tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34119852899893777682024-03-05T23:49:32.178-05:00Increasing Our Hearts and HomeThe Dear Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596268127454959905noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411985289989377768.post-53290973244194901192014-09-12T12:09:00.000-04:002014-09-12T12:09:04.643-04:00NEW BLOGHi Everyone - My new blog is up and running. Please go to the new blog at <a href="http://www.increasingheartandhome.com/">www.increasingheartandhome.com</a> and you can subscribe to my posts there.<br />
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The Dear Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596268127454959905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411985289989377768.post-46372854130426808042014-07-17T21:56:00.004-04:002014-07-17T21:56:35.793-04:00This blog has movedI have finally got everything moved over to my new website - <a href="http://www.increasingheartandhome.com/">www.increasingheartandhome.com</a>. If you are a subscriber, you may want to change your feed over on the new website. While everything is not fully finished, please enjoy the new website.<br />
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I hope to up and completely running soon. So hang in there with me.<br />
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The Dear Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596268127454959905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411985289989377768.post-88074430869677589382014-04-25T15:29:00.002-04:002014-04-25T15:30:19.679-04:00Adoption is Hard (on the heart)Yes, I said it - adoption is hard. Would I change it NO!! You see all the happy gotcha days, happy family pics, and all the kiddos doing wonderful. Don't get me wrong, adoption is one of the most wonderful things we have done as a family, but some days your heart just breaks. If you are reading this, please don't let this deter you. I just want to be real. It's hard to talk about this in person, so I am taking to writing just to get my thoughts out there.<br />
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When you adopt a special needs depending on the severity - there are doctor and/or hospital visits, therapies, and the seemingly endless tests. When adopting internationally there is the whole language barrier. As I wrote in the previous post, today 2 yrs ago was likely one of the worst days we ever had. But God in his mercy, save our daughter's life.<br />
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Many of you who have adopted know about the grief. I'm not sure about younger children, but our daughter was adopted at the age of 6 and boy did she grieve and still does to some extent. Today was one of those days. We have days where she talks about Chi*na and misses and wants to go back. There are also other days where she is afraid we are going to die and leave her too. We were working on school and was very excited about her dad starting to work on building her a loft bed. She has been begging for one and she could use the extra area in her room.<br />
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Every once in a while, she will talk about being afraid to die, or worried one of us would, but we reassure her and remind her God loves her and she will be ok. She would also worry what would happen to her if we did die. We also pray with her. Today though just about broke my heart. She was crying at her desk, and we decided to go upstairs to leave her sister alone to do school. I just sat on the couch holding her while she cried and sobbed. Then she said - "I don't want to lose you, I've already lost one family". My heart just sank. I squeezed her a little harder and just prayed for her. Hubby was there and we just looked at each other. After that, there was no more school for the day - it was movies and Legos and cuddling on the couch. I worry about her health and all the things she has to endure with such strength. I cannot replace her first mom, but I can love her do my best to let her know that I never plan to leave her.<br />
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Our other daughters will never go thru what Rae has, and they may never understand. So I just pray for the day she will be comforted with that fact that we as her family will never want to leave her, and that her Heavenly Father will never leave her.<br />
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The Dear Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596268127454959905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411985289989377768.post-52048819739838045032014-04-23T11:45:00.000-04:002014-04-23T11:49:12.890-04:00Just Thinking...<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It has been almost two years ago when we experienced one of the scariest days as a parents - seeing your daughter in a full blown seizure and there is nothing you can do. Our older girls have both had surgeries and were worried about those, but nothing prepared us for that morning. We were very worried, and all I could do was pray. We knew God was bigger than all of what were going thru. There was no one to be mad at. We could be mad at the Ch*nese orphanage or directors , but what good would that have been. They said they didn't know either. There were many ifs, but we had to accept that this was what God had planned for us. He was going to get us thru this. </span><br />
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I hate to think if we had known everything, and we had said no to her referral. God is sovereign and he has big plans for our daughter. His plan may even be to trust Him even more, well then - let it be.
I would not trade this journey with our little girl for anything. She has brought such joy in our lives, and we love seeing her learn new things especially her love for things of God.</span><br />
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This morning as we were driving into Children's Hospital this song was playing on the radio. I'm reminded He is there and will always be.</span><br />
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<i>Not For a Moment </i>by Meredith Andrews</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">You were reaching through the storm </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Walking on the water </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Even when I could not see </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">In the middle of it all </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">When I thought You were a thousand miles away </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Not for a moment did You forsake me </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Not for a moment did You forsake me </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">CHORUS </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">After all You are constant </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">After all You are only good </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">After all You are sovereign </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Not for a moment will You forsake me </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Not for a moment will You forsake me </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">You were singing in the dark </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Whispering Your promise </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Even when I could not hear </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">I was held in Your arms </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Carried for a thousand miles to show </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Not for a moment did You forsake me </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">And every step every breath you are there </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Every tear every cry every prayer </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">In my heart at my worst </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">When my world falls down </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Not for a moment will You forsake me </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Even in the dark </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Even when it's hard </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">You will never leave me </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">After all </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">CHORUS </span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Not for a moment will You forsake me</span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /></span></div>
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The Dear Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596268127454959905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411985289989377768.post-31129724868942416632014-03-28T08:23:00.001-04:002014-03-28T08:23:47.649-04:00He Knows My NameToday during my quiet time I was struck by Psalm 139. I know many of you know this chapter, and it is very popular to quote and memorize. Have you really thought about it though? He knows EVERYTHING about you. He knows everything thought whether good or bad. He knows when we need anything. He knows where we are physically and spiritually. We cannot escape the reach of our Holy Father! How amazing it is when you think of Him intimately know us from when we were created.<br />
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Take comfort in knowing - HE KNOWS YOU!!<br />
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<i><b>Psalm 139</b> <b>NLT</b></i></div>
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<i> <span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.139.1"><span class="content">O </span><span class="sc"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, you have examined my heart</span></span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.139.1"><span class="content"> and know everything about me.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.139.2"><span class="label"></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.139.2"><span class="label"></span><span class="content">You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.139.3"><span class="label"></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.139.3"><span class="label"></span><span class="content">You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.139.4"><span class="label"></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.139.4"><span class="label"></span><span class="content">You know what I am going to say even before I say it, </span><span class="sc"><span class="content">lord</span></span><span class="content">.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.139.5"><span class="label"></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.139.5"><span class="label"></span><span class="content">You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.139.6"><span class="label"></span></span></i></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.139.6"><span class="label"></span><span class="content">Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,too great for me to understand!</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.139.7"><span class="label"></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.139.7"><span class="label"></span><span class="content">I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.139.8"><span class="label"></span><span class="content">If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave,</span><span class="note f"></span><span class="content"> you are there.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.139.9"><span class="label"></span><span class="content">If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans,</span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.139.10"> <span class="content">even there your hand will guide me,and your strength will support me.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.139.11"><span class="label"></span><span class="content">I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night—</span></span></i></div>
<div class="q1" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.139.12">B<span class="content">ut even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.139.12"><span class="content">Darkness and light are the same to you.</span></span></i></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.139.13"><span class="label"></span><span class="content">You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.</span></span></i></div>
<div class="q1" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PSA.139.14"><span class="label"></span><span class="content">Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.</span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PSA.139.15"><span class="label"> </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PSA.139.15"><span class="label"></span><span class="content">You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.</span></span></i></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PSA.139.16"><span class="label"></span><span class="content">You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.</span></span></i></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PSA.139.17"><span class="label"></span><span class="content">How precious are your thoughts about me,</span><span class="note f"></span><span class="content"> O God. They cannot be numbered!</span></span></i></div>
<div class="q1" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PSA.139.18"><span class="label"></span><span class="content">I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!</span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PSA.139.19"><span class="label"> </span></span></i></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PSA.139.19"><span class="label"></span><span class="content">O God, if only you would destroy the wicked! Get out of my life, you murderers!</span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PSA.139.20"><span class="content"> They blaspheme you; your enemies misuse your name.</span></span></i></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PSA.139.21"><span class="label"></span><span class="content">O </span><span class="sc"><span class="content">lord</span></span><span class="content">, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you? Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you?</span></span></i></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PSA.139.22"><span class="label"></span><span class="content">Yes, I hate them with total hatred, for your enemies are my enemies.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PSA.139.23"><span class="label"></span><span class="content">Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.</span></span></i></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PSA.139.24"><span class="label"></span><span class="content">Point out anything in me that offends you,and lead me along the path of everlasting life.</span></span></i></div>
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My prayer is that this may bring you encouragement. If you don't know Him, seek Him while he may be found. Contact me or anyone you know that can help you know Jesus in this amazing way. He LOVES YOU!! </div>
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The Dear Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596268127454959905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411985289989377768.post-84231367194049984062014-03-03T13:02:00.001-05:002014-03-03T13:14:39.828-05:00Read Across America 2014Today is Read Across America in honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday. I picked up Green Eggs and Ham for Rae this weekend for her to learn to read. Her reading has come along was with the help of homeschooling, speech therapy, and ELL classes at the school. She is starting to pick up the love for reading like the rest of her family. She tries to read everything!<br />
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<span id="goog_605161166"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_605161167"></span> As many of you know we have a recording studio at home for our <a href="http://www.abidewithhim.com/">AbideWithHim</a> ministries, so I sat Rae up on the school and she read Green Eggs and Ham for all of you to enjoy. (yes, she is still in her pjs)<br />
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<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/88077702" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
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The Dear Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596268127454959905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411985289989377768.post-64201167118543539692014-02-10T09:55:00.001-05:002014-02-10T09:56:01.168-05:00Our New MinistryHere is what we have been up to -<br />
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My husband and I have started a new ministry called AbideWithHim. It is free service that helps people have a comprehensive devotion time each morning. You receive an email early each day that takes you through the six parts of an effective quiet time, and then in the afternoon you receive a follow-up email to help you keep your focus. There is a two-minute animated video at <a href="http://www.abidewithhim.com/">www.AbideWithHim.com</a> that explains it all.<br />
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You may have seen our ministry in an article in the <a href="http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20140131/NEWS01/301310040/Heath-pastor-launches-website-deliver-daily-devotionals" target="_blank">Newark Advocate</a>. It is growing daily with subscribers all over the United States and multiple countries. As you may have seen in the newspaper, our eldest daughter Hannah is coming along side of us and starting AbideWithHim Teen. She is very excited about reaching out to teens and teaching them to have an effective quiet time. It is the same format as the adult, but with Hannah writing questions geared toward teens and the daily video is featuring her. Sign-ups are now open for teens and adults through this week. Check out our website <a href="http://www.abidewithhim.com/teen-primary/" target="_blank">www.abidewithhim.com/teen-primary/ </a>to subscribe. Parents if you are interested in the version for adults, info is available at <a href="http://www.abidewithhim.com./">www.abidewithhim.com.</a><br />
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How can you help us?<br />
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<li>PRAY. The devil does not like what we are doing, and just pray we stay focused on His task. </li>
<li>SUBSCRIBE. We are seeing great things thru this ministry. Join us.</li>
<li>TELL OTHERS. Do you know a new christian? This is a great way for them to get started in their walk with God.</li>
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The Dear Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596268127454959905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411985289989377768.post-13956933201513944002014-01-22T11:36:00.000-05:002014-01-22T11:36:26.712-05:00Don't Give Up!I received many different kinds of emails through out the day. Some I read, and others I may skim or just delete. This one just caught my attention.<br />
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<b>25 Reasons Not To Give Up</b><br />
<ul>
<li>God's grace is sufficient. </li>
<li>God gives us everything we need for life and godliness.</li>
<li>God's mercy endures forever.</li>
<li>It is God who works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure.</li>
<li>Our children need Godly parent mentors and teachers.</li>
<li>Our children need their questions answered from a biblical worldview.</li>
<li>Our children need and are permitted room to grow and time for creativity.</li>
<li>Our children need and receive Godly socialization. </li>
<li>Our children learn to be unselfish and how to serve others.</li>
<li>Our children retain their innocence.</li>
<li>Our children will have a lasting legacy of love and commitment.</li>
<li>Our children and our children's children will be spared worldly indoctrination.</li>
<li>We know where our children are at all times.</li>
<li>We know what our children are being taught at all times.</li>
<li>We know who our children's friends are and who their parents are.</li>
<li>We retain our God-given right to educate our own children.</li>
<li>Our children receive a superior education no matter what philosophy or curriculum</li>
<li>Homeschooled children receive one-on-one attention and specialized training.</li>
<li>Homeschooled children can see and experience the world around them regularly </li>
<li>Homeschooling permits the teaching of important life skills.</li>
<li>Homeschooling builds strong character and strong relationships.</li>
<li>Our children will not have to walk in the counsel of the ungodly.</li>
<li>Our children will not have to stand in the path of sinners.</li>
<li>Our delight will be in the law of the Lord and everything we do will prosper.</li>
<li>Our God never gives up and He gives us His strength to continue the journey. </li>
</ul>
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Here's to all the homeschool moms out there - DON'T GIVE UP - GOD IS RIGHT THERE WITH YOU!!!<br />
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The Dear Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596268127454959905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411985289989377768.post-30709553247347899902014-01-15T11:22:00.000-05:002014-01-17T14:43:49.187-05:00My Christmas BeautyI purchased this dress for Rae to wear for her dedication this past year, but I never had a chance to take photos of her in the dress. This past Christmas a local <a href="http://www.greenvelvet.co/">store</a> I love perusing had a wonderful display in front of her store that included an old horse drawn sleigh. I jumped at the chance to take pictures there and waited for a day that was warm enough. Ohio turned cold early. <br />
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I think the pictures turned out great and showed her sassy side!<br />
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The Dear Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596268127454959905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411985289989377768.post-45171948888669248372013-12-18T08:30:00.000-05:002013-12-18T08:39:52.454-05:00Quick update!WOW! It is almost Christmas. I been wanting to sit down and compose different blogs, but I just haven't been able to compose a thought. I know some of you may want to know about our vacation. I thought I would give you a list form of update
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<li>Disneyworld - fun, great weather, long days, little overwhelming for the little one, and everybody hands-up!</li>
<li>Beach - relaxing, too much food, and the girls loved snorkeling</li>
<li>Hannah turned 15 - birthday party fun and wow she starts driving in 6 months.</li>
<li>Homeschool Christmas Drama and District Honors Band - Canceled due to snow - Hannah was sad. </li>
<li>My birthday - Got the FLU! Great gifts from hubby and the girls.</li>
<li>Dave Koz and Friends - SURPRISE! great concert with great friends (B&R)</li>
<li>Pictures with Santa - another fun year with kids who liked Santa and those who didn't</li>
<li>Children's Choir - Rae had a solo and she did a wonderful job. </li>
<li>Gotcha Day Today! Hard to believe it has been two years.</li>
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The Dear Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596268127454959905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411985289989377768.post-33758627799865855142013-12-03T19:00:00.002-05:002013-12-03T19:01:15.790-05:0015 for 15I am not sure where the time has gone - Hannah turns 15 today. It just seems she had started school, and that she is still my little girl sitting in her little school desk learning to read.<br />
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I thought I would do a list of 15 things I love about this girl.<br />
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1. Her love for Jesus. She seeks to serve Him and do her best for Him.<br />
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2. Her love for music. As a music teacher, I love that she loves to play the piano and flute and share her talents. It is also great how much she loves to practice and to work hard to get better.<br />
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3. Her love for her parents and sisters.<br />
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4. Her beauty - This is not beauty on the outside, but it is what radiates from the inside. She shines and radiates God's love.<br />
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5. Her drive - She works hard and always seeks to do her best. She also always seeks to improve in all that she does.<br />
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6. Organizer - She loves to organize and rearrange her room.<br />
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7. Reader - She loves to read more than anything. She also reads a variety of books. I even think she has read almost more than me.<br />
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8. Thirst for knowledge(even math) - She loves learning new things.<br />
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9. Loves to travel - She is like her parents. She loves seeing new places and experiencing new things.<br />
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10. Her love for peanut butter - As long as she has peanut butter, she will survive almost any where.<br />
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11. To keep her room clean and do her own laundry. - I wish I could say I could share this with her, but we are not sure where she got this trait.<br />
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12. Her love for musicals - Wicked, Sound of Music, Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, and she can't wait till I let her watch Les Mis, etc...<br />
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13. She is my fashion consultant - She helps me make sure I go out looking good as well as her sisters.<br />
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14. Her love for her friends. - She loves her friends and would do almost anything for them.<br />
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15. Hard Worker - She works hard in all she does and seeks to do.<br />
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Happy Birthday Hannah! I love you and love the lady you are turning growing up to be. Can you slow down just a little?<br />
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The Dear Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596268127454959905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411985289989377768.post-29876891210558988602013-10-29T09:02:00.000-04:002013-10-29T09:07:28.144-04:00Little Girl AloneFive years ago this month there was a little 3 year old girl found alone. She was wearing green clothes, a pair of jeans, and a pair of red leather shoes. She also had on a backpack with 3 changes of clothing.<br />
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Today this little girl is not alone and never will be again. She has a mom, dad, and 2 sisters. She is no longer and orphan.
This Sunday is set aside as Orphan Sunday. Is there something you can do to help the over 140 million orphans out there? Feel free to contact me for more info about our adoption or how you can help. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="375" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/38582746" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/38582746">Our Adoption Journey to Rae</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user10674993">Donna Dear</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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The Dear Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596268127454959905noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411985289989377768.post-49147326696436543992013-10-28T10:17:00.002-04:002013-10-28T10:51:03.852-04:00"I've Got to Get it in My Head"It's that time of year where the girls are learning parts for their various Christmas productions. Hannah is playing the part of Elizabeth in the homeschool Christmas production. Rae is learning song in the children's choir at church. Emily, I think, will be reading in the adult Christmas production. So,it will be a little busy.
Rae got a CD to learn her part. She loves listening to the songs, but she didn't think she could sing on stage with her friends and do a solo. Natalie really wants her to do one, and she wanted to find one she can sing and work with her on. Rae kept thinking she just couldn't do it. This week she has learned her solo part. We have to work a little more on the pronunciation, but it is so sweet to hear.<br />
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<audio controls><source src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/32705957/Rae's%20Song.m4a" />If you cannot see the audio controls, <a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/32705957/Rae's%20Song.m4a">listen/download the audio file here</a></audio>
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The Dear Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596268127454959905noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411985289989377768.post-47377228383222847512013-10-14T11:02:00.000-04:002013-10-14T11:02:14.323-04:00Party Time!Last weekend we celebrated Rae's birthday. She had some of her friends over and had a Dollie and Me Tea Party. Hannah set up a blanket with a places for the girl's dolls where they played with their dolls. There was a food fight between the dolls, but thankfully it is was with fake food.<br />
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After all the girls arrived, the girls made fascinators to wear during the party. It was a lot of fun creating their own little hats. I was thankful to have help from the older siblings. The girls looked so cute in their fascinators.
Rae was excited to open all of her presents, and she got more Legos and some clothing for her AG dolls. She was very thankful for all her gifts but could not wait to eat cake and ice cream. But before that - they decorated sugar cookies. It is one of her favorite things, and they were for the girls to take home. <br />
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Her cake this year was strawberry with strawberry cream cheese frosting. She also designed it. She wanted to draw butterflies on it, but it was going to be to difficult for her, so we came up with another option. I had her draw butterflies on paper and I melted white chocolate and traced them on wax paper. She added them all over her cake. It was very cute and delicious and topped off with her favorite ice cream - mint chocolate chip. <br />
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Rae had a wonderful birthday, but I think she was a little sad it was over. It was a great 3 days celebrating her. I am not sure if her favorite was her party or getting to stay up late on Friday watching movies with her sisters having a "sister sleep-over"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEB51vIWh4K1h06OiltbVFhS2XNFgnzsIvrqFHUmaqM9bDJpuaRy3Z_wHqjiRWLiQVmdmAA9vaYN49xSli6NdERGxjiJmmwGZKA7amjI4zIGj0GDuXcB5wvBbwOA-tlTcuUTOu7xa8qtmL/s1600/DSC_7938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEB51vIWh4K1h06OiltbVFhS2XNFgnzsIvrqFHUmaqM9bDJpuaRy3Z_wHqjiRWLiQVmdmAA9vaYN49xSli6NdERGxjiJmmwGZKA7amjI4zIGj0GDuXcB5wvBbwOA-tlTcuUTOu7xa8qtmL/s400/DSC_7938.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doll Tea Party</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely ladies in their fascinators</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3B1YTHddUcBdg3PC8Ns95HqmVRukbySnaNuT4dCtDHstcIpAROVtBZhsnI99_RHw_6r8aBFD5TLt3CodQIC7toqjX0wJh1sfy9NNi6c6uOo9ZR95dLal_lsPeHKiu_eAUFItKJgQlTAgC/s1600/DSC_7956.NEF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3B1YTHddUcBdg3PC8Ns95HqmVRukbySnaNuT4dCtDHstcIpAROVtBZhsnI99_RHw_6r8aBFD5TLt3CodQIC7toqjX0wJh1sfy9NNi6c6uOo9ZR95dLal_lsPeHKiu_eAUFItKJgQlTAgC/s400/DSC_7956.NEF" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday Girl!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the cake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjam_Vn6nZvDAx8bs0SbgnX6f-ZhDPMXPJFpi_ysXh4XT5rP5TNKLLYLpm0CPESCTceTmLHGS7ebskFW-SgnTLwq8BY9ZzwnA_mSFcvq-Nf0pwl2_7WzGqM1HXc9LJMCjuiNlANpUsMsgT/s1600/DSC_8023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjam_Vn6nZvDAx8bs0SbgnX6f-ZhDPMXPJFpi_ysXh4XT5rP5TNKLLYLpm0CPESCTceTmLHGS7ebskFW-SgnTLwq8BY9ZzwnA_mSFcvq-Nf0pwl2_7WzGqM1HXc9LJMCjuiNlANpUsMsgT/s400/DSC_8023.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">playing on the swing set </td></tr>
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Thank you to all the girls who helped Rae celebrate her birthday. She had a wonderful time, and we hope you did too.<br />
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The Dear Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596268127454959905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411985289989377768.post-30988390527812808812013-10-07T09:27:00.000-04:002013-10-07T09:27:14.722-04:00The Love has EndedThis past week was the end of the girls 2013 tennis season. Emily was to have a game on Friday but was called on the count of rain. Both girls had 2 matches each though. Hubby and I had to split up to be able to see each girl play, so it made for a crazy week. Rae having a doctor appointment thru a little hiccup in the plans as well.<br />
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Monday, Hannah was hoping the varsity team would win to tie the school record for most wins, but they came up short in one match. Hannah had a great first year as a high school player. She got to play singles and doubles and is the top freshman on her team. She has worked hard to show her coaches she is willing to take on any challenge. She had some tough losses, but she finished with a great win against Lancaster JV 3rd singles player by winning 8-0. She was happy Pastor Troy was there to see her win. The JV team did a great job on the last match of the season with winning most of the matches. Her goal in the off-season is to learn to spin the ball, improve her serves, and make varsity next year. The past couple of spring seasons she has been able to play on the middle school boy's team, but this year she will not. We will looking at different options for her to better her game. Her ultimate goal is to beat her dad. She is not too far from it.<br />
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Emily had a great season as well. She had wins and losses as well in singles and doubles. Her game has really improved especially her serving. She will be the only 8th grader next year on the middle school team, so she is planning to work hard in the off-season to improve. She will hopefully get to play on the boy's middle school team this spring. Playing with the boys has really helped their games.<br />
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We are happy for life to have slowed for a little, and we can get ready for a little vacation coming up. We will be able to eat more dinner at home together now. Rae is happy because she will be able to start playing tennis again. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">getting ready to finish off the match</td></tr>
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The Dear Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596268127454959905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411985289989377768.post-58677771635792743692013-10-06T16:36:00.001-04:002013-10-06T16:36:51.231-04:00Asian Pear TimeHaving a child from another country you learn about all kinds of new things. Frequently Rae has asked for me to buy pears, but usually they have not been in season or I would forget. I was recently with a friend who works for a local <a href="http://www.lyndfruitfarm.com/" target="_blank">orchard</a> and she informed me about Asian pears. I actually had never heard of them, but I did find them in the store and bought a couple of them for the little one. She loves them.<br />
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The friend that works for the orchard told me that she always gets calls to when the Asian pears are ready to pick. So, I looked up on their website to see when they are ready and marked it on the calendar.
This past Friday was the day. I heard they would go fast, so we headed out early to pick. Rae was so excited for just the two of us to go pick. We arrived with our bags, and she was determined to find the biggest pears she could find and reach. It was little funny for myself to be in the minority there. There were many there with large bags and wagons filled with these pears. I was relieved to have gotten there early so we did not have to wait in the long line that had formed by the time we were finished.<br />
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It was fun picking the pears with Rae, and we have already decided to pick again next year. I really liked the pears and trying to find some fun things to make with them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looking for the right pear</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The Dear Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596268127454959905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411985289989377768.post-50849156553167587302013-10-03T11:37:00.001-04:002013-10-03T11:37:35.056-04:00Happy Birthday Little One!Today we celebrate Rae's 8th birthday. She has come a long way and has been counting down the days till her birthday. Tuesday we had our family birthday meal which included going to see the Meatball movie as she calls it. She had trouble deciding if she wanted spicy wings or spicy noodles. Noodles won - PF Changs.<br />
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We will celebrate with some of her friends Saturday with a Dollie and Me Tea Party. It is exciting to see her so happy about celebrating something that she has only been doing for now her second time. I think last year she was still figuring it all out. This morning she asked for heart shaped waffles, and we opened one of her presents. This will be a 3 day celebration with tomorrow night the girls will have what they call "Sister Sleepover" when they sleep downstairs and watch movies and eat popcorn and snacks. Different presents will be opened over these 3 days as well.<br />
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It is fun seeing her so excited.<br />
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRETTY GIRL!!! </div>
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The Dear Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596268127454959905noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411985289989377768.post-81531807750799620042013-09-23T11:23:00.001-04:002013-09-23T11:24:29.343-04:00Ok, that is just weird.Couple of weeks ago, the little one had a several appointments with Children's - speech, neuro, and ophthalmologist. We rotate thru these doctors about every 3-6 months, so they fall usually within several days of each other. It makes for a crazy time especially when it is during tennis season. We thought her neuro visit would be routine, but it was determined the little episode she had this summer was in fact a seizure. Thankfully it was very mild and short compared to the last one, but it did mean that she did have to up her medicine. She has not had any seizures since she had been on the medicine, but it seems that the medication was keeping them from happening. This one broke thru the wall most likely because she was at the top threshold of her weight versus medication amount. This also meant the clock restarted for when she could come off the medication.<br />
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While we were dealing with this news, her platelet count had dropped earlier in the week - so we were monitoring that and hoping we were not going to have to get a treatment on top of an already crazy week. She was to start getting her immunizations up to date, but now it was postponed again. As if this were not enough, we had the second follow-up visit with the eye doctor. Thankfully her eyes are now almost perfectly aligned, but she is still seeing double. We are hoping it is just her brain taking time to work around the damaged area to get to "normal". He is going to check the progress again in 3 months, but if it is not better she may have to get glasses fitted with prisms to help. She usually doesn't complain about it, but I do find her closing one eye to block out the second image.<br />
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Here is the new wrinkle - sometime after her last eye surgery, an eyelash got into her eye and is now embedded in the eye membrane. YIKES!! It was not very comforting when the doctor said that is was only the SECOND time he had seen that. Thankfully she does not feel it. We have to watch it so it does not get infected or cause her problems. Best case scenario is that it could dissolve, but if not he will have to surgically remove it. We do not want to have to do surgery again!<br />
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Even though all of this is going on, she is doing well in speech and is almost up to grade level. She will see a reading specialist soon to check her progress and to see where she is. She is excited that she has started her 3rd math book (MUS Beta) and continuing to work thru her phonics books in Explore the Code. The big thing we work on is bringing up her vocabulary. She knows and reads alot of words, but the meaning of those words are not always there. It is fun seeing her unlock the code to reading words.<br />
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The Dear Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596268127454959905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411985289989377768.post-80483161903918480182013-09-05T09:09:00.004-04:002013-09-05T09:10:16.203-04:00Add-in... Deuce... Add-out...If you haven't guessed, we are in the full swing of tennis season. The older girls are on 2 different teams this year. Hannah is on Granville High School team and Emily on the middle school team. Thanks to the new ruling of the state legislature, Hannah did not have to take a class at the high school to be on the team. She is happy that she did know some of the girls from when they were all on the middle school team. It has been challenging for her working it into her school schedule, but she is working hard and loving playing tennis.<br />
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Practice started the beginning of August, but matches started a couple weeks ago. Hubby and I are dividing our time between the 2 girl's matches, since most of the games are often the same time and at different locations. We switch who gets to see who and where. One thing that does help is that Hannah has to ride the bus to the game with the team. Another thing that is new for us is when the team does not have a game, there is practice after school. I am happy there are a couple of girls in our neighborhood that are on the team, so usually I just have to get her to the school for practice.<br />
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Both girls have had wins and loses in their matches this season. They are both playing better than last year thanks to their <a href="http://gardnertennis.com/" target="_blank">tennis coach</a> they have. The middle school team is smaller this year, so Emily is playing again in the top of the group again. She usually gets to play 2 matches against the opponents playing singles and doubles. Hannah is on the JV team, and they have a large team with 24 girls this year so she usually has to wait to play. It reminds me of when she first started on the middle school team. She mostly has been playing doubles but is missing playing singles. <br />
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In the match, yesterday, the other team had 14 players so the our coaches chose a varsity line-up and a JV line-up - 7 and 7. Hannah was wondering why her coach didn't ask her about doubles when she was going around. When they announced the line-up for JV, Hannah was called as 3rd singles. She was so excited! When I got the match, she ran and told me. I hated her dad was not there, but he was in Dublin with the Emily who was playing there. Hannah has been working hard to prove to the coaches she could do it, and she had finally gotten her chance. She was a little nervous, but she was up for the challenge. The match started, and she had gotten behind. Thanks to her conditioning, she was outlasting her opponent. She came from behind and brought it to a tie-breaker. I was grateful for FaceTime so hubby watch the tie-breaker via phone. She was the last one on the court playing, but sadly she lost in the tie, but was happy how she played and knows what she need to fix. She was also happy the coaches gave her the chance to show them she could handle it. Hannah was the first freshman this year to get to play a singles match.<br />
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Hopefully, we will get some more good stories from the season. We have a few more crazy weeks of matches all over the place. So, if you need us, we will be either at the courts or in the car.<br />
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The Dear Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596268127454959905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411985289989377768.post-6429223551404901542013-09-03T12:34:00.000-04:002013-09-03T12:34:30.520-04:00Lil' Farmer TourLast week Rae and I went on her first little kid only <a href="http://lyndfruitfarm.com/lynd-school-tours" target="_blank">field trip</a>. One of our <a href="http://lyndfruitfarm.com/">local fruit farms</a> was starting a new tour and needed some guinea pigs to see how the tour was going to work and to work out any bugs. The family that runs this farm are homeschoolers, so they reached out to our group for help. The tour is designed for K-2nd graders. Students learn where their food comes from when they ‘harvest’ their goods as they travel along the path of 12 interactive stations. “Milking the cow, collecting honey, gathering eggs, and digging potatoes are just a few of the activities they will experience. Once their work is done, they ‘sell’ their goods to the ‘market’ where they will collect Lynd Bucks used to ‘purchase’ a cup of cider. Then students go to the orchard and pick a 2 lb. bag of apples to take home! All students will receive a complimentary coloring activity book complete with Lynd Fruit Farm coupons to be redeemed during a future visit!<br />
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Rae and I had a lot fun going to the different stations and learning interesting facts. Rae's favorite was "fishing" for blue gill. I think it was a favorite of all the kiddos.
She was hoping we would pick some apples, but they did not open the u-pick till the weekend. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning about what they will be doing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picking pumpkins</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picking corn, but wishing it was real.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">shearing the sheep</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fishing for blue gill</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">taking her harvest to market</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">getting her coin for apple cider</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yummy!</td></tr>
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The Dear Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596268127454959905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411985289989377768.post-77523481332852587702013-08-27T12:10:00.001-04:002013-08-27T12:10:18.569-04:00Only a few tearsWeek one of the 2013-14 school year is in the books. The girls worked hard and had good attitudes (most of them anyway). Some things are coming back to memory from last year and others are not. The school day is longer for the older girls, so finding things for the little one is proving a little more challenging. I am proud of Hannah who is willing to take on the challenge of doing algebra and geometry simultaneously. Thankfully, she is already half-way thru algebra, so it makes it a little easier. Emily is not thrilled school is taking longer, but she is handling it well. <br />
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The next few weeks will be interesting with more activities being added to the schedule. In addition to tennis for Hannah and Emily, that is in full swing, art, drama, and piano will be starting after Labor Day. We will be running hither,thither, and yonder till October. It will be crazy, but over in October.<br />
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Hubby has started his grad classes back again too. He is taking 2 classes this semester which is going to be killer because his professors are requiring alot of work this time. He has all of this in addition to the church work, the occasional helping me run kids somewhere, and making it to as many tennis games as he can. Can you see why we are looking forward to our vacation? <br />
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This weekend we are looking forward to having Noel's dad in town. The grill will be in full force preparing all sorts of goodies. One good thing when we have family come up, projects around the house get done that we put off. The girls are very excited for their granddaddy to come up. They were hoping he would get to see one of their tennis matches.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emily with her double partner Kaitlyn in their match @ CSG Tennis Day.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah in her first match as a high schooler</td></tr>
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The Dear Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596268127454959905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411985289989377768.post-22801866776571327592013-08-19T09:47:00.000-04:002013-08-21T07:59:00.726-04:00First Day of School - 2013My summer has been hijacked. Is it really time to start back? Didn't we just finish school? Our summer was filled with 4H projects and fairs, 4 camps, swimming, tennis, and finishing projects around the house. The girls were not excited about starting this early, but with tennis season already underway and a vacation coming in November, we started this morning. Many discussions over dinner were held between hubby and I about what we were doing and what goals we wanted for the girls. With a freshman, we are getting in college prep mode - YIKES!!<br />
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So, this morning we started the 2013-14 year for the Dear School for Girls today! Hannah is a freshman, Emily a 7th grader, and Rae a 2nd grader. We are working on trying some new things in our school, but with several the same. Hubby is being even more involved this year with subjects for Hannah. I am so thankful that I married a math major! The girls are really ready for band, drama, and art to start so they can see their friends again. Emily is excited she is old enough to go to Teen Night.<br />
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Tennis season is going strong. Both girls have already had matches, and it plans to be an exciting and busy season. We will be running between middle school and high school matches and practices. I am thankful for parents in our neighborhood who can carpool for tennis.<br />
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Here's to a successful school year. Ready or not here we go!<br />
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The Dear Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596268127454959905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411985289989377768.post-91170401292164643282013-07-23T10:46:00.000-04:002013-07-23T10:49:47.522-04:00The Basement RemodelThis process started over a year ago. Since we homeschool, we try to have an area dedicated to our school room stuff. When we moved in our current house, the extra bedroom was our school room. After adding Rae to our family, the schoolroom became her bedroom. Our school stuff and all my office stuff was moved to the playroom and the basement. Emily had to do school in the dining room, and all the other stuff was a mess and disorganized. It made doing school hard and the landing in the basement was always in a state of disarray.<br />
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Last year we came up with the idea of turning the storage area in the basement into an office and new schoolroom. This area had been our workout space, but since joining the gym, we no longer used it as that. It became the best solution. I needed a place where we could be organized. I also wanted a desk that was not a 6 ft. folding table.<br />
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This summer we decided we were going to finish what we started last year. We had been working this past year to get our home more organized, and this was the last area to conquer. So, this past weekend it was finished (almost). A great deal of blood, sweat, and tears have gone into this project, but we are so happy with the results. I now have an awesome set up for school, crafting, sewing, and my office. We even have been able to get my photography lighting set up in part of the playroom.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOx6UjlXwgalsmifZMYTSPJPz5LArt7y_L94EOGJoTGpQoQmTcWsCOu_8EKXwfVnt1DcabtTVTYqs3f42PoiRaAf4vZH9il3QoT6bDExeJG62mwieUzZFkQoZfo-5n0A5BJlApHh2WtA9k/s1600/DSC_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOx6UjlXwgalsmifZMYTSPJPz5LArt7y_L94EOGJoTGpQoQmTcWsCOu_8EKXwfVnt1DcabtTVTYqs3f42PoiRaAf4vZH9il3QoT6bDExeJG62mwieUzZFkQoZfo-5n0A5BJlApHh2WtA9k/s400/DSC_0057.JPG" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sealing the wall to get ready to add shelving for storage</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDebN9DwLBnBkwZ0wLlP-ehmMUMoB9R-l4uy7leZRZf1SmYZ_A3E8kyX_PEknSFDdIxWbOFJXVoSxJcNzLbU0BsjihDcQB2WOgY6H6x2Sp3BHK-rEjoO4XjSDwkXVBACVu3rLhJj60U_9/s1600/DSC_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDebN9DwLBnBkwZ0wLlP-ehmMUMoB9R-l4uy7leZRZf1SmYZ_A3E8kyX_PEknSFDdIxWbOFJXVoSxJcNzLbU0BsjihDcQB2WOgY6H6x2Sp3BHK-rEjoO4XjSDwkXVBACVu3rLhJj60U_9/s400/DSC_0058.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The disorganized mess!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTaIT7pmUH8BnX0M_HcaDC6GHblUso30Ifq5BPrYqWAsuvHSMLFmrZrP9J875l0MKjR9EXkm24Zhk0YGP0JNLYXooG-QFhw_6nf3Vykv_mNxiPrEf7CbDbkCGYGzDaH0CcZsdmr9GKRu5/s1600/photo(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTaIT7pmUH8BnX0M_HcaDC6GHblUso30Ifq5BPrYqWAsuvHSMLFmrZrP9J875l0MKjR9EXkm24Zhk0YGP0JNLYXooG-QFhw_6nf3Vykv_mNxiPrEf7CbDbkCGYGzDaH0CcZsdmr9GKRu5/s400/photo(3).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The walls are up. The other side will be our storage or the "tunnel" as the girls call it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3EF_KighMeF5jTv-ICqWbf7PJh3XNjDZtcZy5HoSf6FMXUs7yvovbPjWGOemi0hjfXTrJenkUAFRmJKy2rZ7jQfOJ3ScyRtHL1RQnPnLYLkPyw3IRq1JWaVRIsgH9HrFrG4l5Y900zhj/s1600/photo(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3EF_KighMeF5jTv-ICqWbf7PJh3XNjDZtcZy5HoSf6FMXUs7yvovbPjWGOemi0hjfXTrJenkUAFRmJKy2rZ7jQfOJ3ScyRtHL1RQnPnLYLkPyw3IRq1JWaVRIsgH9HrFrG4l5Y900zhj/s400/photo(1).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My office area which also serves as the area for crafting and sewing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqzl3-yseVvRfZM-T3KPv5w7gYqPKU63O12vC6rkzPn67UMMLlge4zg37T9hykvPELRpUS1_sEGbIr2DtiCtSX9b1lMMrgtdbh2bUiQ49Ob66Ko86l6_u3krt4__XSGF3mF2pIMOLGLe3/s1600/photo(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqzl3-yseVvRfZM-T3KPv5w7gYqPKU63O12vC6rkzPn67UMMLlge4zg37T9hykvPELRpUS1_sEGbIr2DtiCtSX9b1lMMrgtdbh2bUiQ49Ob66Ko86l6_u3krt4__XSGF3mF2pIMOLGLe3/s400/photo(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">School books and one kiddo's desk. The other one is on the other side of the short bookshelf.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9W9L94WzRUmXJLJJYkkHj5OMkP_VZV00iVowUNb_Ff4elGl7fVYEEhTZ8Xt5RRm5CqulxmX0Yk-Gw_Bsbyxrz_SZQ_rT8NngrGDd0LEt1NcZYneMtLU5IZn4GJAkX4xp1_0vBURjj6-F/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9W9L94WzRUmXJLJJYkkHj5OMkP_VZV00iVowUNb_Ff4elGl7fVYEEhTZ8Xt5RRm5CqulxmX0Yk-Gw_Bsbyxrz_SZQ_rT8NngrGDd0LEt1NcZYneMtLU5IZn4GJAkX4xp1_0vBURjj6-F/s400/photo.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the view from my desk. The curtain hides all the house's mechanical stuff. The table is for group projects and fabric cutting.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I am so thankful for this all to be done. My hubby worked hard, and I am very thankful for him and his abilityto do little projects like this. There are a few little things left to do, but it is ready to go. We just feel sorry for the trash man who has to pick up all the things we got rid of. <br />
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The Dear Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596268127454959905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3411985289989377768.post-6011361892352149032013-07-13T08:33:00.000-04:002013-07-13T08:33:02.658-04:00Has it been that long?Two years ago today, the girls and I were working on cleaning out the basement storage. We were working hard, when my phone rang. It was a call from Virginia. I thought it was odd for our agency to call out of the blue. We had been waiting several months on those late night calls when referrals would come in, but our phone never rang on the those nights. So, I answered the phone, and it was Amy our coordinator. She said that they had just received a referral for a 6 year old girl whose special need was a maybe on our list. Did we want to look at her file? Yes, we were interested in looking at her file. After trying to get hubby on the phone, we looked at her file and happily sad yes to this little girl whose smile we fell in love with. What a journey it has been, but one we would do over again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDff34ejpZE4g2m5O8WVoQeTFKoSECTFilBThMhJrgkPNL-Fyk-TlVX9B4WtGu07JNsdfujgvTpepK8HahW47rRCuuwUU39Op39lFCKy5-B93RvvyafB59gwLzA4MKR44y1epDl2Z3tDSO/s1600/Yang+Rui+August+2011+Photo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDff34ejpZE4g2m5O8WVoQeTFKoSECTFilBThMhJrgkPNL-Fyk-TlVX9B4WtGu07JNsdfujgvTpepK8HahW47rRCuuwUU39Op39lFCKy5-B93RvvyafB59gwLzA4MKR44y1epDl2Z3tDSO/s320/Yang+Rui+August+2011+Photo+3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Funny that today we are still working on the basement, but it is now being turned into our new schoolroom/craft room/office (will post pics later).<br />
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The Dear Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596268127454959905noreply@blogger.com0