yet she only wants to give more. Rebecca takes all change in stride. I know I would not have been so understanding as a teenager having to give up my bedroom to a stranger then share a bedroom with a rambunctious toddler nine years younger. Yet, she never complains and is usually the first one to offer help.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc172KItBzV2YInQ0-M3M7itcjrzvDiHrtzLoLFJ20_n5pYW7CmW8ZRmx8-bTSyiFr-ylhj40UwEMgFW28p7w50F_e23MvRer2krzL-9cyMNkGXw_XCjbilPprPXG8edhOgMHf1JJSLDw/s1600/IMG_3832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc172KItBzV2YInQ0-M3M7itcjrzvDiHrtzLoLFJ20_n5pYW7CmW8ZRmx8-bTSyiFr-ylhj40UwEMgFW28p7w50F_e23MvRer2krzL-9cyMNkGXw_XCjbilPprPXG8edhOgMHf1JJSLDw/s320/IMG_3832.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Always willing to be a great sister.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLog5jQctA0VdiWsW-jaIO0eh6KJ1ziTqQmfyrJJW2XJazJVNSvi4V3GAfOGaxCcTI1gubDuK7t-YM7ILbuxx9IN6BED93GQX0tOYsetR2DgTi4ld0Rc7yzPED_7qBsUjWZDCZm7k35s/s1600/DSC_4221-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLog5jQctA0VdiWsW-jaIO0eh6KJ1ziTqQmfyrJJW2XJazJVNSvi4V3GAfOGaxCcTI1gubDuK7t-YM7ILbuxx9IN6BED93GQX0tOYsetR2DgTi4ld0Rc7yzPED_7qBsUjWZDCZm7k35s/s320/DSC_4221-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Silly!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0BY77VSM5WD4TztPPzucmO1YNr7D1iY2leNA4HGJk890X8gDeT2GcmiahEZ67WiZljBi1Sug-MSUJCmPq7C7vlrGDxPty7AMTgW6PiH6LNJjqRtLfuJbtTrdW7RPx2MO_97Z_FCQ65I/s1600/DSC_0112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0BY77VSM5WD4TztPPzucmO1YNr7D1iY2leNA4HGJk890X8gDeT2GcmiahEZ67WiZljBi1Sug-MSUJCmPq7C7vlrGDxPty7AMTgW6PiH6LNJjqRtLfuJbtTrdW7RPx2MO_97Z_FCQ65I/s320/DSC_0112.jpg" width="212" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I see so much of myself in her. Not necessarily the good things. She is stubborn and bossy. I remember as a little girl she would say, "Mommy, where are our boys?" She really thought she was in charge of them. The funny thing is........mostly they listened to her instructions!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rebecca is a unique combination of Jeremy and me. She loves to help me clean and cook. She loves to wear a pretty dress/outfit and have her hair fixed. Yet she knows all about <i>The Lord of the Rings</i>, <i>Star Wars</i>, and is not afraid to play with bugs of all kind!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWypTD_qC0PBF49PyFCw6uiSsrF8o9AEOR03WEeBuCHpxqaGtB4hR4kSvvfj8-DB0gMsfeKwsdAxl919Z8o9WtAXZ2StBGayGFTDvHWp5M0TF9c_V6jZ49HqrRRNhI87NAhxT3LoYYQM/s1600/Hollywood+Studios+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWypTD_qC0PBF49PyFCw6uiSsrF8o9AEOR03WEeBuCHpxqaGtB4hR4kSvvfj8-DB0gMsfeKwsdAxl919Z8o9WtAXZ2StBGayGFTDvHWp5M0TF9c_V6jZ49HqrRRNhI87NAhxT3LoYYQM/s320/Hollywood+Studios+018.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She knows her Nerf guns and is well versed in handling any weapons.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrT4OQZY4xh0kW-R6bzoTlI2OxOdT7H_WaiWvzEPF-XO_FaXRmH8Yois4EfxKOwF3gZUxCQdMMRsfDXdWoc2w3aXapf3Fllm9_v86gIergClX27jvoxThoodjtdRp2zDnccQ8kheaDsmA/s1600/Hollywood+Studios+046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrT4OQZY4xh0kW-R6bzoTlI2OxOdT7H_WaiWvzEPF-XO_FaXRmH8Yois4EfxKOwF3gZUxCQdMMRsfDXdWoc2w3aXapf3Fllm9_v86gIergClX27jvoxThoodjtdRp2zDnccQ8kheaDsmA/s320/Hollywood+Studios+046.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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She is one tough girl!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She has a great sense of humor!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2bshqUKNAEiQ9zQbBfK34aE0F5UnBMd_SJ8ciYMRpyaFGxQJJb1r7rsftEXHTTIfjwj-ARuEpxyVcl2Y4fPS8_K9zdTqdFNvEibJ6HVioXT_Q_94O-DUYWgkPnZTMDs8x30v0u61aBM/s1600/Hollywood+Studios+088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2bshqUKNAEiQ9zQbBfK34aE0F5UnBMd_SJ8ciYMRpyaFGxQJJb1r7rsftEXHTTIfjwj-ARuEpxyVcl2Y4fPS8_K9zdTqdFNvEibJ6HVioXT_Q_94O-DUYWgkPnZTMDs8x30v0u61aBM/s320/Hollywood+Studios+088.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since she shares a bedroom with Mariah, quite often we will hear stories about them in the morning. Mariah sometimes crawls in bed with Becca. Since it is early, Becca will not allow her to come over to our bedroom and instead she snuggles with her until they both fall back to sleep. Becca protects her siblings. She always has.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgc616tGzLX0RNIFJemaXLWzyIOEpOokYVocZDh0z21RHtw7G2UcSqqw_6SuRcVL_TzsCevxSiM7OSruxklwX306Nb06C_9Po5-Qmsbvs0E6qGhMb9ZSD2vIY_LySorY5-yzPm6OOWSQ/s1600/photo+2%252852%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgc616tGzLX0RNIFJemaXLWzyIOEpOokYVocZDh0z21RHtw7G2UcSqqw_6SuRcVL_TzsCevxSiM7OSruxklwX306Nb06C_9Po5-Qmsbvs0E6qGhMb9ZSD2vIY_LySorY5-yzPm6OOWSQ/s320/photo+2%252852%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremy and I realize that once a boy comes around and begins to realize her great qualities, she will be snatched up. But it will be on her terms! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These are the reasons we chose to take this girl to China with us to meet Selah.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPUbzzyNefrk2P9Tab2DqJ2Dc9MtqWA3bjsEpkzAzjc-wjdAiKY9HCeZ9xF_U0m6nnwNvoXJNZkbk4Xu8VsSYOUILr40l83NZ2PsOnq5BM2HRUUphr1SJof1mWoCuMj96bJ6AVG3-WP4/s1600/photo+1%252822%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPUbzzyNefrk2P9Tab2DqJ2Dc9MtqWA3bjsEpkzAzjc-wjdAiKY9HCeZ9xF_U0m6nnwNvoXJNZkbk4Xu8VsSYOUILr40l83NZ2PsOnq5BM2HRUUphr1SJof1mWoCuMj96bJ6AVG3-WP4/s320/photo+1%252822%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was the perfect match! Becca is the best sister and friend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are such a blessed family to have this sweet teenager of ours. She is one very special girl whom we love more than we ever thought possible! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy birthday Rebecca Rose! You are loved and cherished!!!!</span><br />
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<br />Jeanine Kaminskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568520971903283877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408070105018871437.post-62254351208133698642015-03-24T07:00:00.000-04:002015-03-29T00:08:24.614-04:00Better Late than Never<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjFhyphenhyphen-Os_8k1dj1vRIcGZbmDCwn2vqs0TGf48Oeq0a9T6lDUe6X5J-_D4CVZXMFT2Jt5T-sJnoA6RRXJ10qD2yk0x2h-8AgFQXwuOXyShZL0TVCGgNFCK9vGOHXY9MqbkBpf9_2ataBc/s1600/IMG_4215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjFhyphenhyphen-Os_8k1dj1vRIcGZbmDCwn2vqs0TGf48Oeq0a9T6lDUe6X5J-_D4CVZXMFT2Jt5T-sJnoA6RRXJ10qD2yk0x2h-8AgFQXwuOXyShZL0TVCGgNFCK9vGOHXY9MqbkBpf9_2ataBc/s1600/IMG_4215.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This photo was taken just two weeks ago as we had 12 inches of snow in 24 hours. It sure was a beautiful snowfall! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am struggling how to blog after I have been silent for almost three months. I had a friend who wrote to me recently and really encouraged me to blog again. I decided to try again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Adopting a teenager encompasses more than just teenage hormones. There is so much trauma buried deep in her own mind that we often compare those memories which contain many holes, like Swiss cheese, random. But the result of her loss and trauma is no doubt what we are dealing with. Her reaction to many things is not typical for a teen raised in a healthy environment. For instance, when I ask her a question as simple as, "Did you sleep well?" She sees that question as a threat and refuses to answer. Her brain has made a different way than normal to handle perceived stress/danger. I feel the Lord is gently instructing me as I make many fumbling attempts to be a mom to a teenager with so much trauma in her history. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To be completely transparent I'm afraid I would violate our daughter's privacy. But I struggle because when I started this blog I promised myself I would not paint a beautiful picture of a pretend life. I decided it was easier to not write at all. I was struggling to find my own way on this journey. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are emotionally exhausted. While we occasionally see progress in baby steps, we also see the giant leaps back. We definitely had a honeymoon period. We are now in the trenches and it feels like a battle zone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is next to impossible to connect with someone who sits silent. This is probably my biggest battle. We love Karyn Purvis and her teachings on raising children from a traumatic background. Karyn teaches "Connective Parenting". Yet this is nearly impossible with someone who is silent. The challenge is very real. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We do have some very sweet and normal moments. Selah just has so much hurt in her heart that the healing is slow and painful. That pain affects us all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I choose, for now, to write about the things that I have allowed to get lost these past few months. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have a truly amazing toddler who loves us so deeply that we find it hard to not laugh at her antics! Momo is such a lovable child. She tells me no less than a hundred times a day that I am her favorite mom! She is famous for saying things like, "Mom, you know what? I love you!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She loves to help me in the kitchen or anywhere. We recently made <i>No-Bake</i> cookies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hFxQmGlLY5Hrz8PQ_xr8zYhj6WbMxy2ggCrr_Q-67J3EuuG9GRBODcrub0aW1DW0qkFDsky39Mlg7V5g0xNue9odXAk4Ug6Ad797CNCQ5UN7l8v5nS0-l6EiZKPxxVmMgutazlMsgUw/s1600/IMG_4054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hFxQmGlLY5Hrz8PQ_xr8zYhj6WbMxy2ggCrr_Q-67J3EuuG9GRBODcrub0aW1DW0qkFDsky39Mlg7V5g0xNue9odXAk4Ug6Ad797CNCQ5UN7l8v5nS0-l6EiZKPxxVmMgutazlMsgUw/s1600/IMG_4054.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She easily convinced daddy to model a big flower headband.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7QKg2OTGv4X0fHtU6Qsx7NKUGiFsiT5bG6l0CFWAvFtHCbVPH22vgM2hVkkZstgOKvAIQrA4OANLVzgsQjL7e7L-eYQiJCo9R8XZrVf_qgT_Qdw3BRytNSa01gMPAdansAFUOEm6me0/s1600/IMG_4053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7QKg2OTGv4X0fHtU6Qsx7NKUGiFsiT5bG6l0CFWAvFtHCbVPH22vgM2hVkkZstgOKvAIQrA4OANLVzgsQjL7e7L-eYQiJCo9R8XZrVf_qgT_Qdw3BRytNSa01gMPAdansAFUOEm6me0/s1600/IMG_4053.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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......and for Kyle to play pirates with her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcRDTY0T0Ak9tpb3p9YLwVUj6KafAJNiVB2lng1mwhV9Jd4aXp6xDZkfsiaHq7Pnw9kojuWsLNrvlIOhAJnBRtlta2A2uuBpd3erQ5sZ1xsUYWv_iPvMhVHZlsfEhOn5yBi7NHC_dbtg/s1600/IMG_4129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcRDTY0T0Ak9tpb3p9YLwVUj6KafAJNiVB2lng1mwhV9Jd4aXp6xDZkfsiaHq7Pnw9kojuWsLNrvlIOhAJnBRtlta2A2uuBpd3erQ5sZ1xsUYWv_iPvMhVHZlsfEhOn5yBi7NHC_dbtg/s1600/IMG_4129.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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She believes she is helping me with the kids school work. Messes will one day be missed, I'm sure.<i><br /></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kp9M0Ojw6jDj0FYasFKz2OrrmI_Pdel7bTAQsz6GgT8OW889UpA_7LRImDsu0xIPBaCF8WltG8yiPWSXs5Lb5rJG__ZN3VYLBUrdkhyphenhyphenwpWJBE4kvsLx3pmp9YAC54Zy6F96Vmn-mFtY/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kp9M0Ojw6jDj0FYasFKz2OrrmI_Pdel7bTAQsz6GgT8OW889UpA_7LRImDsu0xIPBaCF8WltG8yiPWSXs5Lb5rJG__ZN3VYLBUrdkhyphenhyphenwpWJBE4kvsLx3pmp9YAC54Zy6F96Vmn-mFtY/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="298" width="320" /></a></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All of the kids have enjoyed the snow this winter. So much snow has fallen that our local schools have cancelled so many days that I lost track. Mariah has had so many speech therapy sessions lost due to school cancellations. Looks like we will likely attend summer speech again this year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Our kids enjoy shoveling snow. Weird, I know!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwUT2e9kSdg05M6E2h09-3MhJI2-IN_VbRk20lI3zvhnDG5AGa5LXwYfTj8ZsV-DcjMXHc8OI7fR7QzR-XOv4RbJ89O5Osjlp9koOocVArEwtmohrtG1Oe6b6D4E4hfmtcqb26t9PtCg/s1600/DSC_1398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwUT2e9kSdg05M6E2h09-3MhJI2-IN_VbRk20lI3zvhnDG5AGa5LXwYfTj8ZsV-DcjMXHc8OI7fR7QzR-XOv4RbJ89O5Osjlp9koOocVArEwtmohrtG1Oe6b6D4E4hfmtcqb26t9PtCg/s1600/DSC_1398.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Selah tried shoveling but was not impressed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rebecca is growing up too fast.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ben just has way too much fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-I_eNravOWH4iGO4PCQwcWNegVKy4ZG43f-kDgX2uhML0gEAVkbHW-aoKLEwvneAC4KoouarYt9Ig4UFDyfDRT-Fe9K7Y4t9WSfKEEnRrC0AZlEFVaaCEg0gGckywHoOWRfpHZt-vWsY/s1600/DSC_1444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-I_eNravOWH4iGO4PCQwcWNegVKy4ZG43f-kDgX2uhML0gEAVkbHW-aoKLEwvneAC4KoouarYt9Ig4UFDyfDRT-Fe9K7Y4t9WSfKEEnRrC0AZlEFVaaCEg0gGckywHoOWRfpHZt-vWsY/s1600/DSC_1444.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And this was too cute not to include.</span><br />
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Spring brings new life. That is my prayer for the heart of our girl who has endured more than any child ever should be allowed. Lord, soften her heart so that she can finally accept you into her life and give her the sweet peace that she longs to experience.</span><br />
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Jeanine Kaminskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568520971903283877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408070105018871437.post-56738036317511491512014-12-30T00:02:00.001-05:002014-12-30T00:02:11.121-05:00One Year <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One year ago today we met our precious Selah for the very first time. The Civil Affairs office was vacant except for our family and a girl behind the curtain......our daughter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xMDN9vx8dX1cPvCoBxNsjaM-cFHW1OeFyNtyGp79Ahhbimy7DSEA4V6HhZpVF7JPJMPnp8f-BnwFXGMEsxfNyDx7GCnJDjb8BRjxZ7Pj9Ode70JaiK_82A4wm0xWVWmQM5hgIIXHfJo/s1600/IMG_3719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xMDN9vx8dX1cPvCoBxNsjaM-cFHW1OeFyNtyGp79Ahhbimy7DSEA4V6HhZpVF7JPJMPnp8f-BnwFXGMEsxfNyDx7GCnJDjb8BRjxZ7Pj9Ode70JaiK_82A4wm0xWVWmQM5hgIIXHfJo/s1600/IMG_3719.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She was scared.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She was not happy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She was completely unprepared. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She was silent. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But we were thrilled to meet her and have her join our family and become just like everyone else. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Jeremy's 41st birthday we met our precious daughter for the first time.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The experience could not have been any different than when we met Mariah. At least Selah was not screaming and crying. But I believe on the inside she came kicking and screaming. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unfortunately when we met her she only had the clothes on her back and a toddler size backpack which we knew nothing of its contents. She wore a pair of knit pants and a pajama top that in English read <i>"Sweet Dreams"</i>. She had on two jackets (which were purchased the day before). Her boots were several sizes too small.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were told she knew very little English. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can imagine our surprise when we were in our hotel room that evening getting ready to leave for dinner she walked past Jeremy and simply stated, <i>"I have to go to the bathroom first."</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGX1rWudN1Hl_T9rjKgxHUy4rEUbGXlv665810-5GYW4-U0nkczTzOCm-TnC6BMzVqKc_RbFfiMo2F-jy-NOfICFIivdtCiSqyukU9uJGzwgNuK2_4xg8hVTd6UGCVgBuOcFQ7-4FHW98/s1600/IMG_3742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGX1rWudN1Hl_T9rjKgxHUy4rEUbGXlv665810-5GYW4-U0nkczTzOCm-TnC6BMzVqKc_RbFfiMo2F-jy-NOfICFIivdtCiSqyukU9uJGzwgNuK2_4xg8hVTd6UGCVgBuOcFQ7-4FHW98/s1600/IMG_3742.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Selah's choice for supper that night was <i>Pizza Hut</i>. She had never had pizza before so Becca had to show her how to eat it. She liked it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we sat in our hotel room that night we heard a ringing sound. We all stared at each other. Then Selah jumped up and ran into our bedroom where he coat was. She pulled a phone out of her jacket pocket and answered. We were a bit shocked. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We soon realized that she knew much more than anyone thought. We have since spoken to her social worker in China who asked Selah's school for her grades. We know that she was ranked #1 in her sixth grade class of 800. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year has been one of challenges. We definitely had a honeymoon period. At six months home the real challenges began and continue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Raising an older child from a traumatic background takes parenting to a completely different place. It is unlike any other parenting. Yes she is a teenager but her history is something that is a part of who she is. The challenges she presents are entirely different than our other two teens. Her past is very jaded.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we struggle through daily life we still can thank God for his guidance to bring Selah home. We know that God is in complete control. He led us to her. But this is by far the most difficult thing we have ever done.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please pray for our sweet Selah. She is a product of an institutionalized life. She has had no one take a vested interest in her life. An orphanage has nannies with shift changes. No one constant was there to love her and help her along. Now Jeremy and I are attempting to give her something she does not believe she wants and definitely believes she does not need.....a family who loves her unconditionally.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We only want for her to have exactly what our other children experience.........true happiness and love. That can only come from God. She is valued and priceless. Part of our job is to prove that to her. Quite honestly, that seems impossible to us at this point.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For us this is a happy day. One that we celebrate. For kids who are adopted, these "anniversaries" are very difficult. She has been silent this week. She struggles. It is hard to know how to balance the events and celebration. It is a celebration. We just need to find a way to help her understand that as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll end this with a Christmas photo. We took this photo the Sunday before Christmas. I'm so glad we did because we ended up with a few sick kids the entire week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkYnMFEttqNWJOiLy6xDEKRBhaJmzNFX4XXKHwvhxQW70INWfYOHZm2JoHCAn90GuINmDKxlWU4g-DAAofj9wOi25v4EX3Zw2yyUdtbNZ_9mfCNbVOxHSCDDxLKvmlNNXf32CputH5Go/s1600/DSC_1088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkYnMFEttqNWJOiLy6xDEKRBhaJmzNFX4XXKHwvhxQW70INWfYOHZm2JoHCAn90GuINmDKxlWU4g-DAAofj9wOi25v4EX3Zw2yyUdtbNZ_9mfCNbVOxHSCDDxLKvmlNNXf32CputH5Go/s1600/DSC_1088.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God often is so good to me and brings these verses to mind each time I doubt. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>John 14:18</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. </b></i></span><br />
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<br />Jeanine Kaminskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568520971903283877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408070105018871437.post-11610243842960563702014-11-30T23:59:00.001-05:002014-12-01T00:19:19.203-05:00Fourteenth Birthday............Again!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know it is a strange title but I will explain. When we were in China last December we were a little surprised to see that Selah's birth date was different on her personal social media account than what we had been told. Although she denied it was anything but the "official" date, we had our very strong suspicions that her QQ account was more accurate. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After months of the secret we have confirmation that her actual birth date is November 24, 2000. Even though we had a very small poor excuse for a birthday celebration while in China, we had another 14th birthday one week ago.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At first Selah was not very happy that we discovered her secret. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We waited a few months before pursuing
the subject. Jeremy hunted and searched down some people from her first
orphanage. Two months ago he finally found and contacted one of the nannies from
Selah's first orphanage. She did not speak English but her daughter was
visiting at the time and she was happy to share Selah's story with us. </span>Selah asked us what China would say and was definitely unhappy about a party. We clearly understand she was aware of her actual birthday but was told not to say anything to anyone. She was scared.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Selah's history is not what her paperwork states. In fact, Jeremy and I have both shed tears over what we learned. But it was confirmed to us by from three people that her birthday was definitely not January 4, 2000. Selah was brought to the orphanage the day she was born. There is no doubt that her birthday is November 24th.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We invited several friends of ours and our other kids from church (all girls). Selah was struggling with the entire idea of a party for her. However we pressed on. We only had three girls not able to make it! We had 14 kids here. Pizza, chips, pop, cake, and ice cream were on the menu. Then a movie. She had so much fun at her very first birthday celebration! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Her cake made by a friend, Hannah, in youth group. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> First time to blow out candles. </span><br />
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It took three tries.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Let's eat!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip43LJLPzCY_UBnIey9GZM0ES9Ep4w-_YfF2PrGoQqdvflpRpLJSF7pjg9oG1qxeH4D5chWkyvOKqR1iImxqQoSjCP9mEyPA1l5kv1CgA3JdMcGImkAwxtvWD9ZubNs7YC73FjH519qTg/s1600/DSC_0768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip43LJLPzCY_UBnIey9GZM0ES9Ep4w-_YfF2PrGoQqdvflpRpLJSF7pjg9oG1qxeH4D5chWkyvOKqR1iImxqQoSjCP9mEyPA1l5kv1CgA3JdMcGImkAwxtvWD9ZubNs7YC73FjH519qTg/s1600/DSC_0768.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
Typically when given a gift in China you never open it in front of the giver. This was a tough one for her.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Trying to hold in the laugh.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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More joy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Something was funny.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Movie time with all of the kids.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our birthday celebration on Monday. New clothes.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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She does love Olaf. So why not?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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She needed a new dressy coat. I think she liked it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Of course, Mariah had to try too.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The day of her party was terrific. It has been difficult ever since. I am thankful that she could at least let go of some of the pain and hurt she has experienced and allow herself to have fun if only for a few hours. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She had her very first birthday cake!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She opened her very first birthday presents!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She smiled and had so much fun!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We pray that she will allow us to share in her life. We also pray that she can accept the unconditional love that our family is pouring into her each and every day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Selah, if you only had any idea how much we desperately love you.......</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We pray that God will give you the peace in your heart that He desires. We see glimpses of the woman God has designed you to be. We pray that you will allow God to work a miracle in your life. That is our prayer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we watch and experience the daily struggles here at home we are reminded often of Bible verses. This verse is what we also pray for our new daughter. Our hearts break as we watch her struggle. We would appreciate your prayers for our family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Psalm 34:18</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. </b></i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jeanine Kaminskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568520971903283877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408070105018871437.post-55653592204606649612014-11-16T15:05:00.001-05:002014-11-16T15:06:13.316-05:00Giving Thanks<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have read several blogs recently that have hit home for us. Of course most of them involved adoption. This is where God has burdened our hearts. So while we find other causes admirable we cannot ignore the burden we have for orphans. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had a virtual friend (a friend of a friend and.....well you get the idea) message me and ask if I would like to join her for dinner with two other "China moms". I was thrilled with the opportunity to swap stories and just eat a meal that I didn't prepare. The timing could not have been better. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_2EyO13OkrP5aJ9vzdumqnDy8aI4ztsqbQ4LQpWi6Mko2QOZpYGbdhf5GhMAhyphenhyphenwGIdThDYb6TXLDOuBMgsTdmD-Fn156A-ao6YJ-qY23kFGtR5AWzU7eyeiBvhBWZSd9NNEZv70YxFg/s1600/Outback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_2EyO13OkrP5aJ9vzdumqnDy8aI4ztsqbQ4LQpWi6Mko2QOZpYGbdhf5GhMAhyphenhyphenwGIdThDYb6TXLDOuBMgsTdmD-Fn156A-ao6YJ-qY23kFGtR5AWzU7eyeiBvhBWZSd9NNEZv70YxFg/s1600/Outback.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The four of us sat and talked for hours. I have been the only one to travel to China yet so it was neat to hear their excitement as they were talking about travel. Between the four of us we have 26 children! It was very much what I needed. All four of us Christian women seeking support from each other.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremy and I felt it was very important to take all of the kids to vote. Selah was trying to wrap her mind around our form of government and our democratic process. We wanted to show her that it is a distinct privilege to vote for our country's leaders. All four of my grandparents served during WWII. My dad served stateside in the Army during Vietnam. Jeremy's dad served in the Air Force on a secret base in Thailand. He is one of the many men who were exposed to <i>Agent Orange </i>and suffers the lasting effects of that. Men died for us to have this right to vote. We do not take that lightly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8L4FXfVfeGwapkouu_LT7FFVEwMzGm4Q_jE3mxIFfGM_sBqDe-K_WXg2Ee_6k4LeJOAPIRsNkEuGjheXP9X75qs__ucwfbtU_VUt1g-8FTNuciIrIEKHq-Fo0amnjn57KTCEuIy8L8Q/s1600/IMG_3426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8L4FXfVfeGwapkouu_LT7FFVEwMzGm4Q_jE3mxIFfGM_sBqDe-K_WXg2Ee_6k4LeJOAPIRsNkEuGjheXP9X75qs__ucwfbtU_VUt1g-8FTNuciIrIEKHq-Fo0amnjn57KTCEuIy8L8Q/s1600/IMG_3426.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We waited until Jeremy got home from work and loaded everyone in the car and took them to the polls. Little did we know that they would not allow Kyle to go back with us since he is over 14. We also were not allowed to take any photos. Let's just say I was not about to delete this photo after I was scolded. Oops! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremy's radio station had a <i>"share-a-thon"</i> this past week. I took the kids in one day to see Jeremy. He had been working very long hours and we all missed him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyone who knows Jeremy will verify his long held desire to <i><b>never</b></i> be in front of an audience. However, radio was a different story. He can speak easily on the radio as there is no one watching him. Along comes the television station. Well that problem was solved by him directing and editing.......still behind the camera out of sight! This, however, he never saw coming. Yikes!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our church live streams all services via the internet, Roku, and our cable channel. I turned on the television the other morning and saw this.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Poor guy! He did fine though! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I took the kids in to see him they were put on television and radio.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can you tell Mariah adores her daddy?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiRZMa4snIbEQ8KVSuOqHHaFtrcgZz6MM4rvwr5i3HxHl_QpNbazViM9wN6kpdUeDrM5QARyvZP1OmvB17bCthHkOivPbhEvL5WTXfe78bVwhkpLBCo22C6d0rWe7DiudPZJ211_Sl5Nw/s1600/IMG_3500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiRZMa4snIbEQ8KVSuOqHHaFtrcgZz6MM4rvwr5i3HxHl_QpNbazViM9wN6kpdUeDrM5QARyvZP1OmvB17bCthHkOivPbhEvL5WTXfe78bVwhkpLBCo22C6d0rWe7DiudPZJ211_Sl5Nw/s1600/IMG_3500.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then Jeremy put Selah "on air". Maybe that was not the best decision. He asked her to read the telephone number to the listeners. She has a very strong accent! Let's just say it was funny but even I didn't understand what she said. </span><br />
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Photos like the one above help me realize our progress. But we still have so far to go. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we are approaching the holidays I
am made painfully aware of all that Selah has missed. As joyous as
these couple of months should be, it actually brings much hurt to the
forefront. She struggles with us talking about the holidays before she
came. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is the month that we will be celebrating Selah's
real birthday. I know she has mixed feelings. She always made a point
of keeping her life in China a complete secret from us. Finding out her true age and birthdate was not her
plan. But I do believe she will enjoy the celebration. Her first ever
birthday!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Selah grew up without love, nurture, instruction and direction. Not one person took the time to invest in her life. It truly is a daily battle. The choices she is making are based on survival in an orphanage for many years. Those choices hurt others. Children from orphanages learn to become master manipulators who control everything they can at a very early age. We are fighting for her heart. There are days I believe we are so close to seeing her accept our love. Then other days we feel like complete failures. Yet I am assured that God is faithful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He has called us to her. What a privilege! But it is an assignment we cannot possibly do alone. I long for hugs. I long for a relationship. I long for communication. I long for her love. I long for her to have a personal relationship with Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have to remind myself that it is all in His timing. All of this helps me realize how much God loves me when I act ugly. Jeremy and I have finally accepted that this may be as good as it gets. We must remain constant. We must show her the love that she doesn't believe she needs or deserves. Yet we know God is still working. </span><br />
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Jeanine Kaminskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568520971903283877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408070105018871437.post-68104605029773084962014-10-06T01:31:00.002-04:002014-10-06T01:31:24.982-04:00The Path to Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have not been great at keeping up with my blog. It is incredibly busy here as we homeschool five kids in four different grades and entertain a very busy toddler. We took the kids up to a local park for a few photos. Jeremy is learning some photo editing and we just needed some updated photos. As a general rule of thumb I need to learn that Ben cannot be left to his own as far as wardrobe is concerned. I never noticed he had shorts on. I am glad these are not the good photos! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A peek at our day is nothing fantastic. I consider it a success if I feed all six kids three meals a day. Every night is around the dinner table as a family with a home-cooked meal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am amazed that Mariah can completely destroy a room in 2 minutes or less. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is how my dining room looks at any given time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And my living room..........</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then along with the homeschooling we have normal household chores. The kids wash their own clothes but I do fold them, usually after everyone goes to bed. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week I had a mountain of ironing as well as changing out the summer clothes for the fall/winter things. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I was in the kitchen fixing dinner I smiled as I watched Jeremy at the grill and our sweet Ben just spending time together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPvAzB-_R2CqVf5tkaRwG_mARhjcAW4zXJCCaZYTTq1EmYLedos6PLTdv7FcsUGOh2pkilQIU9n8hbKLt6riPT_nYs551HWpSrsCC8Jue7QOuAghsp4nNev-ho-Po6ua2jodGq1-U_ls/s1600/Jeremy+and+Ben+on+deck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPvAzB-_R2CqVf5tkaRwG_mARhjcAW4zXJCCaZYTTq1EmYLedos6PLTdv7FcsUGOh2pkilQIU9n8hbKLt6riPT_nYs551HWpSrsCC8Jue7QOuAghsp4nNev-ho-Po6ua2jodGq1-U_ls/s1600/Jeremy+and+Ben+on+deck.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have noticed Ben spending more time with Daddy. It really is sweet. The two of them were chatting away and laughing. I'm sure I don't even want to know what was being discussed! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Each Sunday Ben gets up at 6am and leaves with Jeremy to go to church. He was upset a few weeks ago when he was sick and had to stay home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On another note.......we need a bigger grill!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I don't think I have had as many tea parties in my entire life as I have had with Mariah! She loves them.......and so do I! Occasionally we get to include Jeremy.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I walked past Mariah's bedroom the other day and heard her playing. Then I peeked in to see.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In science we are learning about the Table of Elements. Then we moved on to solutions using a solvent and solute. Here was our experiment that produced Carbon Dioxide.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have to admit that this is a beautiful sight! She is one very busy toddler and this nap time is imperative to schoolwork completion! Notice the thumb-sucking. I love it!</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I felt the need to spend a little bit of one-on-one time with Rebecca. She has experienced so much change in the past 2 1/2 years. The dinner was her choice. She wanted Olive Garden. It was perfect since we had a $25 gift card! If you notice.......she is taller than me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cQdbF9YBuGWVfPzY6vaVQSiphG6pxhdD4MUXXZdppP2N-1PzdS6_zoSuy8HwbFPDuKgVT9_1ILLCVW6kaS2wSaOka2RZTuQpn9Wbf_f9MQHYbB7SnTu0nwJYj4JxyCyQdteEDSEF2-I/s1600/date+with+Becca.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cQdbF9YBuGWVfPzY6vaVQSiphG6pxhdD4MUXXZdppP2N-1PzdS6_zoSuy8HwbFPDuKgVT9_1ILLCVW6kaS2wSaOka2RZTuQpn9Wbf_f9MQHYbB7SnTu0nwJYj4JxyCyQdteEDSEF2-I/s1600/date+with+Becca.JPG" height="201" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It had been a while since Jeremy and I had our picture taken. We asked Ben to take a photo and this was the result. Twice!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUVpb82uz3rXbyLCxYf-P9kqGyOtAVtoaC3zsC6nX2zqGnTKBzO0DvKtbN5-r84_Ugy8YytHj3cvcyJawWgHUNBr5twydK-N8h_GpqmTH6CLzG51YgPK4oYEa53Sbxbwrlq-Z6epxq3o/s1600/photo+3.1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUVpb82uz3rXbyLCxYf-P9kqGyOtAVtoaC3zsC6nX2zqGnTKBzO0DvKtbN5-r84_Ugy8YytHj3cvcyJawWgHUNBr5twydK-N8h_GpqmTH6CLzG51YgPK4oYEa53Sbxbwrlq-Z6epxq3o/s1600/photo+3.1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rebecca to the rescue!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am so thankful for this amazing man I married! This past year has been one of many changes and challenges for our family. We have probably tripled the gray hairs we each have. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have had many difficult days here as life in America is proving to be very difficult for Selah. We have had to make many adjustments. And I am so glad that Jeremy and I fully trust each other. He is the "relief pitcher" when he comes home from work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Several things have come to light over the past few weeks. Jeremy has maintained contact with some of Selah's friends in China. Finally, we are getting some answers to questions we had in China. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Selah's nanny from her first orphanage confirmed what we suspected all along. Selah's birthday is not January 4, 2000. Her nanny remembers exactly when Selah was born and was very clear to us it was November 24, 2000. Our 14 year old is really only 13. It is sad that she is afraid now that the truth is out. She asked us, "What will happen when China finds out?" We tried to convince her that nothing will happen and she is safe but she simply does not believe us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We believe that the orphanage merely wanted her to find a family sooner. We do not know why the January date was chosen but the November date makes much more sense. It puts her in the correct grade in school and her bone age x-rays now match her chronological age. We are not upset at all. I am thankful that God allowed this to happen and she is able to be with our family sooner than if her birth date was in November. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremy messaged with one of Selah's nanny's and she gladly told Jeremy details about Selah's past and it really is heartbreaking. She has been through terrible loss and grief in her few years. We pray that one day she can move forward and accept that she is here and we unconditionally love her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have seen a few moments where she has allowed herself to be vulnerable. Even tonight as she was going to bed she asked Jeremy if he saw her new clothes. I took her shopping Saturday evening for a few things and she was so excited to wear them for church. It was cute to see her excitement over a new sweater and skirt. Then she loves for Jeremy to tuck her in bed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She is beginning a very slow process of healing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is hard and painful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am so thankful at God's goodness to give me a toddler that tells me countless times a day, "You're my favorite mommy!" and, "You're the best mommy ever!" Because without that I would seriously doubt my ability to be a good mommy to my two girls who right now need me the most. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My greatest concern is that Selah will never accept Christ as her Savior. Then I fear that she may never truly accept us as her family. This is hard work and we are diligent 24 hours a day. We shower her with love and the discipline of a family. We bathe her in prayer daily. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is hands down the toughest thing we have ever done. But we have no doubt that we were called to this journey. We will pursue her for as long as it takes because we desperately love her. Everyone else in life has failed her so we have a lot to prove. But God is faithful, always. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Proverbs 18:10</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.</b></i></span><br />
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Jeanine Kaminskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568520971903283877noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408070105018871437.post-74709416649609216212014-09-12T01:46:00.001-04:002014-09-12T23:31:24.059-04:00Kaminski Academy<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like so many</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">of my friends I also posted photos of our first day of school on my Facebook page. Admittedly, the night before I was scrambling to get the room pulled together after the end of last school term. I didn't even have their old curriculum packed up. Yep! Me who usually never procrastinates.........procrastinated!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So here is what many of my Facebook friends saw. Empty desks the night before.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Then my token photo with the kids at their desks. Since I was so ill-prepared for school I completely forgot to get a photo that morning. So after lunch I made all of them pretend we were beginning our day. Notice Mariah's lack of glasses? She was on her way up for her nap when I snatched her to the basement.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To a few my school room looks impressive. Please don't be fooled! We are in the basement with no windows in this room. It is cold here all year round and the lighting is less than desirable. Ben's spelling and reading happen on the floor in front of my white boards.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">School can be quite chaotic for us. I am teaching 10th, 8th, 7th, and 5th grades. It is a little unique as I am learning how to teach Selah. She speaks English very well but the sentence structure is tough. We are also working on her social etiquette and world view. We use a variety of textbooks. But before I share our current curriculum (which I have been known to throw out part way through the year and begin all over) I want to share how my children "use" our school room!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Most of the day this is where Kyle is found. On his bed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Micah is not even in his own room. Here is Ben's bedroom......two floors ups from the schoolroom!</span><br />
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Don't they look ready to study histroy? This is how we learn in the afternoons. Right on the couch in my family room. We are comfy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Selah struggles with the idea of homeschool. She is often found at her desk.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Typing does require a more traditional approach.</span><br />
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I came down from the kitchen and practically tripped over Ben as he was playing Candy Land with Mariah. At least they were getting along, right? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Mariah takes after her mama. We love books! She chose the living room to "read" her books.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now for the meat of their studies. We have come to love the unit study approach to homeschooling. This approach allows me to include all of the children in 8th grade and below to study Science, Bible, History, and Literature together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My sister graciously has allowed us to borrow her curriculum as she is one year ahead. We use <i>My Father's World</i>. What a wonderful way to teach! We love our couch time during Mariah's nap time. We purchase all of the student worksheets for each child, a Language Arts curriculum, Math curriculum, and additional Science for the 7th and 8th graders. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By the time the kids reach 9th grade, <i>My Father's World</i> has done a fantastic job of preparing the kids to be mostly independent in their studies. This is preparing them for college. I honestly know that a few of my other kids will not be using the same curriculum as Kyle for their high school years. They learn very differently. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">During the first three weeks of school Kyle has already read <i>Julius Caesar</i>. He has quite the book list. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TRwTbczB1m33JGxXINWmRVSGYhB68egpISEsvWQbbSMR60JtcgJhV5zEm0FSZrae_NBRkrjg1rFuxbDcB0JyXjrVrJxPTGDfLRCVXQbHqAiRw2uoSOstGbfQqCExh4eCG1FiaBeL9W8/s1600/DSC06955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TRwTbczB1m33JGxXINWmRVSGYhB68egpISEsvWQbbSMR60JtcgJhV5zEm0FSZrae_NBRkrjg1rFuxbDcB0JyXjrVrJxPTGDfLRCVXQbHqAiRw2uoSOstGbfQqCExh4eCG1FiaBeL9W8/s1600/DSC06955.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He will read all of those plus his Chemistry which is on back order until October. This may be a clearer photo of his extensive list, a lot of English Literature!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Selah, Micah, Rebecca, and Ben are using the final year in <i>MFW</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
This is really neat that Selah's first full year of schooling she will learn what has made our country so great. I'm not sure how she will take that but we will press on. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am learning
how to teach Selah. She speaks English very well but the sentence
structure in English is tough. We also will work on social etiquette and opening her world view.........not an easy task!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Selah is not thrilled to have her photo taken but she was a good sport...sort of! She will use <i>My Father's World</i> for much of her studies but we will also work on the 4th grade level of grammar. She needs the basics and we'll start there. Selah is very strong in math and has completed 3/4 of a Pre-Algebra book in just 4 short months. She also will be working on translating some Chinese memory books of adoptees for their families. We sit together and work on it. We laugh a lot as the translating is tough. We are still working on some bonding adn this seemed like a great opportunity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Micah: <i>The Story of the World (History), SOS Science, The World of Science, LifePacs for Language Arts, MathUSee </i>and
many read a louds. This curriculum includes reading many missionary
biographies. We do this after dinner as a family. I look forward to it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Becca's is much the same as Micah's but a grade below.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Benjamin will use <i>My Father's World</i> (History), <i>MathUSee, The World of Science, All About Spelling, </i>and <i>All About Reading. </i>There is much reading and other books included.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are some more of the books we will use later this year:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So far we have covered the first 14 presidents but most of them we learned last year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NyN-p__Ne5y_nu_rj_ScAMlqeO_ajAePGIuJt5XfJYss4zduYJFQ-gyGxyDqW1IfP6PZR83j1Q3xT3dyyoxZ5qetuxUTnR4XJ4f4WkC1_lPJajLr62uOfbmdagY6dxxoyJZES2MZUjc/s1600/board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NyN-p__Ne5y_nu_rj_ScAMlqeO_ajAePGIuJt5XfJYss4zduYJFQ-gyGxyDqW1IfP6PZR83j1Q3xT3dyyoxZ5qetuxUTnR4XJ4f4WkC1_lPJajLr62uOfbmdagY6dxxoyJZES2MZUjc/s1600/board.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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We have learned patriotic songs such as <i>America the Beautiful </i>and<i> The Star Spangled Banner.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Schooling happens all over the house. As a result my house is never clean. EVER! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our schooldays are interrupted many times. This week we had an orthodontist appointment that lasted too long. We have a doctor's appointment for Kyle tomorrow. Mariah also has speech therapy on Fridays. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The kids are at their desks to begin their day by 9:15. They all do their independent work such as Math, reading, and typing. I can bring Mariah to the schoolroom to play while I work with Ben on spelling and reading. All while Mariah's "playing" usually involves disappearing and getting into paints or closets or something she is definitely not allowed. The life of a three-year-old is quite eventful! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiksyiK8JLV4EgZecygA_1YijLxjoYhVn7gzJAV5pq_GRhHBpKSh50DmlCqAZqGILMz5PKcnMI1r8g0dppaLyXZ-s_CK3CpO9a1QZM2VMtwAXi8s-vXQ6T35AVl9NbC7OAyxEq2o5CHDc/s1600/Paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiksyiK8JLV4EgZecygA_1YijLxjoYhVn7gzJAV5pq_GRhHBpKSh50DmlCqAZqGILMz5PKcnMI1r8g0dppaLyXZ-s_CK3CpO9a1QZM2VMtwAXi8s-vXQ6T35AVl9NbC7OAyxEq2o5CHDc/s1600/Paint.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It took her all of 2 minutes to find paint. I took a few things up to my bedroom and this is what I found when I returned to the kitchen. I had already changed her pants and wiped her face off then took this photo. The kitchen floor bore a remarkable piece of Mariah's artwork.</span><br />
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<br />Jeanine Kaminskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568520971903283877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408070105018871437.post-46392790044946826212014-08-31T21:26:00.000-04:002014-08-31T22:34:07.089-04:00End of Summer/Beginning of School<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We finished up our summer break with a quick trip to Pennsylvania. After an exhaustive search of probably 30 car lots here in WV and OH for a car to replace our Camry I did what any daughter of a mechanic would do. I called my dad! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremy had been looking online in western PA and found one. I called my dad late one Sunday night and pathetically <strike>begged</strike> asked if he would go to a nearby lot and look at a car that Jeremy found on the website. Not surprisingly, my parents dropped any plans they had for Monday morning and went car shopping. He drove these cars on some of the toughest hills in western PA (the traffic light on the hill in Apollo). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjsKZOb1ne1Rd5fiLV_pFDDeB8unjcpHJtTpQHLX1fye7B2I_Aoj8APVbkF8n77U-9yMR9V3322frNMZUQQAqRTxr_lpjipGZsLw7YTH4VME3nkc1kO9Sxiv_lLpaf4034sXWGtBw8OI/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjsKZOb1ne1Rd5fiLV_pFDDeB8unjcpHJtTpQHLX1fye7B2I_Aoj8APVbkF8n77U-9yMR9V3322frNMZUQQAqRTxr_lpjipGZsLw7YTH4VME3nkc1kO9Sxiv_lLpaf4034sXWGtBw8OI/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They put money down on a car for us and we finally felt good about it! But we had to manage with one car for a few days. That was tricky as we had a couple of appointments with the kids. We needed that car! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dad refused to allow us to come home without changing the timing belt, thermostat, and water pump. We are now the owners of a 2004 Hyundai Elantra.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mariah woke up with a slight fever. For her that always means stress dosing her hydrocortisone every three hours. While mom and I took Ben and Mariah to Pittsburgh, Jeremy bought the car and began helping my dad work. Dad's garage is not open to the public yet but again.....I pulled a few strings. Basically, I was born into this family and the rest is history!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mariah's fever got worse as the day progressed. After her nap she felt very warm to me. Grandma took her temperature and it read 103.2. She was miserable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdLCHwvRytKA9gohJUePor2mkk10zauftKWhCQJ7Kr_V3k_2n2puDkzVKV_3pQnKRuYr49wQ-6vQDxJAcAFsIrlc-Mljpj9vlDCiRD90h-OJkNjSZ00fgkBJT26HVzL8iOfgW-AT-_Sg/s1600/Mariah+sick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbdLCHwvRytKA9gohJUePor2mkk10zauftKWhCQJ7Kr_V3k_2n2puDkzVKV_3pQnKRuYr49wQ-6vQDxJAcAFsIrlc-Mljpj9vlDCiRD90h-OJkNjSZ00fgkBJT26HVzL8iOfgW-AT-_Sg/s1600/Mariah+sick.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Jeremy's parents take our family to Kennywood every year as a treat. We had planned on all of us going however, Mariah changed those plans. She only wanted mama. I was torn. I wanted to watch Selah at her first American amusement park but I also knew I needed to be with my sick little one. She had gone so long without having a mama. My place was at my parents' home with her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Soon she was bouncing back and happy. Ibuprofen is a wonderful thing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooRTr0hFJB_SCEWlXzPQnIOD69GHNR72QFwiIWlNXXYJ4Xd35HRfpTPgtMy23sUXClnrXqnTVPXoLtSd61He2zXX30GVyKIQgjiwS2bizKC99FTlRvCQP6AMbLhO0iWAwZzP8D18xCpU/s1600/Mariah+and+nesting+dolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooRTr0hFJB_SCEWlXzPQnIOD69GHNR72QFwiIWlNXXYJ4Xd35HRfpTPgtMy23sUXClnrXqnTVPXoLtSd61He2zXX30GVyKIQgjiwS2bizKC99FTlRvCQP6AMbLhO0iWAwZzP8D18xCpU/s1600/Mariah+and+nesting+dolls.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The rest of my family had a blast at Kennywood! Grandma and Pap are no exception to that fun. The meteorologists were calling for high winds and rain that day but it turned out beautiful! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQ0i-XCVXoRUicoeLs6dgqnrPk89rHNRfgEcnxg0fB8-X3Lf0nX_wfdI99L6ghcxo694Zlo7sw5lPRHpLs3f0ibx7cniBGyZR0C7qXb3Z60cFzqYzLhGl1X1zHOtXEbnZfn4J2MSgg5Q/s1600/Kids+at+Kennywood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQ0i-XCVXoRUicoeLs6dgqnrPk89rHNRfgEcnxg0fB8-X3Lf0nX_wfdI99L6ghcxo694Zlo7sw5lPRHpLs3f0ibx7cniBGyZR0C7qXb3Z60cFzqYzLhGl1X1zHOtXEbnZfn4J2MSgg5Q/s1600/Kids+at+Kennywood.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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They were excited to ride the water rides. I prefer to stay dry! Evidently Grandma and Pap loved getting wet too!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83vv9fxl9IJphf0Ca7mTR4ucgsotxXNo9vg6Bfl9azUvsUFYDOBp9MPRp8_5OUi0rR2qIvb_mb8g2ZLmNsf_aD8llgr0CFba7vofSJ6jJayiSoKK8rB1biNjM7OZ5zFQQLVt3Xa-SWrE/s1600/pap+and+kids+after+soaking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83vv9fxl9IJphf0Ca7mTR4ucgsotxXNo9vg6Bfl9azUvsUFYDOBp9MPRp8_5OUi0rR2qIvb_mb8g2ZLmNsf_aD8llgr0CFba7vofSJ6jJayiSoKK8rB1biNjM7OZ5zFQQLVt3Xa-SWrE/s1600/pap+and+kids+after+soaking.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Can you see how they are literally dripping wet? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe this is why.......</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZllRo1CkowCvnSbNAtdlDrk-Wnnu511vLCkt7rID1u3trK0VjVcAglzhw2tbsAXQG9Tc16-_qqY-mCsCTKJ2ezgaWVHMP4o0JDLWo1v76dSYbzt5IThFtaUa7U9w3C24LJ1dXlqvaaY/s1600/Pap+in+the+soak+zone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZllRo1CkowCvnSbNAtdlDrk-Wnnu511vLCkt7rID1u3trK0VjVcAglzhw2tbsAXQG9Tc16-_qqY-mCsCTKJ2ezgaWVHMP4o0JDLWo1v76dSYbzt5IThFtaUa7U9w3C24LJ1dXlqvaaY/s1600/Pap+in+the+soak+zone.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Ben got it too thanks to the <i>Raging Rapids</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUYujLNATTc9J6Qj8iTJfrOVCVDGjl-dqIxItvuSApgJMBCX3ViB6i4bxqVDWd7T22RqK8cw150uvb9Qz8mTGXT5O_edjIRJKCj8wXD8dPpZ7_9359bLCjqJg3Jd464VC-YfYiNCfKs0/s1600/Ben+soaked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUYujLNATTc9J6Qj8iTJfrOVCVDGjl-dqIxItvuSApgJMBCX3ViB6i4bxqVDWd7T22RqK8cw150uvb9Qz8mTGXT5O_edjIRJKCj8wXD8dPpZ7_9359bLCjqJg3Jd464VC-YfYiNCfKs0/s1600/Ben+soaked.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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Grandma too! Well, except for her hair.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzgAcY8EexbbXhczp0dZHGxoPpk0vlgOnGBoXS0zNWaGxPUJVvgI54GCC7Z9LE5BnoZAU2xEn289YAl7xsgp4yrdVQveQ16oubUNnFUfOL0BP_8uh3_jKJv9bh6-1ySbp71RnAIRb9WQ/s1600/Grandma+on+Log+Jammer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzgAcY8EexbbXhczp0dZHGxoPpk0vlgOnGBoXS0zNWaGxPUJVvgI54GCC7Z9LE5BnoZAU2xEn289YAl7xsgp4yrdVQveQ16oubUNnFUfOL0BP_8uh3_jKJv9bh6-1ySbp71RnAIRb9WQ/s1600/Grandma+on+Log+Jammer.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
First coaster with her big brother, <i>The Racer</i>. Although the next ride she asked if she could ride with a "big person".<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ABd98Sw9hOW-Qc4gJLu8IYFUp6Gsydc9WN7X9QqbkNaYQ7943jXXbhSujCBABa5cM_hR1Tulr6MbKJ1Ww0J5OX1czJNlHrqU1Db0QNG6k68xqz15YnQ6Et6hHTnZfr7jDqy0eFlirfY/s1600/Kyle+and+Selah+on+the+Racer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ABd98Sw9hOW-Qc4gJLu8IYFUp6Gsydc9WN7X9QqbkNaYQ7943jXXbhSujCBABa5cM_hR1Tulr6MbKJ1Ww0J5OX1czJNlHrqU1Db0QNG6k68xqz15YnQ6Et6hHTnZfr7jDqy0eFlirfY/s1600/Kyle+and+Selah+on+the+Racer.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Daddy and his big girls.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfbNgVY0g5r70udbcqkaxp2t4AaPYRbnHnMhtsdn1GfYhn4lHY1I6JwIoZOleYUMxC7mhi6Qx9gu_QPuK2HAmyg4mIzRqtXPub5xNkY5jiCjU8hgVGOXuP5QMWA9f3CK86XmrboAbGe4/s1600/Jeremy+and+girls+at+Kennywood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfbNgVY0g5r70udbcqkaxp2t4AaPYRbnHnMhtsdn1GfYhn4lHY1I6JwIoZOleYUMxC7mhi6Qx9gu_QPuK2HAmyg4mIzRqtXPub5xNkY5jiCjU8hgVGOXuP5QMWA9f3CK86XmrboAbGe4/s1600/Jeremy+and+girls+at+Kennywood.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dad, Ben, Micah, and Kyle on the<i> Jack Rabbit. </i>This is one of my favorites!<br /><i></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yTZdA4aEUhwBGCMfKCNtawGaYiFvHGlXbVDI8X-XK3_ZJKcGRT6Im2U16QTBKXacYvqMqlvfsv8ByFVCWsW3VvCphG4MqXELSe1Ruktkei0W_kGjkZKf7NByJhg-1OLMIEwB4m0hVR8/s1600/Jeremy+with+kids+at+Kennywood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yTZdA4aEUhwBGCMfKCNtawGaYiFvHGlXbVDI8X-XK3_ZJKcGRT6Im2U16QTBKXacYvqMqlvfsv8ByFVCWsW3VvCphG4MqXELSe1Ruktkei0W_kGjkZKf7NByJhg-1OLMIEwB4m0hVR8/s1600/Jeremy+with+kids+at+Kennywood.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></i></span></div>
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</i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That marked the end of our summer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I needed to get home and get ready for my first day of school with the kids. I was not prepared AT ALL!!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had to get busy cleaning up from last year. Yep! I still had not packed everything away yet. I somehow managed to get the room pulled together. This year I added a computer center in the back of the room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55flXw4SGjjfRfxPJkXVLqGP6wIZgZekIyulGbC-M6ODK3HhefLvOVwFehU3hPAEUcbdGJdxZHsSA4hRv6GAa8m6U5WScBapt6y8f78NrXlT48Wb-USTeoqWP51k5npFnSHkxJXce1_o/s1600/Empty+room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55flXw4SGjjfRfxPJkXVLqGP6wIZgZekIyulGbC-M6ODK3HhefLvOVwFehU3hPAEUcbdGJdxZHsSA4hRv6GAa8m6U5WScBapt6y8f78NrXlT48Wb-USTeoqWP51k5npFnSHkxJXce1_o/s1600/Empty+room.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't be too impressed with this. I plan to write a post about how we homeschool. I promise I am not that impressive as a teacher. Ben's desk will never be that neat EVER again! EVER!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Front row with the pink chair is Selah, Ben, and Mariah with the small wooden desk. Back row from the bookcases is Kyle (red organizer), Micah (green organizer) and Rebecca (pink organizer).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They were met with my typical "Welcome" message.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYn3loenqi92YmuMzRoI_S5UU6n8U2AuAsIOairHUOwB3vsSk4fVannsvlx9x2gBheiGEPo3s1kLpdat8u5imRhGuXPdQmmUi3wwyw074nIzSAU1fTi25_uf7IJ3aXvNGuVMzBI3BTMoc/s1600/Welcome+Board.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYn3loenqi92YmuMzRoI_S5UU6n8U2AuAsIOairHUOwB3vsSk4fVannsvlx9x2gBheiGEPo3s1kLpdat8u5imRhGuXPdQmmUi3wwyw074nIzSAU1fTi25_uf7IJ3aXvNGuVMzBI3BTMoc/s1600/Welcome+Board.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I snapped a photo once they were at their desks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_SQ7RmRFZYApgPstzmg5UOArURSjIP5mwqf5uqOBPmgsGfEZr_AC4gx-x703I1OYZWracXop4f9mo2nOrdS58IJzzy_uEIP4OEHuJao1_tc8qNRfnYXnmxWnxDW7aK_rhDbPtAYAM4I/s1600/kids+at+desks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_SQ7RmRFZYApgPstzmg5UOArURSjIP5mwqf5uqOBPmgsGfEZr_AC4gx-x703I1OYZWracXop4f9mo2nOrdS58IJzzy_uEIP4OEHuJao1_tc8qNRfnYXnmxWnxDW7aK_rhDbPtAYAM4I/s1600/kids+at+desks.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For our first day we did a little bit of work and then had lunch at Wendy's in an attempt to start out slowly and happily!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhS1uJOfuKlwDad5aCPtoBjhjHCZoGSUPgwnU_ZOoHrqwy-zO2C2zX-wnV4gn8PW47_haGh6V7-T0d_2fxEgzF8-vqML3flBHquBRQw_evt9L2d7tqwtK71asKz5ah8EUFWcjs5HDD7Bw/s1600/Lunch+at+Wendy's.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhS1uJOfuKlwDad5aCPtoBjhjHCZoGSUPgwnU_ZOoHrqwy-zO2C2zX-wnV4gn8PW47_haGh6V7-T0d_2fxEgzF8-vqML3flBHquBRQw_evt9L2d7tqwtK71asKz5ah8EUFWcjs5HDD7Bw/s1600/Lunch+at+Wendy's.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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Added this one for good measure. I think Ben looks so cute here. Ignore the laundry baskets behind him. At least they were empty, right? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This past Friday was Mariah's first day of speech this school year. Once again we have a sweet SLP. Ironically, she also lives in our neighborhood. How neat that Mariah's two speech therapists live in our small neighborhood of 102 houses!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jeanine Kaminskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568520971903283877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408070105018871437.post-11773094959139360262014-08-10T02:34:00.002-04:002014-08-10T14:44:38.094-04:00VBS and "The Accident"<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It wouldn't be summer with VBS. As our kids are getting older many have transitioned to "helpers" instead of students. We encouraged Selah to help out this year. I know she was apprehensive. I believe after the first day she seemed to enjoy her responsibilities. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had morning VBS and Jeremy took the kids with him when he drove in each day. They were over an hour early but to save on gas it worked beautifully. And I did enjoy the time with Mariah.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I would then come with Mariah to pick up the older kids. Mariah was too young to attend. So I had some special time with her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We made chocolate chip cookies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just a few. And yes........we ate them all! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsd5cxL3jjbaYlifdkx8Vh8dVVcedj6YQV-ny8cd6yfJiRnno_HateYrLpgh3HeHQETEYE3Cnka1rcjp3jXrugtCHsnxH_akYyZYdXB4jq0SAhTo4c9jnadj1TYcZwkT6G6F8VuuDdk0/s1600/VBS+cookies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsd5cxL3jjbaYlifdkx8Vh8dVVcedj6YQV-ny8cd6yfJiRnno_HateYrLpgh3HeHQETEYE3Cnka1rcjp3jXrugtCHsnxH_akYyZYdXB4jq0SAhTo4c9jnadj1TYcZwkT6G6F8VuuDdk0/s1600/VBS+cookies.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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Mariah literally sat on the edge of her seat as we watched the closing program for each day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5vz6i2_oMPENn18mypMWb6Iiy_pVjTnnWUrjrPHijzhhH0_3_VUDUv7Z2Ta00iycYJgIqhWNFCsAMuutYKIxNJMeWgDQey-t7Rh9SqbbtVfRYcgvIT2et9wkFEX_JK-FCRgXmIk_-zQ/s1600/Mariah+at+VBS.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5vz6i2_oMPENn18mypMWb6Iiy_pVjTnnWUrjrPHijzhhH0_3_VUDUv7Z2Ta00iycYJgIqhWNFCsAMuutYKIxNJMeWgDQey-t7Rh9SqbbtVfRYcgvIT2et9wkFEX_JK-FCRgXmIk_-zQ/s1600/Mariah+at+VBS.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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As we sat in the back I watched Selah as she helped with the Ben's class. My heart was full. She has her hands lifted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5EKpVNlHs-UM5ojQSG4sya3aCC4ufMWcqMEESj1y-z8NIjz1OzIrfz5EWsCsIZJ5FDM7kPutKWe_iFHYlT0oyO_kP4qQbq6OFKGxSgibUUO6u65pnKfnzxua8N962R6gfjGnhMjCACA/s1600/Selah+at+VBS.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5EKpVNlHs-UM5ojQSG4sya3aCC4ufMWcqMEESj1y-z8NIjz1OzIrfz5EWsCsIZJ5FDM7kPutKWe_iFHYlT0oyO_kP4qQbq6OFKGxSgibUUO6u65pnKfnzxua8N962R6gfjGnhMjCACA/s1600/Selah+at+VBS.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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Jeremy took a few photos during VBS. The theme was "ElectriCity". The workers were encouraged to dress in the time period of the 1920s. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kyle as the banker.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Selah helping the teacher.</span><br />
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Micah on the ladder helping with games.</span><br />
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Rebecca playing games.</span><br />
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Ben during his craft time.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was a great week of VBS!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kyle also has been hired to cut grass at the church. He goes to work with Jeremy on Thursday and starts with the extensive weed-eating.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgor4zxXrwkeDor0TgkivEd2bUEBM5qz1_yBEcUiJGnd3xSLzdbzVdhAy10Vg16_qEzVEbFfOHCYFA4t6rb_lxvvWJodPBDizu-oRJznZJOppQ8TaiNDsTviDtlb7MNY21XAeSVRb6UncM/s1600/weed-eating.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgor4zxXrwkeDor0TgkivEd2bUEBM5qz1_yBEcUiJGnd3xSLzdbzVdhAy10Vg16_qEzVEbFfOHCYFA4t6rb_lxvvWJodPBDizu-oRJznZJOppQ8TaiNDsTviDtlb7MNY21XAeSVRb6UncM/s1600/weed-eating.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then as our week was busy with VBS, Jeremy also wanted to get work done on his car for it to pass inspection. So we dealt with one car for a few days. That was challenging as Jeremy took the kids to church with him then drove them back home for lunch and I had to drive him back to work. Then I came home and drove back to get him a few hours later. Those 20 minute drives ate up the time in our days! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremy had a new rack and pinion put in his car. On Tuesday, Jeremy paid $500 for the repairs. He planned to get the car inspected on his way home from work the next day. Kyle had worked cutting grass Wednesday instead of Thursday due to doctor appointments. So Kyle was in the car with him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At 4 o'clock on Wednesday afternoon I was on the telephone with my sister. Jeremy called in and I tried to answer the call-waiting and Jeremy was not there. Then he called my cell phone moments later and this was my conversation with him:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me: "Hello. What's up?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremy: "Jeanine, I'm in an accident."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me: "Are you behind an accident?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremy: "No! We ARE the accident!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I heard fire sirens. And I was really upset.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me: "Jeremy, are you okay?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Jeremy: "I don't know."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me: "Is Kyle okay?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremy: "I don't know."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me: "Tell me where you are."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremy: "In front of Advance Auto."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...............................silence.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A million thoughts went through my head. Like......WHICH ADVANCE? I honestly didn't know what to do. He was not answering his phone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had a sleeping child upstairs and four kids outside playing. I called everyone inside and called our parents. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we waited Jeremy finally called me back about 30 minutes later. The longest 30 minutes of my life!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They appeared ok but Jeremy told me that Kyle may have a broken nose and concussion. Jeremy's wrist and knee were killing him. He asked me to come get them at Advance in front of Kroger and hung up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I got in the car and headed to where he was. When I got there the toe truck was taking the other person's car. Jeremy, Kyle, and the other driver were sitting on the curb. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As Kyle saw me he hugged me and cried. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also cried.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I got them loaded in the van and headed to the ER. Kyle had blood all over his face. Poor kid was miserable. He couldn't hear us very well and had horrible ringing in his ears.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremy's left arm didn't look right. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I dropped them off and had Micah stay with them while I drove home to wait for a friend to come and stay with the kids. Ben was in the van with me and when I turned around I noticed Ben crying. He was scared.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremy showed me some photos of his car. I gasped. He has the black car.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqyGbdUiEnt3TItSCrUpNf1RJ8Fo0GqZPzJWzaWJASGxIpibaZEpVk4bbAoITttoVfljUz_yVCn6TN8AsWFvsaCc09_t37-h62P9v8hLLE3fVnEarylyepUsaFLdknd0ZJAatR-qXdBgM/s1600/Car+wreck+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqyGbdUiEnt3TItSCrUpNf1RJ8Fo0GqZPzJWzaWJASGxIpibaZEpVk4bbAoITttoVfljUz_yVCn6TN8AsWFvsaCc09_t37-h62P9v8hLLE3fVnEarylyepUsaFLdknd0ZJAatR-qXdBgM/s1600/Car+wreck+2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Obviously Kyle's side of the car took most of the damage. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuCh6apAXEBnhMZ_rQOBXZuWDIFU6OUWXi2eL0z4dRZhbyOLCfhJgDx4s_vTzl9oBakoUJMXeEeoJKUp4SAZx1avO8nJF7VI41iqP7UfwecYQbAL_HeFCgaaAKuzdVNJX8EDYQoeR0FM/s1600/Car+wreck+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuCh6apAXEBnhMZ_rQOBXZuWDIFU6OUWXi2eL0z4dRZhbyOLCfhJgDx4s_vTzl9oBakoUJMXeEeoJKUp4SAZx1avO8nJF7VI41iqP7UfwecYQbAL_HeFCgaaAKuzdVNJX8EDYQoeR0FM/s1600/Car+wreck+3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Heather came to the house as my girls were fixing some supper. I decided easy was best. So pasta it was. But Heather showed up at the door with pizza. So.....pasta and pizza!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXm5D-Z6o9iWWUWdKVFInehATWTf0JuyzfRLpKO9f9IrlbfZU3HpBUTZB7ZzcQhz_F73eFkvfs93HOfoMRlb9jxUI21uSy1zW6dXLm1YU-qhv5H40qtFS_xBRH7X6OtMeutbpO4693Kvc/s1600/Shedds+and+Kaminskis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXm5D-Z6o9iWWUWdKVFInehATWTf0JuyzfRLpKO9f9IrlbfZU3HpBUTZB7ZzcQhz_F73eFkvfs93HOfoMRlb9jxUI21uSy1zW6dXLm1YU-qhv5H40qtFS_xBRH7X6OtMeutbpO4693Kvc/s1600/Shedds+and+Kaminskis.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
I went down to the ER. Kyle ended up with a concussion. His nose was fine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremy had a sprained wrist and bruised knee. Personally.....something neurologically was not right with him either. He just was not able to think straight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We headed to the lot where his car was towed and gathered our belongings. It was obvious to us the car was a total loss. Not to mention that Kyle needed his inhaler as his asthma was flared and the ER did not get him anything after we asked twice. That is another story!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had some hurting guys on my hands. I was concerned about Kyle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTc3waqFxdWKAdTnLO6e2Ip6sHIaKqp0d-yeqS8NJnJIarFMDUChIN5XCmM6c3pdHxzH7MqjjNQy2ELG9qkQOAinke_HiqJzKEm_xoqsJA9ZZdNPYWKAbgDM7qK2bP1UkAr6YGobfbky4/s1600/Kyle+after+accident.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTc3waqFxdWKAdTnLO6e2Ip6sHIaKqp0d-yeqS8NJnJIarFMDUChIN5XCmM6c3pdHxzH7MqjjNQy2ELG9qkQOAinke_HiqJzKEm_xoqsJA9ZZdNPYWKAbgDM7qK2bP1UkAr6YGobfbky4/s1600/Kyle+after+accident.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He was pretty beat up. The airbags ripped his glasses off his face and they ended up under the driver's seat. I am so thankful no one was hurt worse.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I guess we didn't have to worry about getting the car inspected, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thursday morning the police report was ready and it was determined that Jeremy did nothing wrong. He was in the left lane of the highway. The other driver was trying to cross traffic in front of Jeremy and head back the opposite way. He never saw Jeremy. Jeremy was driving the speed limit 40 mph and could not avoid hitting the other driver.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremy and Kyle went to the doctor for a follow-up and they are healing. Kyle has to limit his activity for another week. Today he seemed to finally be feeling better. He had not been feeling well all week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremy, me, and Selah headed to Indianapolis on Thursday for some doctor appointments on Friday. My mom came to stay with the other kids. We had to take her car. I drove. Jeremy was sore and not able to drive. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Notice how happy and relaxed Selah seemed as we checked in to our hotel? I love this photo of her!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqbnwNyG4xP4GaNk2gWUaZqfUM5s4W-mFMLpwuU5ZLxSo6ltXSmTJV2CHgCmUNcac0hGsiitmDs4PxKO7JkfmJzn1H9P-FSx0sBAe2YOmM8vi3FvPeoZavR4TQvf0JaAROUjWEC5dbLc/s1600/Selah+at+Sleep+Inn.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqbnwNyG4xP4GaNk2gWUaZqfUM5s4W-mFMLpwuU5ZLxSo6ltXSmTJV2CHgCmUNcac0hGsiitmDs4PxKO7JkfmJzn1H9P-FSx0sBAe2YOmM8vi3FvPeoZavR4TQvf0JaAROUjWEC5dbLc/s1600/Selah+at+Sleep+Inn.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here she was getting her height and weight checked. Such a cute expression!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYGuD-rub0JzTbqWA5TIuOSv9WUw-rYlxtDNYrHWoxjKH9iq7wUYeinFKoHOCDKBz24vQoyz8o_qZGNf04PodfHh0N-UlkPG-UTn7bkNijpz-qJRx-vbDRsEnTCIbdcZxwhvItccNy1g/s1600/Selah+at+Riley.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYGuD-rub0JzTbqWA5TIuOSv9WUw-rYlxtDNYrHWoxjKH9iq7wUYeinFKoHOCDKBz24vQoyz8o_qZGNf04PodfHh0N-UlkPG-UTn7bkNijpz-qJRx-vbDRsEnTCIbdcZxwhvItccNy1g/s1600/Selah+at+Riley.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
We are amazed that she has gained 7 pounds since she joined our family! That seems to be negated by the fact that she has grown almost 3 inches. She is now 5 feet 2 3/4 inches but only 79 pounds! Still not heavy enough to activate the air bags. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm not very good at transparency. But I'll share here so that you can watch how God works in our lives. Honestly we are overwhelmed. We feel that every single aspect of our lives is being challenged. We know that Satan is working hard. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have had to fight for absolutely everything......healthcare, health insurance, citizenship papers, tax returns, landscaping, prescription coverage, 30% utility rate increases, etc. We are tired of the fight. We are tired of being treated as though we are not worth people's time. We are tired of asking for supervisors then having the supervisor hang up on us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are discouraged and worn.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I feel that the weight of it all can be seen physically on my husband. Even though he will not admit it I can see it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My husband works so hard for our family. Then we had this car accident.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We know that we may one day look back and see why God allowed this to happen. Right now we stay the course. We love God and know that none of this took Him by surprise. We rest in that assurance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Your continued prayers are much appreciated as Jeremy and I seek wisdom in making some important decisions. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A sweet friend, Kari, knew we were going through a lot and sweetly offered encouragement to me. She shared with me that she often reads verses from the Bible and if she sees it applies, she writes the name of one of her children beside a specific verse. She said this verse was underlined but nothing was written beside it. She wrote my name.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Isaiah 41:10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.</i></b></span><span class="null"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>Jeanine Kaminskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568520971903283877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408070105018871437.post-84802809418146034722014-07-21T01:31:00.000-04:002014-07-21T02:11:48.689-04:00Painting<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On weeks when it is really tough I fall silent. I guess it is my defense. It is really hard to be transparent when I feel as though I have failed as a mom and wife. These past several weeks have been really tough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I rest assured in knowing that God would never call me to something that he will not equip me. I cling to His Word. Satan is so powerful and is oftentimes successful in convincing me that I have failed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have definitely been busy here the past few weeks. Our older boys have been approached by three neighbors to cut their lawns. They do a great job! I have to say that Jeremy is responsible for that. He is very particular with our lawn and has been teaching the boys for the past few years how to cut grass. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was busy painting our front door and sprucing up the porch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before............... </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2eJItFV4xf5UdH3WomagKC1OK9HSHHV8qS-HiG4aaM1yyhGBkuS-oIZFVNHLYqagvSR2P57TP8x3-YchjK1B9b8aXcylpcKeQ9J6QebazoJkIl99CUXRtvGhc00sD4d_sAOHbUXNhas/s1600/photo+1+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2eJItFV4xf5UdH3WomagKC1OK9HSHHV8qS-HiG4aaM1yyhGBkuS-oIZFVNHLYqagvSR2P57TP8x3-YchjK1B9b8aXcylpcKeQ9J6QebazoJkIl99CUXRtvGhc00sD4d_sAOHbUXNhas/s1600/photo+1+%25282%2529.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> After...............</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZEhqxxfII8EEf5Je9HkJzlIAHBG8WysCoiqJ5M3DHEafpyHBhIIBE7Nn7USOdby_weWscjvw4Sn8BAC1hMmgix1p_eB37BBTdNjFLEg4j5vaTKCZTaP1DiunvQoZTTcHmfbez6PvgW4/s1600/photo+2-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZEhqxxfII8EEf5Je9HkJzlIAHBG8WysCoiqJ5M3DHEafpyHBhIIBE7Nn7USOdby_weWscjvw4Sn8BAC1hMmgix1p_eB37BBTdNjFLEg4j5vaTKCZTaP1DiunvQoZTTcHmfbez6PvgW4/s1600/photo+2-1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Micah helped sand and paint Mariah's bathroom stool.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJP9wdni335w-bgVpRXMiJ-qmYcMRS56uDuMqwII9x4ZudY5FAwMf6O5XRhbri4xYlaMPNiN3kNTH71ZS_8QdzgQkwntTBZuhs6nrwrn-YNCAjCMyK_ZJ2bDpw11X9LiWt7PXrXgZSc9s/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJP9wdni335w-bgVpRXMiJ-qmYcMRS56uDuMqwII9x4ZudY5FAwMf6O5XRhbri4xYlaMPNiN3kNTH71ZS_8QdzgQkwntTBZuhs6nrwrn-YNCAjCMyK_ZJ2bDpw11X9LiWt7PXrXgZSc9s/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Selah, Rebecca, and Ben worked on their name letters for their bedrooms.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKGh_Y0mG8QjiVNFN4Vfkw3rVqBw01h7FuAThp0nhtRpec6okFPAkNTf87uWFwOMMAcuNjdXpb39ul9yrCVxYA98ayfLcsGMWDlBt5y3qZci1sUVWX4V1MSlEA_Bz7p2l2OUsg9ivaBQ/s1600/photo+5-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKGh_Y0mG8QjiVNFN4Vfkw3rVqBw01h7FuAThp0nhtRpec6okFPAkNTf87uWFwOMMAcuNjdXpb39ul9yrCVxYA98ayfLcsGMWDlBt5y3qZci1sUVWX4V1MSlEA_Bz7p2l2OUsg9ivaBQ/s1600/photo+5-4.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UOUMJS67An8mmFreVPgAhj2KI6yZuAb2cCUcdxIt_NYWFI2ew1t8HWGS37Wtx80xqJIkHJJQNjvNVuUtsQi3vAkduJ4sHrJbT7fAc0A0-5e6SlOj4LVj0gO6q1g9RgpIqsPWp7kOr-A/s1600/photo+4-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UOUMJS67An8mmFreVPgAhj2KI6yZuAb2cCUcdxIt_NYWFI2ew1t8HWGS37Wtx80xqJIkHJJQNjvNVuUtsQi3vAkduJ4sHrJbT7fAc0A0-5e6SlOj4LVj0gO6q1g9RgpIqsPWp7kOr-A/s1600/photo+4-3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They turned out really nice!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpFPcEOGbMPRsngVucu8Dlnsh2TLPgFdlIBhQiWNmfH2Z7Jj1uj6ekJYwhY3HsdLv_2AnxcYoRBSJbsdPsgBDpVWGZU_zVsz5WOuGhXDL_nA3X7aTPN1cNI29J1CmNN2i9DnYzBVl94I/s1600/Painted+letters+for+names.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpFPcEOGbMPRsngVucu8Dlnsh2TLPgFdlIBhQiWNmfH2Z7Jj1uj6ekJYwhY3HsdLv_2AnxcYoRBSJbsdPsgBDpVWGZU_zVsz5WOuGhXDL_nA3X7aTPN1cNI29J1CmNN2i9DnYzBVl94I/s1600/Painted+letters+for+names.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In all honesty, Ben did one letter of his name then disappeared. He was found on the front porch playing with a few Legos.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZiVY5RmPqs_vPCvsEgC6t4PinkJ-6EohZZMnTnSG_EnXv75ORtmRELtBanPpFt7NzKy839Ug_Lplx6MyBwDLITiY21yaJZ5bSJ0MH1YHRHXn2kCqxbgLvGcIl79RJd4lW14AQqN350k/s1600/Lego+porch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZiVY5RmPqs_vPCvsEgC6t4PinkJ-6EohZZMnTnSG_EnXv75ORtmRELtBanPpFt7NzKy839Ug_Lplx6MyBwDLITiY21yaJZ5bSJ0MH1YHRHXn2kCqxbgLvGcIl79RJd4lW14AQqN350k/s1600/Lego+porch.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Mariah stays busy at speech every Monday and Wednesday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIXmdFvB8a0vrXxJgQtSR4KRXPml6gAQasRgJVPxocqv-kOgNdbMu9LFjC5-7p60HKsEWkFLy3iWvSv8j4CcOfFw1FtX1IuUDPIl0vJMlitqQFaRDInsFn-B_pbG19AwcMEhmQmynlIg/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIXmdFvB8a0vrXxJgQtSR4KRXPml6gAQasRgJVPxocqv-kOgNdbMu9LFjC5-7p60HKsEWkFLy3iWvSv8j4CcOfFw1FtX1IuUDPIl0vJMlitqQFaRDInsFn-B_pbG19AwcMEhmQmynlIg/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="152" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Kyle and Micah have been practicing early each Sunday for a special teen night at church. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmL-erlzdf3VGzaV3fm_ZQp3BeUujKxkLp_rCotqPDMlzIsaUQ6Z68cV9BRyO8SCR0vM2HlTrFVirvCtMrurgz78roRgrAEEOTqYjXyynzujTWXsaJX1Jetbb6SCE-vGqz_oxCfOklBI/s1600/photo+1-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmL-erlzdf3VGzaV3fm_ZQp3BeUujKxkLp_rCotqPDMlzIsaUQ6Z68cV9BRyO8SCR0vM2HlTrFVirvCtMrurgz78roRgrAEEOTqYjXyynzujTWXsaJX1Jetbb6SCE-vGqz_oxCfOklBI/s1600/photo+1-4.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Mariah has loved to shop with Daddy at Lowes. She is sitting on top of a stack of sidewalk pavers on the cart. None of which I would ever allow. But I was not there. And I admit she sure is cute!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRKdEZT_8UKWvY70AdJo3wyvxXc16OXkv7yGZR9hcGVcUchZxyS1Q2EPqJgXy2GJ_P52u4yoIXSYinybitchezfc8E_GqaDSDBss7jNdwty47OA4sA048KtnKcCVxSCkXQau5Xyp-sK0/s1600/Lowes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRKdEZT_8UKWvY70AdJo3wyvxXc16OXkv7yGZR9hcGVcUchZxyS1Q2EPqJgXy2GJ_P52u4yoIXSYinybitchezfc8E_GqaDSDBss7jNdwty47OA4sA048KtnKcCVxSCkXQau5Xyp-sK0/s1600/Lowes.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Then shopping inside all while driving her car/cart and talking on her Barbie phone! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKv5nWhjZKr4bEtJguLFBoK_LJdOhrBMf57F0SOmm_6uFZbqrW6Gp_9qVkgwWkBj73OjYW1cVgDWuLxbwDRBr9L8wG36v6QyzNugM8mWV6UdbAhRhA9MBEIltZ6HbFMw2p5pVhO3eHFZ4/s1600/Mariah+on+phone+at+Lowes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKv5nWhjZKr4bEtJguLFBoK_LJdOhrBMf57F0SOmm_6uFZbqrW6Gp_9qVkgwWkBj73OjYW1cVgDWuLxbwDRBr9L8wG36v6QyzNugM8mWV6UdbAhRhA9MBEIltZ6HbFMw2p5pVhO3eHFZ4/s1600/Mariah+on+phone+at+Lowes.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I cannot forget that if she is out of her booster she believes all food is hers. She went to the drawer, grabbed a spoon and helped herself to Daddy's homemade Chicken Noodle Soup!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbt4DzWuBVtdlyWwKlw89doRSSWPLXxXe3Z88PnYipiL3NyD1qsZUKaPMefV_9RI7H2EkyvvBpkt7Uj4-fkBy3iMvliLmmGTyGrdnhFskwfagR3KraULiXbJCMBwAy9Go31fYOIqTNxbQ/s1600/Sharing+Lunch+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbt4DzWuBVtdlyWwKlw89doRSSWPLXxXe3Z88PnYipiL3NyD1qsZUKaPMefV_9RI7H2EkyvvBpkt7Uj4-fkBy3iMvliLmmGTyGrdnhFskwfagR3KraULiXbJCMBwAy9Go31fYOIqTNxbQ/s1600/Sharing+Lunch+2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This past Saturday we had a wedding to attend. Our older boys were cameramen. The bride was a girl from our church who has the sweetest personality. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS627pqy4yP02YRfXNOzw1HjaTzJMqtICMIgbsFo6hMCnri_mkGnZfZ3oXk7lmU50q_k2H9w8MzZlneQzA0K_t2WQRJLTU7Q9l2wA2tz28anzpG-ii0-mAbj_WGFX-3Nv7TPrJPlXylp4/s1600/photo+2-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS627pqy4yP02YRfXNOzw1HjaTzJMqtICMIgbsFo6hMCnri_mkGnZfZ3oXk7lmU50q_k2H9w8MzZlneQzA0K_t2WQRJLTU7Q9l2wA2tz28anzpG-ii0-mAbj_WGFX-3Nv7TPrJPlXylp4/s1600/photo+2-2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have a hard time fitting everyone in a single "selfie". So we broke up the groups. Oh Ben! Sigh!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcT-xRyA1U9Dqc5dEdrKpNmHD5US1nJjAcVIN2XpAstj-Lr4hSIebXI5FWhtACHya6Grc8aPOxpsfYQxIrPdlO3hCDSr4si6sP2XJJmqUXLLW4WJo159dwnq37Kom7g-sAB64Gbb5PWGE/s1600/photo+3-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcT-xRyA1U9Dqc5dEdrKpNmHD5US1nJjAcVIN2XpAstj-Lr4hSIebXI5FWhtACHya6Grc8aPOxpsfYQxIrPdlO3hCDSr4si6sP2XJJmqUXLLW4WJo159dwnq37Kom7g-sAB64Gbb5PWGE/s1600/photo+3-3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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Two of our girls!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFNO49tivP0IfvUdQy_Rbi49MnpBgigfISABsjgqHe1Ti_A9umD_qmTmzxocSyI1-GGBrDwToV3sUcKmE2CFv3XzMd0TTVzgbqJkWvGLqeVn33WK1I4wnb2ooplBlewlzSrEo2gTEYBc/s1600/photo+5-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFNO49tivP0IfvUdQy_Rbi49MnpBgigfISABsjgqHe1Ti_A9umD_qmTmzxocSyI1-GGBrDwToV3sUcKmE2CFv3XzMd0TTVzgbqJkWvGLqeVn33WK1I4wnb2ooplBlewlzSrEo2gTEYBc/s1600/photo+5-3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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Selah was so excited to go to an American wedding. She did tell us she went to one in China. The director from her first orphanage took the children to her son's wedding. She literally was on the edge of her seat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She asked me to pull some of her hair back and give it a twist. She wore a special bracelet and her watch that we bought her in China that she has not worn since.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here was the centerpiece at the reception. Obviously we were at table 7!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xXSCAroq88MqnGToCfRG4cSmXhLS8cdKt6t9T0ucxU3bvkRY5gXxccZT62ueR5zSZoBSu070t0N2a9HF9mqdEgBNsJfDgMIh235zFDLLOe2EQ9SKxQGas1JWqgy2PjsukCEq4qUQVvA/s1600/photo+4-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xXSCAroq88MqnGToCfRG4cSmXhLS8cdKt6t9T0ucxU3bvkRY5gXxccZT62ueR5zSZoBSu070t0N2a9HF9mqdEgBNsJfDgMIh235zFDLLOe2EQ9SKxQGas1JWqgy2PjsukCEq4qUQVvA/s1600/photo+4-1.JPG" height="280" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Goofy boys!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinH1ee2k8GgeecgaOXhHv6P1GbG3pgJWqR1GhJRn53Pv_ffLpucGVU5OM5YC2O7TMLLSwGEyuV9ovXVvOg9WW0WNIoVMLQR3bJ8OxbQdfhudVHG7qIMGhqXu3Zo7m5xHqemq-CtQflhoU/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinH1ee2k8GgeecgaOXhHv6P1GbG3pgJWqR1GhJRn53Pv_ffLpucGVU5OM5YC2O7TMLLSwGEyuV9ovXVvOg9WW0WNIoVMLQR3bJ8OxbQdfhudVHG7qIMGhqXu3Zo7m5xHqemq-CtQflhoU/s1600/photo.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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One of the few photos with Micah. Sorry buddy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZwRm_tCXQXhzsUpTtenxGjbZ3hpy6XPFVJjb9IUdkAsehNXSvWM5R4YatvMlBf_1GbNZi6ldn66MIusNXX_6ODkQ431ijAGPNepVvkgzamUlMWXNo7AgjkKHoz8NAvOJN6DI6LDhwd8/s1600/photo+1-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZwRm_tCXQXhzsUpTtenxGjbZ3hpy6XPFVJjb9IUdkAsehNXSvWM5R4YatvMlBf_1GbNZi6ldn66MIusNXX_6ODkQ431ijAGPNepVvkgzamUlMWXNo7AgjkKHoz8NAvOJN6DI6LDhwd8/s1600/photo+1-3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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Then we had to take advantage of the free photo offer at the wedding. This perfectly portrays my life!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Tq4hR7EXyEUOSJHNxVSszo8wmwp3YqaARJyZw-_GaI7LsVM-eoUU71RgUxVjAzuzvObZvV1YiLGcdM4W-ldfXzkBOzeXAc2Md-iQ9JR0E-Qa_yqqnfKAeKMN_c9YYzHB0FPMQzU3Qgk/s1600/photo+5-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Tq4hR7EXyEUOSJHNxVSszo8wmwp3YqaARJyZw-_GaI7LsVM-eoUU71RgUxVjAzuzvObZvV1YiLGcdM4W-ldfXzkBOzeXAc2Md-iQ9JR0E-Qa_yqqnfKAeKMN_c9YYzHB0FPMQzU3Qgk/s1600/photo+5-1.JPG" height="320" width="102" /></a></span></div>
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After months of asking Selah if she wanted a bicycle we noticed she might be ready to accept our offer. At fourteen years old she owns her very first bicycle.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2w6mRKJ7jg6VqNcFASIUoUE7fe9AqyoHqSwXyLUXyikjUbYr_CidV_72updxQt5dVXoAM4Pudafv2CQXrQwxgau66V42ycW-CNNes62lH_tF8u-aBJBQ8TPk0H46z-o9t-9pz9aV4kI/s1600/Selah%2527s+new+bike.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2w6mRKJ7jg6VqNcFASIUoUE7fe9AqyoHqSwXyLUXyikjUbYr_CidV_72updxQt5dVXoAM4Pudafv2CQXrQwxgau66V42ycW-CNNes62lH_tF8u-aBJBQ8TPk0H46z-o9t-9pz9aV4kI/s1600/Selah%2527s+new+bike.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And we also got Mariah her first bicycle!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxmDDyLocfzmcNbiVehCowxQgqz6FpXmkqzer98czE42rClS7q-Er2qO0RnegoF1V-I_mKK0OrK7pMn76-CVPMUpug-OqHEqrknRpUMndPDqfBv0nsw9eyC5tLesikZZ9UjZwkszjxo0/s1600/Mariah%2527s+bike.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxmDDyLocfzmcNbiVehCowxQgqz6FpXmkqzer98czE42rClS7q-Er2qO0RnegoF1V-I_mKK0OrK7pMn76-CVPMUpug-OqHEqrknRpUMndPDqfBv0nsw9eyC5tLesikZZ9UjZwkszjxo0/s1600/Mariah%2527s+bike.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then tonight after church Selah was hanging out in our bedroom. For some reason she was interested in learning how to tie a necktie. Jeremy was teaching her. I tried to get a photo of him behind her as she allowed him to get close but they moved before I was ready. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgR4tgs_JSYdbKSHInnhIgsqRevuApKLfieGiZ-UqZ7sbQLjPzk6X_gP0FLAZ4bbpuyE1rjI-6S2kRPH1-7vyR2IoId0BI5BpsrSHOHXfYmaUBarJD5EE1BzQ0_WzXvLdMDVmDyadq1Ls/s1600/photo+2-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgR4tgs_JSYdbKSHInnhIgsqRevuApKLfieGiZ-UqZ7sbQLjPzk6X_gP0FLAZ4bbpuyE1rjI-6S2kRPH1-7vyR2IoId0BI5BpsrSHOHXfYmaUBarJD5EE1BzQ0_WzXvLdMDVmDyadq1Ls/s1600/photo+2-5.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Selah struggles to see any photos of herself. So she usually clings to Rebecca. Mariah was the closest other child so she got pulled in. Selah's arm is not around Jeremy but she allows him to be close.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Selah is learning how families love each other. We have no conditions. We just love in spite of our flaws. I think it is mind-boggling to her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She asked me to cut one of her fingernails the other night, which was odd because she always does that on her own. I took that time to show her how to push your cuticles back. She had never seen that before. She then asked me to paint her toe nails and fingernails. These are close activities that I never take for granted. She initiated and I gladly responded. It was so very sweet. Closeness is really hard for her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As difficult as some of these weeks can be I would not change a thing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We pray that she gains more trust. We can only imagine the hurts she must have experienced to be such a reserved little girl. We mostly let her set the pace. And it is slow at times. It feels like a snail's pace at times. But she has begun to emerge from this shell of a child who we first met almost 7 months ago.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Older child adoptions are tough. We knew this. But knowing that does not give us the right to turn our backs on a child in desperate need of a family. A child whose file was looked at and returned countless times. We now know the reason for her file being turned back in was that God was keeping her for us! Selah has so much to offer. She is hilarious. She is very intelligent. She is sweet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just today on our way home from church she asked me what "h-u-m-i-l-i-t-y" means. She also asked what "l-o-w-l-y" meant. I explained. Then I told her she has much humility. I would guess that low self-esteem is more accurate. She sees no value in herself. After all, she lived as an orphan for 14 years in a country where there is little value in the lives of orphans. We are desperate to show her how loved she is. It is clear to us that she is a "thinker". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am reminded of a verse</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Psalm 1:3</span></b></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are definitely learning more patience. We know that God has big plans for Selah's life!<b><i> </i></b></span><br />
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Jeanine Kaminskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568520971903283877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408070105018871437.post-39641244235439137152014-07-10T01:19:00.000-04:002014-07-10T01:25:13.312-04:00 Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My days are not exactly relaxing. No complaints from me just letting you know why you may not hear from me quite as often. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrirFz7095zMPnPPdKQ2WhIDWzTSxwuMN_Eygs8RL3WeAODPHmhHm2qk96RIJ5Lh_u3v9p9DoSpEnfZUyq0IaYWshJriUGujs67ymBPFmb2oVDHSs1Q9t83lVkumcUNraugb5ztIKh54/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrirFz7095zMPnPPdKQ2WhIDWzTSxwuMN_Eygs8RL3WeAODPHmhHm2qk96RIJ5Lh_u3v9p9DoSpEnfZUyq0IaYWshJriUGujs67ymBPFmb2oVDHSs1Q9t83lVkumcUNraugb5ztIKh54/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our Rebecca celebrated her 12th birthday a little more than a week ago. How can it be twelve years since she made that early appearance?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaStD_rd2kCUKWnMkusmica9rjN8zbmPu9bXf7aPV7sBCtwKrRYL2LwIP8mM4k64cFz-12uVJ-9ZRzeCeuQlvR2mGCpsajLS1vm_BbHKzg-BjKBfcLyaSm4tL8QJ5SGPjU1UMjQ9kvXY/s1600/photo+1-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaStD_rd2kCUKWnMkusmica9rjN8zbmPu9bXf7aPV7sBCtwKrRYL2LwIP8mM4k64cFz-12uVJ-9ZRzeCeuQlvR2mGCpsajLS1vm_BbHKzg-BjKBfcLyaSm4tL8QJ5SGPjU1UMjQ9kvXY/s1600/photo+1-2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She got her first brand new bicycle! We let her pick.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbYr85fEVaVniQa68iTmijYbj8J7Nnnoc5rO8_YOa49bqh853iMEnTKwXRdXYWeQApKdPOnOfW9K2mFD82c_pBFM6vjwYWBtFnAr_8SJeWuqcDhiZMOhpoSx5zVUBTu7-lxYMbNsR22I/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbYr85fEVaVniQa68iTmijYbj8J7Nnnoc5rO8_YOa49bqh853iMEnTKwXRdXYWeQApKdPOnOfW9K2mFD82c_pBFM6vjwYWBtFnAr_8SJeWuqcDhiZMOhpoSx5zVUBTu7-lxYMbNsR22I/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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Selah set the dining room table for Rebecca's birthday dinner. Mariah decided to snuggle just a little bit more than usual!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was such a good day. Happy birthday my sweet girl! She enjoyed her gifts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremy made a quick trip home to PA so he could pick up a few things for our church. He left at 8:30 in the morning and walked back in the door at 12:45am. Not much of a day to enjoy him being home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The truck was only a two-seater. Micah ended up going since Kyle had gone home with Jeremy a few months ago.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pittsburgh!</span><br />
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Their trip home was late but uneventful! I was thankful but not thrilled this photo was taken as they drove through the south bound Fort Pitt Tunnel. He was driving!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They made a quick stop at my parent's house to check on the progress of my dad's new garage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While Jeremy and Micah were in Pittsburgh I took the other kids shopping. Mariah insisted on wearing her cape. She calls herself <i>"Super Mo"! </i>Never a dull moment here!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8Rtf16qXA4As2p84Pgq63pDc37shZuu8PewcNK606KqEd8Gg4byl6u-FiOw1ujCTKOemfraQH1tN7h5pE5UXdsgpJ6lS6wNodVLW8FWv1rHmpT2I_Kq9YFrL4-Q7l5oSKuiM8BBa7pM/s1600/photo+3+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8Rtf16qXA4As2p84Pgq63pDc37shZuu8PewcNK606KqEd8Gg4byl6u-FiOw1ujCTKOemfraQH1tN7h5pE5UXdsgpJ6lS6wNodVLW8FWv1rHmpT2I_Kq9YFrL4-Q7l5oSKuiM8BBa7pM/s1600/photo+3+%25282%2529.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Then we celebrated our country's independence! It was Selah's first July 4th celebration.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>As usual, Jeremy held our annual <b><i>Fourth of July</i></b> wiffle ball game.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfuUG44KYBcnsbJW7xB3Uzx0E3AksunQA50WUsQl8sbclTUh3-aE24ZWfsX_maHW7PgMRqgMbd-Tw1wA2Sx6Xol4D88mNyBgrYyvaaqy2JN2Zd1pPSfzbQrA-6PvkTubzLbasDhGiejU/s1600/photo+4+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfuUG44KYBcnsbJW7xB3Uzx0E3AksunQA50WUsQl8sbclTUh3-aE24ZWfsX_maHW7PgMRqgMbd-Tw1wA2Sx6Xol4D88mNyBgrYyvaaqy2JN2Zd1pPSfzbQrA-6PvkTubzLbasDhGiejU/s1600/photo+4+%25283%2529.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Silly, goofy Micah.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Mariah's new look!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A typical afternoon look at my front porch.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ben and his good friend/neighbor, Nate!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This was a text I received from my hubby. No words, just this photo. I'm glad he has a sense of humor!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Mariah loves to play outside but the kids are not always thrilled to keep an eye on her. While I fix supper she plays on our deck. Her Polly Pockets went swimming!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Family photo from our Sunday Independence Day service at church.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</span>Jeanine Kaminskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568520971903283877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408070105018871437.post-6979008951828592862014-06-23T01:53:00.000-04:002014-06-23T01:55:49.928-04:00Mariah's "Gotcha" Anniversary!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wednesday marked our two year family anniversary with Mariah. Many in the adoption community call this <i>"Gotcha Day"</i>. It was an emotional day that June 18th. But we finally had our China baby in our arms! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had an unexpected knock on our front door on Wednesday. There was a man standing with this beautiful floral arrangement.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYBtYDyenh97iW9OtqO6tOJqNURZnzsCwVReeZqrJ8iCT0nTPOnyd6p39PT5thAlCPbIsgBmdveUzsXBojahT7WsLvVF3cMrmGBK_xtakr3qOzsAjQqyO-h0MGlwB7VITahmLxr8QcOo/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYBtYDyenh97iW9OtqO6tOJqNURZnzsCwVReeZqrJ8iCT0nTPOnyd6p39PT5thAlCPbIsgBmdveUzsXBojahT7WsLvVF3cMrmGBK_xtakr3qOzsAjQqyO-h0MGlwB7VITahmLxr8QcOo/s1600/photo-2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My sweet best friend, Heather, had these delivered in honor of Mariah's <i>"Gotcha Day"</i> anniversary. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On a day where she and her husband were preparing for his surgery, she sent me these flowers! She has remained strong throughout this whole test of their faith.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He had surgery on Thursday to remove a suspicious lump under his chin. Tests and scans were inconclusive. The surgeon was concerned of a possible malignancy. We serve a big God and Heather claimed victory in all of this. The surgeon was cautious but confident he got everything. The test results will come later this week. We pray that God's healing touch claims the victory. He is the Great Physician and we know that healing is possible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the past two years we have watched Mariah blossom. She was just a shell of a baby. At 18 months old she could barely walk and weighed only 16 pounds. When she tried to walk her little legs shook terribly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were told she took a bottle. Well........she absolutely refused a bottle for us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She soon began to prefer Jeremy to me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYfj-FlLmQG53CVWdyu3FgZqy0h5CckCaNlEVPrHCO3EXcAmR5tKGc8arfZ3gN5G5xYZcA8t16JacpptmGSqJN_JEkDth3CXRrjF1z4gf1dTR8q0CMlM1swgNx05POwrUa4_TKpQE5zI/s1600/IMG_1011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYfj-FlLmQG53CVWdyu3FgZqy0h5CckCaNlEVPrHCO3EXcAmR5tKGc8arfZ3gN5G5xYZcA8t16JacpptmGSqJN_JEkDth3CXRrjF1z4gf1dTR8q0CMlM1swgNx05POwrUa4_TKpQE5zI/s1600/IMG_1011.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She would scream if I even came near. It made for interesting bathtime, diaper changes, and bedtimes. I took over all of her personal care. It was exhausting. It was so terribly emotional as I watched this child who I fought so hard reject me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfR8sTobReFLx6fpq5WHx-E9d-lHtxNwhx_L1V1cBos3b4QwtZSzcKkA83eG62VKcPPxT5oUW6Ufx8Z-smuDx9E37DzeyF_-if0uPmvLb8GW9lZ9C0QE6Y1i1nrLY1vFURJd8LNKOIbf8/s1600/DSC_4182-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfR8sTobReFLx6fpq5WHx-E9d-lHtxNwhx_L1V1cBos3b4QwtZSzcKkA83eG62VKcPPxT5oUW6Ufx8Z-smuDx9E37DzeyF_-if0uPmvLb8GW9lZ9C0QE6Y1i1nrLY1vFURJd8LNKOIbf8/s1600/DSC_4182-2.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I spent hours with her. Still......rejection.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I fed her. Still........rejection.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I played with her. Still.....rejection.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I bathed her. Still.......rejection.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I spent sleepless nights with her when she was sick. Still.......rejection.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But she loved her daddy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIkAyhn5MSCjsPbRJpNfYM-3axSo233nEjZNutXIXbs-qE1nHncnGW22kWEHkB3hhnwSGxS3j9W38k8aRJUSKwMWJENe7jGTp0kViYhkdAM4P1iOIHBAnbJnVKihjJtNdXZRkqV-Lfzw/s1600/DSC_4453-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIkAyhn5MSCjsPbRJpNfYM-3axSo233nEjZNutXIXbs-qE1nHncnGW22kWEHkB3hhnwSGxS3j9W38k8aRJUSKwMWJENe7jGTp0kViYhkdAM4P1iOIHBAnbJnVKihjJtNdXZRkqV-Lfzw/s1600/DSC_4453-2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I would rarely get a moment of tolerance from her. Then gradually something like this would happen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65LffxQE1m4jhEAKMwQxNNLeM_zkLOSgR4K44BjDK4ruTBdjSj9RkfAVgotbebPDby1XSeHEMtSBF3ThhHs1T1cl6nO8G3XV70NrBdJcLhYli-saN0FDhD7jk0a2sQ3GPe_E2MAwS50o/s1600/DSC_4343-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65LffxQE1m4jhEAKMwQxNNLeM_zkLOSgR4K44BjDK4ruTBdjSj9RkfAVgotbebPDby1XSeHEMtSBF3ThhHs1T1cl6nO8G3XV70NrBdJcLhYli-saN0FDhD7jk0a2sQ3GPe_E2MAwS50o/s1600/DSC_4343-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She had surgery after home six months. Jeremy, me and a great friend sat in the waiting room at Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis for her 9 1/2 hour surgery. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhx28ZZgOhDT2xud8GuN3Ciw6nkx3L5WA3TPNqMiEG0XL94uazlIsG8FYvRlT89CvvsSxrZxnrp1ojYmzBlDTq5ysK10uIUgQbxZy44vjarq8ZJEzfjZpPJ3mkkc22CPJ5VZZ-mmvR1Wk/s1600/Riley+Hospital+Outside.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhx28ZZgOhDT2xud8GuN3Ciw6nkx3L5WA3TPNqMiEG0XL94uazlIsG8FYvRlT89CvvsSxrZxnrp1ojYmzBlDTq5ysK10uIUgQbxZy44vjarq8ZJEzfjZpPJ3mkkc22CPJ5VZZ-mmvR1Wk/s1600/Riley+Hospital+Outside.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That is when the change really began to happen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She was in terrible pain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TOdSsDWQTFltGUJICJT6jeogzg-PZ3mBLb7_-XFVxgBVUsTjQ5O-3hUbSfC2SJvezmOz_fylbQH7bt9_23_jiZIymVvDWdhRbOi__56tVwuhgsm1oawgjawpMCPe0C5N8tO5anSpsFI/s1600/DSC04761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TOdSsDWQTFltGUJICJT6jeogzg-PZ3mBLb7_-XFVxgBVUsTjQ5O-3hUbSfC2SJvezmOz_fylbQH7bt9_23_jiZIymVvDWdhRbOi__56tVwuhgsm1oawgjawpMCPe0C5N8tO5anSpsFI/s1600/DSC04761.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But she learned something those days in ICU. Mommy was there. I would jump up as soon as someone walked in the door. I was there to comfort her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There was a change that took place. She began to freely give me love.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsL-p6B0l51_ODtQdXV4w5-o6E-IhMBdn9gSmHsKz_1wDIg0XIvj1YA1pKK8nq9NA4zOowA_zE1K6xXudFg8R6dW1AhK94nxpiGJ-debCkthBGWlasnKZYGIO-Em5sdFsiN7KU7dEScbo/s1600/DSC05064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsL-p6B0l51_ODtQdXV4w5-o6E-IhMBdn9gSmHsKz_1wDIg0XIvj1YA1pKK8nq9NA4zOowA_zE1K6xXudFg8R6dW1AhK94nxpiGJ-debCkthBGWlasnKZYGIO-Em5sdFsiN7KU7dEScbo/s1600/DSC05064.JPG" height="240" width="320" /> </a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Mother's Day 2013</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From there it is history! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4-GL5Gkazd0xcpg-Fj2Xo3D73QatzPAawUQa0lrzd9vStphHVTrg8GNp8EfqfrG68WNIoxaJp9ElEXzumFujUSyGUPa0obpqdN5Ttz0IdgCnCNZ-Q6zsJuy5KlPiHG0DWWNpKHdeTkk/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4-GL5Gkazd0xcpg-Fj2Xo3D73QatzPAawUQa0lrzd9vStphHVTrg8GNp8EfqfrG68WNIoxaJp9ElEXzumFujUSyGUPa0obpqdN5Ttz0IdgCnCNZ-Q6zsJuy5KlPiHG0DWWNpKHdeTkk/s1600/photo-1.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She loves Minnie Mouse.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She loves to eat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She loves her "mimis" (family/families).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we walked out of church today Ben told Mariah her pink dress was pretty. She responded as usual......"It's my favorite!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ben continued and asked her if he was her favorite. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mariah: "No! Mommy my favorite!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ben: "What about Daddy?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mariah: "Nope! Mommy my favorite!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She then looked at Jeremy and gave a grin. Clearly she loves me but she loves her Daddy and he is the apple of her eye. She just likes to joke and pretend he is not.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are blessed! She has added so much joy to our lives. She is desperately loved by our other kids!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know she does not understand the power in the words she speaks. Just tonight (as she does every night) she said, "You're my favorite Mommy!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh that child melts my heart!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Jeremiah 29:11</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>For i know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord. Plans of peace, and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. </b></i> </span><br />
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Jeanine Kaminskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568520971903283877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408070105018871437.post-58671668951990007792014-06-16T17:54:00.002-04:002014-06-16T20:58:53.502-04:00Father's Day Weekend<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I figured this is better late than never. I wanted so badly to write this for yesterday morning but our weekend was busy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thursday evening marked the return of our boys! They arrived with Grandma and Pap K. around 7:30pm. We spent the evening visiting with each other. They helped out a good bit at their house and returned with just as big of appetites as when they left!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In honor of one of the greatest men I have even known......I dedicate this post to Jeremy. We have been married now for 18 1/2 years. We have practically grown up together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is a little background about this man I am honored to love! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He is one of two children, both boys.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He is shy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He is intelligent. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He is fiercely loyal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He is overprotective.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He loves unconditionally.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He loves God above all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He loves to play football.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He has the best sense of humor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He really is a terrific singer (even though I joke about his singing).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He never knew he wanted a large family.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He is the one who began pursuing our adoptions....both times.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He cannot cook.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He is stubborn.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*He is not afraid to share his true feelings and thoughts. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Our first experience as being parents came when we were so young. We had been married 3 years and then came Kyle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmcc0hAXa1lA2-1k14A_-fJNRNYirHdKHjGDZDdZAXo26M9orLWmos-PgFs5AdXWGQ2vYOHcAHlFjha_lRAAYk0EKrsuEkOOx3UeWZGzaUui_M8QrBnD0HdZoqZRVXygQExE8Ng9l2sg/s1600/Jeremy+and+Kyle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmcc0hAXa1lA2-1k14A_-fJNRNYirHdKHjGDZDdZAXo26M9orLWmos-PgFs5AdXWGQ2vYOHcAHlFjha_lRAAYk0EKrsuEkOOx3UeWZGzaUui_M8QrBnD0HdZoqZRVXygQExE8Ng9l2sg/s1600/Jeremy+and+Kyle.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Notice Jeremy's Bible resting on top of my pillow behind him? That tells you a lot about him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then came Micah. Yes, we were all tired!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBITuW2qykKgVE-LxJNN-emPXty1FJ9XsXUCkK5eDHTrfO8AJeRaW0bQ5yuw1kf7Cfnk-AMa6zKQH9pjPtycPi11Qf3dxd5drekqh8xTriBD-H11HQcM4Jw22M4xR0QHdNdU1pEABx74/s1600/Jeremy+and+Micah.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBITuW2qykKgVE-LxJNN-emPXty1FJ9XsXUCkK5eDHTrfO8AJeRaW0bQ5yuw1kf7Cfnk-AMa6zKQH9pjPtycPi11Qf3dxd5drekqh8xTriBD-H11HQcM4Jw22M4xR0QHdNdU1pEABx74/s1600/Jeremy+and+Micah.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God blessed us with another pregnancy when Micah was only 8 months old. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pregnancies were not easy for me. I depended on Jeremy for so much. My water broke way too early. Rebecca came into this world and it was a very difficult time for us as a new family with a critically ill neonate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyp-Y0uwAP5T5iSCi12oC2YfFVQR9c6mtyZA1gteydV4IBNjcaKRKrdwvL1VLLrCce0dXEKzZflJajpoKATUDGIFJQGfjlVztYNX3znxNy0m0Z_EODzM6Uh0vm4N11sFIjBieFCMQdms/s1600/Jeremy+and+Rebecca.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyp-Y0uwAP5T5iSCi12oC2YfFVQR9c6mtyZA1gteydV4IBNjcaKRKrdwvL1VLLrCce0dXEKzZflJajpoKATUDGIFJQGfjlVztYNX3znxNy0m0Z_EODzM6Uh0vm4N11sFIjBieFCMQdms/s1600/Jeremy+and+Rebecca.JPG" height="320" width="228" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God saw fit to heal her quickly! She came home and Micah struggled to accept his new sister. Daddy to the rescue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHHoviW2NWEujayPc-x0xJWNQ4cgtfxjStBy8rvBjnCyiHnVYxzRxnO8ukvf0k9D7yOZ8dB3S5eQ0uJ1xatCK4kGSKBVhd6wWuUNkeKkSGEQzTc1XclBzId9t1NQBYuY6k_G42V_PEss/s1600/Jeremy%252C+Micah%252C+and+Becca.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHHoviW2NWEujayPc-x0xJWNQ4cgtfxjStBy8rvBjnCyiHnVYxzRxnO8ukvf0k9D7yOZ8dB3S5eQ0uJ1xatCK4kGSKBVhd6wWuUNkeKkSGEQzTc1XclBzId9t1NQBYuY6k_G42V_PEss/s1600/Jeremy%252C+Micah%252C+and+Becca.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
When Rebecca was just 9 months old we were thrilled to be expecting again. But we were scared. After Rebecca's ordeal it was a scary thought. But Ben came only 10 days early! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WC6zAypJB1tw9BGQZk50S85ihOpL2NuyhSQA2JvjbI1Qbz9FuX-6YC0L_F2suxK-qAiimGg_XW1cC1Ir61GkdR64SiQCROLsyzw1Lfs4jONYqbmx95Jxs8CSdylUfLY901VeG83Px24/s1600/Jeremy+and+Ben.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WC6zAypJB1tw9BGQZk50S85ihOpL2NuyhSQA2JvjbI1Qbz9FuX-6YC0L_F2suxK-qAiimGg_XW1cC1Ir61GkdR64SiQCROLsyzw1Lfs4jONYqbmx95Jxs8CSdylUfLY901VeG83Px24/s1600/Jeremy+and+Ben.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Then we found out he had spina bifida. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can say we grew up fast having precious children with chronic health problems. We realized quickly how difficult life got for us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremy was a rock! He trusted God for everything. He never hesitated. He made many decisions when I could not. Jeremy took care of all of us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Those early years were full of diaper changes (he did as many as me), potty training, and toddler chaos. He loved it though. And he loved me even though I often did not even have a chance to put on make-up or make a great meal for him. It didn't matter. He loved us! There is never a doubt of that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then he mentioned to me about adopting from China, our longtime "goal". I was surprised. We already had four kids less than five years apart. But we prayed and overwhelmingly decided to move forward. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The meeting with our sweet MoMo was very different than the other kids.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHs3J-FW7U5VXHGylwoqQUNIh-NB92kfsvEg8G0DWG-NgX_S2Qo3KJtKW34A0DSMYRtTeI4gmF6ear67oT48jsHR-EeQ7m3obGyZzJQWxHFWI1Z_Evj96MBXs0OA4U6lYZgeTAQqIhpZQ/s1600/IMG_0996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHs3J-FW7U5VXHGylwoqQUNIh-NB92kfsvEg8G0DWG-NgX_S2Qo3KJtKW34A0DSMYRtTeI4gmF6ear67oT48jsHR-EeQ7m3obGyZzJQWxHFWI1Z_Evj96MBXs0OA4U6lYZgeTAQqIhpZQ/s1600/IMG_0996.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She was withdrawn. She was sad. Honestly she was just a shell. But he didn't care. She was ours. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEqAe8MSMmc1LXy_lsVJqFq8gY5OQR9x2zOUaaLLr3m6Ynodp_LB9K9AAEM82de-k8RvSo8OG0KvpFkEh1d5mjmiJnUgPYyWJCbYsvrNyEmBXf82RgC6JfrALBzVxDsjwvDUaKy7sFQM/s1600/IMG_1012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEqAe8MSMmc1LXy_lsVJqFq8gY5OQR9x2zOUaaLLr3m6Ynodp_LB9K9AAEM82de-k8RvSo8OG0KvpFkEh1d5mjmiJnUgPYyWJCbYsvrNyEmBXf82RgC6JfrALBzVxDsjwvDUaKy7sFQM/s1600/IMG_1012.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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He bonded with her from the very first minute. She tolerated him but hated me. (No worries. She loves all of us now!)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvagfkm63NgvA27naUdChqY3_DeDZlkueHUmZigNG9HRYW6AKJUfTr4El4G_U9pW-hMwb01_UX_AvPo-xJdsAQLhTs_wCLPGOS2O2j10l-rq0kBlMnSX1kL8dMfI01ikEkUCFGRBh5_z8/s1600/IMG_1062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvagfkm63NgvA27naUdChqY3_DeDZlkueHUmZigNG9HRYW6AKJUfTr4El4G_U9pW-hMwb01_UX_AvPo-xJdsAQLhTs_wCLPGOS2O2j10l-rq0kBlMnSX1kL8dMfI01ikEkUCFGRBh5_z8/s1600/IMG_1062.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Look at his love for this child!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCYlIuPUhABNIcvG7wvrZdCE5ZD8Ls7Cn8HCfkl7acMJQNOi03qs-1b_e7pehOzfXfxpIcQuSqkrwfIf99Ewu66vL-z1wyxhOyaoYH6m6XNw_TmrEWF0_el144FEfgCtu4HfcEl5OJkI/s1600/IMG_1022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCYlIuPUhABNIcvG7wvrZdCE5ZD8Ls7Cn8HCfkl7acMJQNOi03qs-1b_e7pehOzfXfxpIcQuSqkrwfIf99Ewu66vL-z1wyxhOyaoYH6m6XNw_TmrEWF0_el144FEfgCtu4HfcEl5OJkI/s1600/IMG_1022.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Adopting an older child is completely different than a small child. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Again, Jeremy did not care. God called us to adopt Selah. Nothing would ever change the fact that she was ours. This meeting was so hard. She did not hug any of us. In fact, we could feel her pull away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCNmHTjdn1gqtz7ClKtDp9QBV-Q6GEdTX_MZen-ievQXvvm3qXGa0ORZiowxkEqWIpjRYnUrItJu1ZSNtA43QAEEYGZ_vi-bnKODAY_WkwuiHc7ckxbGXBhBKV948WhjtepCcrd5QbQw/s1600/IMG_3716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCNmHTjdn1gqtz7ClKtDp9QBV-Q6GEdTX_MZen-ievQXvvm3qXGa0ORZiowxkEqWIpjRYnUrItJu1ZSNtA43QAEEYGZ_vi-bnKODAY_WkwuiHc7ckxbGXBhBKV948WhjtepCcrd5QbQw/s1600/IMG_3716.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She was scared. We signed papers in our hotel room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wTdCYWFT0FAbRMtKIORc-8YWpdl2ZmbJz5MSGVxgQlmzyihPIcxBsnSxi-2gox7EUV7SMbHYtHto5PnaHQvxCriOC4t_mI1LK5D0tWvD_2HGen54CYib-GOwoBnM5BIuAUpmZmWCYag/s1600/IMG_3734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wTdCYWFT0FAbRMtKIORc-8YWpdl2ZmbJz5MSGVxgQlmzyihPIcxBsnSxi-2gox7EUV7SMbHYtHto5PnaHQvxCriOC4t_mI1LK5D0tWvD_2HGen54CYib-GOwoBnM5BIuAUpmZmWCYag/s1600/IMG_3734.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And more in the notary's office.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TzFVsc9yfADqx_Eldph2D5y66G_0FMc9fdPhF1CcuXzeeZTY0iEP5Z4BwdMUCxhuNZlYVyNipbkZMNlj0K3SM1Ifc4vJIB747D2GQbQqR8UuAyPP-IsSV_P4SuqcSviRbX75-Gw_Qic/s1600/IMG_3774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TzFVsc9yfADqx_Eldph2D5y66G_0FMc9fdPhF1CcuXzeeZTY0iEP5Z4BwdMUCxhuNZlYVyNipbkZMNlj0K3SM1Ifc4vJIB747D2GQbQqR8UuAyPP-IsSV_P4SuqcSviRbX75-Gw_Qic/s1600/IMG_3774.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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We took several sight-seeing trips while in China to help her get to know us better. She still was not all that impressed.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNupo002oljoTr8h3Pc-UZFCpCCzdmw0j1xSpZ0_g0bgMvhknHpQDt60plud3Xuq3uwLNcMj284aj86G4cb13WNc34_-XXcUGhSLCdFfX_AyogBMNP42E8upE0rGrF5sTdnL0r4GyqgCs/s1600/IMG_3857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNupo002oljoTr8h3Pc-UZFCpCCzdmw0j1xSpZ0_g0bgMvhknHpQDt60plud3Xuq3uwLNcMj284aj86G4cb13WNc34_-XXcUGhSLCdFfX_AyogBMNP42E8upE0rGrF5sTdnL0r4GyqgCs/s1600/IMG_3857.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Then we came home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She began to realize that our love is real. She has begun to trust us. She has learned that Daddy is "safe"! She even can relax a little next to him. Notice the love in his eyes for her? Notice the "safety" she feels?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHM0UjaYDTpM76b6Kh8NAUxIEPeW-FBkUHzhQCklLmSqGmewDm1YeD1vxChXnGNw0DMmbm639gOFHLddrJZBvBQkA6M31DV2tK6XGRUcOMVqoqA_JcGxvlVcDL9uoUcCs-vENgB89YSRs/s1600/Jeremy+and+Selah.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHM0UjaYDTpM76b6Kh8NAUxIEPeW-FBkUHzhQCklLmSqGmewDm1YeD1vxChXnGNw0DMmbm639gOFHLddrJZBvBQkA6M31DV2tK6XGRUcOMVqoqA_JcGxvlVcDL9uoUcCs-vENgB89YSRs/s1600/Jeremy+and+Selah.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is all because of this man I am blessed to be married to. He has literally gone around the world to meet his children and bring them home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremy is such an example of Christ to our kids. He is not perfect, but they think he is! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremy has so much respect for me. He still opens my car door (when not buckling a toddler in her car seat). He requires the kids speak respectfully to me and everyone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a result my love and respect for him only gets stronger. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He works long hard hours at the church. Honestly, working in ministry is hard. His whole weekend was filled with ministry events. We had an <i>Upwards</i> award ceremony/cookout on Friday, <i>Praise FM</i> tent sale on Saturday where he was live on the radio all day, then on Father's Day was a concert in the evening for church. The kids and I sit in church and rarely even get to see him from a distance. It is hard. It is lonely. But I know he serves the Lord. Our kids get to see him serve and learn what serving others means.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So on this day after Father's Day I wanted to specially honor my husband. We are perfect for each other! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am blessed to witness this life unfolding each and every day. I am blessed to be married to you and call you mine! Thank you for loving us like you do!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Proverbs 17:24 (English Standard Version)</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>The discerning sets his face toward wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. </b></i></span><br />
<br />Jeanine Kaminskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568520971903283877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408070105018871437.post-16978726958044562402014-06-12T02:28:00.001-04:002014-06-12T02:28:32.242-04:00Morgantown<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Morgantown has become quite the familiar place for us. Our first introduction to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown was almost 12 years ago when our sweet daughter decided to make quite a dramatic, albeit early, entrance to this world. Hence our first stay in a NICU. Sadly, that was not our only NICU visit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However our visits there now usually mean appointments at the Physicians Office Building and the Eye Institute. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEime6pzlUWJDOpWX-4kfgleN6aZfEE0K3_rqCb6sTT4HZMVT1N6osFk0B2NCAUdwyHi41b7hvruwZ-mC0153-tGjzBQLXFaVC5zsBWLQers2Wpw7_DV75bklRfD2CHJnspGdYfmNGyZ0-4/s1600/rubyMemorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEime6pzlUWJDOpWX-4kfgleN6aZfEE0K3_rqCb6sTT4HZMVT1N6osFk0B2NCAUdwyHi41b7hvruwZ-mC0153-tGjzBQLXFaVC5zsBWLQers2Wpw7_DV75bklRfD2CHJnspGdYfmNGyZ0-4/s1600/rubyMemorial.jpg" height="137" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our youngest son, "Boo", had an appointment to see his ENT. It was a regularly scheduled appointment</span>. <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ben has been going to this doctor since he was 9 months old. Poor guy had frequent ear infections so young. His first set of ventilation tubes was at 13 months. His second set was at 20 months. That surgery included bilateral ventilation tubes, a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. It was not a fun surgery as Ben really struggled to wake from surgery and unexpectedly was admitted. However, this was just a normal check-up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWe6FFjA78HRqIOZvtaxEj6K86F1FFc1gVNIPNK0qXK5-LiJRXLspwSUOyckj10H6Yo0QmCCgm2BAdEaSJWDJNixtwOdTV3bu6ZnocT9iMv_fZuYP25rdYSNri372KJkoXhEQZFYcek-s/s1600/photo%252874%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWe6FFjA78HRqIOZvtaxEj6K86F1FFc1gVNIPNK0qXK5-LiJRXLspwSUOyckj10H6Yo0QmCCgm2BAdEaSJWDJNixtwOdTV3bu6ZnocT9iMv_fZuYP25rdYSNri372KJkoXhEQZFYcek-s/s1600/photo%252874%2529.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I know my son. He was so congested. Yet never complained. The resident doctor introduced himself, examined Ben and just seconds later he told me that Ben's nose was pretty bad. I knew that. The conversation with the doctor was interesting. He told me that Ben has "<i>significant problems". </i>They are apprehensive to test for allergies. I guess his risk for anaphylaxis is pretty great.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So we hope to hold off on that until it is absolutely necessary. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He takes life in stride. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He never gets rattled. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He is one of my heroes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He is pretty amazing and defies many of his doctors......all 7 of them! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Check out his soccer goal during his last game!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJVJztbQ73QiS2TZ8RsQt3B5mcZ9stAn00MaCxX4PoHpSovRiUOHS9eTOynmA6r5051BPmLDgTnWOWTvEGAjn0AjknBoe6kh7CcBQA-j69KsEoWDSG3XhO4FifGUGRq148wUsLNuSiFo/s1600/Ben%2527s+goal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJVJztbQ73QiS2TZ8RsQt3B5mcZ9stAn00MaCxX4PoHpSovRiUOHS9eTOynmA6r5051BPmLDgTnWOWTvEGAjn0AjknBoe6kh7CcBQA-j69KsEoWDSG3XhO4FifGUGRq148wUsLNuSiFo/s1600/Ben%2527s+goal.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I get sidetracked............I took him to Morgantown to see his ENT and also Mariah to see her opthamologist. I took Kyle along for sanity!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrynUT3mUHOscm5nX6uyRIWg8moi2sbvOCpI58a5_n1nlmHR0UcPQ3JZA5Q_z23GQTzNxxScRXhYG97_30VGinA4o4tqf15DM6zK5ZNXvwJ6KbUvJEO_tJ9Mr-2wkv22RpXJy0BRS-OqE/s1600/photo+1%252860%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrynUT3mUHOscm5nX6uyRIWg8moi2sbvOCpI58a5_n1nlmHR0UcPQ3JZA5Q_z23GQTzNxxScRXhYG97_30VGinA4o4tqf15DM6zK5ZNXvwJ6KbUvJEO_tJ9Mr-2wkv22RpXJy0BRS-OqE/s1600/photo+1%252860%2529.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
The two hour drive did Mariah in. Oh boy! She was not the easiest. Note to self........make Mariah's appointment first next time. She ate her bag of crackers, two lollipops, and some Smarties in the 15 minutes the doctor spent with us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another note to self.....first appointment at 11am and second appointment at 1pm does not leave enough time for lunch in between and children will be hungry. And so will mom!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We proceeded to the eye doctor. We waited in their waiting room from 11:30 until 1:30. Oh my! Even I was getting restless!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had just told Mariah, "Do not throw that ball!" Want to guess what she did?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSdkXKZZO3YI2oNlvEmuagMmNq2YktMHHkvpABqmKECztoZB0bOZKFUtL9mDKvlRkSVC-Kc8ZZZetLyVJ8WEZ6tlT8i7CJDR0u06mErEtC-9_UeFIsoHSOT5o-V2XWO1eGk_HaHetCmk/s1600/photo+3%252857%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSdkXKZZO3YI2oNlvEmuagMmNq2YktMHHkvpABqmKECztoZB0bOZKFUtL9mDKvlRkSVC-Kc8ZZZetLyVJ8WEZ6tlT8i7CJDR0u06mErEtC-9_UeFIsoHSOT5o-V2XWO1eGk_HaHetCmk/s1600/photo+3%252857%2529.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I did feel bad for her. There were several other children in the waiting room but only one would play with her. In fact, they looked at her like she was an alien. I guess her heritage was a little disconcerting to others. For now she seemed unaffected. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally.......we got called back. Her appointment went well. Again, they increased her eyeglasses prescription. She will always need glasses. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were done! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lunch was served at 3pm. Then we drove home...2 hours.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Friday was Mariah's last speech session with Miss Katie. I just realized I didn't get that photo I had intended! Good thing she lives around the corner!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremy's brother came to visit on Friday! The kids were looking forward to this visit. It was our first overnight guest with Selah here. She was a bit confused as to where he would sleep. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeff treated us to dinner out. Let's just say these boys never change!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_6LRw2-u-aE-YiW_XMNP5MTzazMCnNaCvt3UgAAh19XvOTLvhpER3nEekXMOM-QXk6Lroo7kjp_tI4M8XStIcsTHW3Fd6MbYAd3pgMYvJ7GVbShhWgDbWnurm3OXmVMqf2munJxs6j0/s1600/photo+4%252841%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_6LRw2-u-aE-YiW_XMNP5MTzazMCnNaCvt3UgAAh19XvOTLvhpER3nEekXMOM-QXk6Lroo7kjp_tI4M8XStIcsTHW3Fd6MbYAd3pgMYvJ7GVbShhWgDbWnurm3OXmVMqf2munJxs6j0/s1600/photo+4%252841%2529.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeff went home on Sunday afternoon. He took our two oldest boys back with him to leave at Jeremy's parents' for the week. Grandma and Pap wanted to put the boys to "work" but I really think they just wanted to spoil a little!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mariah is so confused as to where they are. She asks, "Where's Uncle Weff?" and, "Where's the guys?" She saw me <i>Facetiming</i> with Micah this morning. She desperately wanted to see him. The following conversation ensued....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mariah: "KeKe! I miss....you.......so......much!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Micah: "I miss you too!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me: "Mariah, look!" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> "There's Kyle!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> "Tell Kyle you love him."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mariah: "NO! I love mommy! You're my mommy!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What can I say? I really tried. She does love Kyle. But right now she is crazy possessive about me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I guess they have painted, cut back tall brush the whole length of the driveway/lane, planted a garden, and cut grass. I'm glad the boys wanted to go help. But I miss them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My house feels empty! We only have four kids! I know, it sounds ridiculous! But it is true. I miss my boys! They should be home Thursday night. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had a landscaping company bring some equipment and properly level an area for our new pool.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DbATbQDniG_DW_0RT-ktWvSYuhvzcj32eJoP-LJDDTalKkjDl1_Qyh6MISFJv3XxEloU7MNfyy_tma9rg20558OuQwCNVG4jkvzybcv3OZcFRWn3oX80uxNKTopHVIaTv9M3i3_9urg/s1600/photo+1%252861%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DbATbQDniG_DW_0RT-ktWvSYuhvzcj32eJoP-LJDDTalKkjDl1_Qyh6MISFJv3XxEloU7MNfyy_tma9rg20558OuQwCNVG4jkvzybcv3OZcFRWn3oX80uxNKTopHVIaTv9M3i3_9urg/s1600/photo+1%252861%2529.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thankfully, Jeremy and I got the pool set up before the torrential rains. We finished with about 45 minutes to spare. Jeremy is the type of guy that once he starts something, it bothers him until it is done. So, we still do not have the water in the pool. We will do that beginning tomorrow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the meantime, the kids loved the mountain of sand that was delivered!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjPI8HLwtOPIo7t2onaGTIo4Glc0tb2lj7VAhPTklrhZpFskPkCXDHFrhprUyrGRIJthGoGjIXKAcAiCvx3goJuedHLa4zLRpAdJWybx9Xbx-L9omPb-mSZFJXe5nKeJTXgFr_d0DSn8/s1600/photo+3%252858%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjPI8HLwtOPIo7t2onaGTIo4Glc0tb2lj7VAhPTklrhZpFskPkCXDHFrhprUyrGRIJthGoGjIXKAcAiCvx3goJuedHLa4zLRpAdJWybx9Xbx-L9omPb-mSZFJXe5nKeJTXgFr_d0DSn8/s1600/photo+3%252858%2529.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On our way home from church this evening the sky was absolutely gorgeous!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DRymlWWTOk1l65VjNNgQSCUjYSozLOPO5NaGQoT2Dl0_vLwGdkIQib1rcR5JNyhfXTEmHXSpmQSbuxv0L39At-ozSoSm1pQjF6DgyUo_2w974rXCGHrlTpGiKI0dJaVhi-s_FgANkIY/s1600/photo+4%252842%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DRymlWWTOk1l65VjNNgQSCUjYSozLOPO5NaGQoT2Dl0_vLwGdkIQib1rcR5JNyhfXTEmHXSpmQSbuxv0L39At-ozSoSm1pQjF6DgyUo_2w974rXCGHrlTpGiKI0dJaVhi-s_FgANkIY/s1600/photo+4%252842%2529.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
Not bad for taking the photo out my window while Jeremy was driving!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then we came home and I went out on the deck.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE06iOTiYv-TRWC1zmoIM0nPyN_OHnV8TXwta9lM24Pa2ysxgi_J7iK_SyVPLaRUaCV11c0ni_UZA6S2ISwrtign0L_W1PvX3kJcS7lB4SI5OFuCAUpNqZ87MU1tsm7R8P9aJFeck8r-M/s1600/photo+5%252827%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE06iOTiYv-TRWC1zmoIM0nPyN_OHnV8TXwta9lM24Pa2ysxgi_J7iK_SyVPLaRUaCV11c0ni_UZA6S2ISwrtign0L_W1PvX3kJcS7lB4SI5OFuCAUpNqZ87MU1tsm7R8P9aJFeck8r-M/s1600/photo+5%252827%2529.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was reminded of this passage from the Bible......</span><br />
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<span class="exdous">Psalms 113:3</span>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Psalms 113:3 Verse Concepts">Verse Concepts</a>
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From the rising of the sun to its setting The name of the LORD is to be praised.<br />
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Sunsets#sthash.WcvmTlJV.dpuf</div>
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<span class="exdous">Psalms 113:3</span>
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<div class="concepts">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Psalms 113:3 Verse Concepts">Verse Concepts</a>
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From the rising of the sun to its setting The name of the LORD is to be praised.<br />
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Sunsets#sthash.WcvmTlJV.dpuf</div>
<b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Psalm 113:3 </span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord's name is to be praised.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>Jeanine Kaminskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568520971903283877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408070105018871437.post-23108279666899812862014-05-28T01:34:00.001-04:002014-05-28T13:00:18.332-04:00Love!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">School is almost completely done for our kids!!!!!! Did you "hear" the excitement in that statement?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I do enjoy homeschooling. However.....this year has been very difficult. The school year began with us once again undergoing the adoption process this time on steroids. The expedited process tested me more than ever before. Absolutely every step of the process to adopt Selah was met with adversity. I practically had our congressman's office numbers on my speed dial. I knew that Satan was working so hard to discourage and interfere. As always God's way was victorious. I promise to blog more about that soon but I digress!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the sweetest surprising moments (with Selah) happened on Mother's Day. We had gone home to be with my parents as my dad lost his business to a fire. We spent the afternoon outside enjoying the sun and taking photos. Selah ran up to me and said, "You take picture?" So I did!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_MNHs5tc_B5ghLqhG7pb0_-i_C8_N2Xm5iSIzZ1yQBWRPwfIvUCqp1eJ1ojAf70cJy1RNPeujmuTjRY3Wgz5YnoCuNyjJMolJB7pKDEmTW0m-migC50L9-BFO7J5_g0H4BYTw1rEuWY/s1600/photo%252869%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_MNHs5tc_B5ghLqhG7pb0_-i_C8_N2Xm5iSIzZ1yQBWRPwfIvUCqp1eJ1ojAf70cJy1RNPeujmuTjRY3Wgz5YnoCuNyjJMolJB7pKDEmTW0m-migC50L9-BFO7J5_g0H4BYTw1rEuWY/s1600/photo%252869%2529.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can you see the absolute joy in Selah's entire countenance? Not to mention the fact that she wrapped her arms around me! I only wish the glare in my glasses was not so bad. She is stunningly beautiful! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremy was chatting with Selah's social worker in China the other day. She asked for some photos of Selah in everyday situations. Jeremy sent her a few and her response was as follows: "She is much happier in America than she was here in China." It came on a day that we really needed to hear. We have many great days but this process has been difficult.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Her grieving takes many forms:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*silence</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*disappearance (usually to her room between the two beds)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*inappropriate laughter </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">loud walking, almost stomping</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*passive disrespect (not unlike my other kids)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*eye rolling (also not unlike our other children)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*mumbling in Cantonese (She owns that one!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These are the times that challenge us as parents. We have to throw out everything we have learned raising our other kids. It is imperative that we always remember what this sweet girl has lost. She does not know how to process her new life nor does she have the "tools" to process her new circumstances in an "acceptable" way. But she is learning. And she definitely tries to change.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So while we learn a lot about each other, the above photo represents where we most often are these days. She has come so far in just a few short months. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In one of her school papers she is learning about adjectives. Selah's job was to correctly write an original sentence for the adjective shown in the picture. I was so touched when I saw what Selah wrote.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEttpQGSXE_JAqc708_TkQXE9rXWPEmQvsCLVQl6jZbXi596t3p0ZiwqdhDVsgwvmpvVi-aIcwUxF7WdRXfrarus7EhSzfKcqRIPalLnhlq2IDHJ-wT25vdTdFEBQaG9Dw_mvBawk1BA/s1600/photo(68).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEttpQGSXE_JAqc708_TkQXE9rXWPEmQvsCLVQl6jZbXi596t3p0ZiwqdhDVsgwvmpvVi-aIcwUxF7WdRXfrarus7EhSzfKcqRIPalLnhlq2IDHJ-wT25vdTdFEBQaG9Dw_mvBawk1BA/s1600/photo(68).JPG" height="104" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are still working on the second sentence. However, for only being here for less than five months.........WOW!!!! Her English is amazing! We have spoken to her social worker and was told she was at the top of her class of 1,000 students. She is very intelligent. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we headed out the door for church last week I grabbed<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Selah's Bible and noticed something written in the flyleaf.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLz0Yk5OWmBucDcZLhorqeNW7A3kTN-IZ2DxLf5eQY7bGnoBbBZ9OYGfUT3GM_-O5KjLvh7kE0xqATrgHygOiae03I4AinVuLrnvhKXdPJmYPtPW9NS_6VeVIdpCbMfRMI77JAqX6azo/s1600/Love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLz0Yk5OWmBucDcZLhorqeNW7A3kTN-IZ2DxLf5eQY7bGnoBbBZ9OYGfUT3GM_-O5KjLvh7kE0xqATrgHygOiae03I4AinVuLrnvhKXdPJmYPtPW9NS_6VeVIdpCbMfRMI77JAqX6azo/s1600/Love.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I imagine that she heard this somewhere. It had been a bit of a difficult day. Then the Lord allowed me to see this. I know it was His reminder to me of all the hurt and utter rejection our daughter has experienced in her life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She has never experienced the kind of love she is receiving from our family. This was exactly what I needed to see. I needed to just realize how her life has been shaken to her very core. I have children who love me unconditionally. I have extended family that love unconditionally. I have a husband. I have a mom and a dad who love me and our family. I have Jeremy's family that love me like their own flesh and blood. I have God! Selah has never experienced any of these things. My sweet friend, Cindy, called me and we were chatting about adoption and she reminded me that Selah has nothing to offer. No one has cared enough for this girl to invest in her life. No one ever invested love. The only love she has ever known or experienced is demonstrated to her or others around her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Selah has added such a sweetness to our home. She is becoming such a great big sister to Mariah. I love seeing her interact with Mariah. It is obvious that she had almost no interaction with little ones. She is finally allowing herself to enjoy being part of a somewhat large family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I thank God every single day that we signed her paperwork three days before she was lost in the welfare system in China. Ultimately her future would be grim. She would likely not live for many more years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we celebrated Memorial Day yesterday she was confused. We watched the <i>PBS</i> Memorial Day Celebration on television. I watched her as she was soaking it all in. She was a bit taken back by the number of headstones shown at Arlington. She was so very quiet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Memorial Day was also a great day for us though. My sister and her family stopped by on their way home from a wedding in Virginia. We had a great cookout! The kids played badmitten! We found a sport that Selah is excited about! She just lit up! We are so happy to see her more often being a kid!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had the closing ceremony for our church's AWANA program this past Wednesday. I want to take a moment to brag on my kiddos. Rebecca was one of only two kids this year to earn the <i>Timothy Award</i>. She has finished every single book in AWANA from Cubbies to TNT. She not only finished those books but she has worked on the extra sections as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEjB-xpNFwxRlw8ukRii4OPuJe8PIvGLeCzUyOs0XLEXqVEIeSWI_Ac7cBUtCSqxLx0gLkACGLMdGXV-dhQAQJKwrCjn_a3cHC-kh_imSxHeuBuOnDvsbmhwR4XGiNBK1aED3gPw8tA0/s1600/photo+4%252836%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEjB-xpNFwxRlw8ukRii4OPuJe8PIvGLeCzUyOs0XLEXqVEIeSWI_Ac7cBUtCSqxLx0gLkACGLMdGXV-dhQAQJKwrCjn_a3cHC-kh_imSxHeuBuOnDvsbmhwR4XGiNBK1aED3gPw8tA0/s1600/photo+4%252836%2529.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ben is right on track to earn this same award. It took him until the very end of the year but he finished his book! I am so proud of them. This is not an easy feat!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgN-Psr9pfas13TVQ7lIPzfbp8zFA4HKvJ0YFKAo5O0PsFSc719XGO2FaPn53GkJeS0THqR4oVGxM9qSSUBi7f-HCy9r8JpjSkLTCu3TbBqWrdTc8n7yPRs2sOYJ4NYr7qb8a8YEkY3U/s1600/photo+3%252852%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgN-Psr9pfas13TVQ7lIPzfbp8zFA4HKvJ0YFKAo5O0PsFSc719XGO2FaPn53GkJeS0THqR4oVGxM9qSSUBi7f-HCy9r8JpjSkLTCu3TbBqWrdTc8n7yPRs2sOYJ4NYr7qb8a8YEkY3U/s1600/photo+3%252852%2529.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mariah also finished her first AWANA year. She loved her <i>Puggles</i> class and most definitely Ms. Opal (April) and Ms. Bebbie (Debbie). She gets so excited every single Wednesday. Thank you both for making her feel so special. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_VEo3Yy1aUl833J6HVFmN7-diBt62J9AUcWxiXY5kycVK-zRJXWziUXItffwjdM4jqte55SzJpBlJH-95b6rhE2B8dBu8995OlJWMSH-lSbAOr6X1NvPE1xoT9iD_aQhwNahSI2zYPg/s1600/DSC06749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_VEo3Yy1aUl833J6HVFmN7-diBt62J9AUcWxiXY5kycVK-zRJXWziUXItffwjdM4jqte55SzJpBlJH-95b6rhE2B8dBu8995OlJWMSH-lSbAOr6X1NvPE1xoT9iD_aQhwNahSI2zYPg/s1600/DSC06749.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you to all of our AWANA workers for investing in the children at Fellowship!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also want to share that our two older boys have had much joy in helping in AWANA. Jeremy and I are passionate about our kids serving. This was Kyle's third year, Micah's first year, and Jeremy's 15th year! I have stepped away for a few years as I am trying to minister first to my family and be a mom to Selah. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlZYH1XRsxHkji8kBxxWD1lYmFJ0mbXsLU6PjhJ25XxbpPKtTQ1kXEXmAuXrAWZA2EIKIHD-oGRybtNSMx-p8yefwuCp8bV2fGK75kQ7DiP3UYLjvpkh_Ez_TGfV3ifIo8HDTEFUr1sw/s1600/DSC06750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlZYH1XRsxHkji8kBxxWD1lYmFJ0mbXsLU6PjhJ25XxbpPKtTQ1kXEXmAuXrAWZA2EIKIHD-oGRybtNSMx-p8yefwuCp8bV2fGK75kQ7DiP3UYLjvpkh_Ez_TGfV3ifIo8HDTEFUr1sw/s1600/DSC06750.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are an incredibly blessed family! As absolutely difficult as the worst days are, it is unbelievably fantastic!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God has poured out his love on us and has supernaturally given us above and beyond what we need or deserve. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As Mariah and I were using sidewalk chalk in the driveway I just wanted to let others know this one thing.......</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmNFaNMh26cO9iqVd_DTnkCm6NRheET1cUctqN7ke8pWeqL3uryhB4yUYYH8tzbFZx49Q7BX4TBndMSp3ShG-Y0xhBCznz24FBdf9Kl-ivRNQKHRzXKvZTW_eTFHEPy4BfCE_8PJU4KA/s1600/photo(70).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmNFaNMh26cO9iqVd_DTnkCm6NRheET1cUctqN7ke8pWeqL3uryhB4yUYYH8tzbFZx49Q7BX4TBndMSp3ShG-Y0xhBCznz24FBdf9Kl-ivRNQKHRzXKvZTW_eTFHEPy4BfCE_8PJU4KA/s1600/photo(70).JPG" height="103" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15</b></i></span><br />
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<br />Jeanine Kaminskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568520971903283877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408070105018871437.post-28267374150442317842014-05-20T23:52:00.000-04:002014-05-20T23:52:03.213-04:00Fire<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some things happen when you least expect. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some things just cannot be explained no matter how hard you try to understand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last Saturday a couple of our kids went into the church early with Jeremy to help with the <i>Single Mom's Oil Changes</i> that our church was sponsoring. I got the rest of the kids ready and we headed in for the soccer game where we would meet Jeremy since he was coaching the game.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kyle and Micah stayed over at the church parking lot where they helped with vacuuming the cars. It was a rainy Saturday. It was cool here too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I brought the girls home and fixed lunch while the boys finished up at the church with Jeremy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I received this text from my mom's phone via my cousin, Danielle......</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDuLk8vC4y8hokwUDAN6MJWseKfgSPv5-nDQGjzllXS3gRDubxBu9dEnReX3uxd6nfINbSc86RAr-SAMTjyp0d2GfY6chN8ex6B66dPXtgvR33zQNft8UEIAAbuZuFectVahS77Jwi5o/s1600/photo+1%252851%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDuLk8vC4y8hokwUDAN6MJWseKfgSPv5-nDQGjzllXS3gRDubxBu9dEnReX3uxd6nfINbSc86RAr-SAMTjyp0d2GfY6chN8ex6B66dPXtgvR33zQNft8UEIAAbuZuFectVahS77Jwi5o/s1600/photo+1%252851%2529.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i> "Daddy's garage is on fire."</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My heart immediately began pounding.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i> </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I gasped and scared my girls.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then tears filled my eyes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I texted back and asked if Dad was okay. He was safe, thank goodness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But the magnitude of this fire goes back farther than many realize.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My dad started working on cars when he was 16 years old. He loves working on cars. He worked at a local <i>Sunoco</i> gas station in one of the garage bays while also pumping gas for customers as they drove up to the pump. He did all of this while working full-time at Allegheny Ludlum steel mill. He was a tunnel furnace operator for many years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dad and Mom built that garage 30 years ago. I remember so many details of that construction. I had just broken my arm and my dad was pouring the footer for the foundation. He built a barn style garage with a large bay housing a hydrolic lift for working on cars. The 2-story structure served as the hub for dad's business of painting cars, repairing cars, and for our graduation parties. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 2004 the mill offered my dad early retirement (after 35 years of service). Dad and Mom decided to add on to the garage. Another bay was added, Dad's office and bathroom were moved, and they added an entire storage area for his Kubota tractor. The footprint for his garage is 30 X 48. It was pretty big.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dad spends many hours in that garage. He is often out up and out in his garage around 8am and rarely comes in before 10pm. Mom even struggles to get him inside to eat supper. And to think he is retired!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My parents are some of the hardest working people I have ever known. When dad is not in his garage he is probably outside splitting wood for one of their two coal furnaces (one for the house and the other for his garage). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the 30 years of my dad having his own business he has never one time advertised. There has never been a single sign to even let the community know it was a business. Yet somehow every single day my dad had more cars lining the driveway than he thinks he could ever complete. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My dad serviced the cars for the moms at the local crisis pregnancy center. He rarely closed the shop. When he had to close the shop after my mom's surgery and extended hospital stay...........his customers didn't know what to do. They were in shock that the garage was closed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dad closed his garage rarely but when he did it was always for my mom or us children. With each birth of a grandchild Dad closed his garage. Even when several of those babies were born sick requiring hospitalization, Dad closed up shop. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When our daughter, Rebecca, was born a little more than six weeks early my dad and mom came to Morgantown, WV to be with us. There was much concern as her lungs were not mature. Customers were calling his cell phone and were confused as to what they were supposed to do. Dad simply told them he would be home when he could. But his granddaughter had a long road ahead and he was prepared to be there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dad closed up his shop when he decided to travel to China to meet his youngest granddaughter. His customers did not know what to do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So when his garage went up in flames it was devastating!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19_EbHomWJt0iSkM_Bv59xS-Dn7iWs2yQ9uO5myPP_wx_tSnyVFM5nHgULtYQfgfd5Sl32GKmKZa4nppMQlTUSZ8xoPbkHKxqoaTLCHKm-JFChuUn9sWCpGOFZ_-DY5Qiaz-ox-a4mlU/s1600/Fire+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19_EbHomWJt0iSkM_Bv59xS-Dn7iWs2yQ9uO5myPP_wx_tSnyVFM5nHgULtYQfgfd5Sl32GKmKZa4nppMQlTUSZ8xoPbkHKxqoaTLCHKm-JFChuUn9sWCpGOFZ_-DY5Qiaz-ox-a4mlU/s1600/Fire+2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These photos were taken before any emergency workers arrived. If you look closely you can see my dad and Bill running into the garage in an attempt to save anything. Even though the 911 operator was clear and told my mom that no one was to go back in the garage.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-OajnFzC2KCT-ldqVprL0V_ABJTQpoizmg4FA5HGQXVrckmECrHNOJ98-tRIlo1v0F7Yf3BtXd7_xSCXg9V-Z7MDyc0Kb2evQ96gSS9j6GZO5ZbaujOg4eGQ__c51B68R4o4oT-P4gOY/s1600/Fire+in+garage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-OajnFzC2KCT-ldqVprL0V_ABJTQpoizmg4FA5HGQXVrckmECrHNOJ98-tRIlo1v0F7Yf3BtXd7_xSCXg9V-Z7MDyc0Kb2evQ96gSS9j6GZO5ZbaujOg4eGQ__c51B68R4o4oT-P4gOY/s1600/Fire+in+garage.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dad was using his tractor to move some of the debris and the fireman was kind enough to put a helmet on Dad's head in case the structure fell. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-SUvJjM28sN1F6asZ3JUPvWO5I4raiZPnqpLa_dTDaUthMDtE62NCN1qMiXMGZSYmn21w_7sQolvzJBUIFfiLFOCqmDDQIlefY-lcrmqvTiwO07nfzgduQTa_otjvYhjuWXjd-Ybnd2k/s1600/photo+3%252849%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-SUvJjM28sN1F6asZ3JUPvWO5I4raiZPnqpLa_dTDaUthMDtE62NCN1qMiXMGZSYmn21w_7sQolvzJBUIFfiLFOCqmDDQIlefY-lcrmqvTiwO07nfzgduQTa_otjvYhjuWXjd-Ybnd2k/s1600/photo+3%252849%2529.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This next photo is hard for me to look at. If you look closely you can see my sister consoling my dad with her hand on his back. He is just watching his dreams vanish. His shoulders are slumped. It brings tears to my eyes every time I see this.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYPWTWwjIQoUvQo39P0qHxdrqHYCrLrpWZz_qxJOklWpKDCQrYhG7w6bBKLF9jJuh-2quDVqEJ0bDy01MALqN7HkY2hhPrmjtEtwXzQL0Tgk8-mMkqrQaWLt8yVKve8OcO5vDLFLtSK8/s1600/photo%252814%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYPWTWwjIQoUvQo39P0qHxdrqHYCrLrpWZz_qxJOklWpKDCQrYhG7w6bBKLF9jJuh-2quDVqEJ0bDy01MALqN7HkY2hhPrmjtEtwXzQL0Tgk8-mMkqrQaWLt8yVKve8OcO5vDLFLtSK8/s1600/photo%252814%2529.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are a few more of the day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOT1o7mf4UNVNpMxsuvVDXiswzygHGnqxfz41kpx05S1-wHpyu6aUDGSM8qs9va1f3VkT43sTknGdeDki9u6SGFmobipD3d4SPrcfF8m6p5rTQf-oSmlwMXj_WKmbNCgWPen2S6XG6KU0/s1600/Fire+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOT1o7mf4UNVNpMxsuvVDXiswzygHGnqxfz41kpx05S1-wHpyu6aUDGSM8qs9va1f3VkT43sTknGdeDki9u6SGFmobipD3d4SPrcfF8m6p5rTQf-oSmlwMXj_WKmbNCgWPen2S6XG6KU0/s1600/Fire+3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rvXZKF2K93-ptEFst_SqQdZzOk655AfQ4gAZBwxE1Vm0bJpWap7C8I_ilcnJ6Q_MQCCKkDxj1C4HBZjQhweLIWNJ16sF3kinNXSvr3uah-zjK3nUtyrCFsFEvULwpwP1S_QsrjjNo9Y/s1600/photo+2%252851%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rvXZKF2K93-ptEFst_SqQdZzOk655AfQ4gAZBwxE1Vm0bJpWap7C8I_ilcnJ6Q_MQCCKkDxj1C4HBZjQhweLIWNJ16sF3kinNXSvr3uah-zjK3nUtyrCFsFEvULwpwP1S_QsrjjNo9Y/s1600/photo+2%252851%2529.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mGAPSW_rQme_cJtHm-rs_zMSnE0FrJqOpRxrTr5ES3Toaud30PI0A-RcCTMRHbQyYmlyJU_KA99cMs7rK-v5ti80jcq4ubh59SYDD-mfAixBqBN8m3C92J-ZuqF4jrje3fIL5Y-L8OU/s1600/photo+1%252846%2529+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mGAPSW_rQme_cJtHm-rs_zMSnE0FrJqOpRxrTr5ES3Toaud30PI0A-RcCTMRHbQyYmlyJU_KA99cMs7rK-v5ti80jcq4ubh59SYDD-mfAixBqBN8m3C92J-ZuqF4jrje3fIL5Y-L8OU/s1600/photo+1%252846%2529+-+Copy.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtVe0CdmSwamOGXEWvaydxkQbxoGVZcjfi0a8qAGd2HNR1P9NOetMJrtc0WutFaC4QSQ9LZSqLsceoSj2xxqMk9Gk0vb5E2XF2DVOH8o8rrS5VwfAie09TL4sqh98Kn4WuJJQG8tKsK4/s1600/Fire+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtVe0CdmSwamOGXEWvaydxkQbxoGVZcjfi0a8qAGd2HNR1P9NOetMJrtc0WutFaC4QSQ9LZSqLsceoSj2xxqMk9Gk0vb5E2XF2DVOH8o8rrS5VwfAie09TL4sqh98Kn4WuJJQG8tKsK4/s1600/Fire+4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremy and I made a decision and quickly packed a bag for each of us and loaded up in two cars and drove home to Pennsylvania. It was the right thing to do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremy drove his car because he needed to come back for church/work on Sunday. He was there at my parents for just a couple of hours and drove back. I stayed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All five of us kids came home. Again, it was the right thing to do. Nothing like an impromptu family reunion!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a long night. We stayed up with my parents until 4am. It seemed surreal. But plans were being made to rebuild. Here is what the garage looked like on Sunday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1RN-jY_ME7d_bVBkKypmFrfTiyuj4805gQPWpFP2k-3LcXOBvGGrtM8dvv08Xtg1HeKCZRTKg1iI5OHiWoBPK6tISqRT8Iu5fZYrIuXD95bsGCxBIIrmchpvpYsFmZeEtlwQ1PhDiHE/s1600/photo%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1RN-jY_ME7d_bVBkKypmFrfTiyuj4805gQPWpFP2k-3LcXOBvGGrtM8dvv08Xtg1HeKCZRTKg1iI5OHiWoBPK6tISqRT8Iu5fZYrIuXD95bsGCxBIIrmchpvpYsFmZeEtlwQ1PhDiHE/s1600/photo%25282%2529.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sunday also happened to be Mother's Day. It was a beautiful day! We spent the afternoon taking photos with our mom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhTunax9nJz1d4w6KVWvYOM3X70teqAEsXvK0A_wFfvKagZ-2L51gBrZ-3H4ohDN2yf7MUjvc-50ONmhBLAJlXzOigX56_jxl3_26dKgkW0qqLq_-yoQByRDEyCTjIq7qpKLdKJJuuKA/s1600/photo%252827%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhTunax9nJz1d4w6KVWvYOM3X70teqAEsXvK0A_wFfvKagZ-2L51gBrZ-3H4ohDN2yf7MUjvc-50ONmhBLAJlXzOigX56_jxl3_26dKgkW0qqLq_-yoQByRDEyCTjIq7qpKLdKJJuuKA/s1600/photo%252827%2529.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Five grandchildren were missing from this photo. But we still enjoyed our time. Personally, I missed my Ben (who rode back with Jeremy) and my hubby.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The community has been so kind to my parents. Food has been brought. A local church youth group came to help with the clean-up. Help has been offered. So many have just stopped by to see how my parents are doing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While we all know how blessed my parents are that no one was seriously injured it still is a mountain to climb. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Through it all my parents are handling this with the utmost integrity. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We praise the Lord that no lives were lost. It was just stuff. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am blessed to have my family! We are all blessed! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please keep them in prayer as we help them rebuild. </span><br />
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Jeanine Kaminskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568520971903283877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408070105018871437.post-23460289222030133232014-05-05T00:16:00.002-04:002014-05-05T00:34:56.051-04:00Easter and April<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our usual busy lives remain.......busy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This month two of our kids began soccer through our church's Upward ministry. Somehow Jeremy became an assistant coach. The kids love it! Honestly, it is pretty neat to see them out on the field. Rebecca and Benji have been loving the competition. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Could you ask for any more perfect weather?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enjoying the sun.</span><br />
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Action.......</span><br />
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Coaching.......</span><br />
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More action......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Then this sweetie stood on the sideline and very loudly said, "Hi, Boo!" to her brother across the field. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was a fun opening day. Both of the kids scored goals and love it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ben had an Easter program at church and was one of the disciples. He is in the bottom left of the photo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This was Selah's first Easter. Our hearts are so burdened for her to hear and understand the Gospel. Jeremy and I took every opportunity to help Selah understand. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our neighbor's little boy had his own Easter egg hunt for the kids. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Selah was confused but played along!</span><br />
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She thought that candy inside the eggs was pretty cool.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then we colored eggs! This is always a favorite.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everyone joining in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even Mariah!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I ended up staying home with Mariah from church on Easter Sunday. She had been running a temperature. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Easter baskets are very basic. Chocolate bunny, lots of chocolate, and one very small gift.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTKLfmGVhD3eQdl7XygG0_mI3Gk7RShKrCbSGdK1SD4Zh0IYckhJsDGuO55TPjQ_oBYxxNyTlKu_h8fVi4mFqmps02JHdaKN1ibh2XNwgELRZmie2-yF2hfVF1X4Eyypum8Toj8u43co/s1600/DSC06676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTKLfmGVhD3eQdl7XygG0_mI3Gk7RShKrCbSGdK1SD4Zh0IYckhJsDGuO55TPjQ_oBYxxNyTlKu_h8fVi4mFqmps02JHdaKN1ibh2XNwgELRZmie2-yF2hfVF1X4Eyypum8Toj8u43co/s1600/DSC06676.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We headed to Pittsburgh for two doctor's appointments. Kids are doing great.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />On April 25th we had an appointment for Selah to take her oath of citizenship. It is a little confusing but she became a citizen when we landed in LA. However, because she was 14 the US requires these kids to take this oath in order to close out their case. This "ceremony" also allowed our daughter to receive her Certificate of Citizenship. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After the 1 hour and 20 minute drive we were told we may have driven down there for nothing. Selah's middle name was spelled incorrectly. Interestingly her appointment letter had her first name as "Sarah" but the CoC had her middle name spelled wrong. For now we will endure. One day we will possibly laugh at this. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The oath!</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and
abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate,
state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject
or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of
the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic;
that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear
arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I
will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United
States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national
importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I
take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose
of evasion; so help me God.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oath_of_Allegiance_%28United_States%29#cite_note-1">[1]</a></sup></span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The coveted Certificate of Citizenship! We could not keep this but it served well for photos!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Family photo after we got scolded by another worker.</span><br />
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Our worker said the photos were fine and encouraged us to take several more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had this post written last week but it still needed some work. To be completely honest, it is tough. We can only prove to be trustworthy in time because Selah simply does not believe we can be trusted. It is so hard for her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She is beginning to understand our cultural expectations. She is learning how to be a sister. She is beginning to learn how to allow Jeremy and me to love her for who she is. She is beginning to realize we are not bad people as she was told. Selah is learning how to be a big sister to Mariah. This will all take time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We do ask that you pray for us. There is not one minute that we doubt where God has led us. We do ask for prayer. We have medical concerns that weigh heavily on us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is beautiful to watch Selah blossom. She is finally showing a little affection to me in front of the other kids. She has a really tough time showing her affection. So when others ask her how it is here in our family she truly cannot answer that question. I think she believes the veil will be lifted and everything she previously thought would come to be true. But we are exactly what we are. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were blessed to be completely surprised this past Friday. We attended a graduation party for our dear Spanish teacher for the kids. As we were leaving the ladies at the party offered balloons to Mariah and Jeremy noticed Selah was interested. They offered her balloons as well. She ran out the doors and was running through the parking lot like a small child. That gave both of us perspective. We had no idea! It was probably the very first time she ever had balloons. We saw a glimpse of the childhood that was stolen from her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am wrapping up some of our schooling but my days will still be quite busy. Benjamin is starting vision therapy on Monday. We will be at the optometrist's office daily for 4 weeks (Monday-Friday). Then twice weekly for the next 6 weeks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am looking forward to a little break from learning about American history and Botany. I love it but I need a break. </span><br />
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Jeanine Kaminskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568520971903283877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408070105018871437.post-30977996303536535392014-04-08T02:10:00.002-04:002014-04-08T02:10:58.068-04:00April Showers................<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I thought this was a beautiful photo as I was driving home from the grocery store on Friday. The storm was rolling in and I asked Rebecca to quickly take a photo. After all the light was green and I was turning left at the light!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The past couple of weeks have been busy with the orthodontist, pediatrician, endocrinologist, eye doctor, shopping, and school that are a normal part of our lives. It has kept me from being a weekly blogger. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have been spinning our wheels trying to get a simple social security number for our daughter. It has been a horrible nightmare and we will not be able to file our taxes on time as a result of our government! We have been in contact with the State Department, Social Security Administration, and Immigration...........we have exhausted every avenue. Our letter today form USCIS stated that we should have an appointment letter in a minimum of 45 days! That will allow us to make an appointment for Selah to take her citizenship oath (in Pittsburgh) then they will issue her the coveted Certificate of Citizenship. After that we can proceed to our Social Security office to apply for her number. Maybe we can then file our taxes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Jeremy likes to mess with the kids. He changes the refrigerator magnets every few days and they cannot figure out who is the math genius.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Mariah helped me clean up the toy room. Before she came along the train table belonged to Ben. I can guarantee you he did not decorate the table like this. So much for my foam stickers!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Jeremy and Kyle went to Pittsburgh on day this past week for his dad's surgery. As I was helping Selah with some handwriting I noticed Kyle's desk was occupied.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is safe to say she did not leave his desk as neat as it was before she occupied that seat.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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She just ransacks a room! This summer I plan a major overhaul of my school room!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremy is in charge of all of Kyle's Biology disections this year. So far they have disected an earthworm and a crayfish. He also teaches Bible to the kids. It is all new to Selah so he has simplified his teaching this year. No curriculum, just from the heart. I love his heart!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> It is so important for Jeremy to show the kids how we serve others. It is not all about us! Please pray that Selah begins to understand these concepts that make no sense to her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tonight at supper Mariah dropped her spoon. She smiled and picked up her fork. When I looked a few minutes later I did not see her fork. I asked her where it was and she just pointed. We all broke out in laughter!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> She was headed to bed the other night and had her "eep" in her arms and her army bag over her shoulder. We do not ask!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On Saturday our kids were invited to a birthday party at the skating rink. We normally do not go skating. Ben's neurosurgeon told us that repeated trauma to his backside would be harmful to him. So we have only been roller skating a few times. Since there were no other parties and the rink was solely for this party, I called Jeremy and asked him to bring the other four kids.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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That photo above is Selah, Rebecca, and their friend Leah. It was obvious to us that this was not Selah's first time skating. She did really well!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ben was very unsure of himself and was cautious! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These boys were only a little over 6 pounds each at birth. Where has the time gone?</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They are, at last measurement, 5'6" and 5'9" tall.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mariah did not want me to hold her arm. She wanted me to hold her hand but since our last incident with her <i>Nursemaid's Elbow</i> I insisted on holding her arm. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We had a great day! I need a haircut so I just threw my hair in a pony tail.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">are excited to be getting close to the end of a difficult school year. Difficult only because of the many snow days with neighbor kids knocking on our door all day long asking the kids to come out and play. Difficult because I'm teaching a 14 year old whose first two native tongues are nothing close to English. Difficult because homeschooling is just plain tough! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Selah continues to adjust well but still struggles with much. I think she is learning our parenting style is consistent. We could not operate smoothly without consistency. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I notice when we read something in history that is not so flattering about China her entire disposition changes. From what my sister shared, next year's history is pretty tough on the Cultural Revolution in China. I can imagine it is very difficult to hear most of this for the first time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Selah also still struggles to trust us. It will take a lot more time, I know. She is a lovely girl who now smiles much more. She is still very guarded. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have been blessed to be in contact with one of the girls from Selah's first orphanage. From what little information she has shared with us, it was very small. Probably 20-30 children. We asked this friend if she had any photos of Selah from her past and this sweet girl posted 16 photos we have never seen before! We treasure every clue to her past. She also has no idea we have these photos. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She shared with us that Selah doesn't open up very easily. We feel a little better knowing it is not just us that she doesn't open up with. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also found out from Selah's one social worker in China that she was a very good student. In a school of 3,000 students she stood out! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Selah shared with me that in her 6th grade class for one term her marks put her in the first position of all 800 students. But she quickly tells me that it was only that one term. And she insists she is not very smart. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We tell her constantly how beautiful she is. She still says, "NO!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I get hugs that are so endearing. She wraps her arms around me and just stands there and hugs me before bed. The past few weeks I have also been getting kisses. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While shopping with Rebecca for groceries I received this message from her. The blue text is mine and the gray is Selah's.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She is such a sweet girl! Love her to pieces!!!!</span><br />
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<br />Jeanine Kaminskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568520971903283877noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6408070105018871437.post-13635555589275030992014-03-25T01:25:00.000-04:002014-03-25T01:25:00.335-04:00Mom of the Year!!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before I explain why I chose the title of my post</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll share the fun from our last week. After dropping more than a few hints to us we knew that Selah wanted her hair cut. I got busy and found somewhere to take all three girls. Their appointments were on Friday. Mariah's hair is so pretty but the longer it gets the harder it is to keep from getting tangled. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilh5-uK48BxLLpe2EtFAt26bgNGY4qWLUeUatdXZuqCaylUmjjAz0f-LLH847g2mVJ-gFFqsQdtm56Kv3IZ7ZbhDuIZAo-fBnG9l2onYKm5KjLflTXI2UjszS3fjLubDk6fkmLalLpPcc/s1600/photo+1%252833%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilh5-uK48BxLLpe2EtFAt26bgNGY4qWLUeUatdXZuqCaylUmjjAz0f-LLH847g2mVJ-gFFqsQdtm56Kv3IZ7ZbhDuIZAo-fBnG9l2onYKm5KjLflTXI2UjszS3fjLubDk6fkmLalLpPcc/s1600/photo+1%252833%2529.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love her beautiful black hair. It is so silky smooth and shiny. So why not get a little bit silly? After all it is her personality.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJ4NVs3mACuq3DtByjrVGJN1O424i_tNfcani3QUccvAe5dULTFkxiupO0Kz2bmFFt1suFHFKNDKR7QG0Say9xUCslB1cFaqOBDF-NMCy-7XIQ6GSBHGNnaxSqO0ELvFA9GeIknHTSZ0/s1600/photo+1%252832%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJ4NVs3mACuq3DtByjrVGJN1O424i_tNfcani3QUccvAe5dULTFkxiupO0Kz2bmFFt1suFHFKNDKR7QG0Say9xUCslB1cFaqOBDF-NMCy-7XIQ6GSBHGNnaxSqO0ELvFA9GeIknHTSZ0/s1600/photo+1%252832%2529.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then the finished product makes her even more adorable if I say so myself!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAulrd5EIE7L_d2kulUBIvzDMdpgaMVO8GHyhKkwSDp7KKuniJU5XHGQHQsc69uIBizMvInv6Nv1epy8gZc87PY6WJJroLHCPxshkFozXmWfWTyoRckntE0YcbvWVqhAtWx_u-51m5Vbk/s1600/photo+2%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAulrd5EIE7L_d2kulUBIvzDMdpgaMVO8GHyhKkwSDp7KKuniJU5XHGQHQsc69uIBizMvInv6Nv1epy8gZc87PY6WJJroLHCPxshkFozXmWfWTyoRckntE0YcbvWVqhAtWx_u-51m5Vbk/s1600/photo+2%25287%2529.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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This is Selah's first haircut here. Call me silly or something but I got a lock of her hair just like I would do for <i>baby's first haircut</i>. She knew exactly what she wanted. Here is before the cut......<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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........and after.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvDxxMSB6vipO6EwWKyusyvfSMfsKbEPzfJlPaud4lLtgjb9VB0gSS_4JBOQ6HZDlRBD0LJCoxW-VbOH1sihyIiP7UccDPYR_w2QbmTR7jipX-CxYGGc1hKXhGfoMGGWp5wZRhDO6JUs/s1600/photo+4%252819%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvDxxMSB6vipO6EwWKyusyvfSMfsKbEPzfJlPaud4lLtgjb9VB0gSS_4JBOQ6HZDlRBD0LJCoxW-VbOH1sihyIiP7UccDPYR_w2QbmTR7jipX-CxYGGc1hKXhGfoMGGWp5wZRhDO6JUs/s1600/photo+4%252819%2529.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
I have to admit that I forgot my phone at home. I was so disappointed. I wanted photos. So I asked the girl and she was happy to take a few. Not the ones I wanted but better than nothing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then was Rebecca's turn. She just got a trim but asked for some long bangs. Here is her before.......</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuTg-KpTgty21jFN0KP3HlsX32pqWmol9IGJA4mtyqJfksIAmcP4fz2pWQDrLB0PXJ6mGWmj75hTVch6h-VRsrnJrKHu7stbqLNOahgZoMcCfGuskeHdcbJHh8M6dKm_bAgDHqcknBKs/s1600/photo+3%252831%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuTg-KpTgty21jFN0KP3HlsX32pqWmol9IGJA4mtyqJfksIAmcP4fz2pWQDrLB0PXJ6mGWmj75hTVch6h-VRsrnJrKHu7stbqLNOahgZoMcCfGuskeHdcbJHh8M6dKm_bAgDHqcknBKs/s1600/photo+3%252831%2529.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...........and after!</span><br />
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Saturday I took the older two girls with me to Kmart. I just needed a few things for organizing clothing. The girls were having a little fun.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRsKppbzPi0DAVLzUftnCalqWZLGMScgheBBdgpGyiNQoZrVpOzekUirxPMx5fhOiE-sziAyjQvCsWJRR-ZJIBz8Lqf23pSZlTAerDlm-yFlmP9Kfwc4_-3Pg0TbPmYttKC84mqAycuE/s1600/photo%252861%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRsKppbzPi0DAVLzUftnCalqWZLGMScgheBBdgpGyiNQoZrVpOzekUirxPMx5fhOiE-sziAyjQvCsWJRR-ZJIBz8Lqf23pSZlTAerDlm-yFlmP9Kfwc4_-3Pg0TbPmYttKC84mqAycuE/s1600/photo%252861%2529.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
They took my phone and I found this photo too!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I took Mariah and Selah for labwork last week too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> She came home and got right to work finding somewhere to put her stickers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAKKB2wrjHeEfarWhbHzV9cWY8mFZmc42adeCkxdbXoIxP5rZMyzz8XhhaI4rj4EmbbLwFVEEO-P63R_iesC7TNbocZvi91iPGqg3TDw0cS0WrMBpSuM6PMPfeGigE5d0FuEATZ9ciI0/s1600/photo+2%252834%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAKKB2wrjHeEfarWhbHzV9cWY8mFZmc42adeCkxdbXoIxP5rZMyzz8XhhaI4rj4EmbbLwFVEEO-P63R_iesC7TNbocZvi91iPGqg3TDw0cS0WrMBpSuM6PMPfeGigE5d0FuEATZ9ciI0/s1600/photo+2%252834%2529.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One morning I came down to the school room and saw this. Okay then!</span><br />
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On a completely different note, I am so glad that Ben has decent health insurance. Here is what his growth hormone costs for one year if the dose remains what it is now.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Now to the whole "Mom of the Year" explanation. Sunday started as any other Sunday. The only child that was up without a wake-up call is Mariah. I got everyone up and moving. We went to Sunday School and then we were in the sanctuary for church at 10:30am. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mariah was being her so good and had sweetly visited with a few friends/teachers. During one of the congregationals she wanted up with me. She reached for me and I picked her up......by her hands. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh my goodness! This is a girl who never cries with pain and she cried. My instincts told me something was wrong. I grabbed my purse and her small bag with snacks and her shot. She was hurt. She cried, and cried, and cried. She asked for Daddy. I carried her down to Jeremy's office and laid her on the floor outside his door.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kyle was helping me and got Jeremy. He came and we figured her arm was dislocated. She could not move it. I had to give her a shot. This is now the second time we have had to do this. I really did not hesitate. I know to expect this. I gave the injection. One of Jeremy's guys went to the parking lot to get our van for us. Tim took over the production part of the Fellowship Family Hour. I went up and tried to quietly get our other four kids out of the service. We rushed to the car and I held Mariah on my lap. There was no way I could strap her in her car seat with her arm hurting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2nUY1cNEMSCz9tlRVrAtMfbJUgVoOqT3fUEwjSq7E-piwEUrhJuVk2kEu1jpeOPIny5pZ3L6AuXPDIAFb8_V0JLnP9bq-a07jFADxJbzNz0YlACW_p8oCdXRs7lMUknfVDtFrrm6NdE/s1600/photo+2%252832%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2nUY1cNEMSCz9tlRVrAtMfbJUgVoOqT3fUEwjSq7E-piwEUrhJuVk2kEu1jpeOPIny5pZ3L6AuXPDIAFb8_V0JLnP9bq-a07jFADxJbzNz0YlACW_p8oCdXRs7lMUknfVDtFrrm6NdE/s1600/photo+2%252832%2529.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremy helped me into the ER with Mariah and left Rebecca with me while he quickly drove the other kids home. He made it back as we were in radiology. Mariah was really crying as they manipulated her arm. Jeremy picked her up when it was over and the crying stopped. Evidently her arm popped back in as they were positioning her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was a little uneasy as the physician assistant told me at least five times that he knew this was not a case of abuse. Oh my goodness!!!! To think that someone would intentionally cause that kind of pain was unbelievable.It was my fault. I picked her up by her hands. Then the twist of putting her up on the pew must have done the trick. Oh I felt horrible! My poor baby! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But this is what she looked like just minutes after her x-ray.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6nR-BSLOd6gc11NHevbpnMCTxLJTdPUox-1S-84jtTIZqgphnCLTcDpm4QNj_lvgM2sxqmR6kXp6MCi3VuBzNrw0nXuPSPjl_Px5RC5JjWosIsW8PBhv3XqvVuRPNljEc5eH9ycdbCE/s1600/photo+1%252834%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6nR-BSLOd6gc11NHevbpnMCTxLJTdPUox-1S-84jtTIZqgphnCLTcDpm4QNj_lvgM2sxqmR6kXp6MCi3VuBzNrw0nXuPSPjl_Px5RC5JjWosIsW8PBhv3XqvVuRPNljEc5eH9ycdbCE/s1600/photo+1%252834%2529.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I apologized to her and she just said, "It's o-tay, Mommy!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a sweet friend mentioned to me, I wonder what Selah thought of the whole ordeal. I'm not sure. She did ask about her when we got home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sunday night as we were saying our "goodnights" to our kids, Selah hugged me as usual but then sneaked a kiss to my cheek! First time ever!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love being a mom! Hardest job I've ever had!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />Jeanine Kaminskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01568520971903283877noreply@blogger.com0