tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23397093894319309282024-03-13T18:12:42.620-05:00Julie's JunctionJuliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10925274291668687900noreply@blogger.comBlogger215125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339709389431930928.post-90267625794638796062011-02-17T16:47:00.002-06:002011-02-17T16:48:03.458-06:00Celebrate Come on and Celebrate!!<div align="center">To celebrate Gracie's Adoption Day, we had a pool party in July 2010. My former boss opened their backyard and beautiful pool for us to use. Gracie has grown so much since this picture was taken!!<br /></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556621502275792066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5Lhqdnh6nUWSaVM_hMDicifJ4wO8HD0OsrxU-79zND7NmBt3nETu8M8Q1iKkdLmf-BYC4QCTHDlgW2Lu9DUlMMFMPmA6nNZmu5sJtll8eUbBRkOw-KPUQc8FO0pYLwaeKyNOZ5kQgPQ/s400/100E4065.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556621503107756514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfgKdUmrzUQuY6_L-qhjuSA_hBsMSdOw5GEOAJJtu7nOeWR_irTUUEAVIiZyLtk4cKuerGB4CoVgCeBjgzi4RS1PM6inorfvPw2zze-Ehvpb1TnqLVtNzEL474k_he3dqT5Dhhn1GUgA/s400/100E4064.jpg" /> <div>We had sandwich trays, a chicken tray, veggie tray, and fruit. We had tea, water, and lemonade. Then we had cupcakes for dessert. I didn't get very many pictures of the actual party because I was in the pool with Gracie. She has loved the water! Swimming was a favorite for her during the Summer of 2010. She had a two piece swimsuit. I have told her this was the only time she could wear a two piece! Ha! Modest is hottest!! :)</div><div> </div><div>Gracie with one of her guest relaxin and drinkin' a bottle:<br /></div><div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556621528361852786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mGdrAsTirY5po32HsUPiAqq0Sl2BCuLdyVMbET7Twb8ZAHMtFaVJ_fV3RmKUE7G4Bf2Qifwpv1XBcQd-kJl_34ltmbHaRzEOFWpz9ypKjjVbRJK1ssUdOzaDyXTR6MHgi0eykanHXaU/s400/100_4010.jpg" /></div><div>Some pictures of the festivities<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556622710125936194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cVZHDJvJxoUAgUTAL33jf5ZOuOHxWMdVUfX4yRgs5ibMB0wk8t-uxOC99gXJok7Qf2Amcinp2Tp2qZWB8J-kH0jdI8se4zfzzyJzpeS3PPLm0rAcf8Ytox6NLriIzQllXLCWhEq9Jnw/s400/100_4022.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556622709159369746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1rrnLU8fC5OIxLL6cNy78F0uCJUhdrptuVoDo01hKoncMA-bn3SdsfaN03tlRx_rydGyyeeSB4ilKLZ_ELlEukiXp9yXHBhDN3c_UUHamcwwdHtGQTFTBiSGxddPyuTxqofbhSqArMY/s400/100_4028.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556621519472669730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Gg1Oz9l5oO3vPjMavysJSTc7Uydb3e9dTgQWWacSfDhEEQ5_BdQPAQGKfZFbjh_wVoTjfGoulYM0ZC4w8cXtomdeHckWAVafbvRrta5G098X4tMeun0pvF2kfoKKhqX3QKodmRw9W4Y/s400/100_4005.jpg" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 403px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 306px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556621509650276162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5ehpOaww1HG2twAxo1udkAGbNp6r3cTrDtOd9HiR0fr3DAMYcm6VvhzpRodvnaCO4KXt7Q564aPybqUFS555UhVci_ojTyjKtnSqbdVdvH40STpx6W0y_2nHyLhAuuMDjLMK6uFvEBQ/s400/100_4000.jpg" /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div><br /></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10925274291668687900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339709389431930928.post-79386236659271223302011-02-04T15:53:00.001-06:002011-02-04T15:53:15.977-06:00Adoption Day<div align="center"> <strong>The Haskins on Adoption Day</strong></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><strong>June 29, 2010<br /></div></strong><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556224863841368178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIVvBmCP92HR2vrMvvpLdZLOGZSX_WeaPaYQhH8MMsmVWKIJ796nSNhcNJC44FcV-vGEyfYbmrak2prExh6y35LSgzG-dUUjIjuhuZh8DAzgi8_XklqOvAqqh_h92JQolcewGjPfGowM/s400/100E3898.jpg" /><br />I remember where Gracie and I were at when we got the call from our attorney for ADOPTION!! We were entering Dillards at the mall, specifically the children's clothing section (I've yet to buy anything there but I do love admiring or could that be coveting!)! And we had just completed taking pictures for Gracie's 1st Father's Day Gift. I took the call on my cell phone and walked to the ladies bathroom while the attorney was on the phone. It is really large and has a seating area. I checked the stalls to make sure no one was in there and then proceeded to give the attorney our personal information. Looking back it seems kind of odd and somewhat yucky that I did adoption business in the ladies bathroom at Dillards. But I had an infant, needed to sit down because I was shaking from pure excitement, and needed some privacy! <strong>It was Thursday, June 17th! </strong>We met that evening with a county adoption worker to sign some adoption papers for the state child services.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>We met with our attorney on<strong> Wednesday, June 23rd</strong>, and signed the Petition for Adoption. We had a great attorney and if you are in Oklahoma and need an adoption attorney, we highly recommend him.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>On <strong>Tuesday, June 29, 2010</strong>, the adoption was completed in court by 8:50 a.m.!! </div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556223106788830786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlBEiFWPNecbkGbzUwXhKShLjsm-AbdpPYpBLreizBHMX4RMHDZCX3cRNmf0MvaWZPyrNeiZ14pfzuX8ZA3mtIH1KMXKKR5b3cb4UgNoGfHmEYULQjr5mIzYiHx8DLqRxBhN8WtE4J7s/s400/100_3906.jpg" /></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556223126846928674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zGQTYSJ1Az_8q21n93a-Zl_yJyV__zInJ7b_4_ZRdoBzMfqA_1XoYsW_efYae10kXLCQ9nfJwFHzem884OKVYAbx3dGHpogu2swc2acBD8fB-ZNQc4MPjqKlqSx2dbrW8WrwvNQpLtw/s400/100_3907.jpg" /></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556223119067879058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0AOE5x6bWGrS-ys2gRLw4voWUYUyQmNYAzNaofXNt5ZBCpxHqXQXLhlWxGablgtcNI-67VNsszSfhv9Ywr5aCZjrkJeCLdyvQqVT27k5i29PaUdEjWCySDH_YNHb8tow-bGXe7lIHZUs/s400/100_3908.jpg" /></div><div align="center">Gracie's Adoption Case Worker, Judge Kirby, and Gracie's Foster Care Worker</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Gracie's Foster Care Worker was an amazing individual. I kept telling her she was an instrument used by God! I truly believe she was. And, I feel it takes very gifted individuals to work in the Child Services Foster Care Division. Our worker had an amazing heart! She gave us the very first pictures of Gracie at 2 1/2 weeks! I am so grateful for those pictures because we did not meet her until she was about 1 1/2 months old. The adoption worker was sweet too but we only knew her for a few weeks! Hallelujah! Because that shows how quickly the adoption process/paperwork/etc went for us!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Our experience to adopt Gracie through OK DHS Child Services Foster program was one of just a few unique experiences. We had the hand of God all over us and our case. It helped too to have several prayer warriors praying for us and our hearts desire. I know some of you who blogged prayed for us and encouraged me. Very rarely does a family take a baby home from the hospital and then adopts that baby just 6 months into the case. God had this planned before time began! Isn't HE just amazing!! He answered so much of my specific requests when I had those private times with Him. I am blown away just trying to recall it all. God does that though. He has always done that for Bryan and I. We petition Him regarding a job, a move, finances, schooling, a family, and He always provides or answers beyond even what we ask! He will do the same for you! I know He will! I think one must have trust, faith, perseverance, HOPE, and endurance. God works in His time. Doesn't everyone always say that when trying to comfort someone in waiting? They do. And often to that hurting person, they are JUST WORDS. I know. I've been there. But I'm on the other side now. They are not just words. They are experience. Trust him! He is in control!! Allow God to work out your journey! Place God before you in your journey and FOLLOW HIM! Don't get in front of Him!</div><div><strong><em>"No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly." Psalm 84:11</em></strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Adoption Day was an amazing day! The excitement reminded me a little of our wedding day. We had such wonderful family and a huge support group of friends stand with us. Several of the ladies who held Gracie while she was in the NICU prior to us meeting her came to the adoption. Our Childrens Director from church as well as the lady who kept Gracie's Baby Class during Sunday School came. Several of my girlfriends and their families came. It touched our hearts to have so many support us and be there to see the end of one journey and the beginning of another journey. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556224848611364690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjXSKJrh89xvihKn4Uki22j1MLP-jrPnVrID8JFPITlV5HvEYkYPAWwkKUrVL0BVuYNgVdTM_QPMfTiLpAOjev6XgWgHsdz-nQ0VZceh9cvmkaTLtCbv3gw-Y7s_ukRkljcMhBheTd1s/s400/100_3912.jpg" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I can remember everyone sitting in the seats, we were sitting at a table closest to the judges bench. When the judge called us and our attorney forward, he also told our entire group to feel free to come stand around him, his chair, and us. And just about everyone did!! He was such a nice judge. We had probably seen him in court I think 2 other times. He even told everyone with cameras to give them to him and he stood on the back bench and took the above picture! A neat addition to our adoption day was the fact my dad use to work in the very same building where our court was held and the judge and my dad knew each other. The judge did not know this until Adoption day!<br /><br /><br />Gracie with her Pop and GranD on Adoption Day</div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556223100454509154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9LX5pN27LrX_KDkOVWfjQmI6dWBE71v2IDOtZXvLgPQjy4_t59O9QDkrFOtbnbVU5lR_xiRJbC7kp6TzyzwK198dLNixqKLTBcqLU0F3sidCo3jgQOJ8GI9zezTesXDpx5KGRF7XhM0/s400/100_3896.jpg" /></div><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"></p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center">Gracie with Poppa, Nawna, and one of her Aunts<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556223110383547362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjQrSKwR-oazBifK21256wDmsYZu_6zK6rOXocbCwAUfmxWDpKEIwAjpbsd9_OS2mBT-Db4CsEy6TCEBKevPN_kHIuNw3Vt88V3R623nS8v4YwkSdxnQWGumQcRSDWwwhvUrJHeMShfw/s400/100E3916.jpg" /></p><p align="center">This was just about on our way out the door. Notice Gracie had already shed the socks and shoes!</p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center">Bryan's parents took us to lunch later that day to celebrate. We ate at Cattleman's Steakhouse. The very same place we ate at the first night we met Gracie!! It was also Gracie's first time to try water from a glass!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569949764731392978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbuolukDGOdJlzfzH2df9NnCzdDbT-dUaGPqV5L8MTB_dwwMm7uZe1k-_tSpPSDw8nqFYtJFY0yjSCge9QQMLo15bBKB4-__7zugza_JPhl4FoNVnQuaE1-wiVuTeoG_mxRY4EeKCBYk0/s400/100_3074.jpg" /></p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center">I think of Gracie's birth mother every week. We never met her or saw her. She did not work a plan and never came to court. The state has been unable to locate her or Gracie's birth father. I do think of them though. I wonder if they think of Gracie. I've wondered if they realized her first birthday came. I hurt for them and I've prayed for them. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will touch their lives, their very soul and redeem them from their lifestyles. I wish sometimes, not all the time to be honest, that I could have seen what they looked like. I think I would want Gracie to know. Gracie is such a beautiful little girl. I'm sure her mom was so pretty. I wonder if her mom lives with regrets or if she has become numb. It is quite hard to reconcile in a human mind how one person can live so poorly, make such horrible and dangerous choices yet another family becomes blessed beyond words, beyond imagination because of what she has done. One hurts so another is healed. Only GOD can create, can carryout such a thing.</p><p align="center"><strong><em>"On You O God was I cast from my birth, and from my mother's womb you have been my God." Psalm 22:10</em></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><em>"Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother's womb. My praise is continually of you." Psalm 71:6</em></strong></p><p align="center">Oh, how I pray Gracie will see her need for Christ as Saviour. May she always have God as her God! He has sustained her! He protected her in her mother's womb! May Gracie continually praise His name!</p>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10925274291668687900noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339709389431930928.post-32579178273266713432011-01-08T13:37:00.001-06:002011-01-08T13:37:17.454-06:00Very Nice to Meet You!!<div align="center">Saturday, January 8th, marks the 1 year anniversary of when God introduced us to our forever daughter!<br /></div><div align="center"><div align="center"><strong>January 8, 2010<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559872240494851074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizu6H6mZyTuUDFL33Bwfsre2IXKOxP2vtp2ymkkOgMJh_0ZbH4pEFbCR2Fw3sdacF0aM-4bqIcgR67wqHn5_2p2Bd6PmTS-FjxRVc7clv9BL8j4gj9Whms0c3c1fkUfZcdeofsQwYOSUQ/s400/100_2879.jpg" /></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>January 7, 2011<br /></div></strong><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559871514685850978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4iAgS6txvATW2cG85-luvbbsgr8x_9TyL5A47vO7bLtTPMP9KpHZjJa7mlwZqTzEUo-190yak27vmFQZSHVr3y9ED6FhvS2eF8wRya9LDn4P9wSKL-SCXnCEgyKo2Vw9JUytZAbna3w/s400/metcha+day+1a.jpg" /> My heart has just raced with joy and excitement all week long as I have thought back on that day. It has been a wonderful year!<br /><br />We have a picture with Gracie's case worker that was taken just outside the NICU at 2:47 p.m.! It is a little fuzzy but this picture is just priceless to me. We had a wonderful case worker. You can see the time clearly in the original picture.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559874056353805010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23zvMEGdGygro2zTru8eWtWSU-m3upgOXjZ4AR9lTrwW00SMtzcExIrtl1F8_ApcYGuJFSc6vnpqAUepAI41nzclrVhPpQTiLoZoIhZpauCg1gRLiYsegqS8Bi6YfKYhBr_ItrfmyYWg/s400/100_2872.jpg" /> I remember signing my name for security reasons on Gracie's sign in sheet (her name was different then). I remember seeing her birth mother's name. She visited Gracie the 3 days she was in the hospital after giving birth. I remember taking my jewelry off and leaving it with Bryan's mom. I remember washing my hands and arms in the big steel sink just inside the NICU. I remember thinking "This is it! This is it!" During those moments of meeting Gracie and throughout the entire day, I felt like I was floating above myself watching me go through all these events. It is just so hard to describe. There was much to be done from signing papers, to making doctors appointments, to meeting multiple case workers, to picking up the diaper bag at home, to installing the car seat!<br /><br /><br />The hall and walk to her room seemed so long! I remember we walked nearly the entire length of the hall and then turned right into her room. She was the second "bed" from the door nearest the window. As we drew closer my heart squeezed tighter and tighter. We just wanted to see her.<br /><br />Oh! She was precious! I play it over and over in my mind sometimes. I remember being awestruck at the first sight of her. We had no idea what to expect. We just knew she was Caucasian Hispanic and weighed around 5 pounds. She was so tiny! She was swaddled so tightly we could only see her face, hands, & hair! Oh, what hair! I remember thinking "Yes! She has hair." She was just so much more than we could have imagined! Although she was born early, she was perfect in every way.<br /><br />She never liked having her hands swaddled. Several times during those first moments she would raise her hands. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559874074558488434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFcWymprDaYewvZrwBILYwhc7Af2tco2Yazfb5njkxQjKNxhhCZX9ECRfx0kqrSZuGchdw-VUM2TK0hOBp2nsXsRxrWb5FqYEGpe88ICKzbClDC91TwrWU0uS3H5lPZXT2Q2YCS6s0wKo/s400/100_2877.jpg" />We called her our Hallelujah Baby! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559879974515045090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnEWfZFSpgJnUOnRbwSMJJqNcp4mHU_7Pji7Iz6kz_ubVNkhkyph0-ARhWZ8zzIOX8EB883qcWsgXV5cS_ogLWDCm7Ed6slOaJBvR968u8omG1EmaPObozIlWgCR7xi0V-nQPo1Jnohg/s400/100_2878.jpg" />I would sing to her..."Your love is amazing, steady and unchanging, your love is a mountain firm beneath my feet. Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah! Your love is amazing!" I was so giddy, I never could remember the other parts of this song while we were in the hospital.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559879993119065282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QPM5B5xnyLX6-dDE8pdCq-R4jc08NoE8_mr9fQXXp0zPuMrrzTbHU46YxpAK5yT9zcUUctiIfpA2OFskvnfnN-JD_U-DC6LRnA1F94smYB9Ok3Dvl8EzvqpGHY3ZU3s-FBTMDIGYLuI/s400/100_2902.jpg" /><br />She was so lite! I was not nervous at all to hold her, which surprised me just a little. I would have thought her prematurity (she was born 3 months premature) would have made me too nervous to hold her. But not so! I wanted to hold her right away (and I did), but I just kept feeling she would slip right out of my arms!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559874064522110210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8qeMmgkx9wQdD95txqlrqlUjZoNu32C1TavDzueCEuFSebTRXUBP56RFXW-MpyDHHJKSva5reTJoKOXqKQu5QhppSgy_sdSk7otujuCPemaREBwGRcJLlTmvf-2_QhXfLFi99xyPVVc/s400/100_2874.jpg" />I had a tingling sensation too and this odd taste in my mouth (I think it was just the excitement)! I did get to hold her right away and I even got to feed her. She did still have a tube just for a back up (she got that removed within 2-3 hours of us getting to the hospital). But praise God, she was able to eat on her own when we met her. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559879990666197842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3D8jLNJMWQgNN-cg-ww6xCglo7d0uTVlda-Bte5Uf0VvAXp5qoLrJ65aoC1VBJianWuqAxv8SyDnSHEydJRF4kGpXpZ-dXko6EbwuLm5_GAxFblEfsZlWeO7A8Qv30QYU8ODmyOu3xU/s400/100E2900.jpg" /><br /><br />I could not believe I was holding a child that we were 75% certain (at the time) would be ours. I saw God so clearly on this day. HE had made her just for us. HE knew her when she was in her mother's womb! HE protected her for us! HE knew in 2007 and 2008 she was coming for us! I saw the end of one journey and the beginning of another great journey beginning! God is amazing! God is sovereign!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559874069839009986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguGV4crKvyojzQ0UlmbR_YhwOedJa5tXytsPcBl3F6J08COD3XwJYNo9QlDNgGxtPQRQ-Oi2LSBpNXUIYsatOs-jBwfRGfDAA5yslXD_qY-D9FHF8S5oOLvzj4ySt3BK6X-zbvcdEdrE/s400/100_2876_edited.jpg" /> I remember seeing the absolute love, adoration, protectiveness, and possessiveness in Bryan's eyes! He is an amazing father! He was so gentle and spoke so softly to her. He seemed so comfortable with her in his arms. I totally fell in love with Bryan all over again!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559874082825755106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8uOOEBw4RkoGl__R2jRxyI_TPVSMcmThFgA828gfchp69TXzyiS38ZN_zlLaryb1lyyKxhKfo-mbL_QNyxtsk2CVqQQZ4E0PRtCy1bPKNKkh7MEo2ykNtMj7dLUHpW2q4b1mAyCkyEc/s400/100_2891_edited.jpg" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559879986135706066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkC0ga2LnCWTSdca5MhMApcfzKt_9dz-5bVq4rE2r0nRpJk6Xc99ddjXRjK577rgnkNEV4A3IwsrOS1OhQzmnhc5n6z0a40bgpXmjhyphenhyphen7g1FD53j0rW5Z8UW7hR7nyPPw_yW-HNmsTRBkk/s400/100_2898.jpg" /><br />I remember thinking "So this is what husbands and wives feel when they have their baby!"<br /><br />I remember the nurse showing me how to feed her, how to hold the bottle to make sure she keeps breathing! I remember trying to watch her color and watch her nose flex. I remember praying to myself..."Lord please help me! She's dark complicated and I can't see the change in skin tone. Help me!"<br />I was a smiggin' nervous to feed her but we had monitors for us and they boosted our confidence. I remember the nurses encouragement.<br /><br />I remember hearing my father-in-law walking down the hall to come into the room to meet his granddaughter for the first time. His tennis shoe was making a noise as he walked into the room. I remember seeing his frame fill the doorway.<br /><br />Shortly after we met her, held her, and fed her ourselves one time, Gracie was moved to a step down room in another part of the NICU. She would stay there 2 1/2 more days. I think a big reason was for us to get more comfortable with her and to make sure she could continue to eat on her own. She was also monitored for breathing, oxygen levels, and body temperature. She's a strong girl! She was born at 27 weeks gestation and was only on the ventilator 1 1/2 days!<br /><br />I got to stay in the room with Gracie 24/7. I remember the click of the door when Bryan left. I just walked to Gracie's crib and stared!! It was me and her!! She ate every 3 hours and I was suppose to sleep in between. I had a twin bed but how in the world I ask you could I have slept when I had my baby in that room! It wasn't that she cried. She never was a big crier in the hospital. I couldn't sleep because I had waited a long time for this day! My heart, head, and stomach was racing!!<br /><br /><br />I remember the phone calls, emails, and text messages from our friends and family on this day and through the day we brought Gracie home. My friend Brooklyn was my personal assistant! She did so much for Bryan, Gracie, and I. She ran around town on January 8th gathering things we had not yet purchased because we were not anticipating a placement so soon. She bought gender specific items. She brought us a car seat cover, blankets, outfits, and bows to the hospital.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559879981535478306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SwAgwyewL3LyrYjmhZvmQSGTt7tGP0zyKmGsX9wJvfT1EPzQwp8NiSjUs0RceaMPVw_4Cev8M2u4FE0FJgAMVCSrsgtgIBhO2iWpY-x8sEdtK1uYmwaWndr6Rf_3PDOwXXdvkKQq8bs/s400/100_2894.jpg" />I remember having such a surreal feeling when she visited me...she a mother, visiting me now a mother in the hospital. I will always remember the squeal over the phone when I told her we had a placement call. She walked every step with us through this day. We even went over to her house prior to going to the hospital so she could help Bryan install the car seat. And she was expecting at the time!<br />I remember where I was standing at in the Ada hospital (where my Granny was in the hospital) when I told my friend Kristine we were going to Children's because we had a placement call. I remember her soft sweet voice say "Oh, Julie!" These two friends as well as several others were so committed to Bryan and I. We have felt loved so much. It is an honor to have our friends. They truly are more than just friends. They are our brothers and sisters!<br /><br /><br /><br />I have spent the past year enjoying this wonderful creation God has entrusted to us. Many times I have thought of blogging but I just can't quite find the right words. At times, I just cry with joy.<br /><br /><br />There are so many verses I have read in the past year that I have felt communicated my heart. One is <strong><span style="color:#000000;">1 Chronicles 16:8-12, 23-25</span></strong>. It is David's Song of Thanks.<br /><br /><br /><br />"Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!Sing to him; sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered. Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and he is to be held in aw above all gods."<br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Psalm 145:3-7</span></strong></div><br />"Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness in unsearchable. One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness." </div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10925274291668687900noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339709389431930928.post-80187556241373153322010-05-26T10:53:00.001-05:002010-05-26T10:53:08.599-05:00Carrots...Good for the Eyes<div align="center"><div>We had a great weekend. This is what I found on Sunday afternoon...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475207231307801282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zjuBRukrks0UIWGLNGIUMUVLXWpETEbtQV6UPbbkBaB0BCLdOZQz9TXF286fDEZP3BgOMnN7BiV96NqmJlWh635mRxrrESWQh4TlEYtYlJdMSoBlwqc6WRwmn0jMe607WQEO6narTec/s400/100_3733.jpg" /><br /><br /><div>Gracie had her 6 month check up Monday May 24th and received her shots!!</div><br /><div>I was by myself on this round so I didn't even try to get a picture. She was absolutely happy the entire time and then BAM!!! The shots came!! </div><br /><div>She now weighs 12 lbs 9.5 oz.</div><div>She is 23 inches long.</div><div>Her head is 16 1/4 inches.</div><br /><div>She is now in the 5th percentile in weight!! Yea!!! That may seem low to you, but we are just glad she finally made it onto the growth chart!! Her height still has not made it onto the chart.</div><br /><br /><div>Our doctor suggested we begin Gracie on some baby food...starting with veggies. So on Monday night we put her chair together and Bryan had the honors. I think I was too nervous to try. She was a little fussy beforehand because of her shots. Plus she never liked the cereal we tried in previous weeks. I just wasn't sure if she would take to baby food.</div><div> </div><p>Initially it was touch and go... <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475207253610745026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8W7vL8kY6SXP-APGO8tW0GaGEz_Yr92gpsqvZSLip-V8MeXymepS3CjNwgB0f8n6aJqf5fhQN2pl5btbKxWIT5LYfbNuiUxi0bVQW1nji14-_IsBi8RB4E69bfB4rde0jLraHg8LrvKs/s400/100_3734.jpg" /><br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475207248343073250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSM1MySB25CIPgP9xkrk4kYgrUStgM9gGHobMH4DSsAvp0KmLOnAD_5CHcgVUG-KM4_tVpl8i143e4E3CPItYVfGOcHnYFh_Wco9PhDeeYzEXYWq1u8y7AOki4P83LS-kb11UaRLwKQ-g/s400/100_3741.jpg" /><br /><br /><div></div><div>But overall, we feel like she did very well her first time.</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475207240387606146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCltU64r3o7-Du2nfJudoiWSbFiNU0uK4lH_ogGDaL0MhgqF_zz7OwEn_F62d8g2urdS8NjC4pCiysuvW_muZvPuNoqeKhnCheWkgGisAui781EXUc1d_Nb6l3oMWChS9Abgw-3YJUyY/s400/100_3739.jpg" /></div><br /></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10925274291668687900noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339709389431930928.post-63573851464491702312010-05-18T19:54:00.001-05:002010-05-18T19:54:40.651-05:00What's In A Name<div align="center">I have spent the past month and a half absolutely enjoying life as a wife and mommy! The time has flown by!! I find myself saying that several times a week. Our little princess has changed so much in just the past 2-3 weeks! We love her more and more each day!! And we are just mesmerized by her more and more each day!!<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Some may already know her name from my original post on face book. But I later removed it for security reasons. Today, on her 6 month birthday, I wanted to post her name and why we chose it.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">When her adoption is complete her name will be:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472401191827770242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XzEY30rqT5TloTU5DxVZCpQ5ly6_3B80R_CwTxG4Hj1MIKvktxh4g-2GIknzgzibI8ip-fPrYNH-9tu4X3Nv3S7zS6aDZUH3TgxcMiKpwBWHolOy0-AYMx6p5x_4qB-SZfTYCI4mIoc/s400/100_3690.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center">Gracie Faith ______ Haskins </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">She will have two middle names. The last one is the first name her birth mother gave her when she was born in November. Although parent rights have been terminated, we are still waiting to post that detail as well as her actual birth date.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">We debated on changing her name. We considered keeping her name but shortening it to something else. We wanted to have a name that was reflective of Bryan & I and one that would display who our Lord is and what He has done in our lives as well as hers! We wanted her name to be a testimony. We do not have salvation from an eternal hell were it not for God's grace and His gift of His son. Her name isn't just about our journey to have a family, her name is about all things in life on our walk with God. God gives us grace, undeserving favor, every day of our lives.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Gracie's name is reflective of our journey to get her into our home. We would not have Gracie were it not for God's grace. There is absolutely nothing Bryan and I could have done in our power to receive such a precious child. God gave us Gracie because He is gracious. We could not have worked out the details and timing like God has. We are undeserving of every gift He gives us. When you face infertility or the loss of a child, it takes a lot of faith to walk through to the other side. It takes faith to walk through the unknown. Ours was not always perfect. At times, our hope and our faith seemed so small. </div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">We want Gracie to know how important faith is. For it is by GRACE through FAITH we are saved!! I'm excited for the time to come when Gracie realizes her name is reflective of God's plan for salvation. I pray everyday for Gracie to grow in faith, love of scripture, and her understanding and realization for repentance and a Saviour.</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">So each time we say her name, look at her, hear a song about God's Grace...His AMAZING GRACE, I am reminded both of the beautiful daughter we have and the Grace of God throughout every activity and provision in my life.</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">We are still waiting for our side of the adoption paperwork which we hope to receive within the next few weeks. It is our hope all legalities are done by her 1st birthday!</div><br /><div align="center"><br />Gracie is 6 months old this week!</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472401177312022066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqM_dP1BtsCVx2tRNpxDQ0wu4fLf-aee28i-xB73RkWRQCWMyMa2kCCXUVYVc6bEjfLD8_-eKYiObgCccgNJH-CcC582SxV1ocHPW86tNLQCt4qqxjtY7Wgu2AuhnejgOz5h9Ud8JT-0o/s400/100_3676.jpg" /><br /><div align="center">I completely missed posting on her 5 month birthday, but I did get a picture.</div><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472703650508135362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9eHw0sFvLJk4HoiGiTMrMta9jY8Qq3Okk-yapPEcfDpaSl2vte62nt-DozKk-5DhO3VyD7Nh1_AyQpgmiI3_h_38y6Vn4rYTJjz_VOOghCAGPP1kX6IZQx7E635RL2qgfVDubixbbsA/s400/100_3576.jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="center">She has changed so much since her 4 month birthday. And a lot of that change has come just within the past 2-3 weeks. We think she is on a growth spurt.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472401185036318306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXr98FdTHFhh2UzX0gaPtfM_boIT6ossCuTz3qrAaAfbiDn2G15wjPLcpYgieC_EHYZkSYg_AOTzgGE1_d21QNWXK33AlAVz1YgpEtMFIPlKxVF2Zb-oYqEoHMtvpbx224hOpEVHrEhoI/s400/100_3679.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><div align="center">At 6 months:</div><br /><br /><div align="center">*Gracie began sleeping through the night April 29th. She has only woke up during the night on 3 nights. Last night though, she woke up every hour!!</div><br /><div align="center">*Gracie weighed 12 lbs on May 3rd and was 23 3/4 in long.</div><br /><div align="center">*Gracie wears a size 1 diaper.</div><br /><div align="center">*She has now begun to wear size 3 months clothes.</div><br /><div align="center">*Her eating schedule has changed back down to every 3 - 3.5 hours and she takes about a 5 oz bottle at each feeding.</div><br /><div align="center">*We have tried rice cereal 4 times now, but she doesn't seem to like it or take it well from the spoon.</div><br /><div align="center">*Her first laugh was on Monday, May 3rd.</div><br /><div align="center">*Her daddy goes into her room every morning before he gets ready for work and she greets him with a huge smile! She is a happy baby in the mornings.</div><br /><div align="center">*Gracie loves to watch people in a crowd. She is very alert. She loves to interact.</div><br /><div align="center">*She has begun to bend her legs up and down, like she is jumping, when someone holds her in their lap.</div><br /><div align="center">*She loves to have her hands in her mouth. We often hear her smacking!</div><br /><div align="center">*This morning she began bringing her hands up to her bottle and she held her bottle briefly by herself for about 4 seconds today.</div><br /><div align="center">*Gracie took her first long distance trip to Ft. Worth, Texas in April for Daddy's PE exam.</div><br /><div align="center">*She has slowly, very slowly, moved from despising tummy time to tolerating about 5-7 minutes.</div><br /><div align="center">*She loves the clown a lady made at Nawna's church and that helps with her tummy time.</div><br /><div align="center">*She loves to stretch and kick in her bed. She slams her legs and arms down. We think she loves the thud sound. She still moves all over her bed at night.</div><br /><div align="center">*Gracie has rubbed a lot of her hair off on the back of her head and the crown. We think it is from moving so much in her bed. I have found her hair on her bumper pads!!</div><br /><div align="center">*Gracie has begun to spend some supervised time in her bouncer. She is learning to hold toys in her hands. She is also realizing items with texture.</div><br /><div align="center">*Gracie holds her head up quite well. She has begun to raise her head up when she is sitting in the swing and laying on her play mat.</div><br /><div align="center">*She sits in her bumbo chair very well now.</div><br /><div align="center">*Gracie squeals and makes the sound of "aaahhh" and "eeeeee." She will "talk" to me when I stare right at her and make an "oooo" sound.</div><br /><div align="center">*She loves to have someone help her use her hands to hit the table top.</div><br /><div align="center">*Gracie begins to laugh when we use her hands to pat our cheeks.</div><br /><div align="center">*On May 10th, Gracie had her first experience of Oklahoma severe weather when a tornado touched down approximately 1 - 1.5 miles from our house. She and I went into the closet...all during a feeding time and very humid weather! </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472401162552973922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg41XnSXGMFxBs_dGt4nB0w7z8fPg4Qq9_TmubyWRIgMUC3R4mNlYN__xfFgOjQIb6ztjAgFY6kDgrHoZmnO7mtdPUin2RJsHaAyYJPnl1K_MjI937cx_ks_7t_oJe_fvMhDVNUCEjX_VE/s400/100E3694.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><div align="center">After school, our friends, Ava, Stella, and Boston came by to have cupcakes to celebrate Gracie's 1/2 birthday!</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472771083477782162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsBESI71gQHBpNRw_RGHmOkH_sKuMvbygcV_fEQh2ys8vw1dUGCcV7yxyiV_EmZf-Wps7N_w_k5Su1iQ5eMth5H_jeANYVLRpOZtCIvuWVTs7RHuJP4satJw13btN41VNX6r1OhGrpsg/s400/100_3702%5B1%5D" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472771092237358274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaskf0obuoudNrzvrgtVYhNOlXQHeYQL5LGzDLEJnE2p4T1D4KKW9c35WiAw7ubO2ZTmaMbxOCwcDtgeTOYw7xkNHGgYZSrIi_Rh1piVNPpQUCKk9QU5a2AAwe7sB2DZDf2wpDdZZdZs/s400/100_3701%5B1%5D" /><br /><br /><div align="center">Mother's Day 2010</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472401199859194578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMELVNfFwYbcv9KMFnjJR_4ICyi3K_Gq1ekHKQ2mp-jWClqxu4o8kCuqANiYnbcCzI57a_H33w3SBotdu90dME-zGUnE-F-8TJHcV9FqzAYmaQxM3WxjQbBQ3ojPjew5W9cxEQ4mvwOw/s400/100_3639.jpg" /><br /><div align="center">I had a wonderful first Mother's Day. I had to be pulled out of Sunday School for the first time to go console Gracie! I loved it though. I felt so needed! I just held her close and rocked her! She quit crying almost as soon as I began to hold her and talk to her!! And the fact that she did that on Mother's Day was just fitting. She also spit up all on her new white sweater! :) </div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">She had a little melt down last Sunday as well and I was called out of Sunday School. I'm wondering if this may become a habit. :)</div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10925274291668687900noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339709389431930928.post-58182416402232037422010-04-05T14:26:00.011-05:002010-04-05T15:03:24.399-05:00Easter 2010<div align="center"><div><div><div>Our family has experienced one of the most memorable Resurrection Celebrations weekends! It is in part to having a wonderful blessing from God with our little girl, but the services we attended were just amazing! I wish all of you could have been with me to experience them and worship our Savior and King!<br /></div><div>The three of us attended the Good Friday service at our church, FBC Newcastle. The worship leader, choir, and pastor led out in a Tenebrae service and we took the Lord's Supper as a congregation. The songs and drama truly caused a person to think on the cross, the sacrifice, our sinful selves, and God's mercy. It was amazing and really helped to honestly lead me to worship God. I am so thankful for those who worked so hard and gave up so much time so that I could experience it. The Good Friday service left me in anticipation for the services on Sunday.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before we left for Good Friday Service<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456742277247279986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHVSp9qRdMOf7XV4oy7h294HDYfIj_C4DN7wg0kW3umGLNXzFlU_RPesAee0SJnJkqaPNa6M7_qVyXc59mRrcEUw2FZVTJiwBgWIfpdjTUxLfk-cFre-1JhTGC08pzDKDgj6Qn_fbVJA/s400/100E3491.jpg" /></div><div>Bryan isn't in the picture because he just about got out of his truck and right into the car so we could get to church on time.</div><div><br /></div><div>We had a nice Saturday at home, enjoying beautiful weather and working in our yard. There was even enough time for me to get all our clothes prepared and laid out for Sunday morning. I had a great Saturday. And thankfully, we were all dressed, picture taken, and on time Sunday morning!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's a shot of my two favorite people while I worked on getting the timer on the camera ready: </div><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456742259063692946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VYPwWT2-6Scln57DWsboBDGtFU3Qr_9xAUHzE8oxssYfzssDiEF6Na6NqhzGLn5hdXbgyGHHYrC9f9pabvctaIv_Hf61ZfSSOMlFZqXeYGeaeP81_5KNbxvlAVAgaVLwQOfwvjZiDV0/s400/100_3507.jpg" />I love it!! It was kind of an indication of how the morning was going. Little Bit didn't realize it was Easter Sunday and I needed a little time to get ready myself. Plus, she didn't really want to be in a dress. She prefers her pjs! She was a little fussy! We warned the nursery workers. And you'll never guess....she was perfect for them!! It is fun to watch Little Bit's personality slowly develop.</div><div> <div>Our First Easter as a Family of 3!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456742605458178082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUaS970kdvf4wk-eS0R1nRq5rtm6TA8njZxioux4xdxewI-_-e8wGVf3D2vPwcB5jOSLMhTpJ61hYPFxAGOrJ5tYu18CROVQRDitZd4K3eplFpLc_cX4z3DKvhxEn2Zh1kaCKjd1opSM/s400/100E3510.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456742273882590162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69C4buhHWANBoYYE98CF_saDr6MwRgf0K8KFbqZCllXyny0vdvhv1ivL7OnEkP-p3eFU2xAEt8bCN4M17bZTK5KKTtyG0qovpoujsHtg9B4RYCCkA0XQSa_WoyaYvbyiNBy9AY_i7mvE/s400/100_3516.jpg" /></div><div></div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456742264692108962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLX9OE4Mm0ObUBH9XTWLl2sPPCGywbh6G0WcjuqkV6FNP_5QQglc8LLVe8LcD0KfueofXarjX-7iPWP-l3WS6l52PmNln1PcvGf72XhtUt3db538xzjljOc3vcgo9hm63BKuNXyenldfk/s400/100_3514.jpg" /> <div>My mom made this year's Easter dress for Little Bit. It is kind of a wild print but I loved the colors. I'm glad my mom was able to make her dress. Mom has been very giving to us and we loved going over to her house for "fittings."<br /></div><div>This picture just makes me smile every time I look at it!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456742249829288578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVI4MC2MEpmE7tBOjby534DL2UcQNDbaFx2j4Uxnl39Up_YYTwzWDEMw-5D_GfNAhSFZdA-JXP-sVErCHn7_rMxpAwQIBw4w_WQksBJWB0U0hRXAm1FZrCslHT3wEVf6pk3rZZvPhAi4c/s400/100_3471.jpg" /></div><br /><div>We have borrowed Nathan's Bumbo chair to see how she likes it. We did purchase one on Friday but I got a different color than I had intended for her and need to take it back and exchange it. </div><br /><br /><div>I'm looking forward to reading about your Resurrection Celebration Weekend!</div></div></div><br /></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10925274291668687900noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339709389431930928.post-12541228266913668492010-04-01T18:05:00.001-05:002010-04-01T18:05:00.901-05:00What We've Been Doin'<div align="center"><div><div><div><div><div><div>I love cough medicine!! I have had a head/chest (it keeps bouncing back and forth) cold this week and I'm so grateful for whomever created the medicine to clear up the congestion and soothe my airways!! I've just been focused on taking care of Little Bit and resting when I can so I've not had much computer time!</div><br />Here's a catch up:</div><br /><div><br />Last Tuesday was an exciting day in our household. It was the DVD release of one of the best movies ever!! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454872492810126354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPjufH2GinJo-cWN_Vwt0nIYlTe6x5cTmhdCqNiBExDHc1_Kc05_t-NX0qp8647Z_AvRaTLgxWg7Pfd9ZZ-bz-f8EYl2-L99WaQVs7onePSPwlmm9XVJ7AoVTWgY41kfNNpaUusM3V9c/s400/100_3454.jpg" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In honor of the movie, Bryan (although he didn't know it at the time but went on my instructions) picked up Taco Bell for dinner that evening. Little Bit even watched part of the movie with us before she went out for the night.</div><br /><div>I love the movie Blindside and think every family should see it. It is a great movie to open one's eyes to the huge need of foster parenting and mentoring. What we give up, could save some child from the potential of a horrible future.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We've gone out and about a few times last week, but we have also tried to stay at home more and establish a morning routine. We love to read!</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454872498884006370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmQeuyvLm6J0VeVhCgDyQecRUAwptBmoLFXYsth5ZhvPwwu13lE5xysc0i10KZGmBmwmcwyD08QZfskmxoZDdmwWW0_8nR7OJMfjNRYIL5dwrAl-6gsMK2MIcLIkDGpXvP6fg9tnBi1s/s400/100_3456.jpg" /> <div></div><div>Excuse the frizzy hair! This was pre-flat iron time! Bryan took this and did not know the rules about non-frizzy hair in pictures.</div><br /><div>Little Bit loves the book "God Knows All About Me" and I also read out of this illustrated book of Bible Stories each morning. It is fascinating to us to watch her eyes just light up and open wide once I begin reading the book. It makes me think she is recognizing the pictures...I don't know.<br /></div><br /><div>This same day we went to the doctor's office for her 4 month check up and shots. Bryan took off the entire day to be with us and go to the doctor's.</div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454873778055988946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOuWO0Yzt8RLglhc8d6psYSWS9IN-MXrR5m0uxPli2gzbDw7TXZB7qq1a_MFIE2LqsvEdBFoAqS_L1i5-oeAVxfE9Zh3HN42NP8rBGfWoa-c-G444e3Yi7jOIrNVp0yvZp6Tkq3SNlXc/s400/100E3460.jpg" /><br /><div>On Friday night, Little Bit went with me to my Bunco group. I play with a great group of ladies who are so supportive and encouraging to Bryan and I. It was nice to have her with me, but I'm pretty certain she will not be going again. I think she was a little distraction. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Miss Sharon</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454872507083366914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-e9ph804xB59hKJBUBLQPHC_BvFV9UeHOIR2Np6V6IUEeOF2eRIlSS_kIsu6ZwSEdiD0XBMkwIiGvha9u2s-YmZaCDuLZmRrxjd0pL8qzk6jqS8OYszJVUHAQPa1sxmmOeT8vQobgPg/s400/100_3464.jpg" /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Miss Carla <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454872523354960466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyEbnT3hz1Me8fdO2BlE2BalPQUPLtf3ws1_Jd4b6WOTLkq-p-TZufsiwELniI4Y5b_Pca2epOmIXlAjqI-KMMhYFcaTuDpBqIZhanToMLSMeqNiPh-bEga23gumCSsEWBuepXPY8u8w/s400/100_3465.jpg" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Bryan's parents came up on Saturday to visit with Little Bit and help us with some projects around the house. Bryan and his dad put in the poles for a clothesline (I love sun dried clothes in the summer) and Bryan's mom re-upholstered my chairs.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Before<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454872526340795698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNRgFJk61Hqk0pYpx_DhcLr9zmxfatJFCYrt7T8MNlOUS4e0YBYEC63XA4Ukx7ZbQMRjYVze1zJP5BavX0NwT1GY1g3k6GEUUKaZTZubafGjUpQ58S4ruBXfKpCgJCoGq1zxy_-nUDuA/s400/100_3466.jpg" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>After<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454873761428796226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteUk61e5HwZn_da4B_rUXnSBGRTrsV7DrKRvIPtRLO1sviVegsxs7zDAcoOP352d5DMAYijjGjQL_Jt5LugNql0DOIBR1IljZEncbfcYdFErVUBlDBonQAJqQioEi0giGhG4ybLswWVs/s400/100_3468.jpg" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>On Monday we tried cereal for the first time...per the suggestion of our doctor<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454873764181899586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSp3B02ODbiLaCLN8I4xeGqDb188DvksANeNcCULFdsbF9G667OnoBTvFy_Y9YvoI1SpMEfwelw56geV1x4_QPTkdhdStPP6oZHzSMTbALRHmWiC3qbbuao2N0XJtEFGZYhkRBHUNOf4/s400/100_3469.jpg" /></div><div></div><div>Please note: These are Bryan's hairy legs, not mine! :)</div><br /><div>Cereal did not go so well. So we are definitely taking our time with it. I think she is still a little young.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Have a wonderful Resurrection Weekend Celebration!!!</div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10925274291668687900noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339709389431930928.post-30485209196472541082010-03-22T16:10:00.001-05:002010-03-22T16:10:00.971-05:00I Go Out A Walkin'<div align="center"><br /><div align="center">We had our first walk in the stroller on Thursday!!</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450099806814534130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKhnB5CFb_Y9gKFAvb-FDi3-bxFuqF2jmj_YDVTAf0n3sBXUK0tl3OY4iB7wSokw2Mqgrj2Sa_2HN3qTS8__C_q6mwdOLBIn6i4vRcJxgFsZ1p8i5MgV92fa9EvZUuGtPUkAHoPQJex8/s400/100E3417%5B1%5D" /> The weather has been in the high 50s to low 60s, but the forecast is predicted to get colder and wetter over the weekend. Blah!!! We wanted to get in some sunshine while we could. Thursday was a perfect day.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center">We met Nathan and his mom Kristine and walked in Nathan's MiMi's neighborhood. Little Bit slept the entire time! I really enjoyed my visit with Kristine. I remember thinking a year ago, I would not have children during the same time as she and I longed to raise our children together. Wow!! How God can completely change your life!!! In so many ways!!!</p><p align="center">I neglected to get a picture of Nathan. It just means we will have to do it again soon!</p><p align="center">We finished off our Thursday evening with Book Club! Again, no pictures! </p><p align="center">On Friday, we met our personal seamstress, Little Bit's Nawna, to make a quick trip to Hancocks to get some material for another new dress Nawna is making. It is great to have her close by to make dresses. I'm hoping she doesn't begin charging labor! We also have a pattern for Gran D to work on. </p><p align="center">Then on Friday night, we met Pop and Gran D in Purcell at Rodney's Pizza Place! YUM!!! Little Bit did so great. She was so well behaved and she was awake the entire time!</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451566113433066066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7CT8sDE3oeLvlKrU1yMFFM8xbxDORJDzU3L-c28F5QMP4ncH73zVdWQn5VJgW9X6s1cENyniEYsJix2RYv1H70Au4g1SQ9wVFmx8BU0KbhbwEz4_GTG9oxA5ufJFlByQjjT3EL1W1-o/s400/100_3430%5B1%5D" /><br /><br /><p align="center">Pop gave Little Bit her first fishing pole!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451566105171442194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzK9VNNxG5oN3f2s0x3TsPiYbl78vkB5MnEftAmgfEnje5FyoeBbIvef97Vac4sXPwHIjLVTj87viiHo4n4xbVQhZ5vIewKhW_5VMQky3m0oao8MNRCdUbWa8IjAyZU-rz8NjB5B_a-o/s400/100_3431%5B1%5D" /></p><br /><p align="center">It snowed in our area on Saturday and some on Sunday so Little Bit and I stayed in from church. Then Bryan took time on Sunday evening to study for his P.E. exam he takes in April. Little Bit tried to lend a hand!</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451566136662342690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzA4Z2ZkEyVGphqnLrNeP5uPu4I0n7ENpPtoU-DY_xTvXbHFbhoApmzcA2m1YbkRbOctAURK6xLLXHN_OcBREx4uw5jR3ctrRIKcWhWfuk308ZEC5DTeQL47N5rNO-9tUxxF9DjVGj6xg/s400/100E3437%5B1%5D" /><br /><p align="center">Someone in this house is quickly getting spoiled!</p><p align="center">(note: Bryan normally doesn't dress like this!! :) He kept his shirt from church on and had on comfy pants. We all lounged around)</p></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10925274291668687900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339709389431930928.post-8702068698493548482010-03-18T14:15:00.003-05:002010-03-18T14:15:08.506-05:004 Months Old!!<div><div align="center">Another month has come and gone and Little Bit is another month older! I just told Bryan she is nearly half a year old! This time is moving so quickly. She seems to change every day!</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450053971772970562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdmTDddLuljxrvSQt4cJgFrYkrP9vBYRV8kYUddQkYPq7vpxLxRNoYbYjvKSy__wXIXApssPVkHNDt6EmacMYLRte2rsfvNBpIP2IYD6KvecXqaiN4OJkoMUdZYnnwcuKZyyv6DbBeXo/s400/100_3412%5B1%5D" /><br /><div align="center"><strong>At 4 months:</strong></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">She sleeps sideways in her bed no matter how we lay her.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449948206553258210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniwwXI_38nwAvA_aXo-AVX-SirpuNkNn3zyJyRCG6nl6YVxHA2SCMdxAXrMZuyTbWueH7eVkRJgLNYJfeMlDS1mayJn199tkcNSYGyerwASxtbxN8VyX-nhkTcu1p5fWFbdffj1eaRRE/s400/100_3402%5B1%5D" /><br /><div align="center">She loves any toy that hangs from her play mat.</div><div align="center">She loves bright lights and goes into a deep stare.</div><div align="center">She is cooing some.</div><div align="center">She loves to kick her legs. It looks like she is running or riding a bike all while laying on her back!</div><div align="center">She loves to ride in the car. Getting in the car seat/carrier isn't so great but once she is moving, she's good-to-go!</div><div align="center">She has stayed in the church nursery on 2 Wednesday nights. We haven't left her on Sunday mornings yet.</div><div align="center">She smiled one time (it was a non-poop/gas smile:-) when I was make silly laughing noises.</div><div align="center">She has beautiful big bright eyes.</div><div align="center">She is staying a wake more during the day and loves to play.</div><div align="center">On the night before her 4 month birthday she went to bed at 10:30, woke at 2 a.m. to eat, and then slept the rest of the time!!!</div><br /><br /><div align="center">Little Bit is beginning to coo and make some adorable noises! I tried to catch some of it on video.</div><br /><div align="center">I think she may have had some performance anxiety! You'll just have to bare with me and put up with my high pitched, squeaky voice! It's incredibly embarrassing to hear and I can't believe I'm posting it. But it is for the benefit of Little Bit's family who live out of town. And, I put socks on her everyday. She just keeps kicking them off!<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx2t_rKQE9HW6dbKfY17VD6FwG89dzHnGGgtFULWRar7VdOgLZY6O2cjtbEliapJYri8VnR89WK1zDmh4nA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><br /><div align="center">We don't do much to celebrate St. Patrick's day at our house but we had some errands to run before church so we dressed in green. I didn't want Little Bit to get pinched by any of little ones she may have encountered!</div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Little Bit & I on St. Patrick's Day 2010<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449930066443339282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIn381k4PE1jVYS5tYZ-WTwxqzywWopmrTb385X_tt5FWpjMlJ4ePoIvU2-_dAytaxQ_2b-v3XUVt0PuW33NHSQ0IoohI1aCCLDyv88NWc7FoWnVHRPa_04oK3sQtDPGN1jniLDTLCIMg/s400/100E3397.jpg" /></div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10925274291668687900noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339709389431930928.post-54473614498386107252010-03-17T07:15:00.004-05:002010-03-17T07:28:57.146-05:00The Greats<div align="center">On Saturday, March 6th, we were finally able to make our first trip with Little Bit down to Ada to visit and meet her Great Grandmas...Our Granny and MeMaw!!! Neither one of them had met Little Bit in person. They had only saw her through pictures. Unfortunately, her Great Grandpas are not with us. But we have a lot of stories we can share and pictures! They were great men!</div><div align="center"><div><div><div><div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449573077385282706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yr2Oh4IDSrYx6f0ffHz2jORicnmPhx9LR-j1_If2A6xHOmqDmH31fzCxqq9sJa-N1C-Sgg5o-HBgfXHZ7ZhM6ivDIti6JwA9cWMWJR5izXPGrE7Ui1v-gb_OLUYExizlvU8bEYBiRNQ/s400/100E3361.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>It was so great to see my Granny!</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449573083589276802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiC1dyq4sMk4AjswxWvZdhzGr_G7JJCf3OqyBeQqUzvbCrgCazh4RtE-VLKDxeFpJBTI8L3RoyvB6wEt7y7e7gYu3gQgJkq0nslRHJPSxl1VcxiJXWkEBnYw-GBftkDxaXXCfoKH4ghA/s400/100_3319.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>She has been very sick with shingles and then she fell and broke her hip. It is amazing how God can change your hearts! During a tense and uncertain time...WHAM God gave us Gracie!! I had not seen Granny since the day Bryan and I left her hospital room to go meet Little Bit for the first time on January 8th! Granny is recovering and slowly resuming some of her activities she did before she got sick this past fall.</div><br /><div>Bryan's MeMaw had a stroke a few years ago. She still lives in her own home, but her daughter-in-law stays with her. We are glad to have MeMaw. She really loved Gracie!</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449573112605108962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZidPpwo5aOXIoddeEozyYbPHzu7NG6oK_oQ5zCMGd9eFcCFz9wZwJnxsIyQAPnhBdXPSPy5Ps615g9dKwZp1b1a_lDkaKZ_O3TccED24BKGJeWTcuuL_ObPqPb0lTD1qlmBBITwyuVA/s400/100_3337.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449573103807925058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQU6stCvV-2Lo9dl1mKcyy1mKuTleGgWC3DeHoah9Ish_7_vZzwAAFXoQFN3FR_-Jpc5HwlIE9B1Cvnj0Q_IsV1EstGOQ2r6kGbB5ljcRsFr7_wPkfBCrsqhLmWEVlVTwi8eQ0fTEW3-E/s400/100_3332.jpg" border="0" />Bryan's dad..Now known as "Pop", MeMaw, Little Bit, and Bryan---4 Generations<br /><br /><div></div><div>When Bryan was a child he stayed with a wonderful lady named Roberta. She is like a Grandma and mother all in one!! She is very special to us and loves Bryan so much. She was also able to come by Bryan's parents house.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449573094042626210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKHLf9dSDlPJOkvHfettzAwopcYMos8XE7TRYHnZi2qKKv-RSeyO1BoprkUyu_G-gdIdWz8Eyh4Vc-dRINUYKzXjMH4ZRF3rn74sn7rkCcQovJoHbuY84cM_PwjnNC89Iyt_nHNGkQ9o/s400/100_3325.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449574313840185074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDSLjemG92gLz96RSVGL9xjj4sdm5B8PrCMKqZoWKkG4gJSK49pToRdFC3MQT0J78lis84nV9tNENAC5ql2fIJsvkAKR7Jat6JmWFK8emghGFpu2glMFjVCPnoTQZiBhW3ZA9heYO_kc/s400/100E3360.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div>It warms our hearts to see <em>our</em> grandparents love our little girl so much!! Some were hesitant for us to go the foster adoption route, but I think it is safe to say they are very happy now!</div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10925274291668687900noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339709389431930928.post-8504174793082634122010-03-09T09:17:00.001-06:002010-03-09T09:17:38.805-06:00A Few Firsts<div align="center">Little Bit has had a few first in February that need to be documented!<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><strong>1st Valentines Day</strong> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444951790548224130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoR7xW8Pg1ktYa0qmd8arrKxU9lI6qAb8fTRun4xX6EEQ4wcMe5u1wf4tw-a2rduzU3nv1bw4MNaFRWd6zdS3SUZSUxbXDOd8osQmf4t_Lc-MJH7XnucqASbAvK1C3pmOKvrLQsmF_og/s400/100E3216.jpg" /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444951784283155794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzugWYgakjAxE1drnmKFdLBJCRQ8fIbykhfXjvzVtZrWnI7pk8TBLD3nyLMxWScbEA6b4yj4l8Xr4xdJLpqyJVwVkkpIPh_5d4ZVzJ41ka72V22LG6Mwrkkx7inC5cg_UasUj8Xvi4UCw/s400/100_3211.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444951761982442882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBWwI8Qtl_qzDZEbvZFCzREHQqmtHLh1UFqLICFNjcOXHb31QxCxfaKSzswascy63qpxQNOfGGqo1EyAAt6fzbOmzAuWRHeCZvxwLVnwmq9FUfTw1y_usaAWMpYQzOB6CbKRDtMCC_5U/s400/100_3203.jpg" /><br /><br /><div>On Friday before Valentine's we visited Dad at his office and met his co-workers. We took Bryan a cupcake from Sara Sara in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">OKC</span>. Throughout the week I had worked on moving some photos of Little Bit over onto a digital frame to have at his office and we took that to him as well. He tells me now he looks at it but on some days doesn't turn it on because it makes him miss Little Bit during the day.<br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444951766458621474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqt8X2kEYPJKviUDTpMqznuWx52oBWKqRInADmeAz82iPE9p1UoktjNmXIIlkl0kQx6CsBl32oDIdNQiqQSiakOwmJkiuS2phfkYfBipVtb66euFzj9lw5k_M_uDRgG0NqcfpFMMPMHI/s400/100_3205.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444951774586829874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7qyjCKOhaIFJHqaK-uI19KZwVb7u5xMsV9qL4N-nFEn9-RL0_l8Qg3hBwy5_HU7_WNFljH1NW5TfLtd4weRlcLKvz4yJa-3838AoNpNakVuM7EyeYiRiIGFbJQarMxr1H_B5NRxQT-I/s400/100_3206.jpg" /><br /><br /><div>This ape came from her Pop...even after he received several warnings from me not to give us so many plush Valentine toys! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444954723386734898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYw1hNI5AYDl40hxRDAMl7ebhoZ2LT4JyLh9J3SBBQfQCRyBXCejUiYmYSk1TjQDhDOaRphlhK-GfvfZRZYpbCYCnBTTpKrlCjCpJR5pBw5O6aM9xnhGM8PztQPsUZ6gjW9ufTRLt-hRA/s400/100E3223.jpg" />Her Pop is totally smitten! You can definitely tell he has waited a long time for this little one and loves her tremendously!! So do her Gran D, Nawna, & Poppa!<br /></div><br /><div><strong>1st Time to Church</strong></div><br />This is the outfit she wore her first time to church. I love the expression on her face! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446396103625927538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFFfbfRQJ-I-6gjzecccQjvKeZtz3pm3uLThz03ECg0Vryp4oLtZ2IRtSr2XMTJhHN3zot-YmHxPHhHvdcW2jqFUMFCZVjCER-tWU78O4wisOH2lpJRVo0pP43RV8eOHKuqbDqeurqUU/s400/100_3282.jpg" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446396095793832642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7RxzVk02B91p0azyrj4mELC0ZYqmkOcHT1bnWXE8Ia7rzqdlCOG0ol2AW1hwondVMk2sZ0QKe1iuko5UxnEuKCRGuj-MNpTDTh4w2WZTOhpXNiA_Avhjc_sf1OebcauR1OwnyoDMZYU/s400/100_3278.jpg" /><br /><div>It is so wonderful to be back at church as a family of 3! I am still learning the balance of feeding, attending Sunday School, and making it through a worship service without getting up.</div>Thank goodness for a timer on the camera and Bryan's tripod stand he usually takes to the gun range! We wouldn't have had a family picture of our 1st Time to Church without it!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446396111400657682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfZCkowtmcEWCo23Z9fETRql7nWK7CVX41cGvGa8xLGGvYa3UDEeHnv1w2vsKcqK7iabD_xcB11Oga7-gUbcQJv1yPG-626sgbqmWzPtehj_JTKX6l6ZjphoEYJIKCjgz3q8Gtqga2DA/s400/100E3273.jpg" /><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>1st Pair of Shoes<br /></strong><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446396076208891298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz84hIsh1kV3cOQgV3El0Pujpm8zSqm99CVrkpdGTETNFI0g9mToNEbSrsd4hHo8xFhjQoG7fyugbKzEHLnzzUwPgOkYtY-9xThrQXvoeqquZy3J2NaYfNLi1u0lbtMz1arCCq-3WAKCQ/s400/100_3300.jpg" /></div><br /><div>Bryan is not a big fan of her shoes. He keeps calling him her clown shoes! They are a little big, but I'm having a hard time finding shoes that go with several outfits that actually fit her. Although she is growing and gaining weight, her little feet still seem small!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446396742396286706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2bhds3J7PTrfZrqt_pHFWSTZmldYAzfPRlLcbnYaKIG_pQFN6JKngnepdiL_kM1GNhyAKYcfXP1E_FPglmZ-5fFDhBfVVnyZmBWyA2SMOaTHY5Kk-w0U-q0eBmx7dJRdrzptFWACiUg/s400/100_3254.jpg" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div><br /><p align="center">She celebrated her 3 month birthday in February!! It is amazing how quickly time truly does fly. It is happening to fast!!</p>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10925274291668687900noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339709389431930928.post-80965486708494784422010-02-24T17:37:00.002-06:002010-02-24T17:39:52.316-06:00Photo Session<div align="center"><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div>I am completely amazed how fast time flies when you are at home with an infant! The day just goes by so quickly, at times to quickly! I'm still working on balancing a baby, a home, a husband, my walk with God & quiet time, and myself. Just when I think I may have it down....I see that I don't! I feel like I have a been a horrible blogging friend!<br /><br /></div><br /><div>She is growing so fast! We had Miss Amanda come to our house the first week of February to snap some pictures of Little Bit. Amanda did a great job. She took over 200 pictures and edited the cd down to 103. We are having a hard time choosing which ones to print. It has been 3 weeks since these pictures and yesterday at the doctor's office our girl weighed 8 lbs 8.5 oz. She's come a long way from her birth weight!!</div><br /><br /><br /><div>We've been able to do a few more things and have some outings, but for now, I'll just try to get some of my more favorite shots of the photo session on here. One funny story....Amanda had Little Bit on a white fluffy thing to take a picture in the buff. Before she could click the camera, Little Bit proceeded to begin to have a bm. I didn't want it to hurt the prop so I placed my hand on her booty and kept the "stuff" from falling on the white fluffy thing. Amanda grabbed the diaper so it didn't do too much grossness to my hand!! I feel like I can do just about anything now!! :)<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441947593724125218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqmyB8Oyu3PzhrZRqTEdxO1sXSG-0wRFc3iw7igDBZtC2T2IU3sGuY7h1AGw700_ULlz0SWP6wL4wpgxBseb2u0-9_MUufzUfhxQqQG8Pd6mjAiBl5zsuwHVD_a9VxR4-RQJSp89prYQ/s400/Gracie+by+Amanda+081.jpg" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div><br /><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441947601905715394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZ6njCZdRXhOfs167Avgu1Uq4hdbNtfMxGuDXpUiFLE5Z0rCrcN3bViReKPlckG70qgvwBFxPH4vYdYbdX0sBzocVZwBZnJT5hUbTZHJ7MbDRzHyb40618uNnWOXaTJBZPIBtgITsSZU/s400/Gracie+by+Amanda+082.jpg" /></p><br /><p align="center">Bryan loves his little girl so much! I love to see him walk through the door in the evening and his eyes light up! He is an amazing man and father!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441946938484027522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8S06VIOwzZ7bA-Bps-QJMKpQe0ORk33WCBSfKkxJKyfwazRs0_SwQ2HkV_R8OSD3VphNUTBg6gqnNYpyY2APZpiLQ3u2Uvx8Qq0btx_XWhsmxiga5u3cDeN0gW3jdCQUtqGGJMWjVJM/s400/Gracie+by+Amanda+039.jpg" /></p><br /><p align="center">Daddy's Hands...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441946947633457106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUoBA3KeEpV06p8MW4XKw02ANmKiqtc4nW5OC_i5J4lx8R9E5qC1ral6xGKDU7-9-q3lAn7kJJVExUmy6gCOWU18jgAAA1NE5uUi_N7w-YzceeClNGrY6GoVdUMnE0KypSVtncaiZl5YE/s400/Gracie+by+Amanda+040.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441946931633279314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBTM1tmSEkRie0qOTM9gWVgtwVoArKgkq1ijeCH7c6NAZJpSo4GHxssA4jktQ7CF4_uJuz4hF_g8hqXTkJPUlAJxvYAIghxZ9q48x4iWDD3uA67ItXzXoHxMqiDBsaqQZ5BH1VO5mFT0/s400/Gracie+by+Amanda+032.jpg" /></p><br /><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441946144236774242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikY-O6YA1npb7e-RBU055NdYYBEik1fzP9i2LZZqAhMvjO7sriErX5T23c-5SEusHSYJi8AWcXoAaRvR70dRBKHzTVp-ugN2u8nkh822-ydDMcbRECRdi37a1GqoshWSzPx37FMSbFBFw/s400/Gracie+by+Amanda+015.jpg" />This one above was one of my favorites of her in her Easter dress. But now that everyone has seen her dress early, she may just need to get a different one! :)</p><p align="center">When others have seen this next picture they say she is smiling. We didn't count it as her first smile though. We think she may have had some gas!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441946137278041570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1dSCn2agjvTwLWSwZR3EAtmJbeY4lk8vd23_p942eNch0zw09gR0Xy5Eop6ESV-RNMG24Tt01Wcs4c4vD9XlaBHAmUJ5w0Dc89hGkMToHSAIn0BMvtVZ0vzB_7uOQf3KwrHtFDHfnIo/s400/Gracie+by+Amanda+011.jpg" /></p><br /><p align="center">Our Family Photos<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441946152575778050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj033iHpb1pKNIF9T6bMlQLt5cq_snqGLBNh5Dypqs2ULm_84ZlMz9LHtpLr20byIqB8Th-JjTzNIFJcPnetbBjGFxk1JEgfiXPERizCxnLCdreYAj4ljZ7RWSOoHexMSOvNfR0SXB7NE/s400/Gracie+by+Amanda+019.jpg" /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441946167048875538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyirZKc91pZyxlglcsKxfxevFGNvR6sx2M_napbuAh1q1BNstbWhBremAbZ-700nYI4qoU36ZRH5rMAbu_bjRAyRcayI7zI1Ghi7guZKHkjnTpDwjk-3HWbcy174dVH5xnSXa8y8x-Myk/s400/Gracie+by+Amanda+022.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441946155813716306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcDoOmPVnWLzUkkbLANaSm-dC4GjZFEUi8Q5bl4Nocnxa1yvivFf9PwjWmfaHFMk282S_4ASaNXrtwomxM0XxQfEfiTAd_gqCuDXBmKszo0GJgNY7hnoqWOMiuo54L6PX_nV0DrwHwjY/s400/Gracie+by+Amanda+020.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441946921265496466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7IbkZTqzu71ZYffiaQHmgKRUEepJmDXKAyZhXyHESKm2R6L8XOem0ZFkWq0f9vq-QNWxyrPGr_iZ12BxFW3XKQGyQxfwAtLMVT8i_E6g6WLqoT2oD1iw5jDCnuemAqhbzvIuF4wgRh8/s400/Gracie+by+Amanda+029.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441947608247376578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEils9_zdHIW1Q9JLM9Mhz5v9SlyU-deICsYadPf-ncmDZaSOro3a5gJk0NB2GzEAki98hKnQWlhfVXG2Ywx6hdabCVom9x4CFntEl8VmZscMkUa1_iqa6SpGFHDdPAYeEPvSDaajI8UPOI/s400/Gracie+by+Amanda+092.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441947585236057842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OcwxrMLSbamtM6QwFDa4n0vmA1-Rgv4py90-CVZXo-hjCiAP1kHbUkXglD8vXKi908mC7m_R0KKD3aiG2wnvwL-O4e2NMv1H6MbgvMJrGDJszFAlnR_znXjzAas1CINB10HdHvlp-Pc/s400/Gracie+by+Amanda+078.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441947579758396818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFL_Q803gQXsLMbIzulMb1To8P_Md8gkX-oPLJz4-h9gfzlWrKDFujsLgV8iLgFOBgRSZtWbKUtNZxfxvSKMXMyTse7C5G0m26eSyFpOf6_w0XpruxROzFr32MiywzoKuHx7L98zAjD9M/s400/Gracie+by+Amanda+074.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441946950154268562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tjbf_wBQxZBZEfdxbUEsc3g1MwsTN067WPuK7YkGEJFswdjqY665gFgo9krdBaMUbuXTG-Z5KC_enOsjhiJhJeegL93NqHL1IigGp05O_jzXYIT7AgWqmHXZtIt-_mAA3qXVBW-jE8I/s400/Gracie+by+Amanda+058.jpg" />Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10925274291668687900noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339709389431930928.post-52123687800348410722010-02-03T12:02:00.009-06:002010-02-03T13:07:59.514-06:00What Not to WearIt is getting somewhat complicated to dress Little Bit. She has a several cute newborn outfits, but she is still in the preemie size, especially in pants. Her little newborn pjs are way to long. <div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><br /><div align="center">Here are two outfits:<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434084544237247666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtA3XVjPMKDKC0Tny90QmWGPI5pYl2yAILqXhelaFmReCt3PU_OKrj8Sz1U_m-x1ApVhl6a1N0LBiPFhH7klUkcbhuw89xYAWATQ5ujrpjPvnMKCRYG3Mdi_suLgugtvmypXu3D9HIzKc/s400/100_3177.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">The one on the left is newborn and the one on the right is preemie. She wears the preemie set at least once a week. We had this outfit and a few others given to us as gifts and then a friend of ours has loaned us some of her daughter's preemie clothes. We basically rotate the same 7 or so outfits out each week. It is amazing the difference in size. I do not want to rush Little Bit to grow up, but I'm anxious to get her into some of her 0-3 month outfits!</div><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center">Today we tried on her "potential" Valentine Day outfit. I would say I need to come up with an alternative. She still has some growin' to do!! And, she does a good job "disguising" her identity herself, especially with this hat!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434085485730418018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXihMX47E6tBbfHqqsN6beg9YIombz-CzPsXy-NuasBIz72C2bdRwFxrLQWwX3aZ19yz2KhdTbbXvASVgrwp8bHyB-9QmrkvG215apVAp4OOlSPJ_uXeciqFj3b0cQRmJRLCTAVUX5AY/s400/100_3180.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434084553830806194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMjXd97wPTTxnQt-Qqcxf40tr6dGH5jyPVTYwYsAMdYm9RXUIFxaTBrZYxM-iZuNGKDsLaxyOU_M9SMFA3ipSk1aJ2HCzDdekdpz65AueW1nO-0q2T4y_hI_gC2HKIYh2-YhqcXEHjW4/s400/100_3178.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434085478440341282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5A1ryFg1vc51ECfw5TBFyMt4doJJW7YxA2X_uuXf55i032ufUsJCgwfA5UxSIxZqMQDSZ1f0HtYai4xKATE0w7NXIl6QaqTwS9jT0hqjKLfj7sLYdjYD50OwjF_vfxofP2crOlxA6UqY/s400/100_3179.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">She does have some red pants to go with this outfit that are also newborn, but they were nearly as long as she is! I think she may be a petite little thing! </div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I'm a little nervous. We have someone coming to our house tomorrow night to take some pictures of Little Bit. I have a few outfits we are going to try. I'm more nervous she will get mad and cry and we will just have to try pictures at a different time. We already reschedule once due to the weather. We should have fun tomorrow!</div><br /><br /><div align="center">Two weeks ago, I got to go back to church for the first time since nearly the beginning of the year! I enjoyed it, but it did seem strange going without my man and my girl!</div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Little Bit and I before I left:</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434084526389012146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TyRavdqymVF1RJdwo-98DPqAkbmlGnhcG0PVnAs5ETDMg2cnv3khqPENXzXORbTvtclVRlZfWB4n0_xEbF0dXcXASwftApcGX6FzTSns4c7d2ypO-DvUqF5cl1y-x6FRXX6eFejR0So/s400/100_3140.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">This past Sunday, this was "church" for me:</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434084531336472402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Ko7uZylGaeT2Jg7dEiO8b7Umh4YDCWRE7mARUFz8XwAUsDwYYeIa7VLkonDom3zdrFXlHv0WKiOHaXRzPylmuSmVajT8qr9VT2Tt4ZcrzpKTa3dt4UELrIh_5e2ffaVH6sFzQCx_G2I/s400/100_3170.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">I listened to our pastor's sermon from 3 weeks ago online while Bryan was at church.</div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Although I didn't get to leave the house, it felt great to shower and get dressed. And I was in the Word the same time my fellow church members were! Although she was in pajamas, I'm still trying to train Little Bit to wear some headbands and bows. Luckily our friend made some headbands small enough to fit her head.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434084537708574850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkxAPCZBIyHsyNvY8eR0tdNFewfmu5HfnvzR6h4Xu5jLVmTPY9m1tLpGi9dQr5P4Dm-L2EKp7oreeonPR3qugVsAk-E0h08_El0qEfSeJPnmCux9g8Czh4rg5T8VUp545lWELv_au8-E/s400/100_3171.jpg" border="0" /><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10925274291668687900noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339709389431930928.post-8884708524854867772010-01-30T17:43:00.001-06:002010-01-30T17:43:53.906-06:00Shower of Blessings<div align="center">When we told our friends we had submitted paperwork and "officially" began the process to do Foster Care/Adoption, one of the first things they did was insist they give us a shower. So even back in November, Brooklyn, Courtney, and Kristine began planning. They wanted us to be prepared at a moment's notice to receive a child in our home. And boy, am I glad they insisted!! We did receive Little Bit in just a moment's notice!! :) These 3 wonderful ladies have been such dear precious friends of ours and supported us for several years on our journey to get our forever family. They have listened to me, prayed for us, and encouraged us numerous times. I am so grateful for their friendship and their love.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432327818203860002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttmoETyBe98XDCy-Z6EBvM9t8Vi-SX2SX88RPzjEQLHU5ijApXHrxZvz93sjDxvLE_a9u-Ja1sqPmaToUqo7M8EEwj8iUcNK9brEGUvGqIgn2KTqOiBu5D1Z7TiU8ToDZnQDE11meZT0/s400/100_2994.jpg" border="0" /> Brooklyn, Courtney, & Kristine <div><div><div><div><div><br /><div></div><br /><div>It is still amazing just how specific God's timing is! Here is part of my personal journal entry from December 29th..."I feel I have to press forward knowing it will work out. But this may very well be the hardest wait yet. We have a baby shower on January 10th & I keep wondering what will people think of us since we do not have a placement yet. I just keep telling myself, God will make it all right. His thoughts, His opinions, pleasing Him should be my focus & it hasn't been the past month." I even received some emails from those invited congratulating us on a child and some folks at church thought we had indeed received a child. But we hadn't. I just felt so odd as the week progressed. Because of the delay in our home study, I never ever thought once we would have a child by the shower.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We met Little Bit on Friday, January 8th and the shower was Sunday, January 10th!! This was absolutely a sweet time for my friends and I. The excitement was wonderful!</div><br /><div>Even if our Girl was at home, we would not have taken her to the shower, especially since she had spent the first 2 months of her life in the NICU. But thank goodness for 1 hour photo!! We printed some pictures off and the hostesses placed them on the tables at the shower. Courtney even made a plaque with Little Bit's name on it. I was amazed because she only had 1 day to get that done! </div><div>Bryan stayed with our daughter at the hospital. It was a little odd...I showered at home on Saturday, wore "lounge" wear to the hospital to spend the night in, and then dressed and straightened my hair at the hospital. I loved going to the baby shower, but it was strange to leave Bryan and our daughter.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432326312343725298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX99cGXsZzVf7mt6ChRBHRX7fhC8IaGMdTVi5ISxW_ifFS_ez0YqhtpTim9f4OKmlgPbYlYBr0JBkURNSKnJ4bRH1wKUjYUolp2FEJtvheAxpgFlDoyDcwCuJ7XS8lzaHkjOIXwiM3xz0/s400/100_2981.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432326295608077826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYr0nRdpVPvnVOSCdiL81yj0NvBNf0zc8Ndrrca8puLi4MYsN_axFWALMq_rz4Eumhhapot1R0PDt3y0L8QHMEh8X-ku2aGfARgXGrEkHfkM-UpbU7wZO7SU5ijFbiff6tmpWcv6Sru0/s400/100_2971.jpg" border="0" />Brooklyn made the cake. I thought is was just adorable. She did a fabulous job! I have to admit, it was special knowing the gender of the baby. It was neat to have a girlie touch to the shower.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432326283844652546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytF9xig3XoGAgxgtrG5Z4ieDXGt3pWQalsl2UxLsElKGXRIEIOSxgnSTOeibMAlPkazXWKEdqK_Ztywz6bohvUgFluIEaQFFqU1kTt0esd0Swf6sYFcJkVoz_9pd1gXdIkxzgyUzOfwk/s400/100_2968.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><p align="center">We were truly showered with blessings upon blessings. But I felt all day it wasn't just a shower but a huge celebration party! It was so great to celebrate the answer to many prayers with people who are very special to us. There have been many godly ladies and families praying for us. Bryan's childhood babysitter who is in her 70s even drove up from Ada. That was a sweet surprise.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432327803713803730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGQkG5oh5-j-YS1LWGsIIARIU3jTgK1DWcAYqjEZoSpdb9AT7nPkwOPITqHu6_EHOzUC9a-E73ut1WwXSFm_AUDxpIaLHdh9_AdCr5kTkyO7g90rkx8_DLYKeCJlPbOzJ2nWcY-_76Bw/s400/100_2983.jpg" border="0" />It was such a joyful day! I didn't quite make it without any tears. But they were tears of joy! It was great to have tears of joy!!! They are so different than tears of sorrow! We have had joy upon joy over the past 3 weeks! It truly is like the hymn "joy unspeakable and full of glory full of glory oh the half has never yet been told!!"</p><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432326304111398914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwZ9RxiJVlcLLNuVx8c7HE3hGsork1t-zGptLkK2RxGE3PeTMq0JIx_lEGM0pmT3IcxzXDG7HlpukbMX5UPSDbNqEQE0UbZM_crFkxn-XgL0C8KJBJ4KJFBqf1Co2SnKVl8WVrLS75to/s400/100_2972.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center">Brooklyn's daughter, Ava, was also at the shower and was quick to tell me she was a helper and I think I remember her asking me what my job was at the shower because she had a job!! Actually, she had several jobs. She started out with Courtney and I as I opened gifts. She would hold up each gift for everyone to see. She was our little Vanna White!</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432327797199757842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJs6KAuHJVhH3h7oz_LIYMc0E4PpXyp9y3jv9FSQNBQVcazOq4n-rX8M2gwo8M95b2o_IXzlebzaQhyphenhyphenHTdUxPoS2w_eF9QQb202gOHUtMMkCN7mL62k0WJX-6iZzFAxU5B3hFaz2T9qf0/s400/100_2982.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">About half way through, she asked if she could quit this job and go get some cake!!</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432327809150907298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbiY-a3muYq8iaYUWwwzL3LNvwIhfu4cwv8-98VGIS08MxfPLrxeBkYd1P8rjBNJ5y9u5LDz8AEnbjwrnxD9nh9cnJbehR6OZRTru4Dzq9jRJacfbq0xTyg-ch3LUke3o9PYtFW1ykxg/s400/100_2986.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">Ava just melts my heart!! Our friend, Carla, thought she was such a great helper, she gave Ava $2.00!! You can see Ava holding the money, rather tightly, in the picture below!!</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432327828480636386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUn9RO-h0jLy9oQzlBTPZdKYLLCYmEp-k7Z9MH84y4xUsoarCTXTv3i4jyK1U0_kLNUJRKOAlknZH72o0rjvpvfkIsbRJ7KZBhIsTV_kK7avhr87j-67F1quAp0ZLxg5N13hYDXE0XhU/s400/100_3000.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">God's Word reads "a friend loves at all times." These 3 ladies have. They love me for who I am and they know so much about me! They continue to support us as parents. I am so grateful for their kind, generous, spirits. They have showed the love of Christ to me in so many ways! I have such a special place for them in my heart! </p><p align="center">Thank you Vicki for taking the pictures for me!</p>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10925274291668687900noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339709389431930928.post-11636911245975728472010-01-24T21:00:00.003-06:002010-01-24T21:01:35.020-06:00We have a Girl!!!!!<div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffff33;">Friday, January 8th is the day God changed our lives forever!</span></strong> We received a call on my cell phone, while down in Ada for my Granny's hip surgery, from our case worker. She asked us how soon we felt we could receive a little baby girl!!!<br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffff33;">A BABY CHANGES EVERYTHING!</span></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center">I want so much to show you the many pictures we have took. But we need to protect her identity for a few more months, hopefully just a few. There are so many details of her story getting to us, but I have to keep those to share at a later time as well. But I will tell you, our little girl was born in November at 27 weeks gestation weighing under 3 pounds and has spent the entire time up to January 11th in the NICU. God protected her amazingly while she was in the womb. She was only on a ventilator for a little over a day. The nurses told us she practically took herself off the vent!! She is a fighter!! We are so grateful to God He made her so strong and determined! She remained in the NICU due to her weight and eating. However, she began eating more on her own and the feeding tube was removed the day we met her!!</div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center">Although we received the placement call around 7:40 a.m., we did not get to the hospital until approximately 3:00 p.m.!! Although I did not carry a child and go through the pains of labor, I can kind of relate to the anticipation a mother may have. Bryan and I thought the time to finally see her would never come. We had to explain the events to my Granny and tell her goodbye. Then we rushed home to pick up the car seat/carrier (Some of my mom-friends call it car seat. Some call it carrier. I'm still not sure what to call it!) and diaper bag. Then we drove to the Child Welfare office to sign our contract!<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430290027875653378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8N5TXTHh-f-m_e1qO-IgtRr4uf0uEUypPQR8b6nsE51stSPILmBIPxt7YbyEETbaFJeadPiEJSTTyyC6H2pR8S0cFlW5Y1PtVT55UdKr6waV0uyY1ysuPha8YrIyIRcM5bRbzXLckHY/s400/100_2961.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430290036676759874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYr-R0dRXc6CQuoDeht9UxVMgk-_HZQhsdfjyZ3b7eU0qki9mFsKE2-j9HQBE00S8Q7REi4LaXE-QjYsgSSZv6WVSHmz5Z90QgHiiKGWTr4w0F_oOuTpXDC-3wqP5ah5tknPYbcDOu_4Y/s400/100_2962.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">We made a mad dash over to Brooklyn's so she could show us and make sure we properly installed the car seat! She has 3 kids and another one on the way. We knew we were dealing with an expert! And finally...............we made it to the hospital!!<br /><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430292000341216834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWQQGBtngkria9fW_iNowxRz2V1ZXuVeYJSiHHq6AoRkLpt-v1fI_qQCQaPOz9zq1XvDB_90FDPVhdpJ29YCsRPuo7kSwqiNdj9ld1aER3BE1T4SaOOTG4lCl5OtVQIkzwZaHCB43glQ/s400/100_2878.jpg" border="0" />Seeing our little girl for the first time!<br /></div><br /><p align="center"><br /></p><br /><div align="center">One of the first feedings we did:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430292022405119298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2M8Yy7ruBdqw97sbyyvDOK7qWN-P2L-ubxXUIpcPDWUBDJNCzAo0rmS6gIOvt0juv3GFjRkkZrT3yD_D_2_I6hvtHPf7OM2iE4StAxDuFAVWpd1ppD993jW6mmZbFe8e8aVU7pUZ4nY/s400/100_2891.jpg" border="0" />Bryan is an expert!! He is very protective of his little girl! Now, two weeks later, he has our precious one on some type of an eating competition. He keeps telling her she is about to break the previous day's record! </div><br /><br /><div align="center">Shortly after we met our little one, she was moved into a transition room in the NICU. It was mostly for our benefit, I think. We learned to feed with her, change her diaper, all while she was still on monitors. It gave us a strong peace. The staff also wanted to make sure she adequately had her sucking, breathing, and swallowing coordination down. It was a room where one of us could spend the night. And Boom! In a split second, I began the night shift of feeding a baby! Something I have waited a long time for! I have loved it. I do have to admit, though, the 2 a.m. feeding is the hardest.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Since we met her, we spent 3 nights in the hospital and we brought her to our home on Monday, January 11, 2010!!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Bryan and His Girl before coming home</div><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430290042123762082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PQkVUkB7X_eBwnEQJ7SCFyjXDniss6-_gNmVSUa-USIqLkXCtxVE3hR1J0zlLXfYK6C9rFrcMqYrbiOL8wMJltP7BQXvLaW32L4QNlViS1dtsephl9AJQmteFXouicG72UQT-x7d5GE/s400/100_3007.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430290047970149202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IC-bBj7j_BMli8x9LHl1gJXVS0v17kheqnMB-MPgFrZCiex5lhEGIQQdxKXTOHzpcbquJJ2nW-nDm5tQ815v56gULYc-uJs76kveb_zLb_uOVMMIX1sw_10QYmduJIzr74g9EM-XoU4/s400/100_3016.jpg" border="0" /> Our First Family Picture</p><br /><p align="center">We have spent the past two weeks bonding and cuddling with our little girl! We have had two eye appointments and two doctor appointments. She has had her two month immunization shots. That event required lots and lots and lots of additional love and holding! It was the most we had ever heard her cry. :(</p><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">We have been overwhelmed and extremely grateful for the love, prayers, and support shown by so many! We have had meals brought to us and so many have text us, emailed us, or called us! We have loved every minute. People have made us feel so special. We are so blessed to have such a great group of people around us. We have no words to express how our hearts have felt.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Bryan's mom took this picture I think on the Monday we came home. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430290056337853106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkoCRmOzLwWUBS3-CpMB28shHVn3c73TAI3JDMjRn-OvF3zga1TOxujBW8J67vo-TOXPgQkRWqbwltnO0D3kSDcTXuukRvf6naMuifuJ-xWGdHqoiDHxtQVs4X3sFVQgOsThThUUcbG4/s400/100_3020.jpg" border="0" /> We spent a lot of time like this. I would text (I love holding baby girl on my chest!! She is a great cuddler!!) and Bryan removed some pictures from face book. Upon a suggestion, we deleted pictures of our girl until further into her process.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Please continue to pray for our family. One parental unit's rights were terminated and we are now waiting on the other's to be terminated. We hope to know a status on adoption in the Spring. I long for when I can tell you just how specifically God has been in so many aspects of this journey...many of which we discovered the first weekend we met our girl.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">I wonder if we are a little abnormal....We love changing diapers! We love it that sweet baby has wet and dirty diapers! It tells us she is healthy and "everything" is working fine!! Immediately after Bryan changed his first dirty diaper, he saw the need to put the diaper geannie (sp?)together!!</div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430292016344574658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidp9V6N3NLH1plxakmoa6uyMLMgJ_3sVncuY8iNbjCoXeh0fH3RlyLbTcmirkMo1GzTvM8TMFilVRAZJ1iGKO1fNopDns5n0k8AU_dnzFQpu9L_QB8nJycOFXdeNd2YHeXcj-IUnyKSQo/s400/100_3022.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430292024458512002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcbNn01RhMxNmMZsz-5ezZVcaQmTSqxO5Nqc74rz1z6VgdWiJ0IJ_ccXhYt2sTAOs2yrSps_Om37335dkyWpn6SYRYzR7DV_PjJzbbl8P8cJiN79N7uzjlYcL7RqE2AqxbyopkzP42GI/s400/100_3081.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Not long after being home, I discovered it was very hard to keep my hair out of the way during feedings and cuddling. I had an appointment already made and was able to get a "new mom" cut. Thanks Aunt Lissa!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430292010316133922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpY2AO7BO_W1GggqNOJjmR9s8j8Zuv_3dLvOhu08KZljJYxJ75AXHb7KQnZ4eh7xSHnJ191UpVFJSmY62TFVpIxzoB_WfvOmOUTbfPgCUMUBeq0PQfIM-Q7i5ywO6aStqYIyPxhOiSA8/s400/100E3100.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div align="center">One of the delays in making this initial post is just how to come up with the right words, the adequate Praise to God. I want to share just the right scriptures, just the right descriptive words to communicate my thoughts and emotions. It has been very hard to articulate what I am feeling inside. It is indescribable. I feel very unworthy. I'm still in awe. Throughout our time in the NICU just holding and staring at our baby and over the past two weeks, I would just keep thinking of Christ Tomlin's "Indescribable." This part of our journey is so much more, so incredibly more than we ever could have imagined or wished for!<br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8yQW_4zNt_w&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8yQW_4zNt_w&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">You or someone you know may still be in the waiting. Some are waiting for the baby still to come. Some are waiting for that Godly spouse. Some our waiting on a job and/or financial stability. Some are waiting for healing. Some are waiting for a house to sell. Waiting is hard, tiring, and painful. Sometimes in the midst of the waiting it is hard to see, understand, and believe the greatness that will come on the other side of the waiting journey. Sometimes when you are left in the waiting and others, like my family, are beginning to see the end to waiting, you get discouraged. I know, I've been there. It is a very human feeling. But believe me, GOD SHOWS HIMSELF SO MUCH MORE FAITHFUL THAN WE ARE! It is not just a cliche. Tell yourself over and over, God is real! God is real! He has called me to this journey, called me to this season of waiting. In our waiting, I have learned:</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. He has made everything beautiful in its time."</div><br /><div align="center">Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11</div><br /><div align="center"><br />Pray with FAITH. I would ask God to protect our child to come if he or she were still in the womb. At times, I prayed though wondering how in the world a child could be protected and free from alcohol/substance abuse while the mother kept making bad decisions after bad decisions. I neglected and forgot the POWER AND PROTECTION OF GOD! We have experienced it first hand in our daughter!!<br /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center">Have HOPE. Have FAITH.</div><br /><div align="center">"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces HOPE, and HOPE does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Romans 5:1-5<br /><br /></div><br /><div align="center">Stay in HIS WORD.</div><br /><div align="center">"This God--his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him." Psalm 18:30</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have HOPE." </div><br /><div align="center">Romans 15:4<br /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">"And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughter to me, says the Lord Almighty." </div><br /><div align="center">2 Corinthians 6:18</div><br /><div align="center">If you have repented of your sins and asked Christ to be your Lord and Saviour, You too are adopted into His family and HE WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU!</div><br /><div align="center">"How much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!"</div><div align="center">Matthew 7:11b</div><p align="center">I got to go to church this morning while Bryan stayed home with Little Bit. Our pastor used 2 Chronicles 16:9 in his message. I think it may be applicable to many of us."For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him."<br /></p><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Tomorrow Bryan goes back to work. It will be my first official day as a mom all by myself during the day!<br /></div><br /><div align="center">God has bestowed His marvelous GRACE on our family!!</div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10925274291668687900noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339709389431930928.post-62299083638260082492009-12-28T10:36:00.024-06:002009-12-28T13:08:20.663-06:00Surviving the Blizzard of 2009<div align="center"> I have pictures/posts about my company Christmas party, Christmas with Eric and His Family, and just Christmas overall but I felt I needed to get our experience of the Great Blizzard down before I forgot or too much time passed! It was an experience etched in our minds for quite sometime!!!<br /></div><div align="center"><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div><br /><div>I did have to come into work for about 3 hours on Christmas Eve. It wasn't too bad because my boss brought me biscuits and gravy and we just hung out together. Very relaxed!! Luckily we left the office one hour before our original set time. Bryan and I have always spent Christmas Eve with his family for the past 13 years. Although it was snowing in OKC/Moore, we decided to leave for Ada, hoping to drive out of the storm. That did not happen. Instead, it felt like we were in the eye (if a snow storm has an eye) of the storm the entire drive to Ada!! Just some basic information...from Moore to Norman, the drive is usually 7-10 minutes. From Moore to Ada, the drive is usually 1 hour 10 minutes. On Christmas Eve, it took us 50 minutes to get from Moore to Norman. And it took us 4.5 hours to get from Moore to Ada!!!</div><br /><br /><div>These pictures were taken on the interstate about 5 miles from Moore. </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420331584879542162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDEfxStBnzFTOh_-olmgMcoq7r7j_c9qp0llNYKPgjSR_Szo5_jNjm_R9iOFcYQTALkY7AaPYJTXX2JhoKakXEwWmBSj-7pu2Na4qjh-x8y9E0eN-QrHJ3UYyCD5kHjlHANKWbD-hSsc/s400/12242009.JPG" /> <div>We passed this jack-knifed semi-truck along Norman. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420331590741960162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInDpQ8bZ8GFd-YRuQ4xWivZxHhXZrrnOZrXuxivauJPa-k-0qMoRCNuMpKNvZ5g18aEWTC8P0hcymtyDYVCzvb0R6LFCas3IV87wfLThxLZzBX-JFPG7wfDSH_MtNjqMLZHh0HjuwuiM/s400/12242009b.JPG" />At this point, the snow, wind, and road conditions made us afraid to turn around and we had already spent 45 minutes in the car. We did not want to get stuck/stranded in it driving back and it was hard to find a place to turn around.</div><br /><div>We stopped in another town to use the restroom and Bryan bought "provisions" in case we got stranded in our car. I had asked him to buy some crackers and peanut butter, thinking of a source of protein. I had two bananas from home already in the car. Here are the provisions he bought...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420331598653160770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxU8Q5hTCTaRoMNTOKEypaV5SQ2tvGNyWP_sd3XXyETCjQqBOfVBc3ybUBxv2G_pwSRO94vcOVrsywvnwyZATdeIcldcSspCL8q9AiZsvs96npgKcD4la8YJUct96QvfE6OKDz4FviOX4/s400/12242009c.JPG" /></div><br /><div>Cheetos and Gatorade!!!</div><br /><div>I must remember this when I ask him to get dinner for our future children!! :)</div><br /><div>The last 3 hours of our drive were very scary. Our visibility was terrible and we had to stop every 2 miles or so to clean off our wipers. I don't think we ever got over 10-15 mph. At one point, we discovered we had crossed over the entire road and was straddling the edge of the road with a small drop off about 75 ft in front of us!!! Bryan was able to correct and get back onto the road. Needless to say, I was crying at this point and nauseated!! </div><br /><div>As I recalled this to Brooklyn, I told her I would never have gotten out in this if we had a child!! Promise!!!! Looking back, we were crazy to have driven to Ada. We should have stayed home! I am so thankful we made it safely.</div><br /><div>My father-in-law on Christmas Eve</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420331606517511970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vlLD0t13CkBzCgFHoUc6U0ZTJSXiscocfWjATAB85cxHgni3OgqrKwr_2_kYcAhJamlJjcWyQyYIIjnwD0mDjzivVym8vEjtWs_O-wz6o15tv50Rm1wOtIPaXsMbq1wOarxV2vj0c_Y/s400/12242009e.JPG" /> <div>In the midst of a blizzard he was concerned about the star falling off his tree outside! Ha!!</div><br /><div>There is some beauty of a white Christmas...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420331608233347810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6_VsI1MhhLA14g-O2o1PsbvuoA8Y6dmObVRwyLAxywTcJactEBHAOqrERnPVO_00V8V2ld3-cIUjJ3soPcChtdXOkS8ar42GxB3ucJ7e8UHkkXpt1CXBOatiwFsPWuTp3sIWM6EYtpE/s400/12252009.JPG" /></div><div>This was outside my in-laws home on Christmas Day. The bird was just beautiful!</div><br /><br /><div>We drove back home on Saturday. The drive back was dramatically different:</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420342807334342370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkZl1jHlNiXABbAn6Hlwk-GNKJl32i8fJqQwCFHus6EqbLKGa5GIjoFZn7L-yVjJgf6Trg0e1TibK64IsDWc7lAnWxoQOakLcTeN6en6vWBrT-9s_Au0vxY-T-2v8rTg2ad9z07T12iQ/s400/12262009.JPG" /><br /><br /><div>Here are some pictures of our house, 3 days after the blizzard when we got home. I couldn't get into my driveway and my poor car had to spend the night outside. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420342819681184322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbqe2X7OC-BgzPXaTtBOahJg0QpkjTbPoXEBShJ4DgTaun6OLF-quuzi9NULbpxbUdSaMqdKqHd3zkGzykbJ9XwlyQix1XNJxfszk684LO3MI11tH6hZQzc3nq34Wr8ZTAbPH81tHls8/s400/12262009b.JPG" /></div><br /><br />This is standing in our garage, looking out.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420342828179175746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpruvflATLABb-K2Y4dArZcgR6kaDASXabFnbI_V4wfGeVgS9ftWvefHgiFgW5TaZpBMW80h15cChWoJcmyxJnBEIZKWfCunEpLWbkuRM9tv0a-lOr7rxk-guLl58LwOildQA3BCpZ3og/s400/12262009c.JPG" /> We brought a few bags in and then took time to dig a small path so we could walk into the garage. Can you tell how deep the snow was up against our garage!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420342816009893298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxkndJ0JkmqL-ThFbyBGlcAncJAjnrxjP_ydIufWekm4On23dIBicjfbmvdglakPIBHMioxSLuBbsqa0x2wCMr3-FwkZS2s0A0Q_EJdcqe6HKSgwNUnDyXiNhuNKJ6ZmM3jP__XPnpKs/s400/12262009a.JPG" /><br /><div>The pictures in the daylight were taken yesterday after some snow melt.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420342833621204898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqigbIABm1X5WNUIWwbTWzUunZHLtTqJxouulpDm1ZnVD-hXcMP_JGkqDSzFe23a9JCEVtJonP802dgg-PkKjbiorBQQLJ8d1SDPpdbqaU0zVwWXPpULtj7WHfK-2nXk4XFYDCfp4Phk/s400/12272009.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420347817298069202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNB_W53IcdzAS_FTeW83LqXAd9XOgXWHXv4jNkM_yEwYEeEA6UCfpGEhFINx67fuxpTnERbvTxiip0_9MmXjEHPNLT6bR-bZOwbK7VxMX8MEfgZ6TkbCVuEGyJC01_jVGD36AIBrcpRk/s400/12272009c.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420332686189547714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nz3HzQRxKWVfBuPPmav9MrDINpFqWSktZ8xl9E2wmFkanHCZvPQWoeAzOf8XDgHdscFJBF07LksNNkdOA9GxmMH_wh-r4H6HeOfS-wduH6iMB4mAjea_w57NltjYx4jb-MSEEPfz610/s400/12272009d.JPG" />Bryan and I had fun shoveling snow. I love Bryan's action shot!! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420332695499874162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVm1xRBun-qc6nHXruqLu5fKmcvUNIuYwcdZTQbRpfiEdSVmk2dysOW8dUHyfbB9dGYP9GV_ER9-m_sGhyd6VLHXAiF-_lNGSSX0IAdsLi6oBqTkEMaUKedhB5y9G1u5QF4pNe8BGEq1I/s400/12272009f.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420332706442291522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9dV3v1WRL0A2qCb-b0UniDAZdUlxhtwYIwUh31y2F1_JW8Gfk-uALZErPaQ-op9JaBpRItEq2IdRDKRysRh0jGoLya3guYlrDUYgSuVzVZW9b_-uFtJI-oFfKiJ7l_bICcK3KH_jWFo/s400/12272009h.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420332707185415874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JRLcLqk4iOMu5YrS6TZfcqthx_ZaRgyOUPCllsQHcZkQ_YRnIyGIeuPfTM-0D9PHPyGBIjdYlGN0ioEVpbNWN7dxHs6RHTm-xYMQzyYMsHEWF1rMb97y_QuyCg7ylFjtjQlOIjcaFnc/s400/12272009i.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420332716754086178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6tGNh6xOBHpNGqb8GqzxTck9OXfukmfM7ahcZ7UOV4vyjlYHxY85g7qdM6YLW5bWFr9Xtt06kFVuH39SH2gzIpUXS9GoYgu2VYLibTp8RZEKsujq97VTcldyVbn7rm74uYPD_zM58qU/s400/12272009j.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420333137131812930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_oLvvb04nGcNEKCS4_As2I8lIjut0ZqYWa7ipQZhbvq3kkFVD7MEE0VKFTsFIy0TbqFO7ItIceixUcCMY0dpGJBsdabT8sHyqwE_ndXDs3c3tSj7YQ1SiEEtaZqmPQchL5qUhRxA9FL0/s400/12272009k.JPG" />At sunset yesterday. And now my car is in my garage!!!</p><p>Have a great week!</p></div></div><br /></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10925274291668687900noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339709389431930928.post-69468413770955987802009-12-21T09:25:00.018-06:002009-12-21T12:02:44.518-06:00Silver Dollar City -- 2009<div align="center"><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxpfQoYih1PCEAYPjlzytUdvLXXouUIRwE2cMQmGKng7n43kgxbPo1cYoquf-bluKq8lX37gAEJtKfWHVuO-HNWjfMlMwc1NIYvPT7nLLE4xVIvP7OEdQJvyi3ZR5Tshw9UuW3nETb-k/s1600-h/100_2835.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417716817417948882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxpfQoYih1PCEAYPjlzytUdvLXXouUIRwE2cMQmGKng7n43kgxbPo1cYoquf-bluKq8lX37gAEJtKfWHVuO-HNWjfMlMwc1NIYvPT7nLLE4xVIvP7OEdQJvyi3ZR5Tshw9UuW3nETb-k/s400/100_2835.JPG" /></a> <div>Bryan and I think we are well on our way to establishing some Christmas traditions of our very own. One of them seems to be going to Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO to view the lights, drink some cider, and watch Dickens Christmas Carol. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417712778303540674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6P-z2OynoYMgAN2RQaXkfamdFKmJfIBYj41VtOeeIQpOnrPoqBlK0zzEiA1bGjPBfgQ_qugNVAC1fIlvZt56QU7PCIYtHa32e6tzD9oCbyELIuo7mBUfI3gLF26uxM86v5ycgmH8QtOI/s400/100E2828.JPG" />We did this last year, we just went this past weekend for this year, and we bought passes for 2010!! We have tentative plans to go with friends and take family on other trips!<br /><br /><a href="http://silver%20dollar%20city/">Silver Dollar City</a> is the best place to go for the holidays! I cannot wait until we have a small someone to take with us. However, we would definitely have to watch the weather and temps. It was cold this weekend!! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417716827339646210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1j-zZtKHut9Z3pjBwkLivd6F5-tw-nhlfg-QEIX6dQU7PzjU6YoiL0-v83favTsm4-94Poe5ZLRdE2zwPGU0gN4OgvCHY6HTup4KDjNdJIJl4UIHUDBp1O6i1O-gd-IhylkmEraJ2YEk/s400/100_2863.JPG" />It was so cold, even this little squirrel was burrowing for some food!<br /><div><div><div><div>Now you see bits of his head (look closely)....<br /></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417712808560588114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoswMj166-YW3iDEj8Fm8t16Mk5_TWUVOWNZIw-DGg3_nK0uNsUCR5bIl5x97P1LAJ4_HHYePrkLWUKZdkcXpHWF3yziS9nwYNQMYNXqXbb6Vkn0MdV6i8bPGEeeHfQ2-tVnh_fatzDg0/s400/100_2831.JPG" /></div><br /><div>Now you don't....<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417716806611676146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9PAy2Y5XnzPs5pklP3urCgzEm5ULDSNGYqyNh7RSukjh6VhyKzciTpYwaJm399TLy8sXvOg3d6z1HL8Wj-Nm3od0gmv4E8kZq00s0_M3BVbz60GYeVyt_l2mR9_asRQmPTAkLVMvwFk/s400/100_2832.JPG" /></div><div>This year we were able to take Bryan's mom with us. His dad isn't much of a traveler! It was fun to have her with us.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417712787142923010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bErrHG1QUFpaYABlL4_OBLsuXWHATOHli6sTGBHaxEL_OLMydvPAZxiTVT5DWz46kBO5aAxrdVCKpHa-l3FariUbKKETbt0gOUL_Z6xb7aUENgPJ_DYryfAbDSNsz88svDIrMnsN3Zs/s400/100_2826.JPG" /></div><div> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417712793324882530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgB9crG8AFaO2puXJS6nCn12lXUkWQOwyATQt77MJS0Ajly1D2sVE9chJIVJlk9DMev8sxLlzCiMbQnMDM3RhttynXDtDtke89ohDrAcs322PSRDuPKOUAL7qcz042UfxJr0Z3v5hK70E/s400/100_2827.JPG" /></div><div>Bryan was our very own personal tour guide in Silver Dollar City. He scanned the official Silver Dollar City paper while we waited in line to see Dickens Christmas Carol (which is a must if you go to Silver Dollar City during the Christmas season).<br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417712801198744258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidROINFk1apZPbZqsbGwIwaPu6Y6bciuvytSYu6BaSeLfodxf5kJ6O1h4v_quStxMics4ehG6CmykKRvicsb2VXJ1oyWwL3lZSAZSkjV2SDv4b1qCM6Lj2ZphM88uaSLp6l4ZblIQ83ik/s400/100_2830.JPG" /></div></div></div></div></div><p>One of the beauties of Silver Dollar City is the Christmas decorations throughout the park. Buildings and trees are covered in bright lights. I think it would be a child's delight! Here is one of Bryan's "must stops"...the Taffy Shop.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417716819456222850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4sVSamDvnZkJJNua8ohxZ2a-2dvKM6YGho4Qk9miz7W4wkoSzmMkxnhs6_j7-isUsVKI7wLBjXvyV2eDbjyixi2dItkG0T69yKGL7jQPelgttDc6PbFiu2tLY4Hn1_kfuvlAMIavov4/s400/100_2852.JPG" /></p><p>They also have a beautiful ceremony to light the tree (unfortunately my video was too long to upload). The tree, of course, is not lit in the daylight. Bryan and I always take a picture in front of the tree.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417716802035005426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5-LmcJ6ONXEdWB-KmInV9aZ7oTWdZs5O19bPhgV5iDaR6ZQ3KfzRCLyg9aOsPpQTIBWYSy9jCbFgCmYk1q6ng2nIW3jZvSOL_Dn2Ah-8G8R2t9zKISlCl0NV70kHpVLyWstdn04R2S0/s400/100E2837.JPG" /></p><p> </p><p>Different colors of the same tree:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417719669369628162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUq7VwL7QCwbyBqvsS-t1clUwpwr4It1n1P1hunaaUMqKZ_fy8u8Gn76U2D0hpoLzJ8qmVXLj70R4QPSoakUjSJBt5nLMVX3p1nz-WwAxTBgFqdvQRtvgbpTC4rQjgxuQRktubhCC1As/s400/100_2848.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417719677105801346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBKElBIboHuH2sjQ7v7asXtXQc8XZBiPZfTrOFi2oFvUMBWDQXPBPgshpAet1K1MpsMFQGLySu7Km0kscji1_XePAipdNgiTHz-hsu4ZgSEwemNKlVH5x0Ny8WP8imV99WB0bwBX5Xd8/s400/100_2850.JPG" /></p><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417719659631828770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsmM9pjaR-SWYH1MuWiuxX-V0grJX7-aXtTzqH6iFnJeVhqjIbGzmPYQzCaeH8mm7Xc_4PFptWQgNbOH1n4FQuf2Z-ffSo4ftA7gedHo9CMMCUrbA-kUv6UEbXhbc4PbyUmcj_MI9Hsk/s400/100_2847.JPG" /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwn2ob0iAweEZQ_FIMdGbc-2OP6MrGr4Yfb8MvdcTINEOpkLGM7Vu7bUnq-2EuNl6USewaMJLz8EFyLZRZJog' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div>They also have a light parade in the evenings as well! <div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzEXfHcQhfWV_euL71QzBCQoBmQWPucPEEheiFbjaeITslwGDohVg3LiTu3ywvkyzIFyntDSQ6qifs__dDzfg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzPn8ClPCbzOYpYHX3580Os2MSeDiWOvSmXbItwTFuABUU1smvRSDlsucPd3uWhijYw7ZfRkpe6OavIjjuhmA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p>We did some shopping Sunday at the Tanger Outlet Mall and then ate at Lambert's Cafe in Ozark, MO...home of the throwed rolls! It was delicious!! We ate way too much!!</p><p>Now it is back to work, wrapping gifts, and getting ready for a family gathering!</p><p>Have a Merry Christmas!!</p></div></div></div><br /></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10925274291668687900noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339709389431930928.post-77510424169719073982009-12-18T14:09:00.009-06:002009-12-18T15:02:18.141-06:00Harvest IS Coming !!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijagYKBX7NG2MgEZkefwRKFgCP6nMI0DjskdQE-nPWsfWYyQolttggL3FETBGLANPDK6ewG1fjHJs0bqMlJa57Vx_pkwGtsENKnCQdYP9vCp0aeEpBJvKDze5CmocXn1N2jnHAGJM4Wls/s1600-h/harvest.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 237px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416671437055023474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijagYKBX7NG2MgEZkefwRKFgCP6nMI0DjskdQE-nPWsfWYyQolttggL3FETBGLANPDK6ewG1fjHJs0bqMlJa57Vx_pkwGtsENKnCQdYP9vCp0aeEpBJvKDze5CmocXn1N2jnHAGJM4Wls/s400/harvest.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>I wasn't going to blog today because I was trying to catch up on some reading in James, but I "accidentally" read James 5:7-11. I was suppose to be reading/taking notes on the last part of Chapter 3. But I just had to share with you what I read in James 5.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The title in my Bible just before these verses reads "Patience in Suffering."</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>"Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#ffff66;"><strong><em>farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.</em></strong> </span></span>Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider<span style="color:#ffff66;"> <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>those</em></strong> <em><strong>blessed who remained steadfast.</strong></em></span></span> You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how <em><strong><span style="color:#ffff66;">the <span style="font-size:130%;">Lord is compassionate and merciful</span></span></strong></em>." James 5:7-11</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Although these verses are tied to the return of the Lord, it made me immediately think of those waiting for children or those waiting for a spouse or those waiting for healing or those wanting a renewed marriage or perhaps a job. Waiting gets long and worrisome. But notice the mention of precious fruit! Isn't that child to be, that husband to come, that healing to come ever so precious! It made me think of the precious child to hopefully come into our home next year. It often seems like the deepest desires are so long in the coming. These scriptures tells us too we must receive the early and late rains. I think of trials, the disappointments, the let down after let down, and the "rain" that falls on our lives, but their is precious fruit as the outcome!! Hallelujah!! I could be taking this scripture in a whole different direction, but I had to share how it initially set with me. Oh, it does mention the farmer waits with patience! Patience....the hardest aspect of farming. It says to establish your hearts...be set, be ready, be sure. Those who remain steadfast will be blessed. The Lord is compassionate and merciful!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I found this picture by artist Gregory Frank and it is titled "A Peaceful Time."<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 341px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416671435337667858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYe6AJ2dDef0IrmRcLofCNyOJ1AlIbZUG8LiyOAcIWL7dYQLGLYwGoqePUw_4tR0CxMDRhHenr2WVs1nni63LYNy4r4nCGk_GxEXXlVjIiDr00UBdR22R1DzcV2kx0SFp2YZZxuIAz8LU/s400/a+peaceful+time.jpg" />I LOVE this picture. I think of it as a mother and daughter, me and my daughter on my Granny's land! We would be at the end of our harvest. The title is so fitting. A peaceful time...Harvest is Coming!!<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10925274291668687900noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339709389431930928.post-71934249949101915842009-12-17T12:48:00.002-06:002009-12-17T12:56:50.571-06:00Christmas Card Carousel 2009<center><a href="http://walkwithmebyfaith.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k54/adesignoffaith/christmas-card-button2-150.png" /></a></center><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://faith/"><span style="color:#ffff33;">Faith</span></a> is having a Christmas Card Carousel over at her blog!! And thanks to her advice, I was finally able to get ours onto my blog! </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Isn't Faith absolutely amazing!! She is one of the most talented individuals. She is so creative and artistic! And might I add, just gorgeous!!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Although our Christmas card isn't too fancy, it is very special to me. My cousin Eric helped take our picture on my Granny's property. There are many memories at Granny's house and I find myself longing to be in Ada as much as possible because she is there and it is land my Poppy farmed and kept cattle on. This year, I wanted to be sure I had something I could look back in years to come that showed their land. So we chose the large pond or "tank" that Poppy stocked with catfish when he came home from fishing. If Poppy were here, I think he would be delighted we used his pond for a backdrop! </div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Although I live in a big city now, I still love going back to the country!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4HtqRppgdIaXIwkqnc7X2CLkY5ChFwtYfzVmTJGRVTceNJPFUpb3pCXlC7GU4pMGN1tvy0DACOzrnUcz1AzzU4MdqW2kB9JQ9t17YxnSEmpqusJtfoHeSRkIbuZiLcz_G_fM7DiKntQ/s1600-h/card.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 311px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416251376549994930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4HtqRppgdIaXIwkqnc7X2CLkY5ChFwtYfzVmTJGRVTceNJPFUpb3pCXlC7GU4pMGN1tvy0DACOzrnUcz1AzzU4MdqW2kB9JQ9t17YxnSEmpqusJtfoHeSRkIbuZiLcz_G_fM7DiKntQ/s400/card.jpg" /></a> Merry Christmas! May you experience love, peace, joy, and hope in Christ this Christmas as well as the upcoming year. May you truly know Him and His greatness. My prayer for you is that you would have a personal salvation relationship with Jesus Christ!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Merry Christmas!! </div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10925274291668687900noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339709389431930928.post-39628875854442789432009-12-17T09:27:00.004-06:002009-12-17T09:46:02.159-06:00The Great Bake Off of 2009<blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><div align="center">This year Bryan and I decided to give baked goodies to his co-workers. There are 12 individuals he wanted to give to and we thought baking would be a thoughtful and less expensive way to share with 12!! </div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br />I started baking on Tuesday with Ande' Creme Mint Cookies...I think they taste like Christmas!<br /><br />Then I finished up last night making Cowboy Cookies, Bon Bons, Chocolate Covered Pringles, and English Toffee.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416227426426195298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5fmsC4IhZhZY1-pS7BDmJSJ5X76jbVtI7pBrYu4gZyum7H5Pqb_cLgGLuknRBZ2B8ait8Rmz4F4Mxu6DWrA_6tgVyNF7odQIT9CH2iDgrVrqrVxoO_jBgzw89q6ffxMqO2ITJT1LDkw/s400/100_2821.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416227431869954802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FyeGby1ae6-iOZM4tXuwh9IMn4rqiFhiSo0lUTTh3_o7e0Rmdo-8U3HeTZdje-e_D4Z3jdD98sIZCW6H4g2oKS1b8-pnCdB_55J2kIReHMBrCYfB-3vla6lDd9oBCYxLB2mVfUAoAsY/s400/100_2822.JPG" /><br />I had a wonderful time doing it but my muscles were tired at 11:45 p.m.! Bryan was a huge help while I baked and put the containers together. He folded the laundry which may not seem like much to some but it helped me from getting mentally overwhelmed with tasks to get done. I really appreciate him. Plus, it kept him out of the way!! :)<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416227442321261026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7xMyWU8cv2d10QwaEVJC7n0QiPRKf8tMwkI7tdsEXaIwwlWnF8Q0SYe5AlE0i3GiS5sH1QpfCnonqT6kT-D9ieKNbSCHYoRBspbvDkkHze6w4_bC9Ck9zvbrE9o8eF3kxUzmfxDZ4cM/s400/100_2823.JPG" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I do have to admit, when I was packing all the containers, loading the dishwasher, and washing large dish after large dish, the thought did cross my mind...why not do $5.00 sonic cards. That sure would be easier. BUT, it would have been more expensive. Plus I truly enjoyed baking the goodies. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I was most proud of the English Toffee. I had never made it and I think it is rather tasty. I used Paula Deen's recipe. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 194px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 196px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416230682417530994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8DB326BqdCeSymaNZ0ttcGY_3AuE4Z0hXUcwdtlwMj4thXq5WjPLkAgcqiWK7W4JdRyyhRmEGwZmPZR0BOKFva68IjIfhwuItqFljBtXPhReLPHFrWoXZzSkc8E07e5k1n63CQS2xos/s400/paula.bmp" />I felt very southern!! I thought about trying to talk like her with a strong accent to see if my candy would turn out better, but by this time, Bryan had already fallen asleep and it was just me and our cat!! No one to entertain! Too bad I didn't look as pretty as she does in the kitchen too. I admit, I was wearing my pjs while I cooked. I had to change again before I went to bed because I had chocolate on them!! </div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10925274291668687900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339709389431930928.post-81023001400151736322009-12-16T15:22:00.011-06:002009-12-16T16:02:47.275-06:00Graduation and Lights<div align="center"> This past weekend my cousin graduated from East Central University in Ada. My Alma mater!!</div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415951930279434322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQSvrsTRyhcyL4zI0B_04YgqS5MZ1eOe1fSwnwagwz6dcYdRzSyEUfsedfACNeVbl0QQO3ouhu-VrXHRoJKxT4XW5mawSEIaB1-sfel6Kn6py_oVl2kuWBVNwZ8YzeiUhMW-CfDsV3Mk/s400/121209+a.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415951942316342434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqdEJsgRRe91Nz9a0uN77G0cJnMwmEsuPVAAGEVEbbXYIKRLv_dF5PlxC_Z7FKTqEjexSNa8YIONu7QTaZ9nrQj7ef5nCRGP_uj0tmS3ncR6zloRcQAP8kaIQKRVd83yk_XSK_swIhMk/s400/121209b.JPG" />You can't tell in this picture, but I did dress in my schools colors! Orange!!! After the graduation, I visited the campus store and bought Bryan and I both alumni shirts! I don't have a picture of mine but I think it is pretty snappy!</div><div align="center">Eric and Whitney provided lunch for all of us at our Granny's home. It was great to see my cousins, aunt, uncle, and my family. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415951947878437970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowwoDW8yvwteL7BP2ZktnYChtd2GSA6CTiNBG0oaFPKQ1pVOdqU3vcoEU7wwNnGnSwlWVPyum0WVAvyQ-3xUCE3BfaXvfKyteQIbEysFA_oLv-p3D0gdNELqfFfKwcCIB8Dn84Sir310/s400/121209d.JPG" /> <p align="center">Eric, Whitney, Katie, and Jesse </p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415951966327681922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLynpJ5cZuGzmeefooPS2zicend0w7oOxqcm8zWMfcqRCzUrYAZoPHnyKbycplI09vUHrHoUC-SURKciIWqtYgNWvGxuUt5KPq738a9NBJZPLIW-ZAZK0CIxK9fx3GJGQESaSspCk59U/s400/121209h.JPG" />My parents with my sisters and I (can you tell I went with the wild hair look!)</p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415951960119091538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj546Fnd7DYsByYLByRrtJgVZT6DtKJdsUZu9q8F4Q5uyffy3CISiJubldNQ3Rr1fxAU2AC_ndXQJEjw8k78LIMWseNfQkcdIOs7O0glNKhXeVqpHKxiVIcvK8S8l19dYn9W_B-EkkeRqg/s400/121209e.JPG" />Uncle Doug, Granny, and My Mom</p><br /><p>The pictures taken of my aunt and I did not turn out. I'm glad she has posted some on face book though! :)</p><p>Once we got back to our home, I met my cousins James, Eric, and Eric's little boy Jesse for dinner. Bryan was out of town and Eric's wife was at a birthday party. I would have loved to have got a picture but I didn't want to embarrass them. It was a great visit and yummy Mexican food!</p><div align="center"><br /><br />On Monday, we went with the Gortons and Brooklyn's high school friend, Courtney, to our annual "View the Lights at Chickasha and Eat at Jake's Ribs." Yummy! I love having this tradition with the Gortons. It means so much they include us. I think we have done it for three years now.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415953927267469138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOjOoFkULYVF1bsqlDLjOCX2wm2Q-LGEszrO0Vxq-YubcPBm2n52nymcEojRf-IzBP-DDTIArB2xHcAu7CybNFcK80_9Cj-ZqkGBAM8-YqRBtY6E2C7A1igEReK_fGBbb7TtwiFLobeo/s400/121409e.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415953920347484946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wzoRIbIho8Ho1HAAyqbx8HgzTTdR6QgfdmegTwwxGpkTAz2HH37U6A1vBMWu-QoUDQstsbAlevzUKn4PhenGk0Hyx_BxO1_NZ83dhlymczxN986MPum19dMrRipV3CEzxTAZyfUBzzQ/s400/121409d.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415953913648772626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkuTUxDVarZoYT4UD1TgEVdLnr8RrZiblNCL_CtbRTD1vbXF9qTAsFK7xPfeR2XFsplBzpBelc7jylz6xZvXvivdxVAv7dgRlofK75wpaUQrwpoY4U3E7I5aY9CmO87Cnh51VYuIsK_w/s400/121409c.JPG" /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415953900400378802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJSP4252TPrrsEO94u8OOEdKhMqvVbpCgg0nnbvGFqxl23qpCRKws1J8CcvUrwWOXpwFs8EcaFlrPus556FWk_gAkreX9WJ50WIUr_aeVJzpCB690v_gKOUGIj3ZDy7x9N6sfOk0iqbs/s400/121409.JPG" /><br /><br />It was ridiculously cold though on Monday night. We didn't last long at all outside. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415953904856847746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CDtU4Vgww-l8VNN2LCVrsXwyWTA_hAYBO_tFPm7wE7fpNQYXX7_7Jiu8y1hyphenhyphenIOaYhiH6Dg-u4GeATRuA1bwvRjj9zJDldq4ne8HIfsYbrB0iap4WLnYGHSS-ce7ySR8HjawIXMAgiGs/s400/121409b.JPG" />We walked over to the the large light tree, took some pictures, and then went to buy hot chocolate and apple cider inside. We opted to do the drive through this year and I'm kind of glad. I think the cold would have been painful and might have made some folks sick.<br /><br /><br /><br />Please pray for Granny. She has had the shingles and although they are finally clearing, she is still not feeling well. She does not have an appetite and has no energy. Also, please pray she will be encouraged. Her spirits are somewhat down.<br /></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10925274291668687900noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339709389431930928.post-79136902886486982852009-12-04T11:13:00.008-06:002009-12-04T11:48:29.522-06:00Registering 101<div align="center"><div><div><div><div><div><br />A few weeks ago some of my "Mom" friends went with me to register at Babies R Us. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411430809446673074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmyNpVAT2L39t27yxdS60N8QRwiB8cGXPItgSYo9RZTQkgf93WoQgqvdFjAnNSFwo3LaPY8FRdY691pMwCM-t2EjEDxYRJRPSPxWAC5wt-mfho3fH6jI3npq3KBN7lt1264xu99DYgNo/s400/register111709.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Brooklyn, Courtney, and Courtney's son, Brody. </div><div>He didn't go with us, he just wanted to be in at least one picture. He was changing his mind by the time the retake came:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411430814343826530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQkMoYfeO24W4_TbwHx-nDDsWHyLnkf392jOAJvAL8_j2j13Psqj85Ki5OnX5-HAJs771NovrN3Xj63JW4BXg-V-H3D5YR2fuRpw84jVdBgR642flyDcapibaZYVLCuTbxpEcby6Cdpg/s400/register111709a.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><br /></div><div>But isn't he just a handsome little boy. I love his red hair and I love his personality.</div><div><br /><br /></div><div>It was great to have these two ladies go with me. They had lots of advice and were so very patient. We covered the entire store!! I registered for more items than I thought I would and I later revised it online and eliminated some items because I felt bad asking for some of the items. My first run at it left my registry 18 pages long!!! The clerk said she had seen way longer!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411430824441393890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3E4tUS6Q8MBTbEohS5ZpzklchBUSzNq6dFAbdnlurpg8GnhqXxHBBOWxZCghyphenhyphen0SlvPHS-Y1uZI2frwp0av5df01tBLrJmNT9VnxFs0QQXA5RV5gaJHa0COK2fFePD0Qt05okalrJ2S8/s400/register111709b.JPG" border="0" />The clerk was so sweet and kind. She thought it was hilarious I took her picture.</div><div><br /></div><div>I removed some items and I actually purchased one item using a coupon I had:</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411435517266235378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 386px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 251px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNPlAWIdyRV_lzLeRxNixZcZosJJqYxAopnj5WFmSoXoZc7AJ5YVGtRysvvzqy12qR_gGISAFZKSudd8xtyKaT2b7qIIs0wtoIs8KjFQjza5ohK8OwXxbbUwZUlvGBYgDyZeAHcWkQTY/s400/changing+table.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>We had debated back and forth on getting a changing table. We weren't sure how much room we would have or how much we would use it. Was it something we absolutely had to have? We found this one while registering that would match the wood fairly close. I went back later and bought it with a 15% coupon.</div><br /><div>Do you use a changing table? </div><div><br />We bought a car seat a few months ago in preparing for our home study. We wanted to show we were absolutely ready for an infant.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411435514776833730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 220px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08JAaatvvCSNkv9ZKBtBexjz_bqLd_xBmXCt_b-Ryfa7I1dn22gtF-dwK-TcdOZ49v-bAoVbzjcyNKx8_bpZEWvOyziVo-EfS4WbibBL-3pNx6Wof_ZfWna87WI6YSyFF4WHzo2gs7XM/s400/car+seat.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Here are just a few items I also selected.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411436981598871650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 220px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3Z3aZ7ypV_-XqZ_s3IhW1e-AKus4EvYimn1AolWUoSi_YTaf7wbs22sKk6qM4ZP0CDFnPrafM9Rb3h1ypky0yLfN-JerMgpKENP6pAMZCM8CGX4a75gwAVPPlEcTa_IL3N3tCng5FoU/s400/stroll.jpg" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411435527886971202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 341px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 338px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfEP7AnX5TXqSkB3fdFeZZcbTSjAd0lidIhQUIcbnBKY7qZPlxpFkC2tusGm26_4gms5m2h-ZxUn8sIt2yLdXAM4HyjYxTDdQeDpJtl8VuifCfqJkzEDn_Ali6E3Jh875WCuv5gcJVN8/s400/swing.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411435525922027490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 220px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhroZC4RrUCyPG8_THaDI2ZocLe6GTptTO5R2zMOQXclpA-3tOoVJY90xuII1MJuTvZUh1pzXwQo1fcqADYCFr_XpVv5q406fsQDWr3aON2rONAQGzfRuyGwJt86PMYLIcLcyg6bj9Ck/s400/pack.jpg" border="0" /><br />It is getting harder and harder to stay gender neutral. There are so many cute and precious blankets, bibs, & clothing! I have been blessed to have such a variety of advice on baby equipment. I sure hope I am selecting the right items!!<br /><br /><div><br />I was a smiggin overwhelmed and we covered a lot of material. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411430825109851778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_py78foCGrStvBdxymc8IdJYBNNNkulPS8S8OC0FtQhcMzXxl7N5_938rwiocFiDctgcOo5EuFOowmR2_avQZ9oTO4Qwi7c0V0FoHF7apUvIhESi_WcReoDm-e6UrFvPYBqTe_6Ki-UE/s400/register111709c.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Brooklyn & Courtney after registering!</div><div>Thank goodness for a nice meal at Chili's afterwards.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>Last night was our last class for Resource Family Training!!! YES!!!!!</div><br /><div>Afterwards, Bryan and I went to Target and finished registering there. His eyes were bloodshot by the time we were done. I didn't dare attempt to take his picture!!</div></div><div> </div><div>Thank you to everyone for sending encouraging words our way through blogging and face book. Thank you for your prayers. We would still love them!! As we continue to wait, I grow somewhat anxious to be honest and I yearn more and more to take in a child. I'm trying to be very aware to wait solely for God's timing. I absolutely do not want to run ahead of God. I just sometimes wish he were a faster runner! :-)<br /><div> </div><div>Have a blessed weekend!!</div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10925274291668687900noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339709389431930928.post-79642058315522213462009-11-09T09:54:00.008-06:002009-11-09T10:44:36.845-06:00Nursery<div align="center"> <br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">This weekend we put the mattress in the crib, washed the sheets and blankets, and are now officially ready to lay someone in there!! </div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402136692070959458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBybO5rMxPZmrP3GPCMJ-86m-8cjYSzl-tgc8lUr3FU3qQqPGzQ-V6WrBlb3OuRexeL_e8maX-0Fais54pS8REft4S-un8HWbOl1YjyFrpGXtRZUNOtLsfULJ7QakiBJ9ucziWRCw3L4/s400/100_2729.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402137065531598066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQy9IamcjeaPb_N8uMzOpmThbJyqk_lwX1YjUGMXrv91ThAY-NhRso5dU6UFRNsPqa8rPEY9RZ6mJse53odKbI0mRwXSPGNroI4pF_ZukH7-2t4SwLt_0fMjr5EZ9EkQss8RH_JLhVE8/s400/100_2730.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />We are really trying to have a neutral nursery and therefore we have a lot of cream. It is my intent to add some color once we know the gender. I'm having a hard time with the bumper pads and the bed skirt on our crib. I can't get them to settle right. I've decided to remove myself from them for a while!!!<br /><br /><br /><br />I made this wall hanging and I'm afraid it may look a little feminine but I can also change out the background paper easily. I'm so glad Melissa shared this with me. I'm not liking the ribbon and I think I may need to retie or get something different.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402136667264464562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7dTHhYu06k8Ac-T9xDNQ5-Iwqkt6i9kAoiJNIPaL4VLEOMc1-mTUxd9KL1f4DCldSVc3tZOQVRZZ5YXz8oYZhvqJzbSrYGVfFOI4j831rv79KzjBB1UaCKw9x_eRKEncxBhGgMwHsqc/s400/100_2723.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br />These scriptures are on the hanging and have a very special place in my heart and some of the few I want to pray over and for our child. <br /><br /><em>Proverbs 3:5-7 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil."</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>1 Timothy 4:12 "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Psalm 147:3 "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Hebrews 4:16 " Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Psalm 37:3-5 "Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act."</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>James 1:21 "Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls."</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Psalm 25:4-5 "Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long."</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Psalm 119:133-135 "Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. Redeem me from man’s oppression, that I may keep your precepts. Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes."</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Psalm 91:14-16 "Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation."</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Psalm 20:1, 5, 7 "May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you! May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners!May the LORD fulfill all your petitions! Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Psalm 119:11 "Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart."</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Psalm 119:33-38 "Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared."</em><br /><br /><br />I did add this little bear Kristine gave me years ago. It is my attempt to add some manliness to the room!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402137079991317890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6vCzTbXs0kIkMTdlS_mkV1OJFjY79j1qX85Ozj_14y0Yk_BPoxsVsXbDr5eudG6DPaOwz8LZlUjtJa0yWW-2CQToI17iEq8DRmXcJRxmJ3PA-YSIoPGXCAhyvTEx4fgB2WGXioK3EZo/s400/100_2733.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402137071194911410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MN1GiP5GlhUFZaYwBK0iuplBn4BMvCw6qeVNOsbnQASxSkaM_HsVJCm-sYOOsCMkRFvZc72GgDk5cSSQ64_Pnx838uAh6O97VK4Izk__PHbiCCk7YTKHXPTE03ZiTkMeXQ4o-LS09T8/s400/100_2731.JPG" border="0" /><br />We were at Lowe's this past weekend and saw this in the Christmas section.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402136684332087074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirq-tz0IFNCSv3zQWNxySKpxXzNpXnAJZrUgwBfjs6bdnG7Xj7zgRtMvjr1mKpfvGGKg-LM-6Es9uhOIVs1N-U1dQpQ4Ht3ZT7qi9vN6rGFDeXC6hKIXd8ouKe6ypZSzZGBioE-a7XAmw/s400/100_2728.JPG" border="0" /><br />Bryan had to go back and pick up some supplies. We had a coupon and told him he could always pick up the Hope cutout if he needed to reach the amount to spend to get the discount!! I love it. It is just the right color of red (It looks a little fuscia in this picture. It is kind of like a brick red in real life).<br /><br /><br /><br />I don't really want a themed nursery but HOPE and PRAYER have sustained us over the past 3 years and I want to be surrounded by them in the months ahead.<br /><br /><br />I had some coupons and took this weekend to buy some "supplies."<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402136681424848386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8R5BhsIJe1gXz3euQA9DqbM6e1uIX9V2np3zq0O8Uepk-usxSA7KDoxXq8m3YLWiqSJYoV1gj1NWjyIn2vDmGbdTWEvEOnmo0NWt2-7AooqNL1Y0iFnAUYKr0uf3jAH76ww_2B0Fv6Gk/s400/100_2727.JPG" border="0" /> Although we are hoping for a newborn, I bought larger diapers because I'm almost certain we would use this size anyway. I looked hideous in the diaper aisle trying to determine what age went with what weight. Thanks Brooklyn for bailing me out! I needed the advice.<br /><br />I thought I would show you a picture of our future children's dad! This was taken in the Cabela's at Ft. Worth, Texas a few weeks back!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402137082761217074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOiOBFo0_D6t8xRp3daFxeEiexkqjw_kNEL5iMHfgftsiST6gORYcqd9dSI3dJEyu5tzGzkdK3hPHxH3_4HSE0pahwgBJ_sKUf_m6XsSyB0kPZUCO0PBAtFIoSjKWtNGSLm9Yp_5z8D4E/s400/100_2720.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">I think he was secretly wanting the hat! Seriously!<br /></p><br /><br /><div align="center">I LOVE BRYAN HASKINS!!!</div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10925274291668687900noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339709389431930928.post-76603320750180323872009-11-04T08:28:00.001-06:002009-11-04T08:29:19.244-06:00Announcement<div align="center"><strong>"The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles." Psalm 34:17</strong></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>"The Lord has made everything for its purpose." Proverbs 16:4a</strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23</strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>"Ah, sovereign Lord! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you." Jeremiah 32:17</strong></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center">"<strong>One person advocating for one child can make all the difference." </strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Taken from a recent email from Focus on the Family.</span></p><br /><p align="center"><strong>"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute." Proverbs 31:8 NIV<br /></strong></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">On August 19, 2009, Bryan and I made the decision to send in the first paperwork to initiate Foster Care Adoption!!!!</span></strong> </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">We are now anxiously awaiting the time we are finished with the process and we receive a call to come pick up a child to love and care for!!!!</div><br /><br /><div align="center">The scripture on my desk calendar for August 19th (when I mailed in the first packet) was:</div><br /><div align="center">"As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the spirit of ADOPTION, whereby we cry, Abba Father."</div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center">On September 10th, we met our case worker for the first time. She attends the church we use to attend and she knows several of our personal references.</div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center">Is God not all over this!!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">God is answering each prayer along this path and HE has given us much peace! We have renewed HOPE!!<br /><br /><br />Soooo, you may ask where have I been the past month? Well, I've been painting the baby's room, filling out paperwork and questionnaires for the case workers, having two home visits (with two more to go), getting fingerprinted (our fingerprints were denied once and we had to redo them), admiring Bryan putting the crib together, and hanging out a lot on line at BabiesRUs. It is been fun trying to prepare for a gender neutral nursery for an unknown age (we are asking for newborn - 12 months)!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399894295091422466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9Us8Tvdjpy6wQMfwTDl8U7nhrZwdnwYkxSrAzorlvd7NjtxlhYKaqtwMBDMJh1_qD-fYGf40pQbiQPJhbbZYhpf_Utww4cm0N9toerGP5Kjiwr2jNGKJyBCgYyI_UufSoycBSSfpGBg/s400/oct2009a.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399894303372261026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihoFuuWnb0R0lcNFZw8bfdDiXP1aG0GE9DZ1n-Q63AqPtxU8Sp8-cVv62xJD71xKiJc1wCwebxhAc8AQG2LKrYOXSkqY02by4ETunBqdV6YwLhumOR2akhLPZanuSAITaDBRfEsGbXtIg/s400/oct2009b.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399894310334695378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4ZGtdliH-UvC6C5NvBCSovaDaXbDh47TgDehiiktZ8CDfr9B7Cg28jkOVtMPieErnUtPTmmpx7CVRLEDKKTW1PRYXrQ_Tc6U353CIl_MllGy7b_gRWEQK7156EI_of8Rc1AUFGPZfe4/s400/oct2009e.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">My father-in-love bought this chest for us and he refinished it. It is one of my favorite pieces!<br /><br /><br /></p><br /><div align="center">I also worked quite a few hours making a scripture wall hanging for the baby's room as well. Thanks to the great inspiration from my very special friend, Melissa. I think we will call her Aunt Sassy or perhaps Aunt Lissa!! :-) I'll post pictures of it later.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><p align="center">We are not going into this journey blindly. We are trying to prepare our hearts and minds of the possibility we may only have a child for just a brief time. BUT, during this time, it is so very important I bathe this child in prayer and much scripture. I feel I can more easily give a child back knowing it is covered in prayer and God's word. I would have done everything within my power for the child. I have visions of sitting in a rocker, holding a baby, and reading these scriptures to it.<br /><br /><br /></p><br /><div align="center">We began Foster Care/Adoption training on Monday, November 2nd. We meet two times a week thru December 3rd. I think this is getting us ready for the little free time we will have once we receive a child! </div><br /><div align="center">I'm hoping our paperwork/file will be completed by December 15th or around Christmas time!!! It just seems surreal!!!</div><br /><p align="center"><br /></p><br /><div align="center">I'm sure now I will have many more blog posts. I have more inspiration now!!</div><br /><div align="center">I know many of you have prayed for us and we are forever thankful! Please continue to pray for us!! We need increased faith, guidance, and discernment. We want to be equipped to also minister and witness to a mother/father who is less fortunate and who need Christ.</div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10925274291668687900noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2339709389431930928.post-63113422442344220092009-09-16T12:40:00.016-05:002009-09-16T13:03:57.199-05:00Watching<div align="center"><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382123844461928850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 341px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVg-q1GGrbqAdrbDaHWb9FBFCaJfuuzRAcE37qmAflwBlurL4gnVAbyT_iEg07yOMIA0nwzY7JwvlHzLGP4YKVhCi4E5MK1PCauYJ29s7xiU4Z48hmJp6N9QWJ-5V8EtF47jKU2RLKQ_Y/s400/biggest+loser.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>Did anyone watch the premiere of Biggest Loser?</div><br /><div>I DVR'd it so I could fast forward the commercials. I got so much more done and it is just faster!! I love whomever created the DVR and as my friends told me it would...it has revolutionized the way we watch TV.</div><br /><div>But Biggest Loser was very depressing last night. Bryan was in the office studying for his P.E. exam and I went in there crying and telling him I just couldn't watch it anymore. He just shook his head!! I think he thinks I'm a little odd! But he did marry me so what does that say about him!! :-)</div><br /><div>My heart hurts for Abby and her loss.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382125683901025442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 296px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbao158vsaZn5ALBXuxaVSrxsZtXgYYEhTUUdAfUuXTK5ELSyd9md4p_du1C4Ku4kNBdAgPJRhW60-YuK1V1F4rmht5j3EtUEu8PUCth6YCaRJ0wMdJfj9BTZB9GvhvFNfMPiHFO8h32I/s400/abby+1.png" border="0" /> <div>By the way, when I told Bryan Abby's story, he was more sympathetic.</div><div> </div><div>Because we are considering adopting through the foster care system in OK, my heart also went out to Shay who was in foster care until she was 18.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382125688180124098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 296px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCu6ZRrzMXABhQrRQgejKJsHfl2g7ubl2ZChRskzmLrpBl_N4I6rPqmjzKzdoCFQuLaqRftsDNZfV-3JV9CixCe4VBX_0PfpyMuUvBkgA29dF71vDBTdpTKlidFLxnamld6ACfROeRLvU/s400/shay.png" border="0" /><br /><div>I also liked the kindness Allen showed to Abby by picking her as his partner. I think they will make a great team.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382125327114400690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 296px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioB6e3SZuEngszii9npPhpQUV_RbZlI1ntmZWbs2knAE75224dQxmFZNGnZHrt5yGINnWe3F2UMuB-cPVzLAhDvmFD3XpuYdwCHyTQ8EeJG9ei68FIr_10zp7HpMykZsSivR3CmQIWfLA/s400/allen.png" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div>So....I'm just not sure who I am pulling for.</div><br /><div>What about you? Who do you want to win this season?</div><br /><div>Today I also watched this movie.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382123860532828194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LflBg9sI8X87QlvNJvqLnBDE347jS4NcV7H8ThFxDPol0ap9zfL3EldyFv6JrUCxDqmH1FVdwIr1Re3fyTVRjQqyWjtwnkXXjr-6HbSVVo0nu-pGqbgBAMz2u2ME1l0lqh8sejDJC3E/s400/NewInTown.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div>I had been wanting to see it for a while but it's not Bryan's "kind of movie." I think it is a cute movie. A great girl movie!! Sadly, she reminded me of myself when I was in management at the mortgage company. I'm so glad I'm out of that!! And I think I have change quite a bit since then!!</div><br /><div>Then, this Thursday one of our favorite shows premieres: THE OFFICE !!!!!!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382123867357521906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 243px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYxGTURt0YJM6zHGEspQuHoT92NLXWgY4vbIxENEpeimkHRAB9Ju25_47vhco4y4goai2-fiWR6zok8iFf_O7ccgnarvxe_fCETQ6YFiFILRS2Rd9CUIRcvoiRN7RtrC7e6B-k9eVj5o/s400/office.jpg" border="0" />Thank goodness again for the DVR. I have book club and Bryan has agreed to wait to watch it until I get home!!</div><br /><div>What are you watching?</div></div></div></div><br /></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10925274291668687900noreply@blogger.com12