tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21814504026301743092024-02-20T19:43:23.247-08:00Working on a Full HouseThe will of God will not take us where the Grace of God cannot sustain us. -Billy GrahamMommy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970863651571623082noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181450402630174309.post-70070947213384443572015-06-18T20:49:00.002-07:002015-06-18T21:14:00.711-07:00One Year Later: More Big NewsSo much can happen in a year.<br />
<br />
12 months ago on June 19th, 2014 we received some amazing news from China. We were given Preapproval, or preliminary permission, to adopt our Frannie Joy. Also on that day, our little boy (that we wouldn't commit to adopt until September) turned two. We celebrated like crazy that day and shared our excitement with our 5 biological children. I'll never forget how that news felt. After 10 years of following our hearts, we were finally going to adopt!<br />
<br />
This has been probably the second most stressful year of my life. The year Myra was born with a brain injury and collected so many scary diagnoses still ranks #1. But, that hard year is what led us to this hard year. God never promises that we won't have to go through tough times, He just promises He will be there with us. And, no doubt, He has been here every step from Myra's birth in 2009 to the year of crazy adoption stuff! And also helped provide $52,000 for this adoption! We only need a few thousand more!!<br />
<br />
Well, a year later, we have good news again!<br />
<br />
WE HAVE TRAVEL APPROVAL!!!!!<br />
<br />
After a 32 day wait, which normally takes only 7 days, we finally have that piece of paper that gives us a GO to plan our trip to China! And I hope to travel there with my mom in as little as a <i>WEEK</i>!<br />
<br />
It's happening, people!! I cannot believe it's really going to happen! Soon I'll be snuggling these two hurting little people that I've been dreaming about for a year now. I.cannot.wait!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9yHW7SdWjataC0IOj4v8R5DjmdlETOvI3eKRl0tn7nfuYyY09Z70fUB_wxCgt-huOsUWUt5P6nd7xBgVHJkV72EQpblxgTJZukkaGNRdqKnUYh5aC6d5ePUAzQnUehGTsz5pIoa9NeyX/s1600/Frannie+and+Finn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9yHW7SdWjataC0IOj4v8R5DjmdlETOvI3eKRl0tn7nfuYyY09Z70fUB_wxCgt-huOsUWUt5P6nd7xBgVHJkV72EQpblxgTJZukkaGNRdqKnUYh5aC6d5ePUAzQnUehGTsz5pIoa9NeyX/s320/Frannie+and+Finn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm coming Frannie and Finn! I'm really truly coming!!<br />
Happy 3rd Birthday Finton! Enjoy time with your foster family. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We should know travel dates and details next week!</div>
Mommy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970863651571623082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181450402630174309.post-69033074141474243512015-06-02T07:39:00.000-07:002015-06-02T07:39:15.927-07:00Waiting STINKSWe are now 15 days into our Travel Approval wait. Average wait times are 7-10 days.<br />
<br />
Sigh.<br />
<br />
The first week I checked my email hourly. Last week I woke up in the mornings anxiously hoping to find good news, but was disappointed each day. This week...I haven't even asked my agency whether there is news at all.<br />
<br />
Anytime you get a date in your head, it's often hard to let it go. Kind of like my pregnancies I talked about in my previous blog. I'm feeling like I'm about to pass my due date (June 4th was my original travel date) and go waaaay overdue. Usually there is nesting involved up until that point, but after my due dates my motivation always took a nose dive. And I was just stuck waiting.<br />
<br />
That's where I am. <br />
<br />
Waiting stinks.<br />
<br />
But, I know in my heart that God's timing is best and I can hold onto that. He has planned this for longer than I could fathom and I can trust His judgement.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><i>For there is a time and a way for everything, although man's trouble lies heavy on him.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><i>Ecclesiastes 8:6 </i></span></div>
<br />
So, that's my depressing update. No news.<br />
<br />
I hope next time I blog I'll have an awesome itinerary to share!!<br />
<br />
Until then, I'm praying for peace for myself and continuing to pray for Frannie and Finton and all the changes they are about to experience.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><i>Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives
do I give to you. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><i>Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be
afraid. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><i>John 14:27</i></span></div>
Mommy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970863651571623082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181450402630174309.post-37260700722505180532015-05-24T18:30:00.000-07:002015-06-02T07:50:25.755-07:001 Year Ago TodayOne year ago <i>today</i><i> </i>we submitted paperwork to our agency asking China to adopt '<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/69202/yulia" target="_blank">Yulia' on Reece's Rainbow</a>. We had just been through a whirlwind spring after being denied the adoption of sisters from the Philippines....twice. (You can read more about that <a href="http://mommykellogg.blogspot.com/2014/06/announcement.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.)<br />
<br />
But, I couldn't deny what I felt when I watched 'Yulia's' videos. Over and over and over. And watched <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2CDtp_4fYc" target="_blank">THIS </a>adoption day video over and over and over. And cried. The ugly cry you cry when no one is looking.<br />
<br />
We submitted paperwork knowing we could be denied adoption from China based on our number of kids and/or our income. We had to request waivers from China for these things. After being denied the sisters, I wasn't sure I could take more rejection. It had been 10 years pursuing our love of children and I was so, so tired of waiting. I truly felt this was a calling on our lives, but I did <i>not </i>have the patience of Abraham for God's promises.<br />
<br />
We waited 3 loooong weeks to hear from China. I can say, I truly had a peace, no matter the outcome, by the end of those 3 weeks. I wanted God to confirm this decision for us and it needed to be out of our hands.<br />
<br />
We got Preapproval to adopt 'Yulia' on June 19. We had already named her Frances "Frannie" Joy after her great grandmother, whom she shares a birthday with, on Memorial Day 2014.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3_rSmEBGFP5ETNGPoVK3k_B0no6XZI176gXySkr-i6vvUmD5jz6lOgj6CIEVZVdD_Ij4xXlY2JUjinCgfsdmbTSp5qJIlvPevWEDVeq_pRqJFe-vK54iRMs9sYzDKHU8DGC_K10eyrAM/s1600/Frannie+Joy1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3_rSmEBGFP5ETNGPoVK3k_B0no6XZI176gXySkr-i6vvUmD5jz6lOgj6CIEVZVdD_Ij4xXlY2JUjinCgfsdmbTSp5qJIlvPevWEDVeq_pRqJFe-vK54iRMs9sYzDKHU8DGC_K10eyrAM/s1600/Frannie+Joy1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Which, by the way, is when our son turned 2 in China. The son we had never even seen a photo of at this point. The son we wouldn't see and pursue until September. The son we wouldn't get Preapproval for until late October. The son we would eventually name Finton 'Finn' Scott.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSPLIzhDP8o1xLLfx_awEvaGpadTFoJ6p8WAMh8RYpM4aDH6A3aLPDEBTUHsA8HkWRmGBNjKEsB71MU5JGuYv9I2pySbaKPw8l9ofk4eiTP0gaeWyDH0qVvvUI2O_QlhEi6SS2UlghTfI/s1600/FINN1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSPLIzhDP8o1xLLfx_awEvaGpadTFoJ6p8WAMh8RYpM4aDH6A3aLPDEBTUHsA8HkWRmGBNjKEsB71MU5JGuYv9I2pySbaKPw8l9ofk4eiTP0gaeWyDH0qVvvUI2O_QlhEi6SS2UlghTfI/s1600/FINN1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
God knew the whole time.<br />
<br />
One year. It's been such a long year. Probably the most stressful year of my life. Adoption paperwork (for me) completely trumps having 5 kids under the age of 6. You just have no idea unless you've been through the waiting, pressure, notaries, post office visits kissing package as they leave, checking email more times a day than you can count. It's emotionally exhausting.<br />
<br />
But, here we are. One year later. And we are almost there!<br />
<br />
My <span style="color: purple;"><i>'</i></span>dream adoption' was of two kids under the age of five who were of a different culture. I really wanted a multicultural family. And I really wanted young kids. I let that dream go a number of times when considering foster care. And when we found the girls from the Philippines who were 9 and 6, I was totally on board. But, that was my original dream in my heart from early in our marriage. I thought we would adopt mixed children from America. Mr. Prince would have loved little Hispanic children. Never in a million years would I have guessed our children would be Asian. I have always thought Asian children were some of the most beautiful children with their slanted eyes and dark hair, but I never imagined I would have the opportunity to raise one of these beautiful children, let alone TWO!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: purple;">Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. <u>Psalm</u> 37:4<span class="p"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<br />
I am loving <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=722zPX1npcA" target="_blank">this song</a> right now, as is sings my heart....<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Standing on this mountaintop<br />
Looking just how far we’ve come<br />
Knowing that for every step<br />
You were with us<br />
<br />
Kneeling on this battle ground<br />
Seeing just how much You’ve done<br />
Knowing every victory<br />
Was Your power in us<br />
<br />
Scars and struggles on the way<br />
But with joy our hearts can say<br />
Yes, our hearts can say<br />
<br />
Never once did we ever walk alone<br />
Never once did You leave us on our own<br />
You are faithful, God, You are faithful<br />
<br />
Scars and struggles on the way<br />
But with joy our hearts can say<br />
Never once did we ever walk alone<br />
Carried by Your constant grace<br />
Held within Your perfect peace<br />
Never once, no, we never walk alone<br />
<br />
Never once did we ever walk alone<br />
Never once did You leave us on our own<br />
You are faithful, God, You are faithful<br />
<br />
Every step we are breathing in Your grace<br />
Evermore we’ll be breathing out Your praise<br />
You are faithful, God, You are faithful<br />
You are faithful, God, You are faithful</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
God <i>gave </i>me those desires in my heart. He <i>gave </i>me the blessing of Myra, which opened my eyes to the plight of orphans with special needs all over the world. He <i>gave </i>me this secret love for people with Down Sydrome since I was a little girl. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am standing on a mountain top for sure! My dreams have come true and they are perfect for our family. Because God knows us better than we do. He is so very faithful. Why do I ever doubt?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We are <i>not </i>perfect parents. I am <i>not </i>supermom. I make mistakes daily. But, I am willing to go <i>only</i> because I know God has gone before us. He has hand chosen these children for our family. It is His strength I will pull from and His grace I will need to forgive me when I mess things up. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And so I'll sing....<br />
Every step we are breathing in Your grace<br />
Evermore we’ll be breathing out Your praise<br />
You are faithful, God, You are faithful!!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Mommy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970863651571623082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181450402630174309.post-82232485884963494222015-05-20T19:58:00.001-07:002015-05-20T19:58:33.161-07:00The Countdown Has BegunI remember making count downs for all my pregnancies. <br />
<br />
My first one I drew little Winnie-the-Poohs on note cards and put them on a metal ring to flip each day. I used that for a few kids, until it got lost in the shuffle of little kid stuff, and I had to create a new one for my last two kids. But, every single time I got down to ZERO DAYS, I still had to flip that darn countdown! I ended up writing "1 day overdue, 2 days overdue, etc" on the back of each of the note cards. I was late with every child. 6 days, 3 days, 10 days, 14 days and 3 days. I expected it by #4, but I can tell you...that still didn't make it any easier to flip that countdown!<br />
<br />
Well, being 2015, my countdown has been upgraded to a digital version. Duh. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ROo5piHLhw0CQ_xCfL6gxA3Ytit2GMK_U8I17OgSbEClCzJOJRA__v6VDLCU30IJja-xc5NupAg3NFXnH8_76lXjtmHgLInu6P7VxfM8PcywD4pAr2lSHvdabTsgv1y5-jnFqtLAnh3b/s1600/countdown.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ROo5piHLhw0CQ_xCfL6gxA3Ytit2GMK_U8I17OgSbEClCzJOJRA__v6VDLCU30IJja-xc5NupAg3NFXnH8_76lXjtmHgLInu6P7VxfM8PcywD4pAr2lSHvdabTsgv1y5-jnFqtLAnh3b/s320/countdown.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPmF9Jowjje943xFpj_3FuO-XKIzD5YvramkbnpsURuwYA5nC75MlNZ9syDJGHtv0Pkl9K-MO1e9_rMeQluX9zAFHSc15xeVsDAGwi-EG-srzkR-5pJxK7vgDVFVEjNOreCT2WK3Kt5RK/s1600/countdown2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPmF9Jowjje943xFpj_3FuO-XKIzD5YvramkbnpsURuwYA5nC75MlNZ9syDJGHtv0Pkl9K-MO1e9_rMeQluX9zAFHSc15xeVsDAGwi-EG-srzkR-5pJxK7vgDVFVEjNOreCT2WK3Kt5RK/s320/countdown2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, I just have to say...I don't want to get past the ZERO DAYS mark this time!! (commence kicking and screaming) I think it's only fair that I get a break this time around. That I have the opportunity to 'get my baby' on the day I was originally planning to. Right? It seems a reasonable request after waiting extra for the 5 others....<br />
<br />
Ok, my pity party is over.<br />
<br />
Well, I am still <i>planning </i>to leave on June 4th. We still have not received our Travel Approval. I think we need it by early next week to still be able to travel at that time. And, the Chinese government will have to award us our <u><i>first</i></u><i> </i>request for the Consulate Appointment or the whole trip gets pushed back 3 weeks. <br />
<br />
I've been overdue for FOURTEEN DAYS and it was excruciating. <br />
<br />
I'm not sure I can last 3 weeks without a mental breakdown. <br />
<br />
So, PLEASE PRAY we get this Travel Approval SOON!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqP4Ylhuy7E33UTzL1TQMtGY4h4VpeWq3pUmi3z0SmZ1QH-R3TA_55NkT09S-bRQsLlREHveqctC2sAjQwxCyDoPyb2SqRww3a-6LqnXh_FON0DWn4ORKST08u0UDTKPE3xj3dheR3Cbm/s1600/packed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqP4Ylhuy7E33UTzL1TQMtGY4h4VpeWq3pUmi3z0SmZ1QH-R3TA_55NkT09S-bRQsLlREHveqctC2sAjQwxCyDoPyb2SqRww3a-6LqnXh_FON0DWn4ORKST08u0UDTKPE3xj3dheR3Cbm/s320/packed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Look at me! I've been packed for over a week now! It isn't making my wait any easier, though. I've packed...and repacked...and repacked....and repacked more times than I can count now. When my girls find me in the office shuffling stuff around they just roll their eyes now and say, "Mom! You can't possibly fit anything else in there! Stop messing with it!" LOL! They will admit, though, it's fun to shuffle through Frannie and Finn's backpacks and look at their cute, tiny outfits. <br />
<br />
There are days I wish so badly I could take them with me...all my kids. And Paul, of course. But, I know in my heart going alone (with my mom) is the best option. My bio kids need a parent at home. And my new kids need a parent with undivided attention. And if I took my girls, Frannie and Finn would think they had 3 mommies, no doubt! <br />
<br />
These attachment techniques we plan to implement, things such as no one comforting them or rocking them on their lap besides mom and dad, will be hard for my kids to follow. They will have to fight their instinct with every breath. But, they do understand. At least understand enough for their little 7, 9, 10 and 12 year old minds. It will be hard for me to give these toddlers as much attention as they will need between housekeeping, meals and Myra's needs. I remember bouncing between my little kids often, reading one a story, building blocks with another and nursing another on my lap. It was easy back then. I feel like with my bio kids being older, possibly struggling to respect our bonding time, watching mom and dad drop everything to attach to these kids, they are going to need even <i>more</i> quality time and reassurance than they do now! Sounds emotionally draining already.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black;">But, we will survive! I know we were called to this but I also know we cannot do it without God's strength and grace. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black;">I watched a video of a little girl tonight meet her parents for the first time. I really cannot watch too many of these videos or I'll just start crying and never stop. But, she was also Asian and had Down Syndrome and they gave her the same little Asian doll we plan to give Frannie on the day we meet her. And I lost it. I have no idea how our kids will react when I meet them, but I still cannot wait to touch her tiny little ears, hold her pudgy little hands, run my fingers through Finn's clear white hair or watch their beautiful Asian eyes as they sleep. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black;">We are so close. But two weeks feels like an eternity every day. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black;">Please continue to pray for our process to go smoothly and for these two kids, who may have no idea we are coming for them. My world is about to become a whole lot brighter, and their world is about to be shattered. Ad</span>option is beautiful, but it's also born out of tremendous loss and trauma. I can't fix my children's past, but we are so, so, SO blessed to be a part of their future!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><i>Financial update: We received a matching grant from Lifesong today! And it has already been matched! We had a family member planning to send us a generous donation, so they were able to send that donation to Lifesong for them to match it! We are still around $6000 short for all our adoption expenses, $3000 of that is for travel costs. If you wish to donate to our adoption, you can use the Reece's Rainbow link on the top right corner of our blog! </i></span></span></div>
<br />Mommy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970863651571623082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181450402630174309.post-2575100185129079242015-05-04T12:52:00.000-07:002015-05-04T12:52:31.047-07:00Blessings AboundI can't recall if I had posted about this previously, but I have another huge praise report!<br />
<br />
A very long story short, we had a very loved nurse leave our home to take another job recently. This left 3 days of nursing care not covered for our daughter with cerebral palsy, Miracle. This nurse had been with us for over 3 years, so it was an emotional change for all of us, and left me stressing about how these hours would get covered while I'm in China and Mr. Prince is working. Since I homeschool, I only have a nurse here 3-6 hours a day.<br />
<br />
See, I don't just let anyone in my home. Since we are home all day, our nurses need to be tolerant of lots of kid chatter, tolerant of our faith and really mesh well with me. They have to snuggle with my baby and treat her like a precious little girl, not just a patient. I'm pretty picky and have some pretty high expectations for these nurses. Because of this, when our beloved nurse left, I flat out told my husband, "There is absolutely <b><u><i>no way</i></u></b> I will get used to a nurse in just a few weeks and feel comfortable enough with them to leave them full-time with my baby!"<br />
<br />
I've seen the YouTube clips of caregivers throwing children across the room, force feeding them and many other horrific things nanny-cams have caught. I.ain't.goin'.there. I'm with my nurses most of the time and I get to know them well. I need time.<br />
<br />
But, apparently I haven't yet learned that I really shouldn't give absolutes when God is involved...<br />
<br />
We had a nurse train in our home last week. When she arrived I gave her Miracle's paperwork and told her the training nurse would arrive soon. I wasn't very friendly. I don't want a new nurse, can you tell? Throughout the day I didn't say much, but she overheard me talk about my concerns regarding new nurses with the agency staff.<br />
<br />
About halfway through the day, she said she had something she wanted to share with me. She told me she knows both sides to home care. She's a nurse, but she's also a foster mom who hires an agency to care for her foster son while she works. She said she understood my concerns with new nurses and is very picky herself. <br />
<br />
That meant the world to me and I turned by back to work on my computer so she wouldn't see the tears forming.<br />
<br />
Later in the day she shared with me that she had been a NICU nurse and how much she loved working there. I could hear in her voice her love for fragile kids and I knew <u>that day</u> I could trust this nurse with my Miracle. <br />
<br />
Only God. Seriously.<br />
<br />
And then I found out today that all my hours are covered for June with both of my 2 main nurses (one of which is my SIL)! I can't believe it!<br />
<br />
Now, July's coverage is a different story, so we are praying hard I travel in June!!<br />
Regardless, I'm sure God has it all worked out already...<br />
<br />
We are currently waiting to get our Travel Approval! We expect to see it some time after 5/18 and hope to get it by 5/21 in order to travel in early June!<br />
<br />
SO EXCITING!!! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Mommy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970863651571623082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181450402630174309.post-4904474660237427632015-04-29T13:07:00.006-07:002015-04-29T13:11:18.261-07:00Another Way to Help: Our Adoption Wish ListWe are a little more than a month away from travel. I cannot believe it!<br />
<br />
It has been suggested to us to make a public Amazon Wish List. This allows others to see what is still needed for our trip.<br />
<br />
If you want to help us prepare, you can either:<br />
1) purchase items for us through Amazon and ship them to us <br />
2) find these items at another store<br />
3) gift us with used items<br />
4) donate to help us cover the cost of these needed items<br />
<br />
We have been blessed with so many that have helped us so far and we are so grateful!<br />
<br />
Donations can be made to our Reece's Rainbow <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/81198/sponsorkellogg" target="_blank">FUND </a>or Paypal at mommykellogg@hotmail.com<br />
<br />
You can see our Amazon Adoption Wish List <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/RHUNTQA0VWNM/ref=cm_wl_huc_view" target="_blank">HERE</a>! There are two pages<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This will be available until around May 10, when I'll have to purchase the items so I get them in time to travel in early June!</span></i><br />
<br />
THANK YOU!!Mommy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970863651571623082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181450402630174309.post-49066028887623968862015-04-28T06:02:00.000-07:002015-04-28T06:39:24.877-07:00We are Almost There!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>WE ARE ALMOST THERE!!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dNDN7jNVsjyfUWosnb3OxcpM2ExUd7ajdLZbZNMxCnBrNGnm31W8Bh8Lv8Q8FEjRPKRyaMCQY_oED4myO35hgNkrHNoduCawluv9mO63XGam5-59rGveP40vdXpdwuHjFMMB2qyddKbe/s1600/china+flow+chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dNDN7jNVsjyfUWosnb3OxcpM2ExUd7ajdLZbZNMxCnBrNGnm31W8Bh8Lv8Q8FEjRPKRyaMCQY_oED4myO35hgNkrHNoduCawluv9mO63XGam5-59rGveP40vdXpdwuHjFMMB2qyddKbe/s1600/china+flow+chart.jpg" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So, here is a fairly confusing flow chart of the China adoption program. I remember looking at it at the beginning of our process and not having <i>any clue </i>what all the abbreviations stood for.<br />
<br />
What <u>you</u> can get from it is, this process is <i>NOT </i>easy and there are many steps I've had to follow these past 11 months.<br />
<br />
But guess what?!<br />
<br />
I just completed steps 9-12 in the last week!! We only have 5 more steps to go! And actually, those all go really fast! We expect to get our official Travel Approval in the next 3-4 weeks! <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Time is ticking and I have so much to do!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Please continue to pray for our family!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">For there is a time and a way for everything, although man's trouble lies heavy on him. </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">Ecclesiastes 8:6</span></i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><i>Cheat sheet for flow chart:</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><i>DTC: Dossier to China (paperwork that proves who we are that takes months to collect)</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><i>LOA: Letter of Acceptance (official paperwork that matches you to your specific child in China)</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><i>TA: Travel Approval (needed to book flights, hotels and CA)</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><i>CA: Consulate Appointment in Guangzhou, China (to make the adoption official)</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span></i></div>
</div>
Mommy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970863651571623082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181450402630174309.post-84308353905134806812015-04-22T22:44:00.004-07:002015-04-22T22:47:54.291-07:00Provisions of the Best Kind, the GOD KindI truly wish I could share every single blessing God has orchestrated throughout this journey. I've tried along the way, but I feel like I haven't done God justice in this department! I had to share a few of the most recent ones, though...<br />
<br />
<i>I think it's safe to say, first of all, that money is tight. We are saving every penny we can for this adoption. We already basically lived paycheck to paycheck, but now it's pretty much day to day. It's life. We've accepted it for this season. But, it's been difficult for sure.</i><br />
<br />
First, a group of ladies at my church who do a bible study together were praying about what kind of ministry project they could do together this spring, and ended up choosing to bless our family! They planned an Adoption Celebration and shared a list of needs for our upcoming trip with our family and friends.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4eLmKAvB-UKx7wh2EMzjfPPCU5LltoflPp4bswGxqO4j4FjuWHsk8UxduWJk566F23Wxm5H0OxVrUHMT_0Ab5QcLnWcxMn1NpXwoo2J86Z8SplIQUDBfvuDxvObCMnmAG8pLyR0tlTqr/s1600/celebration6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4eLmKAvB-UKx7wh2EMzjfPPCU5LltoflPp4bswGxqO4j4FjuWHsk8UxduWJk566F23Wxm5H0OxVrUHMT_0Ab5QcLnWcxMn1NpXwoo2J86Z8SplIQUDBfvuDxvObCMnmAG8pLyR0tlTqr/s1600/celebration6.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErt-dv0aut5JDg-ETF_8UKY_nKhvEUOWdW6HD3PUhKhoD-H7gmbnAgQSoArERUzFIIfPlWK10Riql_Tsd2i-l7qpvqVjxrjF-__2Zdsi_HnrFCPk6UNAmpa_VU87jMqbFy2SUF0kOthTi/s1600/celebration5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErt-dv0aut5JDg-ETF_8UKY_nKhvEUOWdW6HD3PUhKhoD-H7gmbnAgQSoArERUzFIIfPlWK10Riql_Tsd2i-l7qpvqVjxrjF-__2Zdsi_HnrFCPk6UNAmpa_VU87jMqbFy2SUF0kOthTi/s1600/celebration5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Visiting with family and friends</div>
<br />
The celebration was this past weekend and it was A-MAZ-ING! We had over 50 guests, fabulous home-cooked Chinese food, and we were blessed with many needed travel items, along with enough cash to get most of the rest of what we need!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-k-xLpaGmas7uwAcH96WyvlM0V_lA_efw6EdJOmZGXTMPbMUSAmen2B6qWzRlcHtXVyLkJ6Lt7YTE6KzDD6BM9-CfnCTTIL-86WEKDWKcDgrglwdNOiDTujSSi1iAlP1t2YboBBffG_SS/s1600/celebration4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-k-xLpaGmas7uwAcH96WyvlM0V_lA_efw6EdJOmZGXTMPbMUSAmen2B6qWzRlcHtXVyLkJ6Lt7YTE6KzDD6BM9-CfnCTTIL-86WEKDWKcDgrglwdNOiDTujSSi1iAlP1t2YboBBffG_SS/s1600/celebration4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFsnpq1DK4e1PM3oUxgO87rmj-e62SRQEeNiegS9JrKDnmaGNfhVXEpRD8RSTloPo3-IKdQH_3bUsgjkUHHbtASQavnq9mEuauaTWmDPbJ3Yb4YM3HDTIvBzjXgmIIW74LutY7oihzpwi/s1600/celebration2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFsnpq1DK4e1PM3oUxgO87rmj-e62SRQEeNiegS9JrKDnmaGNfhVXEpRD8RSTloPo3-IKdQH_3bUsgjkUHHbtASQavnq9mEuauaTWmDPbJ3Yb4YM3HDTIvBzjXgmIIW74LutY7oihzpwi/s1600/celebration2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We still have people contacting us saying that they weren't able to come, but still want to help. It was a fun celebration with like-minded friends and family, and I am very grateful this group of women blessed us like they did. I know how much time, energy and money went into this celebration! We are so thankful for them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9cRNuRVhFdWq0c_Ngvnz_Y_V_H9eaFCGc1InL9Bj7Z3Q_aiHxumEaXsdg6V8T4pVRbqtKj2yJROtvfLSodX7W7YxGz-zVmysCfSdj_rbY_RFlbLsv2FIV46O5_iBm3cnn9784ttGgUEG6/s1600/celebration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9cRNuRVhFdWq0c_Ngvnz_Y_V_H9eaFCGc1InL9Bj7Z3Q_aiHxumEaXsdg6V8T4pVRbqtKj2yJROtvfLSodX7W7YxGz-zVmysCfSdj_rbY_RFlbLsv2FIV46O5_iBm3cnn9784ttGgUEG6/s1600/celebration.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We asked guests to fill out 'good wishes' or prayers for Frannie and Finn.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My mother-in-law plans to make a 100 Good Wishes Quilt for each of them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqU9Ch-W8Rif_U5Cy782ju-E6FaE1_th7rupunzJSQclD9u9FXNWm97aXxULMDsz1knt54b053jyLsXy5up0OF2x7PgDHVM5PdftmqW4MoNlC7p6eY1gX5HJsSK2LFbgIVsfIC8q5D1Lw/s1600/celebration3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqU9Ch-W8Rif_U5Cy782ju-E6FaE1_th7rupunzJSQclD9u9FXNWm97aXxULMDsz1knt54b053jyLsXy5up0OF2x7PgDHVM5PdftmqW4MoNlC7p6eY1gX5HJsSK2LFbgIVsfIC8q5D1Lw/s1600/celebration3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Look at all the fabulous stuff we were blessed with!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Another story comes out of my last blog post <a href="http://mommykellogg.blogspot.com/2015/04/adoptivemomfailure.html" target="_blank">#AdoptiveMomFailure</a>. I had mentioned that I hadn't been able to buy my kids new sheets. Seems like a silly thing to be bothered by, but I remember buying a new Winnie the Pooh crib sheet for each of my new babies. It was a mini, unplanned tradition. Now, my kids each have one set of sheet from Grandmama from a few years ago, and <i>my</i> sheets from when I was little girl. This includes Lion King, Winnie the Pooh, Pocahontas, and yes..... 90210 sheets! Amusing, but after 20+ years they are quite tattered. Sheets are just low on the priority list after underwear, shoes and coats!<br />
<br />
Anyway, I had three different women contact me about sheets after my post! One was an adoptive family who had switched to bunks and had two sets of full sheets. We have two full/twin bunks and expect to co-sleep on them with Frannie and Finn! She had a girl set and boy set, pillow covers and quilts included! And guess what....the girls sets matches our entire girls room! Only God. She said she had been holding onto them wondering what she would do with them and decided she must have been hanging on to them for us! <br />
<br />
Another lady is a local mom of a number of little ones who had a few sets of twin sheets she was holding onto. She, too, thought we must be the reason she had hung onto the sheets so long. So, now we have nicer sheets to put on the kids' beds! Such a silly thing, but God cares, and it was neat how it all came together.<br />
<br />
Another cool story... I saw on Facebook that a church family was doing a garage sale She has a son a little older than Finton. I messaged her to see if she had any 3T/4T boys clothes in the sale so I could come by. She said she did but she happened to leave those boxes of clothes accidentally at home. What are the chances? She generously gifted us those clothes stating she must have left them behind for a reason. We are really short on 3T stuff and the clothes were perfect! Just a few months ago another church family had gifted us with a ton of 4T clothes, too! God has taken care of us even in all these little details!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Phil-4-19" id="en-NIV-29462"><i><span style="color: #38761d;">And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. </span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Phil-4-19" id="en-NIV-29462"><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Philippines 4:19</span></i></span></div>
<br />
I seriously could keep typing all night! <br />
<br />
I'll end with one more story.<br />
<br />
One of my daughter's best friends dances with her weekly. The dance program is a good 30 minute drive away, and since I had two girls in class on two different days, this friend's mom offered to take my daughter weekly to save me gas money. She did this for about half the year and then her job changed, and I started taking her girls to dance every other week for her. It's rehearsal week and we are tag-teaming taking the girls almost every day. Tonight she gave me a little note to thank me for taking her girls to and from dance. She also gifted us with a gas card. She had no idea that this week we had planned out our meals, spent the rest of our money and truly didn't have enough gas to drive to and from dance this week. But, God did. Such a small, small detail in our every day lives. But, He knew and He cared and He provided.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">John 14:1</span></i></div>
<br />
I <i>know </i>He's trying to teach me. Teach me to let go. Trust. Give it all to Him. Lay my burdens down. The enemy knows my weaknesses and He's putting up a good battle in my heart. I am so stressed over finding Miracle nursing care and figuring out this last $12,000. I honestly can say I haven't let it all go yet. I am trying to balance trusting God while still doing my part. And I'm walking all over His toes in the process. But, I'm trying.<br />
<br />
Funny thing is, in the midst of this nursing chase, Miracle's bouts of seizures, fundraising and travel plans that are all stressing me out, we've been contacted by three different grant agencies. We were awarded a $2000 grant already, had an interview for a $4000 matching grant today and have an interview scheduled for a $3000 grant on Monday!<br />
<br />
God is just reminding me over and over that He has gone before me. He has this taken care of. He knew our deadlines for funds before we did. He knew our nurse's schedule before they did. It's so hard to let go in my humanity. But when I think of how big He is, I feel so silly for holding on so tightly. I'm trying, I really am.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<sup class="versenum"> </sup><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>1 John 4:4</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;">Thank you for your continued prayers for our family! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;">They are so appreciated and needed at this time. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span>
Mommy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970863651571623082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181450402630174309.post-37219980552216370022015-04-13T22:45:00.000-07:002015-04-14T05:36:31.582-07:00#AdoptiveMomFailureI feel like I live out this hashtag daily. Seriously. No joke.<br />
<br />
I'm going to be very vulnerable in this post. <br />
<br />
I had so many ideas on how glorious adopting would be. The ideas have definitely changed over the course of our 10 year journey. I always thought we would work in a group home or do foster care for years. That our kids would just become one of us before it was ever 'official.' I never imagined I'd be looking to beautiful Asian eyes or traveling half way around the world. But, all those are exciting differences and welcomed changes!<br />
<br />
It's the others I wasn't prepared for.<br />
<br />
I thought the months leading up to our adoption our family would be so close knit. The kids are super excited and we talk often about how life will be different soon. But, my kids are going through a mean streak right now. Between arguing with each other, being lazy about chores and mama's extra stress...let's just say this isn't the heavenly realm I had envisioned our new kids would be walking into. I am so thankful Mr. Prince and I have been close and in tune through this last year, though. I might have had a mental break down by now if we hadn't! And we are tackling the attitudes with our kids and praying things will turn around here soon.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(The Empowered to Connect Adoption Conference we just attended this past weekend gave us so much to work on. And we've <i>already </i>seen changes in our kids in just 3 DAYS! Praising God for that!) </span><br />
<br />
I started a bible study in the summer and I still have yet to really pick it up again. I thought I would be seeking and growing so much through all this, but it just looks so different than I had imagined. My closest moments with Christ right now are the secret tears I shed every few hours as I think about and pray for my kids across the world, see a beautiful Asian child, watch my kids fighting, look at my to-do list, worship in the car or reflect on this journey. I feel like an emotional basket-case. And I spend my days thanking God for his provisions, begging him for mercy during our transition and constantly giving this journey back to him. Because, truthfully, I want to control it. And I know I can't. But, I still catch myself trying. I feel like a child asking over and over again for a puppy from mom and dad. And I feel him every.single.day reminding me that He's here and He has gone before me. He is my comforter more than anything these days. My friends might be worried about me if I shared all my thoughts with them daily! So glad God is there for my in my secret moments. My faith and trust have been deepened even more through this journey. I may not be doing some in-depth study, but I'm growing more than ever before in much more life altering ways!<br />
<br />
I also had all these great ideas for handmaking a backpack for Frannie (fabric already purchased), crocheting a nesting bowl set for Finn (yarn purchased), making fun t-shirts that say big brother/sister and little brother/sister in Mandarin, and making cloth books of our family to send to both kids. None of these projects are even started and there is <i>no way</i> they will be completed. I also wanted to paint my living room and put up some collages of the kids, include Frannie and Finn. Ugh. I did make some cloth fortune cookie ornaments for family with their title (aunt, uncle, grandma, etc) on the 'fortune' for Christmas this last year, BUT...I got the flu and never even finished the ones for the kids or me! I just has all these things I wanted to DO. And since I'm drowning in bills, paperwork, flight schedules, homeschool, grading and fundraising.....it's just not gonna get done.<br />
<br />
I had actually planned to induce lactation for my kids to give them breastmilk (not nurse them). It's really important to me that they get something I wasn't able to provide them as infants, and I think it will help with immunity, gut health and the transition into a new country with new foods. With less than two months left and already feeling too busy, I can't add pumping 6x a day into my schedule. (I didn't originally include this in my blog post, but I know that others need to hear this as well.) This has been a very emotional decision for me. I am thankful that a few people have offered to donate some breastmilk this summer so I can still offer them an awesome immunity boost. But, this was a <i>huge </i>let down for me.<br />
<br />
I thought I could afford new sheets for the kids.....I can't.<br />
<br />
I thought we would be done fundraising by now.....we aren't.<br />
<br />
I thought the wait would be easier considering I've already been 'waiting' for years.....it's harder.<br />
<br />
I thought I would be so organized with all this crazy paperwork.....I'm not.<br />
<br />
I thought we would finish homeschool early.....we won't. We may not even finish all I had planned...<br />
<br />
This journey looks so different from what I had imagined. And all the details I'm stressing over now will be forgotten in 3 months time. But, that doesn't mean they don't weigh on me now.<br />
<br />
Adoption is hard. And I haven't even DONE it yet!!<br />
<br />
I told my little brother-in-law the other night to just consider me 7 months pregnant, because that's how I feel. Uncomfortable, about ready to burst with emotions at any moment, stressed, nesting, planning, preparing... Watch out!<br />
<br />
Not sure I had anything really <i>important </i>to share. I know those other adoptive families out there will get where I'm coming from!<br />
<br />
Please continue to pray for us. Pray for the funds to come in, for our children's attitudes to continue to change for the better, for traveling to China, for Frannie and Finn's transition. We really appreciate the prayers, thoughts, encouragement and scripture that has come in over the last few months!<br />
<br />
I could meet my babies in less than 60 days. It's surreal!! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Mommy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970863651571623082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181450402630174309.post-72142148151698529832015-04-03T21:58:00.001-07:002015-04-04T05:14:52.441-07:00The Process Continues...and things are about to get REAL, people!!So, here we are at another huge step!<br />
<br />
We just got our official MATCHED paperwork (LOSC/LOA) from China and we just submitted some paperwork (i800) to immigration (USCIS) for permission to bring home Frannie and Finn.<br />
<br />
The process moves quickly from here!!<br />
<br />
1. i800 Approval will come around 4/20 and we will get it by snail mail<br />
<br />
2. We will receive a GUZ number a week later (4/27) which just means our case has been assigned to Guangzhou, China<br />
<br />
3. With this number we can contact the National Visa Center and request a PDF showing that our file has been forwarded to the Embassy in Guangzhou around 4/28 or 4/29<br />
<br />
4. My agency will then send the PDF to their in country staff. This allows
them to drop off our offical documents at the US Consulate and our Art 5 process begins.<br />
<br />
5. The Art 5 process always takes 10 business days, so drop off would be on 5/4 and pick up on 5/18 ideally.<br />
<br />
6. Once our Art 5 is picked up, our paperwork is sent to the China Center for Children's Welfare and Adoption (CCCWA) in Beijing and our Travel Approval (TA) wait begins! This wait is currently around 7-14 days, average being 10-11. So, we are hoping to receive it on May 27th or 28th at the latest.<br />
<br />
7. Our travel dates will be either June 4th-27th or June 25th-July 16th. Finton's turns THREE on June 19th, so I would love to make it there while he's still two! But, there is a slim chance that will happen. The Dragon Boat Festival is the week of the 22nd, so that's right in the middle of our original travel plans. They will not allow you to meet your children that week, so we have to get our kids either before that week or after. I'm going to do my best to get there as soon as I can, and ultimately leave the timing up to God. He knows what's best for everyone.<br />
<br />
<br />
And all this mumbo-jumbo means is....I'm going to meet my babies in 64-85 DAYS!!!! <br />
<br />
<br />
We still have around $10,000-12,000 to raise. We are still waiting for our grant applications to be processed, but many of those we may not hear about until June!<br />
<br />
Soooo.... I'm going to start begging. :)<br />
<br />
We still have 66 pieces of our puzzle to be sponsored. So far we have 33 pieces sponsored for a total of $776! This is awesome! But if the 66 pieces left were to be sponsored, it would raise us $4274 MORE!<br />
<br />
We are going to double frame this puzzle for Frannie and Finn. On one side they will search for many traditional Chinese items for fun, and on the other will be a list of names of sponsors who helped us get them home! It will be such an awesome keepsake!<br />
<br />
We need help and we are nearing the end of this part of our journey. A journey that has brought me to my knees more times than I can count. I am in such a vulnerable position asking others to help us adopt, but I know that I know that I know that I <i>know </i>this is God's Will for these kids and our family. So, I hope our friends and family see this as helping <i>God's</i> plans and not just our own agenda. I will be forever grateful for all those who have helped us thus far, and all those I know will step up to help us reach the finish line! THANK YOU!!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiejGE672fvrzLmDloN3nLwuMEBSgpPJ_Dg_ZHY4c23EgiAkbf77FqVb9FVe88DCWcFr6t3rqo0tyZZIF0wCu_8owduvBrM0RPFLcINMEg_EittFmsrxUURw0q78x6zxL6GadUgtjMQUR/s1600/puzzle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiejGE672fvrzLmDloN3nLwuMEBSgpPJ_Dg_ZHY4c23EgiAkbf77FqVb9FVe88DCWcFr6t3rqo0tyZZIF0wCu_8owduvBrM0RPFLcINMEg_EittFmsrxUURw0q78x6zxL6GadUgtjMQUR/s1600/puzzle.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Pieces range from #1 to #100 and pieces already sponsored are #1-21, 24, 25, 27, 28, 30, 33, 35, 40, 42, 50, 60, 76 and 100. Payments can be made to mommykellogg@hotmail.com or a tax-deductible donation can be made <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/81198/sponsorkellogg" target="_blank">HERE (sending a check avoids the 3% fee)</a>. Please comment or message me on Facebook to let me know you have donated!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Thank you for following our journey!!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span data-reactid=".130.1:3:1:$comment442068512616820_442082089282129:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-reactid=".130.1:3:1:$comment442068512616820_442082089282129:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.0"></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".130.1:3:1:$comment442068512616820_442082089282129:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".130.1:3:1:$comment442068512616820_442082089282129:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".130.1:3:1:$comment442068512616820_442082089282129:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".130.1:3:1:$comment442068512616820_442082089282129:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".130.1:3:1:$comment442068512616820_442082089282129:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$18:0"></span></span></span></span></span></span>Mommy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970863651571623082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181450402630174309.post-79810438595580365912015-03-31T22:43:00.001-07:002015-03-31T22:43:47.913-07:00How to Raise $44,000 in 10 MonthsI'm excited to get this post down and just stare at God's faithfulness!<br />
<br />
This has been an amazing year of watching God so intimately involved in our lives, down to the smallest details. It's been a year of faith testing and a bold year for my personal walk with God. See, if you don't know our story, you should go back and read <a href="http://mommykellogg.blogspot.com/2014/06/announcement.html" target="_blank">THIS</a> post. It's been a long journey. 10 years from its very beginning. And we are here...almost ready to bring home two beautiful children. It's way beyond the dreams we built 10 years ago!<br />
<br />
We never expected to have to raise money for an adoption. We planned to adopt through the foster care system, which is virtually free. Well, God had other plans. And when he started leading us toward China last spring, we were both pretty overwhelmed. Mr. Prince makes less than $50,000/year teaching. An adoption from China is around $35,000. We stepped out in faith when we sent our Letter of Intent for Frannie in May...and when we received our PreApproval, we both had a peace. We knew God would take care of the finances. But, that didn't mean we had any clue how!<br />
<br />
Prior to starting our homestudy, we had a little money set aside....<br />
$2500 saved from our tax refund<br />
$4500 collected from an accident settlement<br />
--------TOTAL: $7000<br />
<br />
While we were waiting for our PreApproval, we did a huge garage sale that many of our friends and neighbors donated to. It was very successful, so we did it again in September at a friend's house. We raised $2400 between the two sales! Once we received PreApproval, we were told we would get the $5025 that Reece's Rainbow had raised for <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/69202/yulia" target="_blank">Frannie</a>'s adoption! Our adoption agency also had a $2000 grant for Frannie!<br />
<br />
$2400 Garage sales<br />
$5025 Reece's Rainbow<br />
$2000 Adoption Agency<br />
--------TOTAL $16,425<br />
<br />
We had HALF of our adoption expenses laid out within a few months of our PreApproval!<br />
<br />
Our homestudy took much longer than expected, but God had a plan. You can read more about why that was delayed <a href="http://mommykellogg.blogspot.com/2014/10/and-then-there-wereseven.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
I tried hard to organize a dinner auction last fall, but it was very stressful and I had little help. Between midwifery school, paperwork and planning this auction, it was easily the most stressful time of my life. I was starting to get sick, my hormones were all over the place and I just needed a break. I quit midwifery school and put aside the dinner/auction for a few months. October and November were pretty quite and I was grappling for fundraising ideas with no luck.<br />
<br />
We decided this would be the perfect time to add another child to our adoption! :) Our estimated expenses went from raising $35,000 to $50,000+. Thankfully God made it very clear this was <i>His</i> plan, or our humanity might have talked ourselves out of it! <br />
<br />
Mr. Prince got a $1700 bonus from work in November we put toward the adoption.<br />
<br />
In early December I remember we had purchased an extra Ivy Asian American Girl Doll when she was being discontinued last summer to be used for a fundraiser. So, we launched a give-away for Christmas. Two little girls had a wonderful surprise on Christmas morning and we had raised another $420 for our adoption!<br />
<br />
We launched a puzzle fundraiser in December as well, but only a few close friends purchased pieces. We quickly raised $500, but knowing the puzzle could potentially raise us $5050, it was slightly disappointing. <br />
<br />
On Christmas Eve we were contacted by a family who had found our family profile on Reece's Rainbow, an advocacy site for children with special needs (LINK <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/81198/sponsorkellogg" target="_blank">HERE</a>). Their children had chosen <i>our </i>family to receive the money they raised all year long for an orphan on Reece's Rainbow! They donated $1000 on Christmas Day!!<br />
<br />
A few days later, a church family contacted us and donated $1260 from their family business profits. It was a very overwhelming week with the holidays!! <br />
<br />
$1700 Work Bonus<br />
$420 American Girl Doll give-away<br />
$500 Puzzle Fundraiser<br />
$1000 Reece's Rainbow donation<br />
$1260 Church family donation<br />
--------TOTAL $21,305 <br />
<br />
After a few more people donated to our auction I had put off, I realized in January that we had winter items that really needed to be auctioned soon, or no one would want them. I still didn't have the help I needed to plan a big dinner/auction, so I hesitantly launched an online auction and planned to have it running for 20 days. We had about 20 items, mostly coupons and a few handmade items, but I didn't expect a lot of profit from it.<br />
<br />
Well, in that 20 days I collected over 80 more donations!! It was a crazy 20 days of living on Facebook (my poor kids), but that auction raised us over $4000! It was the most amazing experience having that many people, most of whom didn't know us, be so generous. We raised another $400 for our puzzle during that auction, as well. <br />
<br />
$4400 Online Auction<br />
$400 Puzzle Fundraiser <br />
--------TOTAL $26,105<br />
<br />
8 months after we started this process, we had raised HALF the funds to bring home two children from China! It was quite shocking when we talked about it. And we had such a peace that God was going to take care of the rest at this point.<br />
<br />
It was February, so when we did our taxes we allotted some money from our tax refund for the adoption: $6900.<br />
<br />
I had found these amazing kantha quilts from India and sold those in our auction. There was more interest in them, so I ordered more and we made an additional $350 from those.<br />
<br />
I also did another give-away for a Keurig and Kantha quilt and made another $220.<br />
<br />
$6900 Taxes<br />
$220 Keurig/Kantha quilt give-aways<br />
$350 Kantha quilts<br />
--------TOTAL $33,375<br />
<br />
In March, a college friend and fellow church member donated $2000 to us. It was the largest, most generous gift we have been given and it came from the most unlikely source. It was such a blessing to us.<br />
<br />
Mr. Prince got an accident settlement in the amount of $750. I promise neither of these accidents were <i>our </i>fault! LOL! But, God turns the bad into good, right? ;)<br />
<br />
We got a deposit back from a therapy company of $1000 in March, as well.<br />
<br />
I had been babysitting full time during the day and in the evenings for many families since December. I even babysat for 8 kids on Valentine's Day! All my babysitting so far has earned us around $3000.<br />
<br />
I've also had 8 doula clients since last June, with two more due in May, and that has raised us $3300. <br />
<br />
A co-worker of Mr. Prince also has been running an ongoing Thirty One fundraiser for us for a number of months now. Any orders that come in on behalf of us, she gives her percentage to us. We have raise $525 from that and $100 from a Mary Kay fundraiser, too.<br />
<br />
$2000 College friend<br />
$750 Accident settlement<br />
$1000 Deposit refund <br />
$3000 Babysitting<br />
$3300 Doula clients<br />
$525 Thirty One<br />
$100 Mary Kay <br />
--------TOTAL $44,050<br />
<br />
Now, I've found out recently that we need to budget more for flights in June and July, so $56,000 is a more reasonable estimation.<br />
<br />
BUT....we have somewhere between $10,000 and $12,000 left to raise! And almost half of the amount was raised in just a few months!<br />
<br />
Isn't God so amazing?! He has helped us RAISE almost as much as what my husband earns in a year!<br />
<br />
We also recently applied for 14 grants. I am secretly hoping the rest of the funds come in these grants because frankly, I'm exhausted. And I don't like asking people for money, even if it is for a good cause. Will you pray with us? We should hear back from all of them by the end of June.<br />
<br />
We do have lots of puzzle pieces still left, too! So, if those are all sponsored, we would have an additional $4100! Please contact me if you are interested in sponsoring a puzzle piece!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DY4NbdD8O0BSO8iRUfXMMCeMPkLQRn7yIZcoKVeJH5ov3YoXUkApwSFj3sZr60os81q8D9-zuzakAAvnTdIK5CWss0lD5EBXGn6Ijx6z8VTOc70iyxfAZonD88qSUIIL0hNSbFgN-J15/s1600/puzzle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DY4NbdD8O0BSO8iRUfXMMCeMPkLQRn7yIZcoKVeJH5ov3YoXUkApwSFj3sZr60os81q8D9-zuzakAAvnTdIK5CWss0lD5EBXGn6Ijx6z8VTOc70iyxfAZonD88qSUIIL0hNSbFgN-J15/s1600/puzzle.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Pieces range from #1-100 and pieces already sponsored are #1-21, 24, 27, 28, 30, 33, 35, 40, 42, 50, 60, 76 &100)</span></div>
<br />
So, there ya go. How to raise $44,000 in 10 months!<br />
<br />
<i>(Tip: Do not attempt to do this alone. God's involvement is the key to your success!)</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Mommy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970863651571623082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181450402630174309.post-88294968561384184032015-03-31T20:17:00.001-07:002015-03-31T20:56:53.115-07:00Updates, Updates, here they come!!So, I've been advised to update my blog often for the benefit of those following our story. It's really hard to find time right now, but I'm going to do my best! I really enjoy blogging and look forward to sharing it with our children when they are older, too.<br />
<br />
So, I'll be updating on our adoption process, financial status and the preparations for our children.<br />
<br />
We are coming around the last bend of the process now! We submitted our Letter of Intent (LOI) to adopt Frannie Joy in late May 2014 and received PreApproval (PA) 6.19.14 to adopt her and PA to adopt Finton 10.23.14. We will likely be in China exactly a year after PA!<br />
<br />
It's been a whirlwind of a year, yet still seemed like a looooong year. To have children half a world away from you is just... emotional. I love these children I only have a handful of photos and 30 second video clips of. Yet, I really have no idea how they act on a regular basis, what their interests are, how they will react to our family or... anything. It's an odd place to be right now, but my focus is so much on paperwork and packing...it's hard to even focus on some of the emotional part. It just sneaks up on you when you see an Asian mom kissing her toddler.... or a little girl with Down Syndrome... or a 2 year old little boy playing with a ball. Then, it rips your heart out. And all you can do it pull up a photo or video and... wait a little longer. Sigh.<br />
<br />
We will be getting our official Letter of Approval (Letter Seeking Confirmation/LOSC/LOA) in the next day or so. That is basically a letter from China that is officially MATCHING us with Frannie and Finn. They PreApproved us before, but now that we have proven who we are and they have accepted our dossier, they are officially matching us. It's one of the most exciting steps in the process!! We had been specifically praying since December that we would receive this letter BY April 1st so that we could travel in June. I had also planned to have our dossier to China in late December, but that didn't happen until late January. It was a long shot to still get LOA by April 1st, BUT...God!<br />
<br />
We should receive our LOA in the mail <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">tomorrow</span></span>, April 1st!!!<br />
<br />
So now the process gets a little confusing and overwhelming for me from here on out. There are lots of steps every 2 weeks or so until travel. Travel plans are entirely up to me, so I have lots to research. I hope to book flights soon because travel in China is super expensive in June/July due to the Dragon Boat Festival and summer. My mom is going with me and thankfully her schedule is flexible. Mr. Prince will stay home with the other 5 kiddos. I'm thankful I have many adoptive friends on Facebook and tons of China Adoption groups, but the information is still overwhelming to process, honestly.<br />
<br />
But, it looks like right now my travel options are June 4th-26th or June 25th-July 17th. We are trying to decide if me coming home while Mr. Prince and 3 of 5 kids are at summer school for 2.5 weeks is better or worse than me coming home the day after summer school is over. I'm a little concerned the two littles might be overwhelmed with all the kids home, all the time, from the day they come home. But, I also don't want Mr. Prince to work for so many weeks before he's off for the summer. I think my older 4 kids will have a very hard time allowing us to cocoon them, so maybe it's best they are at school for a few weeks...? I just don't know yet. We homeschool all year, so summer school is only a summer thing for us. But, it might be a good tool to use as a buffer to help the kids bond to me as Mom first. Still thinking on this...<br />
<br />
I think I'll post another blog about our finances and preparations later this week.....<br />
<br />
I'll leave you with photos of my babies.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrcb25jd2LEFh0bVmIAVYhRXs2jvpWfAkH5QcOO98W5yyeEjHgnsBxbj8rfoeNOQ7UZr0h6Xtg6TlxmWj832Ufg3z8731Jh3289eYOPtLlr91gvL-N2omv3rtgyhyK4NHZy3u0Qj14eG4/s1600/Frannie+and+Finn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrcb25jd2LEFh0bVmIAVYhRXs2jvpWfAkH5QcOO98W5yyeEjHgnsBxbj8rfoeNOQ7UZr0h6Xtg6TlxmWj832Ufg3z8731Jh3289eYOPtLlr91gvL-N2omv3rtgyhyK4NHZy3u0Qj14eG4/s1600/Frannie+and+Finn.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>Check out our Adoption Timeline on the right side of our page and read more about our family! </i><br />
<br />
<i>You can also donate to our adoption by using the donate tab at the top of the blog!</i><br />
<br />
<i>Many Blessings!! </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Mommy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970863651571623082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181450402630174309.post-57437510753123452682014-10-30T16:04:00.002-07:002014-11-02T18:29:08.691-08:00We Need YOU!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><i>In everything I did, I showed you
that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the
words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to
receive.' </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: purple;">Acts 20:35</span> </i></div>
<br />
I know everybody is asked to donate towards a ton of fundraisers each year, so I personally am being challenged by being in the position to ask people for money. I seriously hate it.<br />
<br />
BUT....<br />
<br />
Here we are. We are bringing home two gorgeous children from China next summer and need to raise around what my husband makes in a year. It's slightly overwhelming, but we are sure this is God's plan for these children to be a part of our family. And because of that, I'm asking YOU to help.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Frannie and Finn </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQ-aWd3wsJG4e-2iCaWf07RO96JH6Qu3I4-DKJH8hOQGWqcPpn79eeuS7qOrjqecFICpP5pbm3qBR3ypIRdG5YWN4Pb79B9kYsOGwdHGkvK6201adSUgXaHPhx2D_kdp7IYXLHe_JxrBF/s1600/Frannie+and+Finn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQ-aWd3wsJG4e-2iCaWf07RO96JH6Qu3I4-DKJH8hOQGWqcPpn79eeuS7qOrjqecFICpP5pbm3qBR3ypIRdG5YWN4Pb79B9kYsOGwdHGkvK6201adSUgXaHPhx2D_kdp7IYXLHe_JxrBF/s1600/Frannie+and+Finn.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>
</i><br />
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><i>Religion that God our Father
accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows
in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.</i></span></div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><i>James 1:27</i></span></div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: left;">
The neat thing about this fundraiser, is it allows everyone to give what they are able. $1? Great! That's one less dollar I have to ask for! $2? You just sacrificed your evening Pepsi for an orphan! $5 is a Starbucks coffee sacrificed. $20 for our family would be eating PBJ for dinner instead of Little Caesars. Others are able to give $50+ because they have the extra income or God's tugging on their heart.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: left;">
Regardless, ANYTHING helps. Seriously. I've said this before, but if every one of our Facebook friends gave even just $1, we would have over $1000 and no one would be out more than $1!</div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: left;">
The reason why I've launched this Puzzle Fundraiser is to help us get our dossier paperwork to China (there is a large fee to send it) and to give my biological children something to do and look forward to. </div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: center;">
If 100 people would sponsor each puzzle piece, we would have $5000!</div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeDuNrqqSmw_O5C7suXyX0qu4y_6s4xG6Vh_E-8lYY2gYZZvaiCQHb_pobgQnb2qS92W-6pVNmUmAGa1zJydxv8ZeuHA45ddBBF7SK4uYelg1_HtTVqvNqnWCdPmqxhyWi23ogVjzo2wm/s1600/puzzle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeDuNrqqSmw_O5C7suXyX0qu4y_6s4xG6Vh_E-8lYY2gYZZvaiCQHb_pobgQnb2qS92W-6pVNmUmAGa1zJydxv8ZeuHA45ddBBF7SK4uYelg1_HtTVqvNqnWCdPmqxhyWi23ogVjzo2wm/s1600/puzzle.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: left;">
We have puzzle pieces labeled between $1 and $100. If you sponsor a piece, your name gets written on the back of the puzzle and you donate that amount toward our adoption (PayPal button at the top of the blog or tax deductible donations can be done at <a href="http://atwakids.org/">http://atwakids.org/</a>. Just be sure to tell them it's for the Kelloggs!). The few who have donated so far named a part of the puzzle, and we told them the dollar amount because each piece is already labeled. You can donate with a friend or group as well!<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: left;">
We plan to frame this for Frannie and Finn, and it will be a special reminder of the many, many people who have helped them come home!<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: left;">
Of course, you can donate any amount...this is just for fun! </div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
I know there is a general thought out there that "If you can't pay for an adoption, you shouldn't be adopting." Well, it's a lot different caring for and affording children on a day to day basis. But, coming up with an extra $45,000-50,000 in a year is hard for <u>anyone</u> to do. Even those families who make twice what we do, are doing fundraisers for their adoption because they <u>live</u> on their income. We have made several adjustments to our income to save money, like getting rid of cable and our house phone to name a few. As a family of 7 living on one income, we already live pretty frugally.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: left;">
Then, there's God. And since He told us to do this <i>knowing </i>what income we have, we are trusting Him to move hearts to support two orphans to find a forever family.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: left;">
And you'll be happy to know, even on our modest income, we ourselves have around $22,500 (including a $7000 grant) to put toward this adoption already! That was ALL God.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: left;">
We thank everyone who steps forward to help us bring our babies home. And everyone who continues to pray for this process. And everyone who has supported our family this far. We have an amazing group of friends and church family!<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: left;">
And because we don't want to continue to ask the same people, please share this blog to <i>your </i>friends and family! We know there are so many others out there who would love to donate toward orphan adoption. And we will have more fundraisers coming!<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: left;">
Just post a comment below or email me at mommykellogg@hotmail.com to tell me what piece you want to sponsor! </div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: center;">
Thank you!</div>
<div class="ResultText">
<br />
<div class="ResultText">
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youcaring.com/frannieandfinn">http://atwakids.org/</a></div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="ResultText">
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: purple;">A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. </span></i></div>
<div class="ResultText" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: purple;">Psalm 68:5</span></i></div>
<div class="ResultText">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Mommy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970863651571623082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181450402630174309.post-74029787659187413182014-10-24T08:57:00.000-07:002014-11-02T18:30:58.119-08:00And then there were....SEVEN?<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Kids, that is! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Let me explain... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I probably will make little sense considering my emotional state right now...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But, I can't stay quiet about God's faithfulness in leading us!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">If you want the short version...we just got the approval to adopt a second child from China! If you don't already know, we had previously been approved to adopt a 4 year old little girl from China. Now we are adopting both her and a 2 year old little boy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">If you want the very looooooong version.....keep reading. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Let me start back on September 6th. I was scrolling through some China Adoption sites on Facebook and came across a photo. Generally, I love just looking at these sites, praying for these kids and watching their parents step forward one by one. This little boy's eyes just drew me in. I was actually confused because he was in a pink coat, yet the name read TEDDY. Come to find out, an adoption advocate was looking for him, but thought he might be locked with a family interested in him at the time. Apparently a few families has asked the agency that had his file a few weeks before to release it, but no one could find him since then. I asked my agency to look for him on the shared waiting child list, but they had no luck. They said they would keep their eyes out. The little boy had just turned two and had albinism. Besides the color of his skin, he was a typical toddler! We probably didn't have enough identifying information to search for him effectively. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Fast forward a week and I'm doing an Adoption Fundraising Garage sale at the home of some very generous friends of ours. An older couple just about fell over when they saw my posters about Frannie, the little girl we have already been match with, being from Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. Their son-in-law grew up there for 7 years and his grandparents still lived there. They were so excited to share their daughter and son-in-law's contact information with us. The next day their daughter came by to meet me! She was so incredibly sweet! They had a 4 year old boy born in <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt;">Taiyuan City, lived there for 4 years, visited Hohhot many times and were also in the process of adopting from China! She offered to translate paperwork or videos any time we needed it during the process. She was so encouraging and too kind.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt;">Fast forward another week. On September 19th I get a message from my agency contact that they found TEDDY and we would have 72 hours to decided if we wanted to ask China to adopt him. Someone had posted they saw him on the shared list and my agency responded right away to get the information needed! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt;">Whoa. Heavy. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt;">I had asked for his file, but I really wasn't prepared to actually have the option to move forward with him. I was a little shocked, yet excited. Though, my initial instinct was that Mr. Prince would say no and I've just wasted my agency's time.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt;">I looked up a ton of information about albinism, added myself to Facebook pages for parents of children with albinism, emailed a few parents and learned all I could before Mr. Prince got home. We talked a lot throughout the night about fees, adjustments, finances, etc. It was after 11PM when an adoption friend of mine was messaging me who is adopting two children from China. She had named her kids Eden and Ezra and were were talking about their special needs. I love both those names and thought the matching 'E' is sweet. All of a sudden "Frannie and Finn" popped into my head. Finn, or Finton, was the name we would have named Miracle, our 5 year old, had she been a boy. While Paul and I talked, I looked up the name meaning for kicks... and stopped in my tracks.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt;">Finton: Irish meaning </span>"fair-haired” or could mean “white fire"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I just laughed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And then I looked at Mr. Prince in shock. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Then I covered my mouth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Then I asked him if he <i>wanted </i>to know what I just read. He said yes, hesitantly... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But, a smile grew across his face, too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Of course I'm battling the "Is this a sign from God" thought. I kept wondering HOW we would know in 72 hours whether or not to move forward with this little boy. Was this it? If not, it was kinda freaky!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We actually sent TEDDY's file to the Chinese couple who offered to translate videos and paperwork that night. We knew they may not be available, but it was worth a shot! We were curious what these nannies were saying to him in the video and how he was responding. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I asked many friends to pray the next day. A couple who had adopted two siblings from another country dropped off some bunk beds for us that morning. Who better to pray for us than someone who has been in this exact situation, right? They were happy to pray for us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Then I ran into another lady picking my kids up from a program for kids with siblings with special needs. We had met these two Chinese girls at a park earlier in the summer. My kids got along well with them and wanted me to meet their dad. I gave him my number for his wife to call me. She did mid-summer, but I was so busy I forgot to return her call! Oops! Well, one of her daughters was at the program and Angelica Pickles, my 8 year old, had given her daughter my number again! We chatted for a while and I asked her to pray for us as well. She had adopted an infant 10 years ago and a 7 year old two years ago from China. She was very happy to pray for us and asked for me to keep in touch. Very cool.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I also talked to my mother-in-law that afternoon. See, my mother-in-law had 4 siblings with albinism. They had a rare recessive condition called Chediak-Higashi Syndrome, which included partial albinism and immune suppression. They all died young, by the age of 8, from infections. She told me they all wore glasses and they used a petroleum-like salve to protect their skin 50+ years ago. One had photophobia, another shook his head to focus. It was neat to hear more about her experiences with her siblings. Part of the reason I felt an immediate connection to this little boy was because albinism was in Mr. Prince's family.</span><!--3--><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Later, I got a voice message from the Chinese couple that they had reviewed the files and were excited to share with us what they heard. In fact, TEDDY was in the exact city their son was born and the city they lived in for 4 years in China! What are the chances the <b>two </b>cities they were familiar with were the <b>two </b>cities the two Chinese children we had chosen were from?! She called me and told me TEDDY seemed to follow his nanny's commands well, had good fine motor skills and didn't seem to have some of the typical orphanage behaviors. The paperwork didn't have anything hidden in the Chinese that wasn't in the English. They said there is a fast train between the two kids' provinces, therefore a cheaper mode of transportation if we ended up adopting them both. She even said she had <i>seen </i>TEDDY on an advocacy site and thought he was adorable and prayed for his family! She asked to pray with us right on the phone and prayed for clear confirmation or walls so that only God's Will would stand firm. My heart was full when we got off the phone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I had been talking to Mr. Prince through percentages all along: 0% means not submitting paperwork, 100% means submitting paperwork to try to adopt TEDDY. I was pretty much 100% by midday, but I was set that Mr. Prince had to be on board as well. I wasn't gonna steer this boat alone! He had been a 55% the night before. It wasn't long after our phone conversation with this couple that he told me he wanted to submit our Letter of Intent for TEDDY!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Then, I got another email from the Chinese couple that night. TEDDY's Chinese name pronunciation and meaning! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Get this... His name means 'Healthy' and 'Exceptional or Unique'!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I LOVE it!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Well, Happy 33rd Birthday to ME.... the next day we submitted our Letter of Intent on September 21st! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">On my birthday at church, God truly blessed me. It was a baptismal service. I love spending an entire morning singing praise as we watch people profess their love for God and acceptance of Christ's sacrifice! But today, I watched two little girls who were adopted internationally when they were toddlers, along with their older brothers, be baptized together. Oh, my heart! The gravity of the opportunity to bring home a child (or children) and teach them about the love of Jesus that they may not have had to opportunity to learn about in their home country, was heavy on my heart. And honestly, I just cried. Not only did those girls get baptized, but another little girl my daughter's age, who is the grandchild of a domestic adoptive family, was baptized that day as well. The generations that are affected by one couple's willingness to bring in an orphan just broke my heart that day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We have been called to something much greater than just providing shelter or even love to an orphan. We have been given the opportunity to lead these children to a Savior and eternal life!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">There is <i>nothing </i>more important in this world.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We have been called. And we have said YES to that calling. That doesn't make us saints. In fact, sometimes I think God is crazy for choosing us. But, if He calls us, I believe He will equip us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I talked with a number of families who had adopted or birthed children with albinism over the next few days. They had nothing but encouragement for us! Their children all seemed to be doing great with very few adaptions for every day life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We were peaceful and expectant. In my heart I could truly say that I was willing to accept, with gratefulness, both a <i>yes </i>and a <i>no</i>. Obviously a <i>yes </i>would be the step we needed to bring this little boy home, and God would just need to have our paperwork accepted and provide the extra adoption funds. A <i>no </i>would tell us that this was not the child for us, possibly that we aren't supposed to adopt another child from China (right now). But, above all, I would know early in the process that I was just bringing home one child so I could let that hope go in my own heart. As long as there was a possibility, I wasn't going to stop looking and praying for that second child. My heart had been, for a long time, to adopt a boy/girl sibling group through foster care. So, the prospect of bringing home two from China was so exciting to me. But, ultimately, no matter my heart and desires, I wanted God's Will for our family. I have no desire to bring home a child not intended for our family and try to raise him on my own strength. So, I was happy to allow God to make this final decision.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The evening of my birthday I asked Mr. Prince how he was feeling about our decision and his only reply was "100%." :) He then shared that, although he still had some concerns about finances, mostly long-term, his concerns didn't really matter because if God is calling us, we have to respond with a YES!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Our hearts were united completely.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Less than two weeks later, our homestudy draft was ready to review. On the paperwork they approved us for one child, a girl under the age of 5. I was a little confused, so I called the social worker. The agency had decided, internally, that they weren't comfortable approving us to adopt two kids at the same time. They said they knew we could likely handle it, thought we were great parents and were happy to support us in an adoption after Frannie had adjusted. They just weren't positive the transition with two with special needs into a family of 5 biological children, one having special needs, was going to go well. They needed to be confident, but weren't. We asked for a reconsideration, but we got a 'No.'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I was crushed. We felt so sure! What does all this mean?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Tears, lots of tears.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">About 20 minutes after I got off the phone with my homestudy agency, my adoption agency called me. In so many words, they said they didn't think our homestudy agency made the right decision. They said they have the unique perspective of seeing these children in Chinese orphanages and they were confident we could do this well. They said families like ours with lots of experience with special needs are like gold, and they think these two children's needs fit in well with our current family. They said they could pull our Letter of Intent for this little boy, or we could wait and see what China says. They said I have the option of obtaining a second homestudy that states we are approved for two kids if we get Chinese Preapproval. I thanked them for their kinds words and got off the phone.... and cried some more. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I was really confused for most of that evening. But then I started to think about, had we gotten this news of only being approved for one kid <u>prior</u> to finding this little boy, I would have simply succumb to the circumstances. But, we fell in love with this little boy before I knew there would be a road block! And because of that, I almost felt more confident that God could, and would, work around this obstacle. We decided over the next few days that if China gives us Preapproval, we would pursue another homestudy to get approved to adopt two kids.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">While we continued to wait, I made some phone calls to find another homestudy
agency that might approve us for two kids. The social worker I spoke
with was so king and encouraging. He said because we had a stay-at-home parent, he didn't feel the fact that we had 5 kids, one with special needs and were adopting two at once sounded unreasonable. He seemed to understand the perspective of an orphanage and seemed to hear my heart in our short conversation. He couldn't promise an approval for two, but he didn't see any red flags at the time. We had a back-up plan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And then we waited.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Our last Preapproval for Frannie came 25 days after we submitted our Letter of Intent. 25 days came. 26...27...28. It was a long, hard wait. 29...30...31...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Day 32, October 23rd, yesterday, we got an email from our agency....we received Preapproval to adopt TEDDY....or as he'll be known to us...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Finton 'Finn' Scott Kang Te Kellogg, 2 years old</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-xAvWqxUO9tQCI3xICKpn3YCEUNcnpt5KmzRDy3mlHMf4VQuUFS_AQCZlMmK6x4oHnJSrQfutrjdS635T5hoE2T7kVQEeqhB-uq99ZuzW7Ayjk28b5q2lcT36Pu3SlG1H1GOXhDoxG4t/s1600/FINN1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-xAvWqxUO9tQCI3xICKpn3YCEUNcnpt5KmzRDy3mlHMf4VQuUFS_AQCZlMmK6x4oHnJSrQfutrjdS635T5hoE2T7kVQEeqhB-uq99ZuzW7Ayjk28b5q2lcT36Pu3SlG1H1GOXhDoxG4t/s1600/FINN1.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">(Don't let the pink coat confuse you!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You can see a video of him <a href="http://waitingchildinfo.com/2012/06/01/teddy/?contact-form-id=202&contact-form-sent=687&_wpnonce=1046379ee1#contact-form-202" target="_blank">HERE</a>! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You know where the name "Finton" came from, but his middle name "Scott" is from his great uncle who also had albinism (and it's a family name on both sides)! </span><!--3--><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<!--3--></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Needless to say, we are so excited to bring this little boy home along with Frannie Joy! And the circumstances and confirmations received were more than enough to PUSH us to step out in faith! And we <i>know </i>God will be faithful in bringing in the finances because this is <u>His</u> plan! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Frances "Frannie" Joy Yu Tang Kellogg, 4 years old</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7UdI2vf-QVRD32SG7gQzq6pJZh2pB8pxCfdyIT4Ypw4aYSYkNWVm5iRa7EgqibCYIN3ikEKJ28FgDPsob_eIv2AQftyHclZz1ywDVkNzdhbR3xSbLfCyqEGNYTgU_joZQeKc_FgrtDJb/s1600/Frannie+Joy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7UdI2vf-QVRD32SG7gQzq6pJZh2pB8pxCfdyIT4Ypw4aYSYkNWVm5iRa7EgqibCYIN3ikEKJ28FgDPsob_eIv2AQftyHclZz1ywDVkNzdhbR3xSbLfCyqEGNYTgU_joZQeKc_FgrtDJb/s1600/Frannie+Joy1.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You can see 3 videos of her <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/69202/yulia" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">After weeks of waiting for our Preapproval and our homestudy, being frustrated in the long wait, God spoke clearly about how His job works. He knows best. He is the Great Organizer of our lives. I got the message this time...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">That same day we received Preapproval, I also got a phone call from our homestudy agency. Our homestudy was ready! It was to be notarized in 24 hours and they were confirming how many copies I needed. I debating telling them about our Preapproval while we were on the phone, but I do much better with such confrontations through writing. I decided I would write them one last petition letter later that day for reconsideration considering our Preapproval. It would save us $2100 and a number of month in the process. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Well, before I got a chance to write that letter, our adoption agency called us to say that they had petitioned our homestudy agency themselves! They thought it was in everybody's best interest for us to be approved for 2 and continue to work with this agency that knows us and loves us. The social worker agreed to continue a 'discussion' prior to the notarization the following day. My adoption agency asked us to write a letter about our plans to provide for these two children and include the resources we have to support us. We sent it later that night, and we waited....again. Thankfully it was less than 24 hours this time! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Well, we were told today that our agency is willing to work with us throughout this adoption process to it's completion, and is going to approve us for 2 children! Only God could have orchestrated our Preapproval from CHINA and our homestudy from INDIANA to culminate into this discussion! And it's just one more of MANY obvious confirmations that we are following God's plan to grow our family!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Needless to say, this is going to be an expensive endeavor. But, our God owns a cattle on a thousands hills, right?! (Psalm 50:10) We know he will use other people, fundraisers and organizations to bring these two children home to us!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">If you feel prompted to support our family to adopt these two adorable children, we are launching our next fundraiser today!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We have puzzle pieces you can purchase to help us make a Chinese puzzle for these two kids to play with. It's an I SPY type puzzle where they look for traditional Chinese items within the puzzle. We think they will LOVE it and it gives a little excitement and fun to our fundraising (especially for our bio kids!).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Each puzzle piece is numbered between 1 and 100. You choose the piece you want and donate that dollar amount, or we can randomly draw one or more pieces for you! When the puzzle is complete, we will have raised $5000! You can combine your donation with a friend, as well. We will be writing names on the back of the puzzle pieces so we have a keepsake of those who donated toward our adoption in this way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jMjeZbPSKOfQ26NsG4jcCxfnZMJQEtNBJhJc9kTa7NTnBXmyYA-4XBGuP6N4Qd-8hWI4F3ffxffZN7kk8xLqtG2s16YrK1-tWWXvfpuv9ohNX7NSa9_URtJCWrsZzt32NipOY4jc3_KL/s1600/October+2014+039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jMjeZbPSKOfQ26NsG4jcCxfnZMJQEtNBJhJc9kTa7NTnBXmyYA-4XBGuP6N4Qd-8hWI4F3ffxffZN7kk8xLqtG2s16YrK1-tWWXvfpuv9ohNX7NSa9_URtJCWrsZzt32NipOY4jc3_KL/s1600/October+2014+039.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">To donate, locate the Paypal donation button on the top right corner of our blog. You do not need to have a Paypal account to donate. Tax deductible donations can be made at <a href="http://atwakids.org/">http://atwakids.org/</a>. Just be sure to tell them it's for the Kelloggs! You can email me at mommykellogg@hotmail.com if you have further questions. If you want to donate any amount, feel free!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'll update this blog regularly to show which puzzle pieces are still available!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Thank you so much to everyone who has continued to support us as we venture out into this crazy adoption journey! It has been a ride, for sure!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">(If you want to hear our whole adoption story, you can read it <a href="http://mommykellogg.blogspot.com/2014/06/announcement.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> and <a href="http://mommykellogg.blogspot.com/2014/07/adoption-world-of-papers-lists-anxiety.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Please, PLEASE share our story on YOUR Facebook page or blog!! If everyone who reads this gives just even $1, we will have thousands immediately!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">God is good, ALL THE TIME!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
Mommy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970863651571623082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181450402630174309.post-18966540437528159912014-08-06T19:43:00.000-07:002014-08-09T14:50:40.905-07:00Bulk Cooking, Not for the Faint of HeartA number of people asked me to share my "24 meals in one day" I posted about on Facebook this week. I thought I would take the opportunity to give you a good laugh reading my post and maybe share some helpful tips if you, too, choose to try this crazy feat!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is my #1 tip of the day: Plan ahead.</div>
<br />
I can say honestly, we had no plan. My good friend Dana called me around lunch time and asked if I wanted to cook a bunch of meals with her. We had talked about doing this some time this summer and it sounded fun at the moment...so I said yes! We met around 2:00 and searched the internet for ideas. We found a number of recipes (no, they didn't match up as far as ingredients) and printed them. We made a master grocery list, taking into account the things we had on hand, and were off to shop!<br />
<br />
Actually, we didn't leave until around 5:45PM (we were waiting for my husband to get home), ran a few errands and THEN went shopping.<br />
<br />
Shopping took around 2.5hrs. We stopped by the Dollar Store (foil pans/zipper bags are cheaper here), Aldi's and Kroger (meat was on sale) for the rest. I thought that was pretty good since we had two kids with us! We each spent right around $200 for all the meals. We were very pleased with that. <br />
<br />
Then, the cooking began! It was 10:15 by the time we had unpacked our over-stuffed van into my kitchen!!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Yes, we are crazy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisD-du9_lA5qV5LcZxi_NofHMJjUSnXn_ilDzqWJRc-OfphE6feWr2JtfKRHs1KV9CNcHFAwqg4aTZmL3Lehrc8TZBbm3Fy8AhU1pyB8ABvF__fOQi8NSPScmzh8Us-P8MQVsShyphenhyphenrjXzlz/s1600/August+2014+085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisD-du9_lA5qV5LcZxi_NofHMJjUSnXn_ilDzqWJRc-OfphE6feWr2JtfKRHs1KV9CNcHFAwqg4aTZmL3Lehrc8TZBbm3Fy8AhU1pyB8ABvF__fOQi8NSPScmzh8Us-P8MQVsShyphenhyphenrjXzlz/s1600/August+2014+085.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My groceries</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61F9NX21g_Tr8lKLvXZEdIVPI6_05C-fRMN_TOnwOj7lOxytfJ0QoZ0hmuAJInZ6gPWWp9k021hYUNgbB4GqijFfcJrSNpLgdzVxJQr8U08gstdxED23VmdxvK2CBVGMGOfcurk4d-ImK/s1600/August+2014+087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61F9NX21g_Tr8lKLvXZEdIVPI6_05C-fRMN_TOnwOj7lOxytfJ0QoZ0hmuAJInZ6gPWWp9k021hYUNgbB4GqijFfcJrSNpLgdzVxJQr8U08gstdxED23VmdxvK2CBVGMGOfcurk4d-ImK/s1600/August+2014+087.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dana's groceries</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZlJAO70XHLbrH6jQxg9p3j3_GxA_p3ybzluRCK2U58FPriO9pjnYgb86tbtjQz8htCbXim5bfF1HG-SM8Nt75S_49oQqkws_L9ezPKMBBxRcNWJFZLjBlssmvNoETMANcztyq6mnKRRi/s1600/August+2014+088.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZlJAO70XHLbrH6jQxg9p3j3_GxA_p3ybzluRCK2U58FPriO9pjnYgb86tbtjQz8htCbXim5bfF1HG-SM8Nt75S_49oQqkws_L9ezPKMBBxRcNWJFZLjBlssmvNoETMANcztyq6mnKRRi/s1600/August+2014+088.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My kitchen! It pretty much was a mess of bags, boxes and food by the time we were done. We would just rummage and grab and we weren't very organized. At 10PM we didn't have time to organize the stuff to access easier. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tip #2: Organize your groceries before starting</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcpRuU3QI9udmgxgpWS-czdoJiO2SpX1D-j429Tne_R4mm8VSCsZkwlNb6Jq-6kxRO772AZtKP-ET71ENcjmN6nuid0SwO3CtGS1_GGYtSaSm0sqTrDgu0k52bHOCNNg5CXM5XUceG2sU/s1600/August+2014+089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcpRuU3QI9udmgxgpWS-czdoJiO2SpX1D-j429Tne_R4mm8VSCsZkwlNb6Jq-6kxRO772AZtKP-ET71ENcjmN6nuid0SwO3CtGS1_GGYtSaSm0sqTrDgu0k52bHOCNNg5CXM5XUceG2sU/s1600/August+2014+089.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
You can see here it's around 10:30 and we had 3 whole chickens cooking and rice water preparing. This was really helpful since this stuff had to cook for.ev.er. However, we couldn't use the stove for over an hour for anything else. That brings me to my next tip...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tip #3: Cook your meat the day/night before.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I really think prepping the meat for these meals could take you a whole day. And it would be worth it! Boil a few whole chickens or put them in a crock pot over night. Marinade your meats to prepare them for your zipper bags. Cut chicken into cubes or strips. Shred the cooked chicken. Cook the ground beef and add seasoning. Seriously, do it all the day before and your freezer bags will come together SO quickly! And, since we needed chicken broth for a number of recipes we had to wait for it to cool. And that took forever! And another tip...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tip #4: Have a number of canning jars ready for storing broth, sauces and other ingredients</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I didn't have very many handy, so we ran out of bowls quickly. (My kids like to put bugs in the them and leave them around my yard...grrr!) But, having more handy would be great! I also have at least 3 sets of cup measures and an additional 12 1-cup glass bowls that were very handy! Between the two of us we kept misplacing the actual cup measures, so I was glad to have the extras around.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRvb-ooAh3N26D2InZVF8liQp_WN8qS-D20XdWcvZmLVIaObL7fXnnkNE-0XZ-tca1mcB2KvQQMnMQToDBxncC3zlyCUD1DxrSDOl2xQMBjFeqeUhphfhHHmpJmH-l6HmlI4XeQrlzi6_/s1600/August+2014+112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRvb-ooAh3N26D2InZVF8liQp_WN8qS-D20XdWcvZmLVIaObL7fXnnkNE-0XZ-tca1mcB2KvQQMnMQToDBxncC3zlyCUD1DxrSDOl2xQMBjFeqeUhphfhHHmpJmH-l6HmlI4XeQrlzi6_/s1600/August+2014+112.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chicken broth</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tips #5: You need a food processor and blender.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
These will save you HOURS. So, borrow one if you don't have one!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwi56UlgAjYYOb7L2kozI5PWleqJn7imEU95iKPk-DqVY574n5Qzo-m4XhgoBR8juAQXyWlEEHwYhEEKO6rLC3cFKtj7NX0j3m_DiFQH0GLd7b-5QtOhgqnn_Lp-Obz9jat_rsJi-8y47g/s1600/August+2014+108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwi56UlgAjYYOb7L2kozI5PWleqJn7imEU95iKPk-DqVY574n5Qzo-m4XhgoBR8juAQXyWlEEHwYhEEKO6rLC3cFKtj7NX0j3m_DiFQH0GLd7b-5QtOhgqnn_Lp-Obz9jat_rsJi-8y47g/s1600/August+2014+108.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Carrots, onions, celery, cilantro and parsley in the food processor</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Tip #6: If you are cooking with someone else, label your things!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34heiCL8q3OKkqnnjbHp_XLDvTprhL6JAQU0zBooxZXNhJMzpLZ1_75e3xvrpeIHmyM0luCSwNoH7g1PrycSkZKPX_9wENsD_hJCw3FUXuau1LRRAwK77T51bfDlzpW4dzPNReZjNbsVH/s1600/August+2014+092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34heiCL8q3OKkqnnjbHp_XLDvTprhL6JAQU0zBooxZXNhJMzpLZ1_75e3xvrpeIHmyM0luCSwNoH7g1PrycSkZKPX_9wENsD_hJCw3FUXuau1LRRAwK77T51bfDlzpW4dzPNReZjNbsVH/s1600/August+2014+092.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We had no issues during clean up trying to figure out whose stuff was whose.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Label EVERYTHING!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We also had our groceries on a specific side of the kitchen, too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Tip #7: Employ help</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Mr. Prince was on clean-up duty, and he wasn't super happy about that at 3AM. But, he also helped flip chickens, open cans and other 'manly' cooking things. I'm sure <i>your </i>kids may be helpful, but I was actually happy that mine were a state away while I took on this adventure. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ob6dE5pihoWHSUb7kLIjPGQhke_qzR7da2r70t8NAAqVBRfw2oLYaamt83qUDWN7yqOx0AvAxPmzh9wvI9yH4gQoHkkV1K6u14VHZz86grPabTYq0PY7k92KiggW5sSZTffr8A0KOS9q/s1600/August+2014+093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ob6dE5pihoWHSUb7kLIjPGQhke_qzR7da2r70t8NAAqVBRfw2oLYaamt83qUDWN7yqOx0AvAxPmzh9wvI9yH4gQoHkkV1K6u14VHZz86grPabTYq0PY7k92KiggW5sSZTffr8A0KOS9q/s1600/August+2014+093.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmVC_EqljNiM36oxaQpYRC8_WdPg1JobIUTrkRieRzLUS3UgibgHNp_FVPAAFP1G5z87FeSCwtLvPRkkphMGc8jjREWxQ0Ft2TmZ5hgE_ib3GeGoP0RA_lFO3b6lYKNnhjm6cSxnaptSI/s1600/August+2014+120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmVC_EqljNiM36oxaQpYRC8_WdPg1JobIUTrkRieRzLUS3UgibgHNp_FVPAAFP1G5z87FeSCwtLvPRkkphMGc8jjREWxQ0Ft2TmZ5hgE_ib3GeGoP0RA_lFO3b6lYKNnhjm6cSxnaptSI/s1600/August+2014+120.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This wasn't even the worse moment...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEJzv9COl6PzB7y6IoqKY0C2tYjGMzYMy5EyD4JDLYICeIUktrttHvchvwWQ8ggYcHPde8IhdJkHP3sJrHYyZ4EE44R0DSz4LFlwLapjxOWT7iuwcPRVsTnqRLJ5vdQtXDAGDymIlEIjf/s1600/August+2014+124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEJzv9COl6PzB7y6IoqKY0C2tYjGMzYMy5EyD4JDLYICeIUktrttHvchvwWQ8ggYcHPde8IhdJkHP3sJrHYyZ4EE44R0DSz4LFlwLapjxOWT7iuwcPRVsTnqRLJ5vdQtXDAGDymIlEIjf/s1600/August+2014+124.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And if you are messy cooks like Dana and me, your stove will look like this when you are done! Poor Mr. Prince...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tip #8: Label your zipper bags</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We labeled them with the meal, date, family name (this is important if you are cooking with someone) and instructions. Not all needed instructions, but some needed the whole recipe, so we taped it on with packing tape. A few recipes we were short something (like 1C sugar), so we just added it to the zipper bag.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVswQKesHHatYnQc_9_BnReGkfTTmvKBnKd-A0vdCoDI9_LxN-gs37hGkE6DeNkDKlqUZT_YJcUjwLNVyP3hyJO-pkapQvYTd1TgfCvV__-hWByebsGz0Vt8p-35IYUYdqmSVw70t7h_Z/s1600/August+2014+105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVswQKesHHatYnQc_9_BnReGkfTTmvKBnKd-A0vdCoDI9_LxN-gs37hGkE6DeNkDKlqUZT_YJcUjwLNVyP3hyJO-pkapQvYTd1TgfCvV__-hWByebsGz0Vt8p-35IYUYdqmSVw70t7h_Z/s1600/August+2014+105.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tip #9: Have a large table in addition to your kitchen counters</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The table was where we put together the bags, organized ingredients, set aside half-recipes and where I did most of my meat preparation. We also used the piano and another desk that were near by. So, in other words, you need LOTS of table space! And if you don't follow Tip #9, you'll need more because you'll run out of bowls, pans, pots and spatulas!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAwIdpgIYD1RQCclN1D3KiXTYVcnm9jQ2jO_8-Dy6yDegZ9ckxo10WLCK8XXPbWO9SJ8NVweHpCizYbQFeUxLmuVjX6ZZPBRrvSEH9LbzXDjC2HiBRuCEfFFW7IBcAbyw4YYQaRr93Wrj/s1600/August+2014+102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAwIdpgIYD1RQCclN1D3KiXTYVcnm9jQ2jO_8-Dy6yDegZ9ckxo10WLCK8XXPbWO9SJ8NVweHpCizYbQFeUxLmuVjX6ZZPBRrvSEH9LbzXDjC2HiBRuCEfFFW7IBcAbyw4YYQaRr93Wrj/s1600/August+2014+102.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3 incomplete recipes waiting for the next step</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnK72Nh47sdRVTHVbnhDgbnvzPWCGXjO6O_V3BC9BjHRWU26t3utYatL8C_qmBEJa2-PdwNSDHaSiZ_7lXWeCo3eP5II0Xzb7d2Dz2iEibBKpNuo0Zedv8wmtYeefpzoEry5CykM-U_zu/s1600/August+2014+109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnK72Nh47sdRVTHVbnhDgbnvzPWCGXjO6O_V3BC9BjHRWU26t3utYatL8C_qmBEJa2-PdwNSDHaSiZ_7lXWeCo3eP5II0Xzb7d2Dz2iEibBKpNuo0Zedv8wmtYeefpzoEry5CykM-U_zu/s1600/August+2014+109.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, it says 1:17AM. Our fist 6 meals completely done after 3 hours! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGruL6vjDKTgBvqV31YJz8qiRrKz0hg8NMJe274_9qPVJwmqsM9IgyTITB0Sy6ZNCnuxVe7IEl-p2d-4Xvaw7re_JrhH0QL2d2TSwshGSaSyZwhPySaXfaqg6sNhffUNaqgGrv1XKlq47/s1600/August+2014+110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGruL6vjDKTgBvqV31YJz8qiRrKz0hg8NMJe274_9qPVJwmqsM9IgyTITB0Sy6ZNCnuxVe7IEl-p2d-4Xvaw7re_JrhH0QL2d2TSwshGSaSyZwhPySaXfaqg6sNhffUNaqgGrv1XKlq47/s1600/August+2014+110.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2:31AM, just 1hr 15m later we had 30 meals done!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If your meat is prepped, it will come together much faster than ours!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
Tip #10: Pick recipes YOU will like, not just the easiest 'cook 50 meals in a day' post off Pinterest </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, the actual recipes. I have to say, I've tried many-a-crockpot-meals and more have flopped in our home than stuck. We have very few crockpot meals in our rotation. I'm not sure if I'm just picky or if I just keep finding bad ones, but I seem to have bad luck with them. So, I wasn't really up for making 20+ meals we may end up hating. So, we found meals that looked good. They weren't necessarily 'easy' either. They were meals that we likely wouldn't bother spending the time to cook on any given day. Meals that required multiple steps or ingredients. I know many do this for the quick and easy meals, but that wasn't my plan. So, another good reason to plan ahead and plan a few different days! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I found <a href="http://happymoneysaver.com/making-50-freezer-meals-in-one-day/" target="_blank">THIS</a> site and really liked her meals. She didn't have a master list made up or anything, but that was fine since we didn't want to make all her meals. (That would be a nightmare trying to omit certain ingredients from a master list and a reason why I haven't provided that on this blog post.) All the meals were 'freezer friendly' so I was happy with that.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here were the meals we made from this site and how much for we prepared for each individual family:</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://happymoneysaver.com/frugal-food-homemade-chicken-pot-pie/" title="Homemade Pot Pie">Homemade Pot Pie</a> (doubled made 5-6 pies or 2 meals for our family of 7</span>) </li>
<li><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://happymoneysaver.com/frugal-food-fried-rice" title="Fried Rice">Fried Rice</a> (doubled made 5 meals with 6 cups extra rice)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://happymoneysaver.com/freezer-recipe-slow-cooker-chicken-broccoli-alfredo-over-pasta/" title="Slow Cooker Broccoli Chicken Alfredo">Slow Cooker Broccoli Chicken Alfredo</a> (2)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/main-courses/sweet-and-sour-chicken-3/" target="_blank" title="Sweet & Sour Chicken ">Sweet<span style="color: black;"> and</span> Sour Chicken </a>(3)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://joelens.blogspot.com/2010/05/pesto-chicken-stuffed-shells.html" target="_blank" title="Chicken Parmesan Pesto Shells">Chicken Parmesan Pesto Shells</a> (2)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://happymoneysaver.com/frugal-food-recipe-beef-barley-stew" title="Beef Barley Stew">Beef Barley Stew</a> (2) </span> </li>
<li><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://joelens.blogspot.com/2010/05/cilantro-lime-chicken-tacos.html" target="_blank" title="Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos">Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos</a> (2 but we had extra lime pesto for other meals)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://freezermealsforus.blogspot.com/2012/02/cafe-rio-shredded-pork-meat-and-cafe.html" target="_blank" title="Cafe Rio Pulled Pork for Cafe Rio Salads">Cafe Rio Pulled Pork </a> (2) </span><b><br /></b></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here were some other meals from other sites or my own collection:</div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.inspiredtaste.net/21462/soft-and-chewy-granola-bars-recipe/" target="_blank">Soft, Simple and Chewy Granola Bars</a> (2 batches)</li>
<li>Sausage and Egg Breakfast Burritos (18-20 burritos) - my made up recipe</li>
<li>Chicken Tortilla Soup (2) - I cannot find the recipe we used but they are all very similar</li>
<li><a href="http://crockpotladies.com/crockpot-scalloped-potatoes-ham/" target="_blank">Crock-Pot Cheesy Potatoes and Ham </a>(2)</li>
<li><a href="http://utah.todaysmama.com/2012/03/20/tomato-basil-parmesan-soup-in-the-slow-cooker-or-on-the-stove-top/" target="_blank">Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup</a> (3) </li>
<li>Chicken cleaned, prepped and frozen (2)</li>
<li>BONUS: Chicken Enchiladas (this was made with left overs from cooking!)</li>
</ul>
So, we ended up preparing 30 meals along with 20 breakfasts for my hubby and granola bars! We cooked around 4 hours the first day and then maybe 6-8 the next day (on and off). I still had two meals to throw together a few days later, but all my food processing and meat prep was done, I just had to throw it all into bags. Again, refer to tip #1. :) <br />
<br />
I know you are now distracted with searching these recipes to see if you like them... But let me give you little tips on some of them to help you...<br />
<br />
Homemade Pot Pie<br />
I did not blanch my veggies. I bought all frozen and I'm not going to sweat it! We bought the mixed veggies that include carrots, green beans, peas and corn. We did use the homemade broth from our boiled chickens. It was delicious! I haven't made the crust yet and am debating buying them verses making them...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fsvttZyA_8FT2HMmLNVs5SVg5Fs51DJyAyf4HQmuJ6LGzAzQxXZ5k2AoJd4yZ3s7uGlMp1xGKgsV_CcDqac-i-qFIr4FGwy_p2i8SLlLU6KqRT9NhMoLLXU9BWDGG6oGPJU625WpiI3w/s1600/August+2014+114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fsvttZyA_8FT2HMmLNVs5SVg5Fs51DJyAyf4HQmuJ6LGzAzQxXZ5k2AoJd4yZ3s7uGlMp1xGKgsV_CcDqac-i-qFIr4FGwy_p2i8SLlLU6KqRT9NhMoLLXU9BWDGG6oGPJU625WpiI3w/s1600/August+2014+114.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVTYGkap3a-z1ihzh1BD5ICNgbJ3RAEvTV-ryMdliK8YPakmzhniiWKIVpsbAkye2dDKReO5pMD3yYLoiSDplI62tJ_5tuOnNR52hlvW8Wfo9kKXwSsRe_CF3O-IaTV6vapse-aOyp0go/s1600/August+2014+115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVTYGkap3a-z1ihzh1BD5ICNgbJ3RAEvTV-ryMdliK8YPakmzhniiWKIVpsbAkye2dDKReO5pMD3yYLoiSDplI62tJ_5tuOnNR52hlvW8Wfo9kKXwSsRe_CF3O-IaTV6vapse-aOyp0go/s1600/August+2014+115.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I stored all my freezer meals flat so eventually I can stand them up in the freezer and easily flip through them like a file drawer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Fried Rice<br />
We made so.much.rice. Your rice will rise as far as your water, so beware when filling a pot to the top! We doubled this recipe and it was a LOT! We stored this in zipper bags instead of a pan like the recipe suggested. You MUST have a food processor! There really is no other way to make this.<br />
<br />
Slow Cooker Broccoli Chicken Alfredo<br />
For many recipes we bought chicken on sale for $1.89/lb because we had to prepare it a certain way, but for recipes like this we bought frozen chicken for $1.99/lb. It made preparing these super fast! <br />
<br />
Sweet and Sour Chicken<br />
This was one recipe that took a long time. Cutting chicken, browning it.... If your chicken is prepped the day before, this one will come together a lot easier than it did for me.<br />
<br />
Chicken Parmesan Pesto Shells<br />
We bought already-made pesto for this recipe. We also purchased a can of miced garlic to use for all our recipes to make things fast and simple. We did not put our filling in the shells. Mostly because our stove was always too busy to cook the shells! This will still be simple to pull out of the fridge after cooking the shells. Should take less than an hour to cook shells, stuff and bake!<br />
<br />
Beef Barley Stew<br />
If your meat is prepped the day before, the next thing I suggest you do is prepare your veggies. Whether that's using the processor for something like Fried Rice or chopping veggies for Beef Barley Stew, it will make things move faster. These bags came together quickly after all our veggies were done!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSgonDRaCtCiJ0Yjd_3duiX-drGGQ2n0xkJS_7lxTH46ir7UcvjA0FxmUueivdCoJoGlaWLj1AAWsbS5wz023loDJanTE8w_f966_CnhScsjP-22Er0el0yaUT6XuUErP_WRGCoM7samB/s1600/August+2014+090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSgonDRaCtCiJ0Yjd_3duiX-drGGQ2n0xkJS_7lxTH46ir7UcvjA0FxmUueivdCoJoGlaWLj1AAWsbS5wz023loDJanTE8w_f966_CnhScsjP-22Er0el0yaUT6XuUErP_WRGCoM7samB/s1600/August+2014+090.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gPBkjAltgIS251ahw-CIU6Ky06i6nZZU1P9OiZxvpMsykgOLW_p0jvnI8kicr4zD-2AaUB3DzV5gbmBMnQpFnbtvQKba1BgHvIFOVApevJnEuXPzenDdwLxlxPPkr2Jbm3WL4h5cu9Ai/s1600/August+2014+095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gPBkjAltgIS251ahw-CIU6Ky06i6nZZU1P9OiZxvpMsykgOLW_p0jvnI8kicr4zD-2AaUB3DzV5gbmBMnQpFnbtvQKba1BgHvIFOVApevJnEuXPzenDdwLxlxPPkr2Jbm3WL4h5cu9Ai/s1600/August+2014+095.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We even kept a bag in the sink for compost collection!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Look at us being all earth-friendly and stuff!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5miImz7XZjW7TPOLVgp9SZJTY5Pds2uY6RBfQJBTz1LRBlWcrdXD8VLx3nuCwkgSXs7O0drXHwH6rY0cZmeAF4lcju9uKSZkWuFsqF63CrhXaibK91xk13MYzMZJpd1HVrGewK64UytP/s1600/August+2014+101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5miImz7XZjW7TPOLVgp9SZJTY5Pds2uY6RBfQJBTz1LRBlWcrdXD8VLx3nuCwkgSXs7O0drXHwH6rY0cZmeAF4lcju9uKSZkWuFsqF63CrhXaibK91xk13MYzMZJpd1HVrGewK64UytP/s1600/August+2014+101.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And THIS is what happens when you peel and cut 15 onions!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Can you see my mascara running...LOL!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cooking isn't always pretty....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos<br />
We did make this pesto from scratch. Don't forget to clean your cilantro - ours was DIRTY! We actually cooked up this chicken completely before freezing and stored the pesto in a different zipper bag until ready to make. Should only take a few minutes to warm up and throw in tacos!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jJ45hYauahFkVcoM9HayLdQnteZ-TWXZV87P3ZYoCjzp-cBH0cvWp9BzLiD5EYBfYQgxsiH3CpmOY38iXglA316DLoXHHY-msgrMCJ3JUaug6pvLY0ELuMJVcc7LNvN6d92lPx9-oMjF/s1600/August+2014+119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jJ45hYauahFkVcoM9HayLdQnteZ-TWXZV87P3ZYoCjzp-cBH0cvWp9BzLiD5EYBfYQgxsiH3CpmOY38iXglA316DLoXHHY-msgrMCJ3JUaug6pvLY0ELuMJVcc7LNvN6d92lPx9-oMjF/s1600/August+2014+119.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Cafe Rio Pulled Pork<br />
I don't know what Cafe Rio is, but this looked good. A pretty simple crockpot recipe but requires you to marinade over night, cook 3-4 hours, mix with a blended sauce and then cook 2 more hours. So, I would never have the time to do this on a school day! This is all done so it's ready to just warm for sandwiches!<br />
<br />
Soft, Simple and Chewy Granola Bars<br />
These are THE best granola bars and they don't take hardly any time to make! We were making them weekly this past spring. Way healthier than store bought! We omit the almonds most of the time (it really changes the flavor) and the dried fruit (none of us care for dried fruit) and add in 3T heaping with peanut butter. We've played with the recipe, but that is our favorite! What's nice is you can add in anything you like and make it work for your family!<br />
<br />
Sausage and Egg Breakfast Burritos<br />
I saute onions and then cook my sausage with them. Then I scramble 20 eggs in a different pan. I chopped it up pretty good and mix it all together. I put a heaping 1/3C of egg mixture and a pinch of shredded cheese into each tortilla and roll them in a napkin first and then foil. When they are pulled out of the freezer we just leave the paper towel around it and cook it for 1-1.5minutes and they are awesome! We've used ham and bacon as well. If you use more than one meat, be sure to label them! I've made that mistake before...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVROsx9rmBh6JFYLgyjPjBkx2X-2cliMkbgifntH0n_RZSyxWFrnhy6FnOqZfGNE5KUxMDfS57yNPD6gEa5fgRv3dcRLqMP9IfsNU_xCyOMfr80Uiv64iW3q5J5SVpuf5v5kvxQbOfXEhr/s1600/August+2014+113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVROsx9rmBh6JFYLgyjPjBkx2X-2cliMkbgifntH0n_RZSyxWFrnhy6FnOqZfGNE5KUxMDfS57yNPD6gEa5fgRv3dcRLqMP9IfsNU_xCyOMfr80Uiv64iW3q5J5SVpuf5v5kvxQbOfXEhr/s1600/August+2014+113.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBvcS6Klkip4vdNXGBODzLcmmYKchi_ON7JTSrR2L2cjw8grWeE2SxtQQKNLyroq43HxEhimCW32i00TrQYj1XPPeEFFCZ3tLGZGRdYq2GX7UBNEkISMfOu-dH-M6vTjxgxortPy5Nacg/s1600/August+2014+118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBvcS6Klkip4vdNXGBODzLcmmYKchi_ON7JTSrR2L2cjw8grWeE2SxtQQKNLyroq43HxEhimCW32i00TrQYj1XPPeEFFCZ3tLGZGRdYq2GX7UBNEkISMfOu-dH-M6vTjxgxortPy5Nacg/s1600/August+2014+118.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Chicken Tortilla Soup<br />
This came together quickly and I used frozen chicken pieces to make it easy. This was our first meal we tried! My son used the tortillas for his lunch that I had set aside for dinner, so I only had one tortilla! I toasted it in the toaster oven to save time and they all tried it. We added shredded cheese and crushed tortilla chips as well. It wasn't a *favorite* but my kids are pretty picky and they all ate it. I think it will join the lists of meals they really like over time. :)<br />
<br />
Crock-Pot Cheesy Potatoes and Ham<br />
We bought a small ham chuck that was already cut in slices and that saved some chopping time. This is a quick prep crock-pot meal! I used a 2-gallon bag for this and will add the water later.<br />
<br />
Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup<br />
This is a quick crock pot recipe if you have a food processor. It helped that we had a number of recipes that needed carrot, celery and onions, so we only had to process them all once. <br />
<br />
Chicken cleaned, prepped and frozen<br />
It's so much nicer to grab thawed chicken that is already prepped! I hate rinsing, trimming and getting all slimy. Plus, it cuts 20 minutes off my meal prep time since I don't have to do all that plus scour the counters to avoid contamination!<br />
<br />
Chicken Enchilada<br />
I had some left over shredded chicken, rice and enchilada sauce that I threw into tortillas and baked up for dinner tonight! Wouldn't feed all 6 of us, but fed Mr. Prince and me since our kids are out of town!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNmeEtZyKkksOZ8YlqLfrm-qAnmu_JYEd6VeqXqNe9aingJ4_gRgJbDXQqrhqZ4B3Ub4AXKZy8RxDuQ-sUaeeTCNPQQ4xuVSIA776qUEY7jSwERkCrQ7cMwrf-Zx7NPixFRzBxQtB7IsB/s1600/August+2014+122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNmeEtZyKkksOZ8YlqLfrm-qAnmu_JYEd6VeqXqNe9aingJ4_gRgJbDXQqrhqZ4B3Ub4AXKZy8RxDuQ-sUaeeTCNPQQ4xuVSIA776qUEY7jSwERkCrQ7cMwrf-Zx7NPixFRzBxQtB7IsB/s1600/August+2014+122.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
All in all, it was crazy but fun! I will do it again, but not sure when. Maybe if I get adventurous over Christmas break? Here is my beautiful freezer! Since I'm in school and on-call for births (doula/student midwife) my husband can cook a REAL, HEALTHY meal while I'm gone! I hope my tips will help you be more efficient than we were! I'm sure there are many more helpful site/blogs, but I wanted to share some of my awesome recipes! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7H8tTR7a2miSFgCFI_PHmOC2Jkj1S7jBABzYkkOnA_gK0-tWtuvcOLcvHyUKA19O2hXbtmy1LRkr3qrsu31vAzH6_1pGVJNeeAfJxcZLQnBR3fyLVKyu5QTmF8t53rHUMp1_SavAxmKd8/s1600/August+2014+125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7H8tTR7a2miSFgCFI_PHmOC2Jkj1S7jBABzYkkOnA_gK0-tWtuvcOLcvHyUKA19O2hXbtmy1LRkr3qrsu31vAzH6_1pGVJNeeAfJxcZLQnBR3fyLVKyu5QTmF8t53rHUMp1_SavAxmKd8/s1600/August+2014+125.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Enjoy your cooking!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Mommy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970863651571623082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181450402630174309.post-71294235393569011172014-07-14T21:10:00.003-07:002014-07-15T08:09:37.816-07:00Adoption: The World of Papers, Lists, Anxiety and Blessing<br />
Ok, not really anxiety. At least it shouldn't be! I'm trying really hard to stay organized and stress-free during this process, but I'm failing...often. That's ok - I'm pressing on! She is worth it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HMjZ4-BuB1OAYJRI-TV27P6hNqbKAHumm8_k9Jri5yKaQ9yh7H2e-biDVJ6UCpTyHH2gQtsH1SNrTZOsULBV6s394C61mSjQUyJeF4ewQSnLj1Q5IK1opDlhe7y_mMAeJUotwR_Mp9Hi/s1600/May+2014+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HMjZ4-BuB1OAYJRI-TV27P6hNqbKAHumm8_k9Jri5yKaQ9yh7H2e-biDVJ6UCpTyHH2gQtsH1SNrTZOsULBV6s394C61mSjQUyJeF4ewQSnLj1Q5IK1opDlhe7y_mMAeJUotwR_Mp9Hi/s1600/May+2014+007.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been thinking a lot about bring Frances home this past week. I know, I'm a little ahead of myself considering we are still waiting for our homestudy approval...ha! I just can't help it.<br />
<br />
4 girls' hair to fix in the morning <br />
6 kids,which means only using the 12 passenger van for family trips from now on<br />
2 preschoolers, both with special needs and specialized lesson plans<br />
Asian eyes, oh those eyes!<br />
My last Fourth of July with only five kids <br />
2 big girl helper-mommies for two little girls<br />
2 big brothers to protect and spoil 4 sisters<br />
Chubby little 4 year old hands<br />
A best friend for Miracle <br />
<br />
I am so beyond excited!<br />
<br />
But, adoption is hard because you live in this world of hope and waiting while you drown in paperwork, numbers, fundraising, phone calls, planning, budgeting, notaries and STRESS.<br />
<br />
I have so many lists:<br />
<ul>
<li>Tips for traveling to China</li>
<li>Suggested foundations and grants</li>
<li>Grants for special needs</li>
<li>Grants for Down Syndrome </li>
<li>Grants for China</li>
<li>Credit cards that give rewards</li>
<li>Fundraising ideas</li>
<li>People who have donated to us</li>
<li>People who have offered to help in numerous ways</li>
<li>People whose tables I still have from our garage sale</li>
<li>Tips for filling out paperwork</li>
<li>Books about adoption</li>
<li>Books about Down Syndrome</li>
<li>Books about Down Syndrome adoption</li>
</ul>
It's nuts! I'm not complaining. I am SO happy to be here after our long journey. I'm gonna fill out this paperwork jammin' to my For King & Country and take it in stride. But, I can't say it's not hard. It is. For many reasons.<br />
<br />
It's hard to know your little girl is being tucked in bed by the only mama she knows as I wake in the morning. And that someday our roles will be reversed and she'll be thinking of the memories of tucking Frannie in bed as she wakes in the morning.<br />
<br />
It's hard to know there is another mama out there that delivered a baby on Sept 22, 2010 that is about to come upon the forth year of her mourning. No matter what reason her mama had for abandoning her, I know that every mama loves their baby. Four years of not knowing, four years of tears, four years of guessing and hoping. Four long years of sadness that will never, ever end.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqpUVnRCmhs_CFzoZr53uR5nEw8xFyKRRyaVIy0sjoudMTIzl4Q6pq0Zf6cWPvT_0Pa1IsrWW6Js5Xxn-mecm2UQ8kJmnRJJz6ER6wJXR17Z1zlntGR37XyDLAHdtDVUpkgibiynRguE9/s1600/July+2014+019.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqpUVnRCmhs_CFzoZr53uR5nEw8xFyKRRyaVIy0sjoudMTIzl4Q6pq0Zf6cWPvT_0Pa1IsrWW6Js5Xxn-mecm2UQ8kJmnRJJz6ER6wJXR17Z1zlntGR37XyDLAHdtDVUpkgibiynRguE9/s1600/July+2014+019.PNG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"The first gave you a need for love, The second was there to give it."</div>
<br />
Adoption is heartbreaking. For every ounce of joy I have in adoption, there is still a heaviness of sadness.<br />
<br />
But, I also believe that for all the hardships families endure throughout the process, there are so many blessings. All these things are shaping me, my family, my children. We are working together to raise money, budget and be creative. Our goal is unified in love. I hope some day Frannie's biological mama will know how much she is loved and wanted.<br />
<br />
My 8 year old told me this weekend that she wants to have a child with special needs. She wants to BIRTH a child with special needs. (Though she also wants to 'make' her Asian husband be a pilot some day so he can fly them to China to work at an orphanage and adopt all the little Asian babies, LOL!) We talked a little bit about why we love people with special needs so much and then I told her that if I had a choice to heal Myra and Frannie, I would. I told her that they aren't living how God created them to live. They can't enjoy creation to it's fullest. They may or may not be able to understand a God that loves them dearly on this side of Heaven. I would choose 'better' for them.<br />
<br />
You know what this little girl said?<br />
<br />
She said she would keep them 'that way' because she LOVES them 'that way' and she also wouldn't change them because she KNOWS they would go to Heaven because God wouldn't punish someone who didn't understand sin.<br />
<br />
Jaw drop. Speechless.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure I can come up with an argument against that! Oh how I love that little spunky girl's heart!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImYcez77BJ5gnMSnOUO0WAp-lbzUGxOwzRnLX0l_BshwlnKJd_cTdtxDl9LV2UQG3vBWWjWlM52jMAbnyqJ8GKYbrxWAOgJEvKXzthcZ1znm3oNxSissnqniRsZs-QZV7zhEcz9KGHDzk/s1600/April+2014+152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImYcez77BJ5gnMSnOUO0WAp-lbzUGxOwzRnLX0l_BshwlnKJd_cTdtxDl9LV2UQG3vBWWjWlM52jMAbnyqJ8GKYbrxWAOgJEvKXzthcZ1znm3oNxSissnqniRsZs-QZV7zhEcz9KGHDzk/s1600/April+2014+152.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Angelica Pickles (8), Miracle and Princess Pea, Easter 2014</div>
<br />
I know some friends and family (mostly those who don't live near) think we are crazy and are negatively affecting our 'neurologically typical' biological children by adopting another child with special needs (thanks Uncle Isaac for the coined term!). It's not a conversation that ends in a high five or fist bump. It usually starts with a wide-eyed stare and stutter, and ends with a high-pitched 'Good Luck' accompanied by an insincere eye-brow raise. That's ok with me, though. It truly doesn't bother me.<br />
<br />
#1 I'm following my God's lead for my life, not the world's<br />
#2 I see the benefits of having a sibling with special needs daily in my children's life<br />
#3 I know the difference we can make in the life of an orphan <br />
#4 I'm stubborn and enjoy going against the grain :)<br />
#5 I get my fist bumps from my friends who have children with special needs, nurses, therapists, etc. <br />
<br />
And I'm not Super Mom, as so many have told me over the years. I fail at my plans, yell at my kids, watch Call the Midwife instead of clean my kitchen, argue with my peacemaking husband, skip Miracle's therapy, make cereal for dinner, skim Facebook instead of playing a game with my kids, wait until I have 10 loads of laundry to do.... all the things other 'normal' moms do. I'm a work in progress, too. I can say, I do work very hard to accomplish my goals of trying to be the best mom. That's all I've ever wanted - to be THE best mom. I'm not. By far! But, I can accept grace where it's needed and move forward, trying even harder. That doesn't make me Super, that makes me FORGIVEN. God looks through the blood of Jesus at my face and smiles. Not because I did it all right, but because Christ did. He's the Super Hero! No cape under my shirt! <br />
<br />
This is sort of a random post of my thoughts, so I thought I would share something silly...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9p2hBNRDrcbuq6SOlw_avaa5IV7B1NVnk9wy7E0dMJnOLStfdT3CfeGcWv06mBPc08nwkcM9AR2xJIBva1zL-WPcz9CP-cAJrQjq_viRgexdQ-RIvR_ZTDhof4AOZ5T0ruIzW5HKS60X/s1600/Down+syndrome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9p2hBNRDrcbuq6SOlw_avaa5IV7B1NVnk9wy7E0dMJnOLStfdT3CfeGcWv06mBPc08nwkcM9AR2xJIBva1zL-WPcz9CP-cAJrQjq_viRgexdQ-RIvR_ZTDhof4AOZ5T0ruIzW5HKS60X/s1600/Down+syndrome.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EkWizhmGnbymHVeXuiwFDCtIrLlkIsbsWptBWmQLBn9WP-SqohiyVQxj8ziiAI-NiEoyGHyBBMkTafiBbyfPP6_TSNcNnHHiTIY2eS5GeGOBlkIS7-A-bTlOGiXLVUYU1fuena2L5Ysa/s1600/down+syndrome+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EkWizhmGnbymHVeXuiwFDCtIrLlkIsbsWptBWmQLBn9WP-SqohiyVQxj8ziiAI-NiEoyGHyBBMkTafiBbyfPP6_TSNcNnHHiTIY2eS5GeGOBlkIS7-A-bTlOGiXLVUYU1fuena2L5Ysa/s1600/down+syndrome+2.jpg" height="126" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A few weeks ago I realized the colors that represent Down Syndrome awareness were blue and yellow. These colors are special to Mr. Prince and me because they were BOTH our favorite colors in college. I thought that was pretty cool when I found out. We will be rockin' happily in Down Syndrome awareness attire!<br />
<br />
Today I read about why World Down Syndrome Awareness Day is March 21st. This date represents the 3 copies of the 21st chromosome, which is Down Syndrome or Trisomy 21. My FAVORITE numbers since I was a little girl were 3 and 21! My birthday is on the 21st, so that's part of it. But, I thought that was cool as well. Corny but Cool! :P<br />
<br />
I have some other great news to share...<br />
<br />
We are coming SO close to our Fundraising goals! $35,000 is a LOT of money. And we hadn't considered international adoption prior to 2013 because of this. Where is our one-income family going to come up with that kind of money? I know, I know....God can do anything. But, it just didn't sink in that way back then. It was a burden to even consider.<br />
<br />
Check these numbers out:<br />
<br />
$2500 saved for the homestudy and application fee<br />
$7000 grant Frannie already had on <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/69202/yulia" target="_blank">Reece's Rainbow</a><br />
$1600 raised at our Adoption Garage Sale in June<br />
$300 cash donations<br />
$5000 allotted out of our taxes for 2015<br />
$2000 saved from only MommyK traveling to China <br />
$3000 *estimated* savings from budgeting in 2014<br />
$1500 *estimated* to be raise at another Garage Sale<br />
$4500 pain and suffering settlement from an accident in May *JUST RECEIVED*<br />
<br />
So...that puts us at an *estimated* $7,600 left to be raised! The ONLY way those numbers have added up is because we have a God that can do immeasurably more than we could ever imagine! Only $15,000 more and we can bring home TWO kids from China! We are going to keep plugging along fundraising and applying for grants and see what God does! The agency said it's a long shot that we would get a waiver for another child, but don't forget....our God can do immeasurably more than we could ever imagine!<br />
<br />
<br />
I can't wait to see the end of our story. In the mean time, I'm going to keep learning and listening and allowing God to chip away at me, refining me to be the mom he's created for all SIX of my current children...and any other children that may come our way by birth or adoption. :)<br />
<br />
Join me!<br />
<br />
<!--3--><!--3--><!--3--><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOn-rlgZCzDUqtKNKKlreEBQ-86K8Ehyphenhypheng9NAAGC1wJJzMrx8T6lY9lcrQOdsHwC5VH3pZrfIEeqIdYNE1efzVW0zU0R3aAvAh-leJ4BzVd2DDuZMjXhOo5MrvxtgPxqzuOegfq3Ovkm3k/s1600/April+2014+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOn-rlgZCzDUqtKNKKlreEBQ-86K8Ehyphenhypheng9NAAGC1wJJzMrx8T6lY9lcrQOdsHwC5VH3pZrfIEeqIdYNE1efzVW0zU0R3aAvAh-leJ4BzVd2DDuZMjXhOo5MrvxtgPxqzuOegfq3Ovkm3k/s1600/April+2014+006.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
MommyK and Miracle</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>If</i> <i>you feel called to donate to our adoption, there is a PayPal tab at the top right corner of this blog just above Frannie's photo. You do not need a PayPal account to donate. May your blessing to us come back to you ten-fold!</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<!--3-->Mommy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970863651571623082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181450402630174309.post-35785632211733623872014-06-22T19:09:00.002-07:002014-07-08T14:01:05.462-07:00Announcement!!<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are NOT pregnant....we are FINALLY adopting!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6iHcH6ZgjALzNJqTjmLCxbK-a48WMJVO36mVFnWcQ9bAqE4pfJURS4-k2mk9udauvq_mBO-hfExTFDRI99oFYQvDG1PX-E45eZ_kdYOUzhy5X5EYAoIM8q0y74rMDquoo-PH8IP13Obm/s1600/June+2014+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6iHcH6ZgjALzNJqTjmLCxbK-a48WMJVO36mVFnWcQ9bAqE4pfJURS4-k2mk9udauvq_mBO-hfExTFDRI99oFYQvDG1PX-E45eZ_kdYOUzhy5X5EYAoIM8q0y74rMDquoo-PH8IP13Obm/s1600/June+2014+027.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Mr.
Prince and I have talked about adopting for years. It's fairly long, but here's how we've finally come to where we are now...<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Back in 2004 (right
after Princess Pea was born and Sid was 2) we applied to be house
parents for underprivileged children near Chicago. We had visited the facility because friends of ours from college worked there and really loved what they were doing there. Both of us could stay home or either of us could teach at the school there. The process took over six months. They didn't like
that we had two kids, nor that we planned to have more, so we stepped out
of that process after declining a high school group home in 2005. Our training
and love was for elementary kids, but they didn't think we could manage
two young children as well as a house full of elementary girls. We
disagreed. And knew God wanted to bless us with more children. In
fact, just weeks after declining the position, we found out we were
pregnant with Angelica Pickles!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Over the next few years we started to hear more and more about Foster care and the hurting children taken away from their parents during rough times. We started the process to be Foster parents in 2007, officially applying in 2009. There were some delays in the process as we birthed Boo Boo in 2008 and unexpectedly were pregnant with Miracle as our application awaited approval. Our desire was to be emergency Foster parents for infants and toddlers, hoping one day that would lead to an adoption. I had babysat children out of my home for over five years and we had four cribs/playpens set up throughout the house. We were eventually denied a license due to the ages of our children. They said the state rule was no more than three children under the age of three in a given home or four children under the age of six. We had both.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It was incredibly disappointing news for us. But, we contended to apply again in a few years when Angelica Pickles would be over the age of three.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Then, Fall 2009 we were blessed with Miracle. With her doctor appointments, seizures, therapy for cerebral palsy and such, it took me over two years to really get a handle on Myra's care in addition to my daily responsibilities of being a homemaker, homeschool mom and wife. Adoption had never left my heart, but I knew it was something that would have to wait even longer.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(If you wanna learn more about Miracle, start with <a href="http://mommykellogg.blogspot.com/2013/09/miracle-myra-is-four.html" target="_blank">THIS</a> post and there are more links there, also.) </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Funny, I started following <a href="http://www.kellehampton.com/" target="_blank">THIS</a> blog after reading <a href="http://www.kellehampton.com/2010/01/nella-cordelia-birth-story.html" target="_blank">THIS</a> post about another little girl with special needs that was born months after Miracle. This mother was such an encouragement to me and left me wondering why God hadn't given Miracle her daughter's diagnosis instead of the ones Miracle had been given. Come back and look at this after you read the rest of my blog!) </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
God knew the entire time.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In early 2012 I contacted the local Foster care agency and inquired about starting the process again. I was then told that the state of Indiana had changed their requirements so that no more than five children could be in a Foster care home, including biological children. The previous requirement had been eight.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It honestly felt like another punch in the gut. I knew God had called us and had given us hearts for children and adoption. I didn't understand why we kept hitting walls. But, God made it clear to me we were to adopt before we were going to have more biological children.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I started looking into domestic adoption, despite the cost. I called some reputable Christian adoption agencies and one told me that no mother would ever choose our family due to having five kids. In her 30 years, only one mother had chosen a family with more than two children, and that was because they had previously adopted. Even children with Down Syndrome had so many parents waiting, homestudy ready, that it would likely take us a number of years to adopt.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Another punch.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After more months of research, I found out we could apply to adopt through the state of Indiana, we just couldn't Foster. By then our Foster care classes had expired, so we had to start the process from scratch. So, in late 2012 we started the process in the Special Needs Adoption Program (SNAP). Our second homestudy was done in May 2013 and we were approved on Mr. Prince's birthday in September 2013!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I began immediately looking for our children. We were open to special needs, sibling groups, boys or girls. We sent in for information for many, many, MANY children. Some we got back and knew we couldn't handle their needs, and others we never heard about. Our homestudy was requested for a few children and we were never chosen. For three months I spent HOURS searching. It was emotionally exhausting. But, I thought this was finally our open door.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Then the Foster to Adopt agency contacted me and told me that if I planned to make more inquiries, we would need to get a domestic homestudy to do so. They didn't want to help us any longer. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, we contacted a highly recommended local homestudy agency. We sat down with Jan for free and discussed with her why we wanted a domestic homestudy. We were hoping their agency could be prompt in sending out our homestudy to Foster care agencies across the nation since our Foster care agency no longer wanted to support us in this. Jan was very compassionate, but was very straightforward in saying she really thought we would just wait forever in the SNAP program. She had experience in the Foster to Adopt world and she said they would likely never find our large, one-income family a desirable adoptive family.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Another punch.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Jan went on to tell us how many children were currently waiting for families around the world and, with our openness to special needs, we could likely adopt fairly quickly through a Waiting Child program. We had told her we were open to special needs children and had been drawn to the idea of a child that was deaf or had Down Syndrome. The problem was, I didn't want to adopt internationally. My thought has always been that there are children HERE in America that need parents, too. And the outrageous cost we could never afford. And the travel that would take us away from our other children. I had made this little picture in my head of what I wanted. We desired a multicultural family, but this...it just wasn't desirable. <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But, God calls us to the hard and undesirable sometimes.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Over the next month, I gave up. I stopped looking for children. I stopped talking about adoption. I was beaten down. I looked briefly at the countries Jan had suggested, but with no gusto or ambition. I read about many other hang ups we might run into with international adoption. Every site was discouraging.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Too many kids</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Too young of kids<br />
Too little income<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I told God I was done and really just wanted to birth another child. I wrestled with him the entire month of December 2013. I got an email from Jan on Christmas Eve (why was she working on Christmas Eve?). It was about an additional agency that was not on my original list. They had waiting children from the Philippines. Something drew me to contact the agency and I stated to look at their waiting children in early January.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
January brought about many changes, as I started full-time midwifery school. In my journal on January 4th I wrote, "I have been prompted to leave the uncomfortable to follow God into the unknown. Adoption. Cerebral palsy. Doula. Midwife. Moving. Some exciting. Others daunting. Many teaching patience and trust." A major change in my heart.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We found two little girls from the Philippines that were 9 and 6 just days into January. Sisters. They were absolutely gorgeous. Our girls were currently 9 and 7. We got their complete profiles and I just cried reading them. Their personalities sounded so much like my girls. Their father had left their mother and she had started in the 'dancing' industry to make money. The girls had been in custody of the country for only 2 years and had just become available for international adoption in December 2013. They seemed perfect. We fell in love. So did our kids, especially our girls. We sent in our application to the Philippines in January 14, 2014. We were told we would wait around a month. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
On January 29th we got an email that another family had been identified for the girls.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Biggest punch yet.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was shocked. We didn't know we were even being considered alongside other families. My kids' reaction was the hardest. Angelica Pickles cried and cried. She named her favorite stuffed animal after the little girl her age. She talked about what it would be like to live with them all the time. She was upset her older sister wasn't crying, too. It was a hard, hard week. I had no idea where to go from here. But, I felt God showed me that week that He could make His Will happen whenever He wanted to. That the situation was wholly in his hands. That He can help us find our child through the heart of an adoption agent on Christmas Eve, or He would help us find them another way. But, our hearts were broken between here and the Philippines. And I never stopped praying for those girls. And praying their family would be better than ours. And perfect for them. Yet, I still wondered if this door was completely closed...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I didn't look for kids outside of the Philippines for a while. Each month the Philippines sent out a list of the hard to adopt kids (where we found the girls) and I waited expectantly for that list in February, March and April. We asked about a little girl that was 6. She wasn't likely to make it through to us. A family with a current dossier in the Philippines was inquiring about her, and if they declined, she would be offered to all 20+ families currently waiting with dossiers. THEN, she would be offered to us.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, I continued to wait and pray. Pray and wait. I contacted a few other agencies and expanded my search to Hong Kong, Taiwan and Thailand. I just didn't see my child/ren anywhere. And my heart still hurt for the girls.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Some time in March I viewed <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2CDtp_4fYc" target="_blank">THIS </a>video. It rocked my world. I had seen many Gotcha videos but this one made me bawl and bawl and watch it over and over. (Get some tissue if you plan to watch it!) I attempted to hold back my tears as I showed Mr. Prince. I had heard of <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/new-family/thechildren" target="_blank">Reece's Rainbow</a> before, but never looked at their site in any detail. I mulled over this site for hours reading profiles and falling in love with these children. Reece's Rainbow is a site committed to advocating for special needs children, especially children with Down Syndrome. We had talked about the idea of adopting a child with DS, but we hadn't talked about what exactly that would look like for us. I had so many questions. Could we really do this?<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I feel in love with <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/69202/yulia" target="_blank">THIS</a> profile (don't miss the videos!). 'Yulia' is a three year old girl from China with Down Syndrome and possible hearing impairment. We didn't think China was even an option for us due to our income and family size, but we were told by 'Yulia's' agency that we could ask for waivers since she had special needs. We had a long, hard conversation about finances, the future, Down Syndrome and all the other things swimming through my head. And in mid-April we began to pray and fast about this little girl. Is this who God wanted us to adopt? My plan was to finish out my semester of school and we would possibly proceed in mid-May if we felt that was where God was leading.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
Days later, on April 21st, we received an email from the Philippines agency that the two girls had become available again and they were reviewing our file! I literally couldn't stop crying for hours and just paced, praying, up and down my street. My kids thought I was nuts and really wanted to know what was wrong. I called Mr. Prince at work and we decided it was best to not tell them. We didn't want the same heartache for them. I told them there was a possibility of good news or bad news and asked them to pray for good news. They weren't exactly satisfied with that answer, but they stopped asking. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
All I could think of was that God wanted me to trust, wait and understand that all of this was part if HIS plan. I couldn't stop thinking about traveling to bring these girls home and what that meant for our family. I had never given up hope that they would come back to us if it was God's plan. My friends even got goosebumps when I called them and asked them to pray. It seemed like the 'end' to the beginning of our adoption story.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Philippines asked for additional information about Miracle's special needs. I thought this was odd, and was possibly a little offended by it. Why does this affect how we would parent these two girls? We were currently raising four other 'neurologically typical' children and they were doing great. We sent a positive response about how much we love Miracle and include her in everything that we do despite the fact that she doesn't talk or walk. And then we waited.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
On Mother's Day I had the privilege of watching one of my best friend's babies (#4) assimilate into his family immediately following his birth through Skype. (I missed the birth by moments!) She never knew, but I cried and cried with my camera off (they thought I had technical difficulties and honestly weren't paying attention that much for obvious reasons). I wanted to birth another child. And all I could see was having not three, but now FIVE little girls being a part of my next birth experience and being little mommies to another little Kellogg baby some day. I had waited to have children for almost 5 years now awaiting an adoption. So, it was just a little emotional for me. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The day after Mother's Day, May 11th, I got the news that another family had been identified for the girls....again.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There are no words for my feelings. I felt peaceful, yet hurt. Accepting, yet torn. I still pray for them and think of them often. But, I guess they were never mine. And I had been praying that God would give me peace either way. See, as I was waiting I started to question whether I really could take in two older girls. Could I really parent them well? This wasn't my original plan either. I had succumb to the fact that this decision was not mine. And I was peaceful. I was glad that I couldn't mess up God's plan as long as I searched for His Will. That peace beyond understanding - that is what I claim for that day. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
I also found out that while we were waiting on these girls, the six year old girl we had inquired about (also from the Philippines) had become available to us. But, since we were waiting to hear back about the girls, we were not given the opportunity to look at her profile and she had been accepted by another family. My heart immediate sunk, but I quickly accepted that as God's way of assuring we would eventually adopt who He wanted us to adopt.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We had been majorly distracted from praying about 'Yulia' from Reece's Rainbow through these few weeks. I still had her photo on my iPhone screen and still thought about her, but I truly thought the girls would be ours. But, as I prayed about these girls while we waited, God kept assuring me that I could parent who He places in our arms. That His grace is sufficient. That it would be <u>His</u> strength that would allow us to adopt and parent this child or children He had planned for us. At the time I was thinking about the girls and the difficulties I knew they could bring to our family. The sacrifices that would have to be made, the prayer that would be required, the money that would have to be raised. But, my heart immediately turned toward 'Yulia' after we found out we were not chosen for the girls and these promises from God still rang true. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I struggled for a few weeks wondering what I would do if we moved forward with 'Yulia' and the girls become available again. I prayed over and over, that if these girls were going to come back again, that they would come back to us before the end of May, not 6 months down the road. I prayed for direction and leading from God and begged for peace. Begged. I read about Down Syndrome and Mr. Prince and I had many conversations. My heart grew for this little girl, yet I was somewhat reserved because of the hurt I had already been through with the girls.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It took a few weeks to get all my questions answered about the process. In that time a few families started to inquire about 'Yulia'. I was told that no one had ever pursued her in the 3 years she had been waiting. We sent in our application for them to review our information to assess if we would be able to adopt from China. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
On May 24th the director of Across the World Adoptions contacted me and told me she didn't see any reason why China would not allow us to adopt 'Yulia'. I was still in denial, but wanted to believe her.<br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We began to work on our Letter of Intent and started to get more excited. We announced that we 'hoped' to adopt a little girl from China to Mr. Prince's family on Memorial Day. We were reminded that day that 'Yulia's' birthday was the same as Mr. Prince's maternal grandmother, Helen Frances Plasterer. We had always wanted to name a baby after Helen, but nothing ever stuck with our other kids. Helen raised four children with a rare disorder and all four died by the age of eight. This was in addition to the other four babies she lost by miscarriage/stillbirth and the five she raised into adulthood. She was an amazing women who only met our first two children. But, I have said since Miracle was born, she was the one person I wish I could talk to about raising a child with special needs - she did it four times with grace! My appreciation grew for Helen ten-fold after Miracle was born. Mr. Prince and I went home and quickly decided without much discussion that 'Yulia's' name would be Frances Joy Yutang Kellogg.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Frances from Helen Frances </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Joy describes Down Syndrome perfectly</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Yutang is her given Chinese name<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
She would be known as Frannie Joy! Our attachment grew. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
May 28, 2014 we sent our Letter of Intent (LOI) to adopt Frannie Joy. And we waited....again. We held a fundraising garage sale in early June and raised a little under $1600.00! We posted photos of Frannie at the sale, but I was still a little nervous because I wasn't SURE she was mine yet.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Well.... we just received our Pre-Approval to adopt Frannie Joy on June 19th!! She is ours!! Well, not officially...but a promise has been made from China that we can come get her next year!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhqjPkaTJFhHEhr1pG-6N36-onnZITciSB2yGoYOe064FYFIdYQEWPqyCktW_iqGguHJnF1s-RWfxMoDoa3ZRrrohCIaVCbf8B47MHQMDuSsNBoENRrz1jxMzgtuTiPR5AhzZOZCOUNuV/s1600/May+2014+039.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhqjPkaTJFhHEhr1pG-6N36-onnZITciSB2yGoYOe064FYFIdYQEWPqyCktW_iqGguHJnF1s-RWfxMoDoa3ZRrrohCIaVCbf8B47MHQMDuSsNBoENRrz1jxMzgtuTiPR5AhzZOZCOUNuV/s1600/May+2014+039.PNG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gBl2kW1fjJzbQoZyguTw1dXyD_karf4hSM51BxViKZzo9ByivJ7tFMTdCN41Ky9J3YHqmQeF3B_sEcsm-7cz-fxnZR3hdeMACcQHc0ePtrHTfklT_ZlQuoAN-bSZ4h8oC4hWWEeZdLPP/s1600/May+2014+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCL4qPgR2hMEB5yj9ub5uptksZhgDM36Gd0CbVXz7Cv3SkLkDzkNZqW0ZT48TdJdyKSLP9FCKXiZkWMiYwE0lCxGjDgyZQeWAXdY6WYaZotw5rciOS_gMzNjEtH-qu6aS_Lxzkyw1DvtT/s1600/May+2014+039.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmHjlMv00ZIez-26DKPLmpfonE757N5_vurOlYS7Cnq4gtfXyo7XxJPyx27ONM6WLRswn_f4uirfjynq8JgU96ydknFaYDWok4XAEYi8PM2zs0kHsC8wW0GOx7gezfcQNVsk_sxN_QI1X/s1600/May+2014+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmHjlMv00ZIez-26DKPLmpfonE757N5_vurOlYS7Cnq4gtfXyo7XxJPyx27ONM6WLRswn_f4uirfjynq8JgU96ydknFaYDWok4XAEYi8PM2zs0kHsC8wW0GOx7gezfcQNVsk_sxN_QI1X/s1600/May+2014+037.JPG" height="290" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Frannie Joy will be four on September 22 - the day after my birthday, two days before Miracle turns five and the day Helen Frances would have been 93. We are waiting for our home visit for our homestudy, but all our paperwork is done. We are starting our I800A application for USCIS and our dossier paperwork. We hope to bring her home early 2015.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsnkHcrXqtM2tJn87Yvy-rMJEWkwSSikN_-oT_mnka5z84Qo9nnLaZfhdI-9pTPO9lZGrU026LFx6YNxs6fZzko3H-Z304izQea70s_niM4jV_-nuwTL2jV_Vk8cJwJgtWXZnyz9qSv4a/s1600/May+2014+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We are beyond excited to finally be bringing home the little girl God had planned for us long ago! And the events that shaped our love and opened our hearts to adopting her is quite obvious to us now.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
God has shown me through raising Miracle that life isn't always easy and life isn't always fair but His plan is perfect, His grace is sufficient and His love is unconditional. I have struggled throughout the last number of years waiting for answers, waiting for direction, waiting for healing and waiting for adoption. I still have things I'm waiting on. And though I know in my heart that God's timing is perfect, my head still yearns for my own timing.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
I want Myra to be healed NOW. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I want Frannie to be here NOW. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I want to move NOW.<br />
I want to be a midwife NOW.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm still running into road blocks for many of these things. But, I just have to keep reminding myself that those blockers are there to slow me down and point me to my Savior and Redeemer. That Christ is my strength and God is my path. This story sums up much of the last 10 years of my life. It's kind of odd to see it on a blog in just a <strike>few</strike> number of paragraphs.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you feel drawn to help fund our adoption, there is a PayPal DONATION button on the top right corner of our blog (you don't need to have a PayPal account to donate). We need to raise approximately $35,000 to bring Frannie home. The process goes quickly for waiting children and they will expect that we move quickly to raise this money. We have some fundraisers in the works and plan to apply to grants. Currently, we are $1800 short to pay China the $3500 'acceptance' fee for Frannie. When we turn in our dossier in three months or so (my goal is her birthday), we will need an additional $6260 to send our dossier to China. And, we are praying about possibly bringing home an additional child if God provides the funds quickly for Frannie, if China and USCIS would approve us and if we raise an additional $15,000 on top of Frannie's $35,000!! <br />
<br />
I understand not everyone is in a position to donate money, but we also need some people who could commit to pray for this process. I would love to know if any of you are willing to do this for us!<br />
<br />
We have always felt love and support from our friends and family and I have no doubt the support will blow us away again! I know there are already people who have asked when and how they can donate. Here you go! Please feel free to link your blog or Facebook to this post and spread the word on how others who haven't (yet) been called to adoption can help bring an orphan home. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWs7LnRwnxm8OKRoPCS7cOZO_G2dZY4svf1cV6LdmNEgdj8KLpw00-HpUxmOV3-j31NpgL-hUiONqz_gi6Jlm6vLFvm0hJLfvpOPF0nz4u9T21wGLYEUapSfVPfZnPHx3Lv2NwapyK_JTI/s1600/Familyphoto2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWs7LnRwnxm8OKRoPCS7cOZO_G2dZY4svf1cV6LdmNEgdj8KLpw00-HpUxmOV3-j31NpgL-hUiONqz_gi6Jlm6vLFvm0hJLfvpOPF0nz4u9T21wGLYEUapSfVPfZnPHx3Lv2NwapyK_JTI/s1600/Familyphoto2014.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kellogg Family (2014)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Princess Pea, Mr. Prince, Boo Boo, Sid the Science Kid, MommyK, Miracle, Angelica Pickles</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm thinking Frannie's blog name will be Kai-Lan. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Seems appropriate considering the cartoon names our other kids have adopted. :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I know many of you are blog browsers....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Please stop and say HI! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Leave a comment so I know you visited and I can come follow your family story or adoption journey! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Over 700 people have already visited this post, but I only know one of you! ;)</div>
</div>
Mommy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970863651571623082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181450402630174309.post-64907543842711313452014-06-22T14:33:00.001-07:002014-06-22T18:38:43.000-07:00Family Update *BIG NEWS*It's been FOREVER since I blogged. And a lot has happened in the last year.<br />
<br />
Allow me to summarize...<br />
<br />
We completed our school year last month and I'm currently planning year 2014-2015. Sid the Science Kid will be doing mostly high school work during his 7th grade year, Gracelyn will be going into 5th grade, Angelica Pickles will be in 3rd and Boo Boo will be in 1st/2nd. Miracle will continue to stay home with us due to the help of a nurse during my 'teaching' hours.<br />
<br />
This year I'm making lots of changes to my curricula due to being in school full-time myself. This past January I started full-time midwifery school. It was a difficult semester managing homeschool, a home and my own school....but we survived! This is a two year program that will take 2-4 to complete due to attending a required amount of births and prenatal appointments. I'm SO excited about this program because birth and pregnancy has been a passion of mine for so many years! <br />
<br />
Mr. Prince continues to teach 3rd grade students at a local elementary school, but had a rough year. Teaching is becoming more and more difficult as our culture shifts. He is currently working at a summer Clubhouse program and really enjoys his time there. Mr. Prince has been an incredible help this last semester picking up the slack I've left as I did school for hours and hours every evening.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYx2m5btoqDi9XMa5xFwrY_pj3uPOrbLTUHo-LQF-ELRKzqgewrf-foVr0DSlOlfl04s0BMK_MOIGpkin_Rzr75DF9m-Txs1yMYUbpj_jxJnOF8Dd-bUpc7sTR_mafI2ApNQHzCUYoS7r/s1600/paulandashley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYx2m5btoqDi9XMa5xFwrY_pj3uPOrbLTUHo-LQF-ELRKzqgewrf-foVr0DSlOlfl04s0BMK_MOIGpkin_Rzr75DF9m-Txs1yMYUbpj_jxJnOF8Dd-bUpc7sTR_mafI2ApNQHzCUYoS7r/s1600/paulandashley.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
MommyK and Mr. Prince at a cousin's wedding, 2014</div>
<br />
Sid the Science Kid has 'graduated' from his church's elementary school program and is now in the 6th-8th grade program. Exciting, but he is already starting to learn about 'cliques' and 'cool' kids. I don't look forward to these middle school years coming up for any of my kids. He is still doing leaps in bounds in school and completed a Pre-Algebra program this year! I'm finding it hard to keep up with him. I'm praying these next few years he finds some passions (other than Legos) and starts to develop a love for something. These are important years coming up and I'm a little nervous about parenting a tween!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyKn63ncGQCcH_ckUlmEZz5LylV3i8hx0CVLMdaJ6RefVUd_-i9pHpj35hxqW04kRf7GMponLls0NxXqvE9zpuRIJppDhYQ9dSK5UJK6D2Hy8Lh9PRK2kqIVWm97IfWLfIxmBGmJFzST-/s1600/May+2014+057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyKn63ncGQCcH_ckUlmEZz5LylV3i8hx0CVLMdaJ6RefVUd_-i9pHpj35hxqW04kRf7GMponLls0NxXqvE9zpuRIJppDhYQ9dSK5UJK6D2Hy8Lh9PRK2kqIVWm97IfWLfIxmBGmJFzST-/s1600/May+2014+057.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sid the Science Kid (11) with Miracle (4)</div>
<br />
Princess Pea has bloomed in her dance classes this year and has matured a lot. Academically she is keeping up with her brother and blowing me away. She has been watching me do the laundry for years, and last month, asked to fold a basket. She did awesome! So, I told her for the summer I would pay her $.50/basket to help her raise money to buy her 3rd American Girl Doll (this will be the second doll she's purchased herself). I haven't folded a load of laundry for WEEKS! She is such a little helper and little mommy. She blesses my heart so often!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvdSzn9bJPBrLy-9d0Lr2L8GFEfp0_Rif52CzVR01_2rTxmEIt_3aPEjOtpHyc0CjGvJCo_1avnPAyH6Itq2MtUtShoEzMdJCfNoUncU81vQKYRCmWBB_w4EiTNFj8meGHFwcH_v6QHNH/s1600/April+2014+084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvdSzn9bJPBrLy-9d0Lr2L8GFEfp0_Rif52CzVR01_2rTxmEIt_3aPEjOtpHyc0CjGvJCo_1avnPAyH6Itq2MtUtShoEzMdJCfNoUncU81vQKYRCmWBB_w4EiTNFj8meGHFwcH_v6QHNH/s1600/April+2014+084.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Princess Pea (9) practicing for her Restored to Glory Presentation</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Angelica Pickles just turned 8 and is still a very spunky little girl! She had a rough beginning of her school year, but by the end of the year she was enjoying school and reading much better. We also found out how crazy quick at math she is! She has grown a lot dancing for Restored to Glory this year as well, and it was her first year in a different class than her sister. She really bloomed in some friendships at church and I'm excited to see her interests in church activities, school and dance take off this year. She adores her baby sister and often takes time to play with her daily. She loves to help in the kitchen, too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ekMd-zheEdIFPjzrxFN9jyNuQ7vLdzrsAyVd1lIRnpEjSycOJtg76yjsoFZCS1-VcMgH3I_OkG7Rna75natOwr98CS-n6hk3AaOZAI35_ryYJc2wXqaLaoKsqtdkAKz6jXWXSugXGaGV/s1600/April+2014+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ekMd-zheEdIFPjzrxFN9jyNuQ7vLdzrsAyVd1lIRnpEjSycOJtg76yjsoFZCS1-VcMgH3I_OkG7Rna75natOwr98CS-n6hk3AaOZAI35_ryYJc2wXqaLaoKsqtdkAKz6jXWXSugXGaGV/s1600/April+2014+018.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Angelica Pickles and MommyK</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Boo Boo's personality just keeps getting better! He's a such a clown and tries to be funny constantly. His newest thing is the daily mo-hawk. I have no idea where he comes up with these things. Boo Boo finished his entire 1st grade math book this year and is reading at a 2nd grade level. He seems ready academically to be going into 2nd, but he still seems like my baby! I'm thinking I'll have him straddling between 1st/2nd this coming year. He loved the soccer and basketball teams we put him on this year and is probably the one who uses the 10ft hoop we purchased for our backyard the most. He constantly wants to be outside. We really enjoy what he brings to our family.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAQ6WCRcuoyjZ9wnGCIH35XvpHjEDlEe4NgHTBPKo7Qc-80PANZrHFH4PnX4-fWPDplwKsMM3Gx2fp2FCmn3xywfgYsha2K0Tv7FD_57Wnz8nbR3swYjJEZUMDRlLPRGpBzxlPhS7Cw6B/s1600/June+2014+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAQ6WCRcuoyjZ9wnGCIH35XvpHjEDlEe4NgHTBPKo7Qc-80PANZrHFH4PnX4-fWPDplwKsMM3Gx2fp2FCmn3xywfgYsha2K0Tv7FD_57Wnz8nbR3swYjJEZUMDRlLPRGpBzxlPhS7Cw6B/s1600/June+2014+048.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Boo Boo (6) and MommyK</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Miracle has had a pretty uneventful year, which is some ways is a good thing! Her seizures have been under control for the most part and she's been happy. She now sleep in her sister's room, per request of her sisters, but still takes naps on our laps or the downstairs couch. Her head control hasn't improved much, but she's eating a few ounces 1-2x daily! We just received her Upsee harness this past week and I cannot wait to work on walking with her in that! We had numerous friends donate the $489 to pay for the Upsee a few months ago and are so thankful for their constant love and support! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5aQupCDTf-J0SWuSoYASpM5xqgPX6-B7zoxYzuUMozw1W2fu0YdfFk3ufoHwT88fcbR6XehiYxWMN3FvFIujZshWYenKNgbrm1hM35e5EjJyaxIZWRzfZsStLoIyGeClwcjXFSwIV7hIl/s1600/myra+stander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5aQupCDTf-J0SWuSoYASpM5xqgPX6-B7zoxYzuUMozw1W2fu0YdfFk3ufoHwT88fcbR6XehiYxWMN3FvFIujZshWYenKNgbrm1hM35e5EjJyaxIZWRzfZsStLoIyGeClwcjXFSwIV7hIl/s1600/myra+stander.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Miracle (4) happy in her stander!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Miracle has changed our family's perspective on life completely. And that brings us to our next update...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stay tuned for my next post! :) </div>
Mommy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970863651571623082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181450402630174309.post-70557987849256479572013-09-24T08:13:00.000-07:002013-09-24T08:13:25.217-07:00Miracle Myra is FOUR!This is sort of an odd day for me. Myra seems like she's been around forever, yet I can't wrap my mind around calling her four. She is, in fact, a large four year old. So, <i>that </i>I can assure you! Carrying her 34lb- 40inch self is getting harder and harder for any period of time. I loved carrying her in my sling or wrap. I just cannot do it anymore. So, in that way she very much feels like four.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-7hPzQVJnNkOniqih_IB8I2tiWVRiqjHPb0Y1GfaQe5uwnJwdy86SC92NOKoLj-C8zWbNOC2WprHWX3D164R1fnpY22GVKHjR26gjN_YRGjM9QuAqqdb0B8KPcCeFt7jP-oCvat_jdtM/s1600/September+2013+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-7hPzQVJnNkOniqih_IB8I2tiWVRiqjHPb0Y1GfaQe5uwnJwdy86SC92NOKoLj-C8zWbNOC2WprHWX3D164R1fnpY22GVKHjR26gjN_YRGjM9QuAqqdb0B8KPcCeFt7jP-oCvat_jdtM/s320/September+2013+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
But, I simply cannot believe her birth was a whole four years ago. I remember that day so clearly. It is probably the worse day I've ever experienced, yet that experience has changed the course of my life forever. In many ways I wish I could take it back and change it. In many ways I wouldn't dare, for the person I was fours years ago on September 23, 2009 is no longer living. I sort of had a birth of my own on her birthday four years ago.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5TbaRieRBf1jP7j_hskMUWympXqjW-Nr3-1T4k_CO_OpB5HOG2NhD9sc5n-go4lDG54jo6Yanx3ALQdJSzkC1lLHxeuCyInn9IFkixIq1aoeAA9ZTGGobDidvqP-c5V-qGrTF2e-yAgL/s1600/kiss.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5TbaRieRBf1jP7j_hskMUWympXqjW-Nr3-1T4k_CO_OpB5HOG2NhD9sc5n-go4lDG54jo6Yanx3ALQdJSzkC1lLHxeuCyInn9IFkixIq1aoeAA9ZTGGobDidvqP-c5V-qGrTF2e-yAgL/s320/kiss.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(If you don't know her birth story you can read it <a href="http://mommykellogg.blogspot.com/2009/11/myras-testimony.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Her step by step story is typed below her photo in the right column but you can also read more about her MRI results <a href="http://mommykellogg.blogspot.com/2010/01/myras-mri-results.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> and her diagnosis <a href="http://mommykellogg.blogspot.com/2010/04/specialists-labels-and-milestones.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> and my perspective <a href="http://mommykellogg.blogspot.com/2010/09/miracle-myra-is-1-year-old.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> and <a href="http://mommykellogg.blogspot.com/2013/08/managing-nicu-baby-with-children-at.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.)</span><br />
<br />
I'm almost as a loss of words today. It's very hard to describe my feelings. I honestly never thought we would be where we are four years later. I truly believed Myra would be running around with her siblings and chatting up a storm by now. Don't get me wrong, we celebrate each and every accomplishment - ask my Facebook friends! And I've learned well that milestone lists are not what is important in life. I've seen compassion for people who are different grow in my children, and that has been amazing. I look at each and every child around me with a sense of wonder. Their abilities amaze me, their speech, their laugh, their toddle as they learn to walk, their big noggins. I see things through different eyes. This I like. I'm more appreciative. More observant. More in awe of God and His creation. <br />
<br />
And I feel like I can actually see through Myra, to her heart. Through the cries, through the screams, through the protests during therapy. She's a super sweet personality. Very laid back, in fact. She loves to observe, but if you involve her in something, she lights up. She loves people, loves listening to them talk and interact. She loves music- Celtic, country, lullabies, guitar, banjo, men's voices, bells. Most people either see her crying or staring off into space. But, she's listening. She's interacting every way she knows how. She may not react when you say 'HI', but if you just stayed a moment longer, often a smile will erupt just as you walk away. Her reactions are delayed, but they are there. She loves when kids play with her, play with her toys, touch her hands and face. Many kids at church or on outings come up and ask about her hearing aids while touching her ear or start playing with her toy. Most parents shoo them away, but she <i>loves </i>that. They don't understand it's the only interaction with other children that she gets besides her siblings. I can see her light up when her 3-year-old cousin comes to say 'HI' as she starts playing with her toys, touching her hands and talking to her. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VAHBFYfXR80aVIWavTee8rHnM_oHdHVlm5ubJfaIFNgH3y2ZGouGX1i_0SoDKRytz64R960lAoTFgLsQsoWd6h24dO4QiAoVqtOleu-WAFP3YF4s1THlBcGMIw3ElYjv_q1rd3IOwOB5/s1600/cousinandM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VAHBFYfXR80aVIWavTee8rHnM_oHdHVlm5ubJfaIFNgH3y2ZGouGX1i_0SoDKRytz64R960lAoTFgLsQsoWd6h24dO4QiAoVqtOleu-WAFP3YF4s1THlBcGMIw3ElYjv_q1rd3IOwOB5/s320/cousinandM.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13V3teSRvT5ToCiIAgxd9kFkOtq9EgChxzc4Xrm9yL2QjacHyNGuh-sMZUo9Bta_fRd0kPF_XIoRSrtfaPcK-j9AmGRrlqUr5MGGPZf31kJ3qAikfj-vhzQD-Kh2zasAiDg0vLm64LYmf/s1600/July+2013+012.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
Myra is the best cuddle bug. She curls up in her dad's
arms, my lap or envelops one of her siblings completely as they try to
manipulate her as she's gotten so big. She loves to listen to our
heartbeats and is content for so long with that. She feels safe. Her
vision isn't great, so when she goes for periods of time in her
wheelchair or on the floor and she isn't hearing constant chatter,
because the kids are outside or I'm cooking in the kitchen, she cries
because she's lonely. She is a people person. I wish you could all know her like I do...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPsYN3CvDRA5CXe4KMFO3cvQm_eNEYHD14x4CoOzlFv9uIwHD80yy01d9D65ygpg0rzzWvvru4fboRkvqWHzw11MOxP5zfe_DSGoIi-GRDyX3o5fvut-_puZlUpDKCWbPh04Fsg3Do5tY/s1600/August+2013+011.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPsYN3CvDRA5CXe4KMFO3cvQm_eNEYHD14x4CoOzlFv9uIwHD80yy01d9D65ygpg0rzzWvvru4fboRkvqWHzw11MOxP5zfe_DSGoIi-GRDyX3o5fvut-_puZlUpDKCWbPh04Fsg3Do5tY/s320/August+2013+011.JPG" width="240" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The fact that Myra isn't mobile or verbal stinks. Truly. But, the biggest heartache isn't that I can't mark it off a chart to say that she did it, but that she cannot express herself like the rest of us. She's in there and can't tell us all she's thinking and feeling. She's trapped in a body that doesn't do what it should. When she's crying and we can't figure out why, I'm just heartbroken. That is the biggest thing to swallow. That no one else knows her like I do, and I don't even know her like God does. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj89CZrD6Xz_L8HZfLYNH78irIjThJsA5wxjGb87Vns_6rqL4LdpsJSsydnaOBPM5cP-O5H-dib7vzBiAOzw0l0WRawhdrS1Ax6HT5SB-LFdMAi5ZMkof2yeFKUHK4VYnvDXp_NSl58I4p9/s1600/WHEELCHAIR+GRAVE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Zol0MTnNX_iKzSm79s_Elm3HacY-lszP9X060ZYIMJCjzLVV8ny-EWOfUgqqr5aCgntGLaiVl1rdDbpg8TryaHieGT5dCvxTQ-oOvY_hcYba7Tn9kDoUctu6-yyvjCP7dsCFVnVb2CtW/s1600/Myra+Owl+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Zol0MTnNX_iKzSm79s_Elm3HacY-lszP9X060ZYIMJCjzLVV8ny-EWOfUgqqr5aCgntGLaiVl1rdDbpg8TryaHieGT5dCvxTQ-oOvY_hcYba7Tn9kDoUctu6-yyvjCP7dsCFVnVb2CtW/s320/Myra+Owl+hat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But, can't you see her spunk? :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Our pastor shared a vision with us when she was only hours old. He said she was around the age of three and was dancing at the alter with dark, curly hair and everyone could see the glory of God on her. I have chosen to believe this vision wholeheartedly and have tried hard to not to put God in a box. I'd like to <i>think </i>that this means she is healed <u>completely</u> of every single disability, but I know that that may not be true. But, I am still waiting. Despite the fact that she's now four, I'm still going to wait. God is not one to break His promises. But, I think of the possibilities if she <i>is</i> healed completely- the people I would tell, the story she would have, the vast number of people that would witness God's healing hand and how many people this could affect in their walk with God. The truth is, she IS a miracle! We HAVE seen God heal her in so many ways already. I HAVE told many people and she IS affecting people's lives, just as she is. So, all I can say is, even though my little human brain can make plans and see the benefits of a completely healed little girl, God often uses those of us that are broken to make the biggest statements and touch the most people. And though I'm not completely ready to let my dreams of complete healing go, I can accept God's plan for her life. <br />
<br />
If I've learned anything in these last four years, it's been that His plans <b><i>are </i></b>greater than mine.<br />
<br />
This song sings my heart....<br />
<br />
<b>"Even If"</b> -Kutless<br />
<br />
Sometimes all we have to hold on to<br />
Is what we know is true of who You are<br />
So when the heartache hits like a hurricane<br />
That could never change who You are<br />
And we trust in who You are<br />
<br />
Even if the healing doesn’t come<br />
And life falls apart<br />
And dreams are still undone<br />
You are God You are good<br />
Forever faithful One<br />
Even if the healing<br />
Even if the healing doesn’t come<br />
<br />
Lord we know Your ways are not our ways<br />
So we set our faith in who You are<br />
Even though You reign high above us<br />
You tenderly love us<br />
We know Your heart<br />
And we rest in who You are<br />
<br />
Even if the healing doesn’t come<br />
And life falls apart<br />
And dreams are still undone<br />
You are God You are good<br />
Forever faithful One<br />
Even if the healing<br />
Even if the healing doesn’t come<br />
<br />
You’re still the Great and Mighty One<br />
We trust You always<br />
You’re working all things for our good<br />
We’ll sing your praise <br />
<br />
Even if the healing doesn’t come<br />
And life falls apart<br />
And dreams are still undone<br />
You are God You are good<br />
Forever faithful One<br />
Even if the healing<br />
Even if the healing doesn’t come<br />
<br />
You are God and we will bless You<br />
As the Good and Faithful One<br />
You are God and we will bless You<br />
Even if the healing doesn’t come<br />
Even if the healing doesn’t come<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And even if the healing doesn't come in <i>this </i>lifetime, it <b><i>is </i></b>coming. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can rest in that. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj89CZrD6Xz_L8HZfLYNH78irIjThJsA5wxjGb87Vns_6rqL4LdpsJSsydnaOBPM5cP-O5H-dib7vzBiAOzw0l0WRawhdrS1Ax6HT5SB-LFdMAi5ZMkof2yeFKUHK4VYnvDXp_NSl58I4p9/s1600/WHEELCHAIR+GRAVE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj89CZrD6Xz_L8HZfLYNH78irIjThJsA5wxjGb87Vns_6rqL4LdpsJSsydnaOBPM5cP-O5H-dib7vzBiAOzw0l0WRawhdrS1Ax6HT5SB-LFdMAi5ZMkof2yeFKUHK4VYnvDXp_NSl58I4p9/s320/WHEELCHAIR+GRAVE.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />I love you, Myra. More than you will ever know.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But my love is incomparable to HIS.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijkGvGPYrBJq4dBxzEleSkvF3Iud9phEHZBq2VRbQlfBN9I3sgQlsCnK2PiWMefZguHIY1D8aaW7bgSLf7IyKiJ1nrIfnrnMFvlmFs6-HLqHpLM8L1K85ibibFs9cdhN8-FHxuIqT7ec2/s1600/September+2013+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijkGvGPYrBJq4dBxzEleSkvF3Iud9phEHZBq2VRbQlfBN9I3sgQlsCnK2PiWMefZguHIY1D8aaW7bgSLf7IyKiJ1nrIfnrnMFvlmFs6-HLqHpLM8L1K85ibibFs9cdhN8-FHxuIqT7ec2/s320/September+2013+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Mommy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970863651571623082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181450402630174309.post-76506791961755693682013-08-19T12:25:00.001-07:002013-08-19T12:26:08.000-07:00Day 1 DONE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/nbts-blog-hop-photo-week/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdf9sN9MOjz2jalAMTkput7oX3WkV8uF-XTd1DgG-7e648-3glv0ze7ddh7SQU7RQNrux41xGYqQVtQQ31ZVfVqJcsipDr8t4QT8_vJp_uegr2r7ozQZlJG_h5DGZNuEeRCqr1R8c5yQV/s320/notbacktoschoolbloghop2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Finished with Homeschool Day 1 and completed and graded everything by 2:30pm! Now, we aren't doing our full school schedule, but doing chores and getting back into routine is taking quite some extra time. We got done all I had planned, so I am pleased. Despite feeling like I'm only half ready for school this year, we had a fabulous first day!<br />
<br />
Tomorrow we will add in flash card work, poetry and scripture memorization and our Answers in Genesis apologetics curriculum.<br />
<br />
Next week we will add in science, history and Character Quality Language Arts. I still have lots of planning to do with these.<br />
<br />
First Day of School photos, unedited and unplanned.... <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwR7TyZMnq55mTXe98lT6Wifv4Fdpoy3ZaqMvmL_8l-_9uYBBfqD6JNIk6xaXGmUof4p0Uu3Do7U2m89nGO4pByr_glJEoR1azRl1XBhzTYgnrjGgiAcHl7bLxbka0rYUtzctKoxGHt58/s1600/August+2013+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwR7TyZMnq55mTXe98lT6Wifv4Fdpoy3ZaqMvmL_8l-_9uYBBfqD6JNIk6xaXGmUof4p0Uu3Do7U2m89nGO4pByr_glJEoR1azRl1XBhzTYgnrjGgiAcHl7bLxbka0rYUtzctKoxGHt58/s320/August+2013+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Boo Boo's first day of 1st grade!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOFVAfbiRTHSuA7l20987NxZC6YGjvU0oQk09qId1497k3CgRH-KqMxqCd2E6HMKCeriJ-3wUJfWlaKDtBT6VkX2fexZ8QWKOauXbdxaMAVVLA775jGL5G-w00z_FWb0IYZ7rUO8Ogy9qZ/s1600/August+2013+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOFVAfbiRTHSuA7l20987NxZC6YGjvU0oQk09qId1497k3CgRH-KqMxqCd2E6HMKCeriJ-3wUJfWlaKDtBT6VkX2fexZ8QWKOauXbdxaMAVVLA775jGL5G-w00z_FWb0IYZ7rUO8Ogy9qZ/s320/August+2013+002.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Angelica Pickle's first day of 2nd grade!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80nKEk8U3FQc6dkvml-jqm1gaU0VAlEvwU9g7uyuNRFk9auxT7weZStoO3OBrCNe0_Q6rADeSp3euRdIGw_v4GJjETPIc9ZNXVEcNiOOIY57YHO7sAsFqbOdrXC0q_h9IdXcEM-t2ttYo/s1600/August+2013+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80nKEk8U3FQc6dkvml-jqm1gaU0VAlEvwU9g7uyuNRFk9auxT7weZStoO3OBrCNe0_Q6rADeSp3euRdIGw_v4GJjETPIc9ZNXVEcNiOOIY57YHO7sAsFqbOdrXC0q_h9IdXcEM-t2ttYo/s320/August+2013+005.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Princess Pea's first day of 4th grade!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganmfSYq5cuB2p1jOo84qS3VYjEEy_a93txEafwO3hJffwZvt2GJBHBOs52QBe3xlsVPkAUTrLg0m2YOo8Z3hXPQKwbVuvrIBUO6WgTi_AuHeKToWiB5jraGxOA7F-JZdCwPeO5YXyQsfa/s1600/August+2013+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganmfSYq5cuB2p1jOo84qS3VYjEEy_a93txEafwO3hJffwZvt2GJBHBOs52QBe3xlsVPkAUTrLg0m2YOo8Z3hXPQKwbVuvrIBUO6WgTi_AuHeKToWiB5jraGxOA7F-JZdCwPeO5YXyQsfa/s320/August+2013+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sid the Science Kid's first day of 6th grade!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I also made over seven phone calls this morning taking care of a few things since I've been gone three weeks. We realized last night that our monthly order for Miracle's g-tube supplies and formula hadn't arrived yet. We have supplies for TODAY and that's it. They had some excuse about Medicaid changing things, but it's <strike>ridiculous</strike> UNacceptable, no matter what excuse they have. A local branch will bring us supplies to last a few more days as they work out insurance issues, but nothing will arrive before 10:30AM tomorrow. I will have to throw some baby food together for her morning feeding to get us through the morning. That added some extra stress to my day! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHEDOx1q0FZ5TZ4yenOJKl9L795DbK7BsAQXHbiNhiUCT2MKnqWnayXbajmdicRNSRKHPfEfjxHjeWUVtC1DJQ21GALGFJJzk_7qCqSQ0fuGZ4nN2PPqehy_aM1ENkMwE7T94p_7h3gS8/s1600/August+2013+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHEDOx1q0FZ5TZ4yenOJKl9L795DbK7BsAQXHbiNhiUCT2MKnqWnayXbajmdicRNSRKHPfEfjxHjeWUVtC1DJQ21GALGFJJzk_7qCqSQ0fuGZ4nN2PPqehy_aM1ENkMwE7T94p_7h3gS8/s320/August+2013+007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Had to throw in these pictures from our church's carnival yesterday, they are so cute! I think my 10 year old is too old for face painting, but whatever.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-S_ehsh1reiw5C0XWdwFj9snAbQS1W5t1YdquKCOY22stAjWfzu4e7XpyKVWebzFr7kUOvAvJnLnCvpJ5TK4jNhq_gX920a4ZGiBfIIoRY5a9lj1Jt-Kh3Q_p9EqdNBdLgmT_bfAvSE3/s1600/August+2013+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-S_ehsh1reiw5C0XWdwFj9snAbQS1W5t1YdquKCOY22stAjWfzu4e7XpyKVWebzFr7kUOvAvJnLnCvpJ5TK4jNhq_gX920a4ZGiBfIIoRY5a9lj1Jt-Kh3Q_p9EqdNBdLgmT_bfAvSE3/s320/August+2013+004.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXMnu-SM7gOWiS8B_el001MuPrM_gsz-fY65nSGzEmswFbctJtw3WHsYbwVf2tnHV9ebrU2tA81S7IcY7-7Vz3x9Inq5Jg-Qacf2IHs4HkloVJsTE1EbIV11fQBLPsQE1wL8Ge5LN_k0h/s1600/August+2013+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXMnu-SM7gOWiS8B_el001MuPrM_gsz-fY65nSGzEmswFbctJtw3WHsYbwVf2tnHV9ebrU2tA81S7IcY7-7Vz3x9Inq5Jg-Qacf2IHs4HkloVJsTE1EbIV11fQBLPsQE1wL8Ge5LN_k0h/s320/August+2013+005.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejB7mcCX0UH19JjXWZTrqlGpoBSUz18THdfNQ7U4MfbT8wPaW2PPsOkqeTGaQfQ8bkVA2Lfknzm6L6LAZL0upPzCdItMl7LQLkUSuP0Ye8fKRVINQ3vLeOpIMWZyOic8z3iwfwVFioY3q/s1600/August+2013+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejB7mcCX0UH19JjXWZTrqlGpoBSUz18THdfNQ7U4MfbT8wPaW2PPsOkqeTGaQfQ8bkVA2Lfknzm6L6LAZL0upPzCdItMl7LQLkUSuP0Ye8fKRVINQ3vLeOpIMWZyOic8z3iwfwVFioY3q/s320/August+2013+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
See other First Day of School photos at the <a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/nbts-blog-hop-photo-week/" target="_blank">Not Back to School Blog Hop 2013</a>!</div>
Mommy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970863651571623082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181450402630174309.post-77673795403230282862013-08-16T07:45:00.000-07:002013-08-16T10:07:33.772-07:00Day in the LIfe 2013<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/curriculum-week-2013/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpiIHsleXmcgxyDBA2NkrClnK9GTXtskGJgrhVO4jvlYv_iP-bvErXdR4lgKwtWkOAiRslLHJOUIKUJO0BHE93MVDkWoaVavQuvjSDcAKTECR3OEEJ30w69rUNg0BOR7OG2PIXpnI5_F0/s320/notbacktoschoolbloghop2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Well, I will post my schedule here for those of you who are interested to know what I do all day with five kids and how I fit in education, therapy and fun! You can see my curriculum choices listed <a href="http://mommykellogg.blogspot.com/2013/08/our-school-year-2013.html?showComment=1375894945048" target="_blank">HERE</a> from last week's blog hop! </span></span><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Palatino Linotype","serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:"Palatino Linotype";
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:"Palatino Linotype";
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">6:15 Mom Showers - If I don't do this first thing, too bad... so <strike>sad</strike> stinky!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">7:00 Devotions - It has always been a struggle to get into a morning routine for me, but I won't give up trying! But, this often gets pushed to the late evening time, especially if I decide to sleep in.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">7:20 Make Breakfast</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sid the Science Kid (10) collects the laundry before he comes downstairs.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Princess Pea (8) cleans the upstairs bathroom. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Angelica Pickles (7) and Boo Boo (5) are supposed to tidy their rooms. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hopefully Miracle (3) is still sleeping at this point!</span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">7:30 Kids up/Eat/Morning Bible together - This consists of reciting our Family Rules with Bible verses, reading a daily Proverbs and discussing, pulling up a worship song on YouTube and worshiping together and our Answers for Kids AIG curriculum. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">8:00 Helping Habits (chores for the kids), Mom's chores (laundry started)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sid the Science Kid puts his dishes away, cleans the bathroom and brushes his teeth.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Princess Pea hand washes the dishes and brushes her teeth and hair.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Angelica Pickles puts her dishes away, brushes her teeth, wipes down the table and starts on copywork, Explode the Code and math flash cards.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Boo Boo feeds the cats, empties the trash cans all over the house and brushes his teeth.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">8:15-9:30 Angelica Pickles' School (2nd)</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]--><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Memory Verses</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Princess Bible</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Explain Math lesson (do new stuff together, leave review stuff for independent work later)</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Review old memorized poems and read new poem 3x together</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Review All About Spelling Word Bank/Cards and do All About Spelling 3 lesson</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">First Language Lessons</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I read aloud to her</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">At this point Angelica gets a 15min break and then finishes her math independently and does XtraMath on the computer. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">While I'm doing school with Angelica Pickles...</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sid (6th) is working through his school work independently with scheduled breaks.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Princess Pea (4th) is working through all her independent work and starting subjects, setting things aside as she needs my help.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Boo Boo (1st) is reading or playing on his own. He does well with this in the morning. He desires more attention and entertainment as the day goes on.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Miracle's nurse arrives at 9:00 and wakes her and starts her day. I'll steal kisses and cuddles throughout my day, but the nurse will do her exercises, medicine, brush her teeth, etc. This has been amazing for me to get done what I need to get done, but I will miss my long summer cuddles on the couch with her every morning. The nurses often had to find things to do the first hour they came because I wouldn't give her up. :)</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before I move onto working with Boo Boo, I change the laundry.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">9:30-10:15 Boo Boo's School</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sight Word flash cards</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Handwriting
</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Leading Little Ones to God (I'll grab Angelica Pickles for this)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Character book like Help Me Be Good books by Joy Berry </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Math lesson</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: small; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Reading with Bob books, All About Reading lessons or just an early reader</span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: small; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">While I'm working with Boo Boo...</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: small; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Kyler is still working independently in the office behind a door. Because at this point the cat and little brother are more appealing than the next thing on his list. :)</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: small; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Princess Pea is finishing up all she can do on her own and will likely get a few minutes to play with Angelica Pickles upstairs once Angelica finishes math and XtraMath. They usually get along because they have such little time together.</span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">10:15-11:15 Princess Pea's School</span></span><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Math Lesson - I will check her work that's done and teach anything new or that needs reviewed.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Wordly Wise or Vocabulary from Classic Roots- These are always done different weeks. I will be teaching VFCR but WW will mostly be done independently. I'll just check her work.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Character Quality Language Arts - Depending on the day this is either independent or I teach. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Easy Grammar - This will likely complement her CQLA grammar for the week, so I should just be checking her work here.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Progeny Press - We will likely only do a book quarterly. But I'd like to do this with her, even if it's mostly oral. Or with Sid if they do the same book.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">While I'm working with Princess Pea...</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sid is still working. Poor guy. He's a good worker, though. And I promise, he has lots of breaks built into his schedule!</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Angelica Pickles can work on Starfall.com or educational games on the iPad IF she did well during her school time. Meaning, finished it all in a reasonable amount of time, threw no tantrums and had a good attitude. I guarantee this will be hard for her to earn. School is challenging for her and her attitude makes everything more difficult. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Boo Boo has the same opportunity for 15 minutes of fun. Then he and Angelica will play together.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">11:15-12:00 Angelica's School Again </span></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<ul>
<li><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]--><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Reading - This will be All About Reading lessons, Progeny Press, readers...PRACTICE!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> JBQ - I will pull Boo Boo into this most likely. At least at the beginning of the year. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Explain Language Smarts lessons - She will finish this first thing after lunch if we don't complete it together.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">While I'm working with Angelica again...</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hopefully Sid will have a big break and be done with his work. If he did well working all morning, he will get iPad time.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Princess Pea will complete any lessons we didn't finish together so all her individual school is done. She will get 15 min of iPad or computer time, also.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Boo Boo can play with his Tag or play with Sid when he's done with school.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">**Last year we tried this iPad/computer time throughout the day when you earned it and it didn't go well. I'm going to try again, but I won't hesitate to take it away until after dinner like last year.** </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">12:00-12:45 It's lunch! The kids have Helping Habits before and after lunch.</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sid and Princess Pea tidy the two main rooms and help prepare lunch.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Angelica has to tidy the kitchen and wipe down the table.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Boo Boo has to get vitamins and silverware for everyone.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We eat! This is our "Character Hour" and we read a picture book, novel or Bible story centered on character. In the past we've read through Storytime with the Millers, A Hive of Busy Bees, In Grandma's Attic, Hero Tales and other such books. I'm planning to use Our 24 Family Ways as a guide and fill in books that complement character qualities we are studying.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then we all put our dishes away and...</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I fold laundry. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sid washes the dishes by hand.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Princess Pea wipes down the stove and counters.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Angelia wipes down the table and Boo Boo helps me fold and then sits down with me.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our afternoons don't always look alike because of Miracle's therapy schedule, swim lessons, co-op and dance class, but here is our general afternoon...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">12:45-1:30<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> Boo Boo's </span>School again</span></span><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Palatino Linotype","serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:"Palatino Linotype";
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:"Palatino Linotype";
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Explode the Code</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">All
About Spelling1</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Five
in a Row books and activities</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Language Smarts
</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">JBQ- If he didn't already do this with Angelica earlier.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">While I'm schooling Boo Boo the other kids are finishing up any work not completed in the morning, playing outside or maybe watching a video that goes along with our science lessons.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1:30-2:30<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Tapestry of Grace Year 2 with the whole crew. This is our read aloud time. The older kids have additional reading lessons scheduled into their independent work, also. We do mapping, crafts, cooking, etc. It's hard to keep this to an hour!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2:30-3:15<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>God’s
Design for Heaven and Earth with the whole crew. We not only read the lessons, but watch videos, read picture books and do notebooking pages.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3:15-4:00<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> All About Spelling 5 with Sid and Princess Pea</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small; mso-tab-count: 1;">Changes to our schedule:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small; mso-tab-count: 1;">Monday we leave early for dance so we don't do AAS.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wednesdays we have ART DAY and spend the hour before dinner reading about artist and listening to composers, doing art projects and just having FUN!</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thursday we leave early for swim lessons most of the year, so we don't do God's Design or AAS and do Tapestry at Miracle's therapy session that afternoon.</span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Friday we have co-op 1/3 of the year, so we have a shortened schedule for everyone, skipping all extras and just finishing core subjects. I keep this shortened schedule year-round so we can do things like Nature Walks, field trips, extra art lessons and visit Grandma. On weeks we don't have co-op, our ART DAY will be on Fridays so we have more time.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And then, our day is done! Well, school day. The nurse leaves at 2 or 3, so sometimes the afternoon drags out if Miracle is cranky or wants a nap in my lap. Such is life. But, last year we stayed on schedule pretty well! Grading work was my downfall. I kept up the first semester, but by second semester I found other things to do instead of grading. I'll need to just focus better this year so I don't get behind again. Ideally I can grade if any child doesn't use their entire allotted time or during therapy, swim class and dance.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have also scheduled in six 'make-up' weeks into my school year. These are extra weeks besides the 36 I have scheduled to simply have a break from school. But, if lessons weren't completed the weeks before, those are caught up. Christmas week is our only scheduled non-make up week. This worked great for us! Even if the kids had two things to make up each day from the last 5 or 6 weeks, it was still a break from their regular schedule and they got to play a lot more, we went to the library, played outside, visited Grandma, etc. Then, I wasn't constantly behind on multiple subjects. How I accomplish this is, at the end of each week of school, I take all four kids' school check lists and highlight what wasn't completed. The following weeks we just keep moving forward in all lessons. The week of break, I take all those highlighted lessons from the last 5 or 6 weeks and divide them out over the week. And, we are caught up!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love homeschooling and can't think of anything better I would rather be doing with my time!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Check out other homeschool schedules at the <a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/curriculum-week-2013/" target="_blank">Not Back to School Blog Hop</a>! </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Mommy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970863651571623082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181450402630174309.post-25827604320350606822013-08-07T16:16:00.001-07:002013-08-07T16:25:04.797-07:00Managing a NICU Baby with Children at Home AND Life as a Special Needs MomThe hospital where Myra was born is putting together an informational and encouraging book for parents who find themselves in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with a medically fragile newborn. I have been asked to write a few excerpts in my experiences with Myra, specifically managing a child in the NICU with other children at home and having a child with special needs. I thought the Blog World might enjoy these excerpts, also.<br />
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Life with a medically
fragile newborn and four children at home:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
our daughter Myra was born under traumatic circumstances, my husband and I had
four other children under the age of five at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had generous family to help watch them for
the first week as I recovered from my C-section, but after about 10 days
everyone else’s life had to go on, so we were left to manage our five children
between the two of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of my
attachment parenting style, I never wanted to leave my daughter’s side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I didn’t for the first week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My children came to the hospital to visit Myra
and me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, the H1N1 virus caused the
hospital to not allow children under the age of 18 in the hospital at all, and
we had to come up with a new plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had
a very needy newborn in the hospital that wasn’t promised to make it through
her difficult circumstances, and four very needy children at home that didn’t
understand why their Mommy wasn’t around and why their baby sister was hooked
up to all these machines and not snuggled in their arms at home. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We created a schedule that allowed both of us
to visit Myra and spend time with our other kids, trying to make life as normal
as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And thankfully my husband
was able to take off work all 30 days she was in the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would stay the night at the hospital and
come home early in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
husband and I would switch and he would visit Myra for about two hours while I
visited with the other four kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mid-morning
we would switch again and I would spend the day at the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At dinner time I would go home and eat with
my family, all six of us together at the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After dinner my husband would visit Myra for another few hours, and in
the evening we would switch again and I would stay the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My kids always had a parent home and knew we
would all be together every evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They seemed to do great through the whole process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had an amazing church family that provided
meals for us for many nights that made our life a little easier.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
these 30 days we read books to our kids about sick siblings, discussed Myra’s
condition and prayed with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A friend
put together a brag book of photos of Myra and we looked at them often with our
kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We explained all the tubes and
wires and how they helped her get better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When they visited her the first time at two days old I think they still
were shocked, as anyone would be, but they were able to see through all the
‘stuff’ and smile and love on their baby sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We put the pulse oximeter on them and let
them touch her and ask more questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
I’ll never forget their faces when they saw Myra again the day she came home,
weeks since the last time they had seen her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There have never been four more proud siblings in the whole world!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITHnFvxGtmZSIKLd9y9LVqWx8vAmVUgnLJiSRyPNSjflMUM445Sh0qPRMkcuxvVkXtF_w5V7o-kR1iffVlFW4jh1C4-cDcUJqQszyB1TuVKnYJROvFQBPpCwdkgXNf0Z5ZuZU_FCKkRfi/s1600/habnd'.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITHnFvxGtmZSIKLd9y9LVqWx8vAmVUgnLJiSRyPNSjflMUM445Sh0qPRMkcuxvVkXtF_w5V7o-kR1iffVlFW4jh1C4-cDcUJqQszyB1TuVKnYJROvFQBPpCwdkgXNf0Z5ZuZU_FCKkRfi/s320/habnd'.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mommy and Myra bonding</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3ZmEXPyJFIl7dQaLb6TIEUeCbB9CayP89j5cdb9YKI96EruaBnI0cYmL4xy-nlAXXAq5CQKQEJsmBpKlh71Eoi0uoCxyhRhBgGmg9kTwEKSd8NIYnUNEeMFCOPgFn8SGcwTOQRYhDF2_/s1600/kangaroo+care.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3ZmEXPyJFIl7dQaLb6TIEUeCbB9CayP89j5cdb9YKI96EruaBnI0cYmL4xy-nlAXXAq5CQKQEJsmBpKlh71Eoi0uoCxyhRhBgGmg9kTwEKSd8NIYnUNEeMFCOPgFn8SGcwTOQRYhDF2_/s320/kangaroo+care.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kangaroo Care</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6Pc2-Bbl8Ghyphenhyphen5I4OSG990au7hmrJnPX5p2n4546xYmXVxhwLwoN6iWCX037pwfnJlZLoBHondfQA26nGw7f_5TuSVWQhqeyadd6cvhzkiCr8_yFuhipn454wpwD2EvwJooRK-_NreMFR/s1600/kiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6Pc2-Bbl8Ghyphenhyphen5I4OSG990au7hmrJnPX5p2n4546xYmXVxhwLwoN6iWCX037pwfnJlZLoBHondfQA26nGw7f_5TuSVWQhqeyadd6cvhzkiCr8_yFuhipn454wpwD2EvwJooRK-_NreMFR/s320/kiss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Day 2, swollen</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTuqmF_Py70yEqhyDRxTgGBUyGKmgba9K4nRFr7siqVhKFycsc225vCjb18csn_83apQNeBi2VH-8sS3zIo6Lo2surl0RvEVUoGkOI6Ea_zWjP5KD9dJpkBD9mwQAQlVswiWCFtRUUbq4/s1600/mom+dad+myra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTuqmF_Py70yEqhyDRxTgGBUyGKmgba9K4nRFr7siqVhKFycsc225vCjb18csn_83apQNeBi2VH-8sS3zIo6Lo2surl0RvEVUoGkOI6Ea_zWjP5KD9dJpkBD9mwQAQlVswiWCFtRUUbq4/s320/mom+dad+myra.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
MommyK and Mr. Prince</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IkQfE7lkCA9oeREzl3GgTq_SZ8AFiA4qNYCELVV19917dbI39TNyjvNloCeJryDvBAmjpAXyEeRIHXDd6U1QHEIw5NYe7ChcJ_ERyWoVHp58qdS37uT5DOG9-yHmFAAHLlclh-7oxWq1/s1600/surgery+myra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IkQfE7lkCA9oeREzl3GgTq_SZ8AFiA4qNYCELVV19917dbI39TNyjvNloCeJryDvBAmjpAXyEeRIHXDd6U1QHEIw5NYe7ChcJ_ERyWoVHp58qdS37uT5DOG9-yHmFAAHLlclh-7oxWq1/s320/surgery+myra.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Day 14, surgery for g-tube and Nissen Fundoplication</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BCoBParJWxR2zLBXZq6spQEWfJGxASM5_Egw0mSdfF9lP1RYw6_qITEiBbiiZnvPPhRnXqSfyo1NQHBkZo4QT6Ralt2EGnvaSzU5H5bASELTVxyECfPTOBlw37LA05O2bfEA_9cwV7YP/s1600/surgery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BCoBParJWxR2zLBXZq6spQEWfJGxASM5_Egw0mSdfF9lP1RYw6_qITEiBbiiZnvPPhRnXqSfyo1NQHBkZo4QT6Ralt2EGnvaSzU5H5bASELTVxyECfPTOBlw37LA05O2bfEA_9cwV7YP/s320/surgery.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We both cried on and off for 15 hours while did a poor job of managing her pain<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJPsV75JCaHwcP4edTf2W7wyBdnR4wRcG_MV3YXcpp3gDd8iAZFgVD_6X2RTHfZb-WzfLH4T4v3noTvdgp9NTPEtm7I1wxPM2-QBCBdTFmVoomN-txHmBVBvzcm7T1K98-GQh2yzaSRvu/s1600/family+day+11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJPsV75JCaHwcP4edTf2W7wyBdnR4wRcG_MV3YXcpp3gDd8iAZFgVD_6X2RTHfZb-WzfLH4T4v3noTvdgp9NTPEtm7I1wxPM2-QBCBdTFmVoomN-txHmBVBvzcm7T1K98-GQh2yzaSRvu/s320/family+day+11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Day 11, First Family Photo</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwa0WCUL-egzLMS7jDqIi1xq5CKW7XjNQ0xAKEKv9Xh17ByQ8XrvjqKi6X0-1O-hwXk_i4wHF6lKUecfTNq8WY1zWNsyTkEG_F77-AXTXvXRSdi0vxqGDYxv7t2CatVDGep3qp2HOwGfR/s1600/home+myra.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwa0WCUL-egzLMS7jDqIi1xq5CKW7XjNQ0xAKEKv9Xh17ByQ8XrvjqKi6X0-1O-hwXk_i4wHF6lKUecfTNq8WY1zWNsyTkEG_F77-AXTXvXRSdi0vxqGDYxv7t2CatVDGep3qp2HOwGfR/s320/home+myra.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Day 30, Homecoming! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Princess Pea (5), Angelica Pickles (3), Sid the Science Kid (6)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9Vcb9n56t9PMBGgoOBHA_MGpVGZGshuINtxlxRGTyvRtdcb6uOYbBMby0K5ZooyNofSmtMCYt1S6Kz1cPiRlWuaCDynge8IdcURzCWjcO-QiJxDrYFJvPROB6ZI9TDPdmv4gon_ZHetu/s1600/zeke+myra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9Vcb9n56t9PMBGgoOBHA_MGpVGZGshuINtxlxRGTyvRtdcb6uOYbBMby0K5ZooyNofSmtMCYt1S6Kz1cPiRlWuaCDynge8IdcURzCWjcO-QiJxDrYFJvPROB6ZI9TDPdmv4gon_ZHetu/s320/zeke+myra.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Boo Boo (18 months)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmvXlBDgmSMZqKsu9Inj_AXxEqumgX7t0P47mkG2V6xEW3OPFExQ3tb3mb9HENyay42hBTysBOazIJ5DCaZbmNa2KzTlcytXhpILQKe6mWaIOr5vzCBMf1GMrsRBsGorPyXZJ7Xzqe3pI/s1600/b+myra.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmvXlBDgmSMZqKsu9Inj_AXxEqumgX7t0P47mkG2V6xEW3OPFExQ3tb3mb9HENyay42hBTysBOazIJ5DCaZbmNa2KzTlcytXhpILQKe6mWaIOr5vzCBMf1GMrsRBsGorPyXZJ7Xzqe3pI/s320/b+myra.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Angelica Pickles (3)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipnpHPZXYGG2tbftEpeIRPaQWXueiJGs65wVxa2Q9-AsaCEye2sOyw2wbHZn72Shv8_MXrl6tkiS6mS-wNHjPxItIjZnDqAPfUDat-5IYwwfxMf6XL7aB5SxCDoizB07J6_NCh3cMPrj9/s1600/grace+myra.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipnpHPZXYGG2tbftEpeIRPaQWXueiJGs65wVxa2Q9-AsaCEye2sOyw2wbHZn72Shv8_MXrl6tkiS6mS-wNHjPxItIjZnDqAPfUDat-5IYwwfxMf6XL7aB5SxCDoizB07J6_NCh3cMPrj9/s320/grace+myra.jpg" width="320" /></a><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Princess Pea (5)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPgKf6QnFq7BAU1CNa-32uzOn4HTu6bmXfrBF7DqYbQi5A7vhXiK5nQnZWqqFprVuxkAQy97DfUH82p6HTs6PgdbTypB9QwyNOuEvdnWlbQSJyZaMIIbvYBNw7q4EpQhgKdfYE94K7bx7/s1600/K+and+M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPgKf6QnFq7BAU1CNa-32uzOn4HTu6bmXfrBF7DqYbQi5A7vhXiK5nQnZWqqFprVuxkAQy97DfUH82p6HTs6PgdbTypB9QwyNOuEvdnWlbQSJyZaMIIbvYBNw7q4EpQhgKdfYE94K7bx7/s320/K+and+M.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Sid the Science Kid (6)</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Adapting to being a parent
of a child with special needs:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i>Perfect</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <i></i></span>That’s what we all want as we rush to the
hospital in joyous expectancy of our newborn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had experienced four of these types of births.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t wait to delivery our fifth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, our daughter Myra was born via C-section
after broken waters, with significant amounts of meconium, and when her heart
rate rapidly declined during early labor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Myra suffered ‘severe global brain damage’ from lack of oxygen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The doctors painted a grave picture while we
were in the hospital with scary words like ‘cerebral palsy’, ‘mental
retardation’ and ‘developmental delays’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As any parent, I just wanted the best for my child and the expectancy of
having a ‘healthy’ or ‘perfect’ baby seemed to be buried in the sand somewhere.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We clung to our faith, praying that God
would do a miracle in Myra’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
had a difficult 30 days in the hospital and brought home a tiny little newborn
with only questions for her future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
had many doctor appointments in the first few months, sometimes as many as 12
in one week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had five children ages
five and under that I dragged around with me to every one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She seemed to be developing ‘normally’ for
the first weeks and we thought all would be well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then, I
started to questions whether she was hearing okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And she didn’t seem to look at me like my
other babies did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was hard to change
her diaper because she wasn’t as limber as my other children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And at a few months old, she still wasn’t
trying to play with toys or hold up her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All those words the doctors had mentioned started to repeat in my
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think my heart broke over and
over in that first year as the milestone charts were thrown away and we realized
that raising this child would not be like our other four children.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Our first
year was filled with therapies multiple times a week, numerous doctor
appointments, hospital stays due to seizures, disorders that required me to
give her shots for 4 months and other medical emergencies no child should ever
have to endure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through it all, we were
able to snuggle with our little girl and watch our other children love on her,
and were so thankful she had made it through those first 30 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was hard with so many sleepless nights and
trying not to worry constantly, but we persevered and started a ‘new normal’
for our family. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Over
the next few years the diagnoses came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many of those scary words the doctors had mentioned after she was born,
but not all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Microcephaly’ (small
head), ‘epilepsy’, ‘cortical visual impairment’, ‘hearing impairment’, ‘developmental
delay’, ‘oral feeding dysfunction’ …the labels stacked up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kicker: ‘Cerebral palsy’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I eventually came to accept this as a
diagnosis of her body, not a diagnosis of her being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is just a description of how her brain is
communicating with her muscles, it’s not <b><i>who </i></b>she is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What gives a child <i>real </i>quality of life
amongst all these labels?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m still
learning the answer to this question, but I’m on a path to find out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At
around 20 months our therapist suggested we get a wheelchair since Myra was
growing out of our stroller and high chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I felt like if I ordered it, I was giving up on her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took me a number of months before I
realized that this was just a tool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Something to help her right now in her current circumstances, but didn’t
define her future abilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
pattern repeated as we added hearing aids, hand splints, adaptive stroller,
Ankle Foot Orthodics, a stander and a gait trainer to her list of assistive devices and
‘tools’.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>No
matter what, Myra will always be our miracle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God has proven his love to us over and over and we have seen so many
miracles as Myra has defied her circumstances and done much more than the
doctors ever thought she could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they
need to keep watching, because I know there are more miracles coming!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Having
a child with special needs isn’t a cake walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, it is the greatest adventure as you learn the true value of a
person, learn that service is more rewarding than receiving and learn that life
is more than milestones, achievement tests and labels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the byproduct of having four other
children watch Myra grow is amazingly compassionate children, un-phased by
physical or mental disabilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Children who see value and potential in all persons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I personally have a new definition for
life, happiness, contentment and unconditional love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can look back and see how positive this experience
has been for not only our family, but friends and acquaintances, and I know
Myra’s complete story is not yet written.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, we continue to press on…proud of our daughter and all the more
better because of her existence, <i><b>exactly </b></i>as she is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i> </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Perfect</i>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIrEsn5Em8b_IxgGOgaLhxOh2JhYktmHLDh_TqVR1gEc60B_QI3jnVJk3E8ZMc6QGzGpPlIG0hJ0Sbz2PxRt2GTwog3EkFlKL61BZBm36JNZOFfHrslCewvfJyUeP9KEIJGVUeecPp5ub/s1600/Myra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIrEsn5Em8b_IxgGOgaLhxOh2JhYktmHLDh_TqVR1gEc60B_QI3jnVJk3E8ZMc6QGzGpPlIG0hJ0Sbz2PxRt2GTwog3EkFlKL61BZBm36JNZOFfHrslCewvfJyUeP9KEIJGVUeecPp5ub/s320/Myra.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Sa6VImd7XErUJewCy5hqg3sV4atYqCv5UfgOtSKIJ2CR8L7wlfOe4wTRDxWiqne4CG0yCFOqJMVtsssbX1rhc6HS730vb2pIuWf-pDvs03jYoqaLTTcB9Xyc6ip3cLMfL7n5vFjAaB4s/s1600/July+-+August+2012+111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Sa6VImd7XErUJewCy5hqg3sV4atYqCv5UfgOtSKIJ2CR8L7wlfOe4wTRDxWiqne4CG0yCFOqJMVtsssbX1rhc6HS730vb2pIuWf-pDvs03jYoqaLTTcB9Xyc6ip3cLMfL7n5vFjAaB4s/s320/July+-+August+2012+111.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Therapy<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZr-lmyP29JcX2iN_xj7CpvxAhspDnLZx3cMat2avb2fYTjDn7QhjVbS3-irCD9_r9i68IvAztwTOAZbGuHb3m4My94oErsA4HIA51SFDYgJlAQUqNokxwAl39KllF_mD5T2ZyYqaZNq9/s1600/July+-+August+2012+191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZr-lmyP29JcX2iN_xj7CpvxAhspDnLZx3cMat2avb2fYTjDn7QhjVbS3-irCD9_r9i68IvAztwTOAZbGuHb3m4My94oErsA4HIA51SFDYgJlAQUqNokxwAl39KllF_mD5T2ZyYqaZNq9/s320/July+-+August+2012+191.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffnaF3IvwZwPgBarZ5VwF9bcDV8_Y5XErzUfSDNkN_3T2bhPVyIN6hiTLOmCbphlSegLzg9fABQUva14EN1D5pUUqagg-vLL3d5ZWRvGTRItVoMSG-9C5-UgXVH7egpX6fsUO845BiQnF/s1600/March+2013+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffnaF3IvwZwPgBarZ5VwF9bcDV8_Y5XErzUfSDNkN_3T2bhPVyIN6hiTLOmCbphlSegLzg9fABQUva14EN1D5pUUqagg-vLL3d5ZWRvGTRItVoMSG-9C5-UgXVH7egpX6fsUO845BiQnF/s320/March+2013+010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwAQqI_Pr0KkXXhtfutlhyww4r56D3QE520do56duDowH1eHzDc_ZjxR5LOIcEOp61bJu3BB8nL2HtLzY-ywz_TF2u6CurNYN_wgdFmnhyT-G8GBeASYCOH4priUaLrscGX8YM7huJl6-/s1600/Myra+Owl+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwAQqI_Pr0KkXXhtfutlhyww4r56D3QE520do56duDowH1eHzDc_ZjxR5LOIcEOp61bJu3BB8nL2HtLzY-ywz_TF2u6CurNYN_wgdFmnhyT-G8GBeASYCOH4priUaLrscGX8YM7huJl6-/s320/Myra+Owl+hat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsETJblKbeEvxdMtUdIXEwdFof324gxfOXeVWo4jEG0lPaJzARj0y5JT3utURZTJZcz4GVgbDOtAd5OusJ0llcBqakDMCQywxYAhqO6FbvzuiShWQ1_YJioqbGh2ARcucsS9m-S7xQ_jCX/s1600/April+2013+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsETJblKbeEvxdMtUdIXEwdFof324gxfOXeVWo4jEG0lPaJzARj0y5JT3utURZTJZcz4GVgbDOtAd5OusJ0llcBqakDMCQywxYAhqO6FbvzuiShWQ1_YJioqbGh2ARcucsS9m-S7xQ_jCX/s320/April+2013+003.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Seizures :( <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVMO9pcXjR9Q947-ZPuRr6NRYjKOB2zizb0oUUTrwz1XSEn52Y6J4N9UsoKb9qB8jDnfjLO54CLGG6y-dwkcn8Xq_SAEAqJX8VCZABSeuJzfYkWRcJYVOHkkCE1NHVW7wQEv4vHQmlU05/s1600/April+2013+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVMO9pcXjR9Q947-ZPuRr6NRYjKOB2zizb0oUUTrwz1XSEn52Y6J4N9UsoKb9qB8jDnfjLO54CLGG6y-dwkcn8Xq_SAEAqJX8VCZABSeuJzfYkWRcJYVOHkkCE1NHVW7wQEv4vHQmlU05/s320/April+2013+015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUogIaCI14ay4j4h2d8oxowSBSwjgvCnVlN0nLfzb2rpxSr5Qvh4OD8E6J0lgqaMrvbCrebtv1fmPZ7Sb_U64xkScG3ZOAI5PFR-CncwXzuzc-Tjh66YkKpEv9iNYjeoPPEXK-pkLW9L4/s1600/Thegirlspic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUogIaCI14ay4j4h2d8oxowSBSwjgvCnVlN0nLfzb2rpxSr5Qvh4OD8E6J0lgqaMrvbCrebtv1fmPZ7Sb_U64xkScG3ZOAI5PFR-CncwXzuzc-Tjh66YkKpEv9iNYjeoPPEXK-pkLW9L4/s1600/Thegirlspic.jpg" /></a></div>
Sisters<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJdNz7sGWlCvknKlS9ebtsKNyFxQDIyz-PefnrRhllBOL0yaIQZ6uTpddFv-r1wR6QYRv5BmdNKFs_0_Ez05B5DAmK01JM0RcZm8lHaR68MSOuRaSFMKkl7WUXWznisTaO8CqttoZYWGh/s1600/June+2013+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJdNz7sGWlCvknKlS9ebtsKNyFxQDIyz-PefnrRhllBOL0yaIQZ6uTpddFv-r1wR6QYRv5BmdNKFs_0_Ez05B5DAmK01JM0RcZm8lHaR68MSOuRaSFMKkl7WUXWznisTaO8CqttoZYWGh/s320/June+2013+023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_honzfKpj4nRdKUKud9ITgyYZffA3ruCWBjQjo2bPIN_k2FXF0WTeG1QHg0tBP29MdROWYztCZV6J0xcwEWcR8vJXSRVqbK8e9l2VaaXMefp4lscxrMferrD_qJ0pgww3h0H8mz1jZR8/s1600/June+2013+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_honzfKpj4nRdKUKud9ITgyYZffA3ruCWBjQjo2bPIN_k2FXF0WTeG1QHg0tBP29MdROWYztCZV6J0xcwEWcR8vJXSRVqbK8e9l2VaaXMefp4lscxrMferrD_qJ0pgww3h0H8mz1jZR8/s320/June+2013+024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDUAwlXecoGzR7bTLKyMvtsPwgXhfAkAOKfjfkjCYKY-w5AxptNwx7cv1TCbbUgXYdn06U02pfwp8AXT8pmSvx276NkRJ3xUQ6x06xLV5A2WWWQOLpJ3b6AwhDttP2ftwP3EoI_0Mjywk/s1600/July+2013+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDUAwlXecoGzR7bTLKyMvtsPwgXhfAkAOKfjfkjCYKY-w5AxptNwx7cv1TCbbUgXYdn06U02pfwp8AXT8pmSvx276NkRJ3xUQ6x06xLV5A2WWWQOLpJ3b6AwhDttP2ftwP3EoI_0Mjywk/s320/July+2013+016.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Joyful! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmRSxtJd4qAPGN7Wi77CkyJNkoD8oyfJnit039HmdJukPo9FkYWD9P9GxWA-CvPWrwW2oc6Wo5KkYfYzCal7V7lYm9ZuXT6-NMz1ZVkrcYeLlPzGyFGk-GIM872FnctU5FKTewnFAc2eJ/s1600/July+2013+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmRSxtJd4qAPGN7Wi77CkyJNkoD8oyfJnit039HmdJukPo9FkYWD9P9GxWA-CvPWrwW2oc6Wo5KkYfYzCal7V7lYm9ZuXT6-NMz1ZVkrcYeLlPzGyFGk-GIM872FnctU5FKTewnFAc2eJ/s320/July+2013+010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWEU4nke84YICwbSGAMJlUDAXu8PK0uj4To09DFoEPESL2jqHUC42DWPKd5togmW8xer-G3MFg1upxeXeJ-srldSchCGevA3lSENXxpjaS55c1FFCH-NlwWs7ktYBfB_bxzzSfp65OwGJ/s1600/July+2013+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWEU4nke84YICwbSGAMJlUDAXu8PK0uj4To09DFoEPESL2jqHUC42DWPKd5togmW8xer-G3MFg1upxeXeJ-srldSchCGevA3lSENXxpjaS55c1FFCH-NlwWs7ktYBfB_bxzzSfp65OwGJ/s320/July+2013+038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Cuddly<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mbkMLjeSLFAXPzdTaPOSA_JuH4U1hlw-s_INnuPyLBGcVSmvtI_mnSjQNFF-Wkh3IkJkShRmH2lzigzd8JmsUMz-onZ89ray442kw4JP0bKYT_enq0V5sitk1u1UMwd-FL9UsAPYCbqw/s1600/January+2013+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mbkMLjeSLFAXPzdTaPOSA_JuH4U1hlw-s_INnuPyLBGcVSmvtI_mnSjQNFF-Wkh3IkJkShRmH2lzigzd8JmsUMz-onZ89ray442kw4JP0bKYT_enq0V5sitk1u1UMwd-FL9UsAPYCbqw/s320/January+2013+007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Daddy time<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoPdywtVMIuRzAMMAiTS1s_QYhH_1RwKw848k4Nkqe5FIx3LfQ0b1E4Be3NpLJH2tM19tk3Ih2d8N_GS9K05SBqwHNKXTk7hcMrfj_2tkQUZZK4hYW6sRtPK-Htx0HqZw3umorvb_MyNW/s1600/January+2013+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoPdywtVMIuRzAMMAiTS1s_QYhH_1RwKw848k4Nkqe5FIx3LfQ0b1E4Be3NpLJH2tM19tk3Ih2d8N_GS9K05SBqwHNKXTk7hcMrfj_2tkQUZZK4hYW6sRtPK-Htx0HqZw3umorvb_MyNW/s320/January+2013+007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Sisters playing<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8hKRHsDYdfYtBwnnp2O4xrnbLYOIHN_cbHeWKYzmDkrt0qv6wGUaaLEqFHFFpDvWL6ujExQIyPnb5Nn7QfeSPe8RsFbJ-e7dNNAlzKh2fsXHrIlL56EItPhGBnjlMiuPPeAwpXWgbWqF/s1600/March+2013+001.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8hKRHsDYdfYtBwnnp2O4xrnbLYOIHN_cbHeWKYzmDkrt0qv6wGUaaLEqFHFFpDvWL6ujExQIyPnb5Nn7QfeSPe8RsFbJ-e7dNNAlzKh2fsXHrIlL56EItPhGBnjlMiuPPeAwpXWgbWqF/s320/March+2013+001.PNG" width="213" /></a></div>
Stander <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJ4t4MMANHrbaZextt_0xzcUruSLTFXVMCfDlTuOLY_4OdpQMbBqb13QlqUhlZiGH6XAcjb33iCSJj3cAGgihwGDUVUWpGZt5rWGEHxQl5SHXproZ947RMsfGMY5usV2mdl62kgkBc4o3/s1600/Bandm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJ4t4MMANHrbaZextt_0xzcUruSLTFXVMCfDlTuOLY_4OdpQMbBqb13QlqUhlZiGH6XAcjb33iCSJj3cAGgihwGDUVUWpGZt5rWGEHxQl5SHXproZ947RMsfGMY5usV2mdl62kgkBc4o3/s320/Bandm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTc_Q3fLBW7RIiWMGI-IB6mZ_j9aWQuLvQQCnYl8j4Nng48gs4J2v8r3C2h5oCOVggcMTzNWygE8VjoVYAne703S39FIftgC9RIJpqBaNuSTygxsEjHUmzswdgfYcqoCAJNz3wOGXAFiHD/s1600/bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTc_Q3fLBW7RIiWMGI-IB6mZ_j9aWQuLvQQCnYl8j4Nng48gs4J2v8r3C2h5oCOVggcMTzNWygE8VjoVYAne703S39FIftgC9RIJpqBaNuSTygxsEjHUmzswdgfYcqoCAJNz3wOGXAFiHD/s320/bike.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Bike at therapy <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNikRGO1B56VzXNew86nviO0qmjZQ6LsBbWtMYCQh3abiQpOi3Ggssfj2_0TqAdqsp2dFZfMnEFsJ6mOoF5OjmActhX8WwaExFb7TJGHfeoEQujjq0NRS8w3AHP5_C_EBgv-X9mobKw8J/s1600/cousinandM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNikRGO1B56VzXNew86nviO0qmjZQ6LsBbWtMYCQh3abiQpOi3Ggssfj2_0TqAdqsp2dFZfMnEFsJ6mOoF5OjmActhX8WwaExFb7TJGHfeoEQujjq0NRS8w3AHP5_C_EBgv-X9mobKw8J/s320/cousinandM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Cousins<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66fKyqbdhR5NMcNcZYD088dRySh7butWAvw3wX6JffiLxZrpuMjp0lBxNCB9wfaOtYyCqNLyw79ikOFXhqCviZf1xrwv7a7StkDLgl0M5WvUdF2atSxdv11R9-wlnL6EgiEFqLl48QeqD/s1600/gaittrainer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66fKyqbdhR5NMcNcZYD088dRySh7butWAvw3wX6JffiLxZrpuMjp0lBxNCB9wfaOtYyCqNLyw79ikOFXhqCviZf1xrwv7a7StkDLgl0M5WvUdF2atSxdv11R9-wlnL6EgiEFqLl48QeqD/s320/gaittrainer.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Gait Trainer with Ankle Foot Orthodics<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVbPyNI8n0PMfl8ZOITuDVK0rqiGwrNT3cJIK0T0QYqnDi93dowCZXHlZE4Bw2KWBiQlhbBlaRsHbs8u59lxPSc5TqVenpP3GCdDysAL1VYR8-YmtKameidKi5JR0ABG03jscWLk5Bmet/s1600/GandM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVbPyNI8n0PMfl8ZOITuDVK0rqiGwrNT3cJIK0T0QYqnDi93dowCZXHlZE4Bw2KWBiQlhbBlaRsHbs8u59lxPSc5TqVenpP3GCdDysAL1VYR8-YmtKameidKi5JR0ABG03jscWLk5Bmet/s320/GandM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Unconditional Love <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25kHPR2zXf3Zt1M1KYyAomJKWMpCi1PHgaKkNN74NLjSIfwOF0MrQfGiE49TcyRK4MExCeWb-wAGLQQl2p2kV2kMX15aRgqJfeIK4Yes-nXGQ_uCJcCbRQamTRV6c3u4aCle0-LXBt3yE/s1600/kids2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25kHPR2zXf3Zt1M1KYyAomJKWMpCi1PHgaKkNN74NLjSIfwOF0MrQfGiE49TcyRK4MExCeWb-wAGLQQl2p2kV2kMX15aRgqJfeIK4Yes-nXGQ_uCJcCbRQamTRV6c3u4aCle0-LXBt3yE/s320/kids2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Sibling Fun<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKNj16Vyc24CK-SZT8BtZ8Mt93SysEz_7Vnr2CTfssyZwyQOTaZ8yPB6r4OJaCK0rliMDGj2ZDjbolfWTU2VJf8B-1HNk8CktIVA8bQQRDrP8RqXziZXOKNDwDK2ugNj9qG_res2tGef5/s1600/oreoandM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKNj16Vyc24CK-SZT8BtZ8Mt93SysEz_7Vnr2CTfssyZwyQOTaZ8yPB6r4OJaCK0rliMDGj2ZDjbolfWTU2VJf8B-1HNk8CktIVA8bQQRDrP8RqXziZXOKNDwDK2ugNj9qG_res2tGef5/s320/oreoandM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Therapy Cat, Oreo and Miracle</div>
<br />Mommy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970863651571623082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181450402630174309.post-19455842647013206982013-08-01T15:55:00.000-07:002013-08-09T18:26:11.895-07:00Our School Year 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/curriculum-week-2013/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Nig97s3uxRiwj5pYhzA3Fi6Mm8OSre5YVyirZ2Bf5u9koJq4Skbp0_PvhW6Xb7IuaXrSd6cyaqZ57iydIU1HKx1DMZ1iESqI080BEbQo9WIMIg-1v9jm0PHmbhDNuiXPad5C52SkBhRS/s320/notbacktoschoolbloghop2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's back...the NOT Back to School Blog Hop! </div>
<br />
<br />
As you can see, I haven't posted since LAST fall. Once school starts and life is full-speed, it's pretty much impossible for me to blog. I'm going to <i>try </i>to do more this year, but you'll more likely hear from me again NEXT year. :)<br />
<br />
We are currently homeschooling our five children... <br />
Sid the Science Kid is 10 and doing 6th grade work.<br />
Princess Pea is 8 and doing 4th grade work.<br />
Angelica Pickles is 7 and doing 2nd grade work. <br />
Boo Boo is 5 and doing K/1st grade work.<br />
Miracle is almost 4 and has her own 'school' with daily therapies, feeding trials and so on. If you don't know her story, she had a traumatic birth in 2009 that has resulted in cerebral palsy, hearing and vision impairments, developmental delays and a seizure disorder. But, she is the LIGHT of our lives and we see God's glory and grace through her every day. You can read more about Miracle <a href="http://mommykellogg.blogspot.com/2009/11/myras-testimony.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>, <a href="http://mommykellogg.blogspot.com/2010/04/specialists-labels-and-milestones.html" target="_blank">HERE </a>and <a href="http://mommykellogg.blogspot.com/2010/09/miracle-myra-is-1-year-old.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> if you care to read more, and her progress is summarized in the right blog panel below the photos of our family.<br />
<br />
We completed last school year in early June with success! As a family, we enjoyed learning ancient and bible history in <a href="http://www.tapestryofgrace.com/year1/" target="_blank">Tapestry of Grace Year 1</a>, learning about Animals, Plants and the Human Body with <a href="http://www.answersingenesis.org/store/product/gods-design-life-complete-set/?sku=40-1-324" target="_blank">God's Design for Life</a> and the Magic School Bus videos and the 7 Cs of History with the <a href="http://www.answersingenesis.org/store/product/answers-kids-bible-curriculum/?sku=10-1-463" target="_blank">Answers for Kids</a> bible curriculum. Major highlight of our days! I do as many subjects combined as I can - so history, science, bible study, character and fine arts we all do together in the afternoons. <br />
<br />
This year we will be covering Medieval Times through Early American History with <a href="http://www.tapestryofgrace.com/year2/" target="_blank">Tapestry of Grace Year 2</a> (I'm adding in notebooking activities from <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/world-vol-2-middle-revised-softcover/susan-bauer/9781933339092/pd/339092" target="_blank">Story of the World 2</a> this year because my kids don't care for the Tapestry Lapbooks and I don't like having nothing to show for all we learned last year!), learning about the Earth, Solar System and Weather with <a href="http://www.answersingenesis.org/store/product/gods-design-heaven-and-earth-complete-set/?sku=40-1-327" target="_blank">God's Design for Heaven and Earth</a> and finishing up Answers for Kids as a family. We also always read lots of character training books over lunch for our "Character Hour." This year I'll be using <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/our-24-family-ways-devotional-guide/clay-clarkson/9781888692020/pd/920888" target="_blank">Our 24 Family Ways</a> devotional as part of our main character study, adding in books and activities to complement the virtues we will be studying. I love this resource! I also plan to add in an art day using <a href="http://harmonyfinearts.org/example-week-grade-2-medieval-renaissance/" target="_blank">Harmony Fine Arts at Home Grade 2 Medieval Renaissance</a>, which goes along with our Tapestry history. <i>SO </i>excited to find this study already put together for me. I've been putting off art for years due to intimidation but I think these plans will make it fun and easy for all of us! And save me hours of planning myself!<br />
<br />
This year Sid the Science Kid will be in 6th grade. I'm already researching HIGH SCHOOL stuff for this boy! He's so far ahead in math and reading that I can't keep up. Trying to keep him young, yet challenge him is always my goal. Here is his curriculum for this year:<br />
<br />
Bible:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/studying-gods-word-i-samuel-malachi/darrel-trulson/9781930092648/pd/0109163" target="_blank"><u>Studying God's Word F</u></a> - He's been through D and E and EFGH cover the OT, gospels and Acts.</li>
<li><u>Personal Devotions</u> - I have lots of short, random devotions I've collected.</li>
<li><u>Junior Bible Quiz</u> - This is his 6th year and he only has two years left. This is a great catechisms-like program of memorizing bible facts and scripture.</li>
<li><u>Answers for Kids</u> - The whole family does this together.</li>
<li><u>Scripture Memorization</u></li>
<li><u>Our 24 Family Ways </u> </li>
</ul>
Language Arts:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.tfths.com/cqla.php" target="_blank"><u>Character Quality Language Arts (CQLA)</u></a> - This is his core LA but I always add extras. :) </li>
<li><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/easy-grammar-grade-6-wanda-phillips/9780936981444/pd/981444" target="_blank"><u>Easy Grammar 6</u></a> - This is only to supplement CQLA since the grammar in CQLA was not challenging for him this past year.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/easy-grammar-grade-6-wanda-phillips/9780936981444/pd/981444" target="_blank"><u>Inference Jones Level 1</u></a> - This is just for fun once a week to work on critical thinking skills.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/vocabulary-classical-roots-grade-6/lee-mountain/9780838822678/pd/922667" target="_blank"><u>Vocabulary from Classic Roots 6</u></a> - He learned a TON from VFCR 4/5 last year so we are sticking with this. He loved finding new words to go with the roots he was learning about.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/wordlywise-3000-gr6-2nd-ed/9780838828243/pd/242824" target="_blank"><u>Wordly Wise 6</u></a> - Sid loves dictionaries and thesauruses, so these kinds of activities are fun for him and I think they are preparing him well for college level reading. His word skills at the end of his 4th grade year were post-high school and I attribute that to such curriculum as this.</li>
<li><a href="http://stores.progenypress.com/StoreFront.bok" target="_blank"><u>Progeny Press</u></a> - This is his core reading curriculum. This year we will work through Bridge to Terabithia, Tuck Everlasting, Johnny Tremain and Sign of the Beaver. Though Sid's reading level is late high school, I have saved some of my favorite books until he was old enough to appreciate them. He read my favorite book last year for his first PP guide, Where the Red Fern Grows. He adored that book. I can't wait for him to read Tuck Everlasting and Bridge to Terabithia and have that same love for those books! The other two correlate with our history studies.</li>
</ul>
Math:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.rainbowresource.com/product/Horizons+Math+6+Boxed+Set/002323/23531082ec62d18fdcc5f344?subject=2&category=2180" target="_blank"><u>Horizons 6</u></a> - I will be picking through this book quizzing him and making sure he understands everything, but this is just a review year. He already got As on the first 5 tests last year without doing any of the book work and we just put it away to slow him down. Mostly because I needed to research because I had no idea where to go next! </li>
<li><a href="http://www.lifeoffredmath.com/lof-middleschool.php" target="_blank"><u>Life of Fred Fractions/Decimals and Percents</u></a> - I've heard great things about this and I think it will be fun for Sid and keep his interest in math as things get more difficult. I'm debating my high school math choices, so in the mean time, he'll be working through the "pre-Algebra" books with Life of Fred this year until I figure it out.</li>
</ul>
Extras:<br />
<ul>
<li><u>Choir</u></li>
<li><a href="http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/pmc" target="_blank"><u>Poetry Memorization</u></a> - I use IEW's poetry set. Last year they memorized 20, so we will just keep moving forward with more!</li>
<li><u>Swim Lessons</u></li>
<li><u>Soccer </u></li>
<li><u>Piano/Recorder</u> - We can't afford lessons again this year but I want to encourage him to keep his skills and be working with music. He has figured out songs from the radio on the piano before. He's got some talent.</li>
<li><u>Harmony Fine Arts Lessons </u></li>
</ul>
Princess Pea will be entering 4th grade this year. She is doing great! I push her like I do Sid because she handles it well. She still likes school and is my most focused student. <br />
<br />
Bible:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/studying-gods-word-ministry-of-christ/darrel-trulson/9781930092600/pd/0109167" target="_blank"><u>Studying God's Word D</u></a> - Princess Pea isn't a big busy-work girl, so I won't continue this if she doesn't care for it. But, she's supposed to be reading through the gospels for her MPact Girls church class, so I thought it went well with that.</li>
<li><u>Personal Devotions</u> - Again, I have lots of short, random devotions I've collected.</li>
<li><u>Junior Bible Quiz</u>
- This is her 5th year.</li>
<li><u>Answers for Kids</u> - With the whole family.</li>
<li><u>Scripture Memorization</u></li>
<li><u>MPact Stars</u>- This is a program at church that teaches the bible and to memorizes scripture. Princess Pea doesn't attend class all year because JBQ interferes, but she works hard to catch up every spring and loves it. </li>
<li><u>Our 24 Family Ways</u> </li>
</ul>
Language Arts: <br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.tfths.com/cqla.php" target="_blank"><u>Character Quality Language Arts (CQLA)</u></a> - This is her core LA but I added extras! </li>
<li><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/easy-grammar-grade-4-wanda-phillips/9780936981437/pd/981437" target="_blank"><u>Easy Grammar 4</u></a> - Just like Sid the Science Kid, this is only to supplement CQLA. I think she will need more repetition than CQLA provides. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.criticalthinking.com/inference-jones-beginning.html" target="_blank"><u>Inference Jones Beginning</u></a> - This is just for fun once a week to work on critical thinking skills.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/vocabulary-from-classical-roots-book-4/9780838822654/pd/822654" target="_blank"><u>Vocabulary from Classic Roots 4</u></a>
- I will do this with Princess Pea. I'm not sure how she will do with this. I guess I'm just not sure how much she will remember, though she will likely do find with all the oral activities.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wordly-Wise-3000-Book-6/dp/0838828248" target="_blank"><u>Wordly Wise 6</u></a> - Princess Pea began to not like WW the end of last year. I honestly think it was because it was one of the only things truly challenging her. So, she won't get off that easy! I ended up writing her answers to the story myself, and that seemed to help. She didn't like the writing. This year I will wean her from that. But I won't push too hard. </li>
<li><a href="http://stores.progenypress.com/StoreFront.bok" target="_blank"><u>Progeny Press</u></a> - This is her core reading curriculum, but I haven't decided what books I will have her read. Now that I know her reading level is higher than I thought, I feel better about challenging her. She may do Bridge to Terabithia and Tuck Everlasting with Sid. Just not sure yet...</li>
</ul>
Math:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://stores.progenypress.com/StoreFront.bok" target="_blank"><u>Horizons 4</u></a> - Princess Pea does great with Math and since this book has the teaching part in it, she will do great with self-study this year. </li>
<li><a href="https://www.xtramath.org/" target="_blank"><u>XtraMath</u></a> - This is a great online mastery program for math facts. She is currently working on multiplication, but has passed addition and subtraction. You have to answer all the facts in less than 3 seconds to pass. I probably couldn't pass it! </li>
<li><a href="http://lifeoffredmath.com/lof-elementary.php" target="_blank"><u>Life of Fred Elementary series</u></a> - I'm still tossing this idea around, but I love these books. They are fun, they use math in every day situations and I really think our whole family would love them. The question is, can I fit it in? I'm thinking I'll start at the beginning and just read them aloud, asking the questions to the younger two kids primarily. That way Princess Pea can get the story line and maybe hop into their Intermediate series next year or the year after? They would definitely be a supplement. Still debating this... </li>
</ul>
Extras:<br />
<ul>
<li><u>Choir</u></li>
<li><u>Poetry Memorization</u> </li>
<li><u>Swim Lessons</u></li>
<li><u>Dance</u> - Restored to Glory dance ministry is an awesome worship dance program<u>!</u></li>
<li><u>Harmony Fine Arts Lessons</u></li>
</ul>
Sid the Science Kid and Princess Pea are also working through <a href="http://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/all-about-spelling" target="_blank">All About Spelling</a> together. They just finished AAS 4 last year and will be starting AAS 5 this fall. Sid is a natural speller but Princess Pea is doing great, too, though it is more challenging for her.<br />
<br />
Angelica Pickles will be doing 2nd grade work this year. My year will be mostly focused on her. Princess Pea will need me for a few things, but since Angelica isn't reading independently, I will be doing almost everything with her. She is probably reading at a beginning 2nd grade level, but that still isn't good enough to read instructions and follow her lessons independently like my other two were at this age. This is her schedule for the year:<br />
<br />
Bible: <u> </u><br />
<ul>
<li><u>Junior Bible Quiz</u> - Angelica did great this last year, but I'm excited to teach her more about the bible this year as we memorize questions and scripture.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/gods-little-princess-icb-devotional-bible/9781400308798/pd/308798" target="_blank"><u>God's Little Princess Devotional Bible</u></a> - I bought her this for her Baptism this spring and I'll be reading through it with her.</li>
<li><u>Scripture Memorization</u> - Many of these will come from her MPact Prims class at church.</li>
<li><u>MPact Prims</u> - Girls class at church for 1st/2nd grade girls.</li>
<li><u>Answers for Kids</u></li>
<li><u>24 Family Ways </u></li>
</ul>
Language Arts:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://peacehillpress.com/first-language-lessons-1.html" target="_blank"><u>First Language Lessons</u></a> - We will be finishing the 100 2nd grade lessons this year.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/language-smarts-c/9780894558889/pd/471002" target="_blank"><u>Language Smarts C</u></a> - Big, colorful Critical Thinking book that helps us review concepts from FLL and cover extra grammar topics it doesn't cover. A favorite of my kids!</li>
<li><a href="http://Explode the Code 5" target="_blank">Explode the Code 5</a> - She is flying through these books and ahead for her grade level. They are nice short lessons she can do to foster independence in schooling and practice her reading.</li>
<li><u>All About Spelling 3</u> - Brynnan is doing great with this program and looks forward to writing on the dry erase board. This year we will work slowly because I know this book is pretty full.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/all-about-reading/" target="_blank"><u>All About Reading 2/3</u></a> - I'm not overly impressed with this curriculum for my kids but I'm still using it as a base and using it's rules so AAS goes smoothly. We don't do the hands on activities, but will use the lessons, fluency charts and stories for practicing. At this point Angelica Pickles just needs practice and to start loving reading and she will take off!</li>
<li><u>Copywork </u>- Angelica Pickles actually does great with print and cursive, but Princess Pea got lazy around this age, so I'm going to keep it going with Angelica. Princess Pea still does copywork in her CQLA.</li>
</ul>
Math:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/horizons-math-grade-2-complete/9780867179682/pd/20060" target="_blank"><u>Horizons 2</u></a> - Angelica Pickles does great with math but my two older kids found this first book difficult because they hadn't memorized all the math facts needed to allow them to quickly work through long problems. I hope I have remedied this by using flash cards and XtraMath with Angelica Pickles last year. </li>
<li><u>XtraMath</u></li>
<li><u>Life of Fred Elementary series</u> - Still debating this supplement...<u> </u></li>
</ul>
Extras:<br />
<ul>
<li><u>Choir</u></li>
<li><u>Poetry Memorization</u> </li>
<li><u>Swim Lessons</u></li>
<li><u>Dance</u></li>
<li><u>Harmony Fine Arts Lessons </u></li>
</ul>
Boo Boo will be doing K/1st grade work this year. He's technically completed all he's needed to for K, but I'm not sure he's ready for a full 1st grade curriculum. He turned 5 in April. He's reading pretty good already. This is his line up:<br />
<br />
Bible:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/leading-little-ones-to-god/marian-schoolland/9780802851208/pd/5120" target="_blank"><u>Leading Little Ones to God</u></a> - We will read this with Angelica Pickles since she was little when I went through it the first time with the older two.</li>
<li><u>Answer for Kids</u></li>
<u>
</u>
<li><u>Junior Bible Quiz </u>- I didn't have a lot of time last year for this, but I'm going to do as much teaching as I can.</li>
<li><u>Bible Memorization</u> - This will be his first year to memorize his own scriptures outside of JBQ and our Family Rules verses!</li>
<li><u>24 Family Ways </u></li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
Langauge Arts:<br />
<ul>
<li><u>Handwriting </u></li>
<li><u><a href="http://bobbooks.com/" target="_blank">Bob Books</a> </u>- Boo Boo is on the 3rd set of books and I plan to finish 3 & 4 this year.</li>
<li><u>All About Reading 2</u> - Again, I'm not super fond of this but it's my base to work through.</li>
<li><u>All About Spelling 1</u> - I think he's ready for this. Put it off last year.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/explode-the-code" target="_blank"><u>Explode the Code 2/3</u></a> - He loved ETC 1, so I'm sure he will fly through these. Sometimes the writing was too much, but I didn't mind writing for him on occasion.</li>
<li><u>First Language Lessons</u> - I'm not completely sure he's ready for this, so I'm going to put if off until January. It's only 100 lessons for 1st and 100 for 2nd.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/language-smarts-b/9780894558894/pd/471001" target="_blank"><u>Language Smarts B</u></a> - I'll be jumping around in this and we will only work on things he's ready for.</li>
<li><a href="http://fiveinarow.com/" target="_blank"><u>Five in a Row</u></a> - I'm still not sold on this package but I'm going to start with their book selections and go from there. So far I've already thrown out at least three selections from Vol.1. I have all three Volumes to choose from, though. Many of the suggestions are conversation based, so it should work for me. I just need something to MAKE me read to him. If it's not scheduled, it won't happen! Sad, but true. Last year we started with Before Five in a Row and I didn't care for the books. We just read whatever. This year I want more structure and better selections.</li>
</ul>
Math:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/horizons-math-grade-1-complete/9780867179545/pd/10060" target="_blank"><u>Horizons K/1</u></a> - Boo Boo didn't finish his K book but not one of my other kids did either! So much repetition at the end. So, I'll look at it, but we may just jump into the 1st grade book and not go back to the K book. He's pretty quick with math.</li>
<li><u>Life of Fred Elementary series </u></li>
</ul>
Extras:<br />
<ul>
<li><u>Choir </u>- His first year!</li>
<li><u>Swim Lessons</u></li>
<u>
</u>
<li><u>Poetry Memorization</u></li>
<u>
</u>
<li><u>Soccer</u></li>
<li><u>Harmony Fine Arts Lessons </u></li>
</ul>
I also have lots of book lists for read alouds, for each child and for Character studies that I'm still working on.<br />
<br />
It's gonna be a full year, for sure! My schedule is packed full until 4pm every day. Thankfully each kid gets plenty of breaks in there, I'M the one schooling <i>all </i>day! I wish I didn't have to rely so much on curriculum, but I need the guidance for four kids schooling! I hardly ever following curriculum word-for-word and alter and change things to my liking. So far my kids still love school, and if I've maintained that, then I'm doing my job well! <br />
<br />
Check out other homeschool curriculum choices at the <a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/curriculum-week-2013/" target="_blank">Not Back to School Blog Hop</a>! Mommy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970863651571623082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181450402630174309.post-65392496373895045912013-07-28T00:01:00.001-07:002013-08-01T17:04:56.022-07:00Family Update July 2013<br />
Here we are again, my <i>YEARLY </i>family update. Pathetic, I know. But, vacation time is the only time I have for blogging. So be it. :)<br />
<br />
Let me give you a monthly rundown, starting from last September...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFWRd0b8At8oa5Xr-ImeKqG_gQo-Wle65SKfknw-aIkaJDgU_UMJwJhpLe-ZJAktOLAo-kAY4z1g9faGRuWual1TUsx3XRjMztXSdqBEZjx2JLjaaOlS9pqMHTLL2rY17DiUuVdCp9Zk/s1600/October+2012+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFWRd0b8At8oa5Xr-ImeKqG_gQo-Wle65SKfknw-aIkaJDgU_UMJwJhpLe-ZJAktOLAo-kAY4z1g9faGRuWual1TUsx3XRjMztXSdqBEZjx2JLjaaOlS9pqMHTLL2rY17DiUuVdCp9Zk/s320/October+2012+004.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fort 4 Fitness 10K Fall 2013 - Hollie and MommyK</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEHqJM6yMf_HD_X26ua58HR8ULbbKHdb-mUZaJojne_GEpoGOBa0LgpvHyAshkRAkoq5sB7_TEqUI34amqYAjRRQZWGuHZwAaaDqt_bmBHifRroLiaDVbGTW62G6nG5oKsRFAVZQdAV0/s1600/October+2012+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEHqJM6yMf_HD_X26ua58HR8ULbbKHdb-mUZaJojne_GEpoGOBa0LgpvHyAshkRAkoq5sB7_TEqUI34amqYAjRRQZWGuHZwAaaDqt_bmBHifRroLiaDVbGTW62G6nG5oKsRFAVZQdAV0/s320/October+2012+009.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mathnasium Competition - Sid the Science Kid got 3rd Place</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8kq6hQ8NzbT-lPymWt71UFfUD5djF76cON9CkTKS_3dhnarnOzIHcQeDsYK6mOYQmnL_jl9rEUlzBToHnmWoV5UQwt8lpNT3PMQ9DhMkPihMDxrerYLb6SQ1dpAM9s7OZN58ZnXDirM/s1600/October+2012+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8kq6hQ8NzbT-lPymWt71UFfUD5djF76cON9CkTKS_3dhnarnOzIHcQeDsYK6mOYQmnL_jl9rEUlzBToHnmWoV5UQwt8lpNT3PMQ9DhMkPihMDxrerYLb6SQ1dpAM9s7OZN58ZnXDirM/s320/October+2012+006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Miracle with her physical therapist working on head control</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_DrZR9ZAdwfG4KW8Bi-fwBiPYbLyAmxmN-HTdHr6MIvjVeA_95DJkbpbMMk6WWZtG-DfGqyhTF-OCGFwTfR7kGjlUL8B-hUdOZW-zngJCKeDqhjdM17vcYwW2ULbCm2lCbyh7pe3srY/s1600/November+2012+008.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_DrZR9ZAdwfG4KW8Bi-fwBiPYbLyAmxmN-HTdHr6MIvjVeA_95DJkbpbMMk6WWZtG-DfGqyhTF-OCGFwTfR7kGjlUL8B-hUdOZW-zngJCKeDqhjdM17vcYwW2ULbCm2lCbyh7pe3srY/s320/November+2012+008.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-pjeQrHiy5mn2WvcNPBlBUFPS9r2iCjc5Db90jqGRpdQJ_38q6Vx61q-rOCbGpzckdHGDDH9FggckHGYyxGB3sX3H-wzXO6_BYoAVzS6gSvpBR3uyvyL8t02Jw596ZTnrenDiZge56M/s1600/October+2012+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Soccer season!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8tbDGPK6oWrBthnD4jy7-lfoIeXB5urd4ipLTiQqkNiBruRLGyVEDjcBIAB5QH1E956dvbZLe87gszDiRULzpqjgZBoFdpiAHawDkHOd00l8kwkTrT07wlsJ2zUZFjMsBLj8IkJSBjo/s1600/October+2012+022.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8tbDGPK6oWrBthnD4jy7-lfoIeXB5urd4ipLTiQqkNiBruRLGyVEDjcBIAB5QH1E956dvbZLe87gszDiRULzpqjgZBoFdpiAHawDkHOd00l8kwkTrT07wlsJ2zUZFjMsBLj8IkJSBjo/s320/October+2012+022.PNG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ready for the Johnny Appleseed Festival decked out in ND attire</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuTIVCpV3Zn7Npt3Wx2gvdCWXplWJcG_YS2HKXHOyWGfTl5bbpYt4cr9KwMu5P57f_iIAAs11BMV1Xf1yS9iLpt55Ugm2ZHzMftx8QW-sNXbqZ4ilmmSDl-VhnV0idyH9GYvS5D_zrRA/s1600/November+2012+009.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuTIVCpV3Zn7Npt3Wx2gvdCWXplWJcG_YS2HKXHOyWGfTl5bbpYt4cr9KwMu5P57f_iIAAs11BMV1Xf1yS9iLpt55Ugm2ZHzMftx8QW-sNXbqZ4ilmmSDl-VhnV0idyH9GYvS5D_zrRA/s320/November+2012+009.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTC_jTCwEY4PevmC55pJlSDHw7ZDggE89-e_6xKUByprr0RhG7FsdRfP9DTOKRqe3L1YEdeAeVGakNnJPY3Wa6gM_yYotTlRPq-sBVnbo9bGv6g0Yc8W2PjxiWfISi-fqTuef7AmcatkI/s1600/October+2012+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Miracle with her therapy cat, Oreo. She's now 3!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
October...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_ARcJPz-iwPp_PQO4fDEgqDVBPUY9pKTKpwbboRguaOfvDTfN7Caxz_PJ4fXFVJFeCeAdALj21YVAkXyJQBKdbS_t2tnke7qRcuCxSsY2R586EmWGL7ecBuPjHC_IV7R-5B-EvQGhYQ/s1600/November+2012+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_ARcJPz-iwPp_PQO4fDEgqDVBPUY9pKTKpwbboRguaOfvDTfN7Caxz_PJ4fXFVJFeCeAdALj21YVAkXyJQBKdbS_t2tnke7qRcuCxSsY2R586EmWGL7ecBuPjHC_IV7R-5B-EvQGhYQ/s320/November+2012+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grandma K made Princess Pea matching PJs for her to match her American Girl Doll Josephina</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQJefjgV2JZXSSCJQSm0T6d0SaSLG4HPiVIqPlJtjj3PyYOPYMm3JhOYu0FbelWnNH5t42lkvC1OI2tok_JA43rwTiH2opL7RyZvVSCHDA9uoPQHJw8wKbFoAdyV3T9QJ6hB0sq77sCI/s1600/November+2012+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQJefjgV2JZXSSCJQSm0T6d0SaSLG4HPiVIqPlJtjj3PyYOPYMm3JhOYu0FbelWnNH5t42lkvC1OI2tok_JA43rwTiH2opL7RyZvVSCHDA9uoPQHJw8wKbFoAdyV3T9QJ6hB0sq77sCI/s320/November+2012+007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sister Love<!--3--><!--3--><!--3--><!--3--><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoH7WoEfQcfXwuODxHZJuSH_17-sii-MbDbPfeY9lgwBLR47kqPzEqr6SqXTWoAZroYN6nAz13Zq1W2S3ReMGdd8yTZxf7Efu7MV14KhZ9OHVFzoxOZLaGgu_0ynmQMks6f0AEmD57PQ/s1600/October+2012+003.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoH7WoEfQcfXwuODxHZJuSH_17-sii-MbDbPfeY9lgwBLR47kqPzEqr6SqXTWoAZroYN6nAz13Zq1W2S3ReMGdd8yTZxf7Efu7MV14KhZ9OHVFzoxOZLaGgu_0ynmQMks6f0AEmD57PQ/s320/October+2012+003.JPG" width="240" /> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Getting her ears pierced!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_SsUwpdMXEGAsviz6SFMRFpCWpPGcflRwJ29RxO7s0cooqPJAv45WmdKui_YDxFgN3s6tOgxk09AyQBtl7yZUm6a_WZujUxM1rH7IEWaQMPx3Gw8N_VoZ6mbjUbaY5BPOYmj7-zjLAQ/s1600/October+2012+005.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_SsUwpdMXEGAsviz6SFMRFpCWpPGcflRwJ29RxO7s0cooqPJAv45WmdKui_YDxFgN3s6tOgxk09AyQBtl7yZUm6a_WZujUxM1rH7IEWaQMPx3Gw8N_VoZ6mbjUbaY5BPOYmj7-zjLAQ/s320/October+2012+005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNbC8V_9K3EGRMK3805MLIOVSxECTmSvpY7GcZZa_CnkhTO8clxrTStQlKN00TzsWH5pyXpmsPEriVCQWRPQWzbUqmLUdk2GoR1icHsvqLpqFrqLqp5LhTuLd3dfhhTH0E7CKzBI2AH8/s1600/November+2012+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNbC8V_9K3EGRMK3805MLIOVSxECTmSvpY7GcZZa_CnkhTO8clxrTStQlKN00TzsWH5pyXpmsPEriVCQWRPQWzbUqmLUdk2GoR1icHsvqLpqFrqLqp5LhTuLd3dfhhTH0E7CKzBI2AH8/s320/November+2012+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A new bike from Papaw B and a scooter for her AGD Makenna sent from her BFF in CA, Makia</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yOPrMIhnUkk6djH9Z7l4xYRgTgq_LX-vemhPiWnlQ_LY6qEPFj8fCd9Z7HElf3-6fLimcpx-fH3pk9dRmICZqp-ApEGzTmwD7aKldgutY_hXMADKvbQgVzPdU46EvhF3V9p_bduuaxI/s1600/October+2012+005.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yOPrMIhnUkk6djH9Z7l4xYRgTgq_LX-vemhPiWnlQ_LY6qEPFj8fCd9Z7HElf3-6fLimcpx-fH3pk9dRmICZqp-ApEGzTmwD7aKldgutY_hXMADKvbQgVzPdU46EvhF3V9p_bduuaxI/s320/October+2012+005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Birthday party at a local farm</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVmGY5HMRa8A2sFj5zDWahzy67Xw4HOC-hsgiRw8MVUGp2xkXjm4TfImgyXXvZvQY-90ZcIZpnZw8rChqEVX38_tGio71u0Xjr3AY4NJjkyQ_L1Xd4mkg1p8k0sntMutjS18XeYYWX14/s1600/November+2012+005.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVmGY5HMRa8A2sFj5zDWahzy67Xw4HOC-hsgiRw8MVUGp2xkXjm4TfImgyXXvZvQY-90ZcIZpnZw8rChqEVX38_tGio71u0Xjr3AY4NJjkyQ_L1Xd4mkg1p8k0sntMutjS18XeYYWX14/s320/November+2012+005.PNG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First time roller skating for the girls at a birthday party!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMRLTQDjwp5I2_HU5o3pdM0MmtapbQMBz5paALiFbFOnStAd1T0yP5Ca81BFmEPFAZfNylGAWeUIy3p9Dzchcg7g4_6ohe_G4mhOu-c8T-jijummKXJYu7u6buBaTFBDNUCFQWJpdR8M/s1600/November+2012+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMRLTQDjwp5I2_HU5o3pdM0MmtapbQMBz5paALiFbFOnStAd1T0yP5Ca81BFmEPFAZfNylGAWeUIy3p9Dzchcg7g4_6ohe_G4mhOu-c8T-jijummKXJYu7u6buBaTFBDNUCFQWJpdR8M/s320/November+2012+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmpSdAoGSpyi4echURzY-LmXzgDpM1UVqDRkZsJW-qJ54JbdLxMCNtKk6gEgOzuhInf7TXD4JJUKirseBH_btHfb3a10dsyfZRlCsVrSJbmONthhJg-0rdEL2zxWJDQsmJ9u1w1AI8Vo/s1600/November+2012+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmpSdAoGSpyi4echURzY-LmXzgDpM1UVqDRkZsJW-qJ54JbdLxMCNtKk6gEgOzuhInf7TXD4JJUKirseBH_btHfb3a10dsyfZRlCsVrSJbmONthhJg-0rdEL2zxWJDQsmJ9u1w1AI8Vo/s320/November+2012+035.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I met Barrack Obama while ministering at our church's Harvest Party! -hehe-</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCOHxp2Mjv2XTMvlJiByqcsMnGbdaWFZzovwkK_ssoi0JzPNbV87mwZd2PbkjH9Yg9NFC3pqNo-9dWG1qk7rUq4y0jLc0Ri3dyGG1sinbB9g1FRPHWIEEfYeDR-wdb-jgjFvUk-5XdlQ/s1600/November+2012+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCOHxp2Mjv2XTMvlJiByqcsMnGbdaWFZzovwkK_ssoi0JzPNbV87mwZd2PbkjH9Yg9NFC3pqNo-9dWG1qk7rUq4y0jLc0Ri3dyGG1sinbB9g1FRPHWIEEfYeDR-wdb-jgjFvUk-5XdlQ/s320/November+2012+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Co-op presentation from archeologist</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0NBOkGEXH9sjCSKzP72WGpK5pl2kuPY4AgnbaSbrS7lkOwciqHcUu7BG1jgq2JaFxJmjjWRaD0uaAjIE0I15HSh0jCV92ywXNXdXlTufWdcdjc6LJV76IbHZjWGcduV3eMcZrJp1dV8/s1600/October+2012+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0NBOkGEXH9sjCSKzP72WGpK5pl2kuPY4AgnbaSbrS7lkOwciqHcUu7BG1jgq2JaFxJmjjWRaD0uaAjIE0I15HSh0jCV92ywXNXdXlTufWdcdjc6LJV76IbHZjWGcduV3eMcZrJp1dV8/s320/October+2012+003.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sid the Science Kid's Tabernacle</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVewJE63Y7dTA6Lf1sFYlcS3JnrPkpG29vbInsK9EG1JLKP-qQOAInAP9xgHizNMEafcE83sntogZkLTjNB3CWcGtYNCsfGVrtF1G73AtEe4hM3eTCOt9XxqGCZsWytWboexeo8CNlqc/s1600/October+2012+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVewJE63Y7dTA6Lf1sFYlcS3JnrPkpG29vbInsK9EG1JLKP-qQOAInAP9xgHizNMEafcE83sntogZkLTjNB3CWcGtYNCsfGVrtF1G73AtEe4hM3eTCOt9XxqGCZsWytWboexeo8CNlqc/s320/October+2012+001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I met Tim Hawkins and gave him a PINK TRACTOR from our Deaf Pastor who looooves him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(If you aren't familiar, check him out <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQPLLekiIYw" target="_blank">HERE</a>)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievODSZEXg9wQYQytBDKHkzRHYzj9iiBZWWO5fL9KwAfzRrqLfhf4ZDXhAgwlCCqb0tDnb3p8Ownrd8ewsE3Zq7Ogxg5sAIcu3-9UYqNhyWAGw_9aJPoHv6uU_V3NcZyc6GPrlrlSUWvA/s1600/October+2012+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievODSZEXg9wQYQytBDKHkzRHYzj9iiBZWWO5fL9KwAfzRrqLfhf4ZDXhAgwlCCqb0tDnb3p8Ownrd8ewsE3Zq7Ogxg5sAIcu3-9UYqNhyWAGw_9aJPoHv6uU_V3NcZyc6GPrlrlSUWvA/s320/October+2012+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Boo Boo reading to Miracle<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Family Photo Shoot highlights...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBO4VvPTxlXIZ2Dbp5d8wnqv3K7KqP7xag_9RnWl5MCNcvBzUkgIUi9CRUpQZJP9DTczGdZODXLnSCQ8RscGWrWLeEUVr6fAtJM6tXbWbA1XDkLH2Pfy2Oqc3fvlCmOjqd7MZrKLHCUCE/s1600/gracelyn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBO4VvPTxlXIZ2Dbp5d8wnqv3K7KqP7xag_9RnWl5MCNcvBzUkgIUi9CRUpQZJP9DTczGdZODXLnSCQ8RscGWrWLeEUVr6fAtJM6tXbWbA1XDkLH2Pfy2Oqc3fvlCmOjqd7MZrKLHCUCE/s320/gracelyn.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
Princess Pea, 8<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QpQx9J-ZJ2Oo07Q5sS1fJm6zn_ujrdeyLz0HZgp-G9LxsdltAGuDxlUC81Ucfd_OB3khabuRWj6nj_yHq_MX0RpSGzfymG4ZvkhneHWxjjOBX3ezmPd3lCVyTfDiTOVy3CSPZdhdyxQ/s1600/brynnan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QpQx9J-ZJ2Oo07Q5sS1fJm6zn_ujrdeyLz0HZgp-G9LxsdltAGuDxlUC81Ucfd_OB3khabuRWj6nj_yHq_MX0RpSGzfymG4ZvkhneHWxjjOBX3ezmPd3lCVyTfDiTOVy3CSPZdhdyxQ/s320/brynnan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Angelica Pickles, 6<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhU9s9DjtH1_HBTVLwUSoaLYfjUcRbJ0BlQdVGwlyCbdsp8gTWJ9MaIlM5lweToy_EcN0cf_rJRmMG80-Xke6cURBxxU89EZzl8QhsPYKbSEf3G0GtzwRkWmQU5RPyS1vxEwNtRBSyV8/s1600/zeke.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhU9s9DjtH1_HBTVLwUSoaLYfjUcRbJ0BlQdVGwlyCbdsp8gTWJ9MaIlM5lweToy_EcN0cf_rJRmMG80-Xke6cURBxxU89EZzl8QhsPYKbSEf3G0GtzwRkWmQU5RPyS1vxEwNtRBSyV8/s320/zeke.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
Boo Boo, 4<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCD_Dix9Y8JHphzkqIhdD09bjSFRdiKJup01hNfVp1j090xIipKk0zwmEWDr9vUXDdQyLhxPavos3rZ_kadAEr3BZ0-F_22efifbGIeSTUtEzXhWKZfDGV7lurOVKSFS_QHMIu7Cx9K8/s1600/kyler.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCD_Dix9Y8JHphzkqIhdD09bjSFRdiKJup01hNfVp1j090xIipKk0zwmEWDr9vUXDdQyLhxPavos3rZ_kadAEr3BZ0-F_22efifbGIeSTUtEzXhWKZfDGV7lurOVKSFS_QHMIu7Cx9K8/s320/kyler.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Sid the Science Kid, 9<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5y0H4icxKhC1UEzReBanQPITULASiJ8Yz6fgHKLZilr3h08zlmKfToZCaoYCNHbDPhufjG_75RXLL9scqrcuGi6q_CKaK-L6CmIq71mIZRY8IPq73SGSjj68yy3jI4xDSeN0LXIv9p4/s1600/October+2012+003.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5y0H4icxKhC1UEzReBanQPITULASiJ8Yz6fgHKLZilr3h08zlmKfToZCaoYCNHbDPhufjG_75RXLL9scqrcuGi6q_CKaK-L6CmIq71mIZRY8IPq73SGSjj68yy3jI4xDSeN0LXIv9p4/s320/October+2012+003.PNG" width="213" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Miracle, 3<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
November....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRlMjeQ8_kkNxUN0jfWtt7v8wi3Z9sWXvmYOz7vxKCe7_vHajdFgIhV8KmW3wRJ_iXXr7riFttNuXogJQkRyccgHlLq_xAQGiV_UerkvoLrnfu4aShAkIhpHJdMCoRM2EIfbMEtOLYtU/s1600/November+2012+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRlMjeQ8_kkNxUN0jfWtt7v8wi3Z9sWXvmYOz7vxKCe7_vHajdFgIhV8KmW3wRJ_iXXr7riFttNuXogJQkRyccgHlLq_xAQGiV_UerkvoLrnfu4aShAkIhpHJdMCoRM2EIfbMEtOLYtU/s320/November+2012+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My 2nd grade co-op class dressed as the Early American History figures we studied</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_msazIId1p2moRn6VwEElKOiTFSUxjBr5PoSme57WL1NqloxnkXIdfTNzBcsUrpixhMkNR23jYzbOlZsW8O_Ik3mTyWs29ztNHcNUUCbRaq5cVy2vTHMrmMjPPT12qax3wnb2tqLx50/s1600/January+2013+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_msazIId1p2moRn6VwEElKOiTFSUxjBr5PoSme57WL1NqloxnkXIdfTNzBcsUrpixhMkNR23jYzbOlZsW8O_Ik3mTyWs29ztNHcNUUCbRaq5cVy2vTHMrmMjPPT12qax3wnb2tqLx50/s320/January+2013+015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sister Love<!--3--><!--3--><!--3--><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZmUO-NuylZnaI-DQRysL5MZd1AkDNBDNHBQzXEJeW1QBaDU89a_tHzBz457T5JTJEaLjIxlwR4ruDSkLtR4P5tJqY0wyJdv_Rjjk8TfRxEDfOXX8Ia1SfX5Q7TgIZyM5vboWNegA1do/s1600/January+2013+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZmUO-NuylZnaI-DQRysL5MZd1AkDNBDNHBQzXEJeW1QBaDU89a_tHzBz457T5JTJEaLjIxlwR4ruDSkLtR4P5tJqY0wyJdv_Rjjk8TfRxEDfOXX8Ia1SfX5Q7TgIZyM5vboWNegA1do/s320/January+2013+010.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKuUN1LDAFHQ_qGdA1nODWtCkjEok4avntlWVkq-TXQPAuIYkOLAmXgMFcP7nIMroKlfqjZ4-v6t3gV1gQjlPZQK2nuQfLOwvNCTZRlVopyh8maITNIttkDXU2MME-AbTNdNIwAnLNqQ/s1600/January+2013+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKuUN1LDAFHQ_qGdA1nODWtCkjEok4avntlWVkq-TXQPAuIYkOLAmXgMFcP7nIMroKlfqjZ4-v6t3gV1gQjlPZQK2nuQfLOwvNCTZRlVopyh8maITNIttkDXU2MME-AbTNdNIwAnLNqQ/s320/January+2013+001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Science Central (the older kids took a plant and animal class)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4NKS1B0SD7GKtiXjtJeshTQgBiKfXpKxEHy64iAdBKwio-9A_PdCGpo6kY9OEkMIjVLPcIo0sEssC4aIG9K0Gjmh1AStoS29MXp9dZjWaDhxhVjMWUvy1sCziqaWCTXamPmSYIoZ39I/s1600/January+2013+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4NKS1B0SD7GKtiXjtJeshTQgBiKfXpKxEHy64iAdBKwio-9A_PdCGpo6kY9OEkMIjVLPcIo0sEssC4aIG9K0Gjmh1AStoS29MXp9dZjWaDhxhVjMWUvy1sCziqaWCTXamPmSYIoZ39I/s320/January+2013+017.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pedestrian and Fire Safety classes and Safety Village</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RX1mMauWrdLG2-wb8VQ7roGhqFSiKw-t0COWSgEHNEUufH-nrBAwEGzm8HSz5D2z8MV64RQ4nfg_gv2E82zXAV7gsvh_ykXraYafqZYs0SGylMO_LYNkCCmvuUc3JchkWtcyJqCOPpw/s1600/January+2013+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RX1mMauWrdLG2-wb8VQ7roGhqFSiKw-t0COWSgEHNEUufH-nrBAwEGzm8HSz5D2z8MV64RQ4nfg_gv2E82zXAV7gsvh_ykXraYafqZYs0SGylMO_LYNkCCmvuUc3JchkWtcyJqCOPpw/s320/January+2013+011.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6G5ddIA3-KzRS0Pyr4kkCFwqrhX8SlLGH-WxBcqjP_ZYzOFWWf7TH5SuzvasIKTVcp8XKEYSMryCLhyphenhyphenyjln145RUNv5Te8U5qjUAUNEOMskF9msMk3BJ1m4K-Dt3Iqx3q9b9zZJ7TKL0/s1600/January+2013+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6G5ddIA3-KzRS0Pyr4kkCFwqrhX8SlLGH-WxBcqjP_ZYzOFWWf7TH5SuzvasIKTVcp8XKEYSMryCLhyphenhyphenyjln145RUNv5Te8U5qjUAUNEOMskF9msMk3BJ1m4K-Dt3Iqx3q9b9zZJ7TKL0/s320/January+2013+020.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRv7ZgH5jveQPazCTmUfCyEHyH_0K61Q5OmQcsicNwpvPWAkhHK2LlQTPbMuF2Qc9NfGHVUdKoadliXl7c1lssV9M0uZnvdq7MSok3pBSL-chIL4tOMfDVFF1HLw8QMBjRhOp6gNhcGs/s1600/January+2013+018.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRv7ZgH5jveQPazCTmUfCyEHyH_0K61Q5OmQcsicNwpvPWAkhHK2LlQTPbMuF2Qc9NfGHVUdKoadliXl7c1lssV9M0uZnvdq7MSok3pBSL-chIL4tOMfDVFF1HLw8QMBjRhOp6gNhcGs/s320/January+2013+018.PNG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Junior Bible Quiz meets</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqoYFuIMkZT2DIi5DNHfrc3P0178ABEKqnVpyk8-G-IvqxmiZUwZ5nG_AMLGhyphenhyphenxD_41DrlheCWYbvIOrulsWgENTrdvNnVe1vWVG-wvrS2jaTIPhspe5OEkmmpkvLznwh8Z49vbxaSvQ/s1600/January+2013+013.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqoYFuIMkZT2DIi5DNHfrc3P0178ABEKqnVpyk8-G-IvqxmiZUwZ5nG_AMLGhyphenhyphenxD_41DrlheCWYbvIOrulsWgENTrdvNnVe1vWVG-wvrS2jaTIPhspe5OEkmmpkvLznwh8Z49vbxaSvQ/s320/January+2013+013.PNG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qW2lOr0Hx4ma6q-5lbwBhb33sbck53zkKvhGkuMLucY4zyTDOXuIQpb0vxSyhPDePct3uRP7_WznI3qGIzVxflU9oyEh7kRpyuHpRqZoVq_9oVHWJ3dWrXn2t1YBTKZgqjY_OBEqL7Q/s1600/January+2013+011.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qW2lOr0Hx4ma6q-5lbwBhb33sbck53zkKvhGkuMLucY4zyTDOXuIQpb0vxSyhPDePct3uRP7_WznI3qGIzVxflU9oyEh7kRpyuHpRqZoVq_9oVHWJ3dWrXn2t1YBTKZgqjY_OBEqL7Q/s320/January+2013+011.PNG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUp3zpB0v0hhV8E8qD3P5LHIt7iZ1YpmUyDMXTCc80f7_1BPCXWyTfbuf2qMW6c4MR_0NVmIZoYc5CUyFRDHOMfK4lgigt80BdQe3ZIC6OQSEepsk97zoUn8l2RX3l5uIv6qaaDRg7aY/s1600/January+2013+008.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUp3zpB0v0hhV8E8qD3P5LHIt7iZ1YpmUyDMXTCc80f7_1BPCXWyTfbuf2qMW6c4MR_0NVmIZoYc5CUyFRDHOMfK4lgigt80BdQe3ZIC6OQSEepsk97zoUn8l2RX3l5uIv6qaaDRg7aY/s320/January+2013+008.PNG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhVUTI-GgyaO_u4fdL65zqjkw-CA7QKSGktOQvwWqeeidod11S8MBFwGdsz8ioGozJQGB_sMmvUFvFxZinCpSKPgiuhonuFmShkazdGiaBd5HuDVZYAckexp_2qiKVIMiv1yFDWhwN7k/s1600/January+2013+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhVUTI-GgyaO_u4fdL65zqjkw-CA7QKSGktOQvwWqeeidod11S8MBFwGdsz8ioGozJQGB_sMmvUFvFxZinCpSKPgiuhonuFmShkazdGiaBd5HuDVZYAckexp_2qiKVIMiv1yFDWhwN7k/s320/January+2013+001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Beautiful Girls</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLAQ5igyEeUdFDKYh6I4JPd-lZImcnujpnPeOuFm1nRuXI3zT2CUSOUO6vMeNPFp_ZQkN3C_z8rxlgZb_EwI53yey0nELRJHAAuZfvuDMVB8NAono4CbetTKh98btLG9RWAeGL6wj_CQ/s1600/January+2013+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLAQ5igyEeUdFDKYh6I4JPd-lZImcnujpnPeOuFm1nRuXI3zT2CUSOUO6vMeNPFp_ZQkN3C_z8rxlgZb_EwI53yey0nELRJHAAuZfvuDMVB8NAono4CbetTKh98btLG9RWAeGL6wj_CQ/s320/January+2013+005.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oKTNaqvK4AOJIGj95g5_ylqqn0pZ-ma-dRmn9FhOMVMY7islV0Ln-FGq6-PkIntEhB585pf6uWQDqaGhw6LMtuYPZBd_pSAAXnFKzJtENXlqI-mg8Mv1H6vocDEaJArIqj7tHg0O3YI/s1600/January+2013+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oKTNaqvK4AOJIGj95g5_ylqqn0pZ-ma-dRmn9FhOMVMY7islV0Ln-FGq6-PkIntEhB585pf6uWQDqaGhw6LMtuYPZBd_pSAAXnFKzJtENXlqI-mg8Mv1H6vocDEaJArIqj7tHg0O3YI/s320/January+2013+011.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First time at the lighting of the downtown holiday lights</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSN4IVsj6zgegkpWLOVCLbwO1xZpRRGv8aNpM-ARN2GrvncBY3qt2KVe4Q4LjCEXz6fODvVGYvx4a-TLRo0eW2UPf4wZJcSdpNglJZdz6rlp9ZhHWzPz08WWcsxO-aMTa2jQsu2EAnEQ/s1600/January+2013+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSN4IVsj6zgegkpWLOVCLbwO1xZpRRGv8aNpM-ARN2GrvncBY3qt2KVe4Q4LjCEXz6fODvVGYvx4a-TLRo0eW2UPf4wZJcSdpNglJZdz6rlp9ZhHWzPz08WWcsxO-aMTa2jQsu2EAnEQ/s320/January+2013+009.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVvp0mZ8Qx9C2j6QnNcZ7EnZ5Z6JQ0lLAilIR2NG_h_S19br_s2bN-KxAaVoEpQ1TAlJ6ifACNcrl_Qye_fusAiOf0zaPsC8nas0JYLrHsq_sWp2s9KOVJ41LfyNZomuqIciFoyx8UV0/s1600/January+2013+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVvp0mZ8Qx9C2j6QnNcZ7EnZ5Z6JQ0lLAilIR2NG_h_S19br_s2bN-KxAaVoEpQ1TAlJ6ifACNcrl_Qye_fusAiOf0zaPsC8nas0JYLrHsq_sWp2s9KOVJ41LfyNZomuqIciFoyx8UV0/s320/January+2013+016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UrUljGdnOjCVQ5Wp_givkkq_TUqLWWDjV-5RnLPg5B1dY26Sc76zqTJH6dxhOJn7xuniq0OxHUNtOcYZMtqcIp_MyVrxlGV49PWtWkCprf3ay10hzdbflMcK21EFS_1WHChcKZM2hlA/s1600/January+2013+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UrUljGdnOjCVQ5Wp_givkkq_TUqLWWDjV-5RnLPg5B1dY26Sc76zqTJH6dxhOJn7xuniq0OxHUNtOcYZMtqcIp_MyVrxlGV49PWtWkCprf3ay10hzdbflMcK21EFS_1WHChcKZM2hlA/s320/January+2013+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With the cousins on Thanksgiving Day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8vsjAxXBvmgoz5KhREUgOAM-48Rc4kcgpUugruvMkNsJIfGwjUA6VeSWG9l0_5Nl3t0d1UJ4CP3BNdJX41OJGE0UskkW0fB__UQu9VWFf4tfp_u1Z8RCRS7XN3kzFUAwq3gwOYeatms/s1600/January+2013+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanksgiving Day we lost our kitten, Oreo. Thankfully after 36 hours, he came right back home!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZN-vPYfQsMcf1wn0noq8JZqvJFPJHCmIBrpVeIqqKHnB2LOL1joQbjLDhh8uvSCvToaKALtmEYhZPLtwFhN2TNGteGYKdUv1UB18VcL8P8MPLa1om76kJrRxMjpN2wNPDEekJqMr_J4/s1600/January+2013+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZN-vPYfQsMcf1wn0noq8JZqvJFPJHCmIBrpVeIqqKHnB2LOL1joQbjLDhh8uvSCvToaKALtmEYhZPLtwFhN2TNGteGYKdUv1UB18VcL8P8MPLa1om76kJrRxMjpN2wNPDEekJqMr_J4/s320/January+2013+003.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLX6eTwVlRb25t5lOkqKcAk-v5-2qwHpYIWBe-GRPwnZBUBr9nwG2RuRRSyZhyphenhyphentxqeFiL-BVe8RNKqPNYBkNw5wl1BreJBnNPz7oNitDEmBLtfZIFEU5ZNqAwOiDejfBfgNBgNMo8SmtU/s1600/January+2013+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLX6eTwVlRb25t5lOkqKcAk-v5-2qwHpYIWBe-GRPwnZBUBr9nwG2RuRRSyZhyphenhyphentxqeFiL-BVe8RNKqPNYBkNw5wl1BreJBnNPz7oNitDEmBLtfZIFEU5ZNqAwOiDejfBfgNBgNMo8SmtU/s320/January+2013+009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The Bestest Big Sister</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<!--3--></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
December...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzg68hCavOE-oLzVyRE2UhBP9RHAU0xiP6J2uIiUiGqZEa1TNgNsN3DmuDGJy6J1d4wSi18-wk36LnqARgyaMr1KM33EuY0H-nMBoaRosFqExKaSc0Yb_WID89kBRUJd3LAROyxWDLuW4/s1600/January+2013+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzg68hCavOE-oLzVyRE2UhBP9RHAU0xiP6J2uIiUiGqZEa1TNgNsN3DmuDGJy6J1d4wSi18-wk36LnqARgyaMr1KM33EuY0H-nMBoaRosFqExKaSc0Yb_WID89kBRUJd3LAROyxWDLuW4/s320/January+2013+002.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bundled up for an outdoor field trip</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHtUVTphxn6RUQbLeSwFh0i9hZRIoe8Z0xCKNz9NBkmGbEaQ01b4uLnBqPLSVxHFjoZbQV1BINTWclPY9b1DGTHrGcd7LJJ6jVFull6_szLmsebgufVpNuo8JCRcqzpy79RAKzP2M7-8/s1600/January+2013+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHtUVTphxn6RUQbLeSwFh0i9hZRIoe8Z0xCKNz9NBkmGbEaQ01b4uLnBqPLSVxHFjoZbQV1BINTWclPY9b1DGTHrGcd7LJJ6jVFull6_szLmsebgufVpNuo8JCRcqzpy79RAKzP2M7-8/s320/January+2013+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Project fun at Christmas time!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tauNgvOmfutuhNb5ljSpaAL_KueGdw2z8KvpWOx0xlgBtehFySe1rqWgUbc7HVWYq9eXX9FU6N3a_PhGRaS-M9Zs8sFGasf7QxZhdE1OlvnYnIhzEc9Rk3tauXYkN1RGgSVnNmxbsTY/s1600/January+2013+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tauNgvOmfutuhNb5ljSpaAL_KueGdw2z8KvpWOx0xlgBtehFySe1rqWgUbc7HVWYq9eXX9FU6N3a_PhGRaS-M9Zs8sFGasf7QxZhdE1OlvnYnIhzEc9Rk3tauXYkN1RGgSVnNmxbsTY/s320/January+2013+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Visiting with great friends from CA</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbW_MSKqBO4k94jdZSzooe2eY721musUpYGW2p93UIgv1AJtmh_cdDjUasIAgTxS8RKOVSO-pTtSo7454oo3LoXoap3DH80r_9rOgXkbj1QGGq3t8qjDOrfC7XB7hhQMgSNrYxRIK5P6I/s1600/January+2013+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbW_MSKqBO4k94jdZSzooe2eY721musUpYGW2p93UIgv1AJtmh_cdDjUasIAgTxS8RKOVSO-pTtSo7454oo3LoXoap3DH80r_9rOgXkbj1QGGq3t8qjDOrfC7XB7hhQMgSNrYxRIK5P6I/s320/January+2013+011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Makia is Gracelyn's BFF</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLReeDSj4zTQDER_Li6OM6X2SFUt-EZvC1NXXufuU4w_qMhKQnK1ZjiGpIf7RA0MOEqszzmbk5BvYLg03PB3diEET6LrAwfk8n37UALE_GDxhYb7Een1PrTApUoJ_RUGMHxcc0v6VM1P0/s1600/January+2013+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLReeDSj4zTQDER_Li6OM6X2SFUt-EZvC1NXXufuU4w_qMhKQnK1ZjiGpIf7RA0MOEqszzmbk5BvYLg03PB3diEET6LrAwfk8n37UALE_GDxhYb7Een1PrTApUoJ_RUGMHxcc0v6VM1P0/s320/January+2013+010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Attempting to get Christmas photos</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXaXW4UQVor30-l8DRii4d1C8eXdSG3deJUrWPOGlEQ9As8Ul47xB83KhON_BvVmak8j_rJskrRnRJR_fuu6CMUNxvIJI3AjAcz3EhZtfTk69swRreQEoZGpDM10X1a7UbvgmXKJgcEQ/s1600/January+2013+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXaXW4UQVor30-l8DRii4d1C8eXdSG3deJUrWPOGlEQ9As8Ul47xB83KhON_BvVmak8j_rJskrRnRJR_fuu6CMUNxvIJI3AjAcz3EhZtfTk69swRreQEoZGpDM10X1a7UbvgmXKJgcEQ/s320/January+2013+018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfdhVqiaoji4cW_M70-ITu2gh3Z4W6rYOIC42PKs0IpGF6beFDCOUv3IrvEmw3tcac_-RoW8MPIeEmvIKO5HPnXi_M9CxUbPMePZdwhCXmEA8u_pJuSMFlBkK8qcgysE7A-MurcnTGrs/s1600/January+2013+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfdhVqiaoji4cW_M70-ITu2gh3Z4W6rYOIC42PKs0IpGF6beFDCOUv3IrvEmw3tcac_-RoW8MPIeEmvIKO5HPnXi_M9CxUbPMePZdwhCXmEA8u_pJuSMFlBkK8qcgysE7A-MurcnTGrs/s320/January+2013+008.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grandma K made Dorothy dresses for the girls AND their dolls,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
complete with shiny red shoes!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-zhPjG3HehzmupArgOguAklrx_EFD7i4xuAfDRvaCuba23JmeLQvOh_Q-OAy6X-1Lk67bVYTmgZhuqa2tlx2kpPYENkfFlAkfOpnz0r9qqPt_1oaBzxbMfJt2-Q5Z3fBokgTCuX7n7g/s1600/January+2013+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-zhPjG3HehzmupArgOguAklrx_EFD7i4xuAfDRvaCuba23JmeLQvOh_Q-OAy6X-1Lk67bVYTmgZhuqa2tlx2kpPYENkfFlAkfOpnz0r9qqPt_1oaBzxbMfJt2-Q5Z3fBokgTCuX7n7g/s320/January+2013+007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7ArTtLxPBkgI7wF0Zx9g9-4WeiKRXOko1k7L3rPqYFv7CaowK58g0lN7Wdsfe3XDyzQ84ek6V5eVlsm1Jb7oeVun2oJtcsKE8Sapcc3_NWMk_tTsTnJeDLmuKFQNm-pENOf_PcPiblI/s1600/January+2013+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7ArTtLxPBkgI7wF0Zx9g9-4WeiKRXOko1k7L3rPqYFv7CaowK58g0lN7Wdsfe3XDyzQ84ek6V5eVlsm1Jb7oeVun2oJtcsKE8Sapcc3_NWMk_tTsTnJeDLmuKFQNm-pENOf_PcPiblI/s320/January+2013+006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnl2LMnoeTDT3HwDofpRraNp7Zx84vEARuoMXs5RCKYphLIExHYGwcNbixnlHJdKk-Vd6PzLFOiebwb6sDCIwUaZoPHiyTDBX_s_ZZ72mT5S01LN2hAc_bzN-8QpZ-3rD8lGuCNO7Dn0M/s1600/January+2013+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnl2LMnoeTDT3HwDofpRraNp7Zx84vEARuoMXs5RCKYphLIExHYGwcNbixnlHJdKk-Vd6PzLFOiebwb6sDCIwUaZoPHiyTDBX_s_ZZ72mT5S01LN2hAc_bzN-8QpZ-3rD8lGuCNO7Dn0M/s320/January+2013+005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDkZXelrrIQRbcSS3J27Vtue-HgjPgP8ccg8O_LAkg6K8y_uUepOo_YFUhkHmjFs7VdVBmxtMe4ozrwxR7haHYlbF6ff3XGHOJMxWg0i0SJbJaOXLSB7HEIKULW_yKtNPC2HtfbhgUYQ/s1600/January+2013+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDkZXelrrIQRbcSS3J27Vtue-HgjPgP8ccg8O_LAkg6K8y_uUepOo_YFUhkHmjFs7VdVBmxtMe4ozrwxR7haHYlbF6ff3XGHOJMxWg0i0SJbJaOXLSB7HEIKULW_yKtNPC2HtfbhgUYQ/s320/January+2013+004.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUCnvg0CXvI4JpYnAqS5UppR5rG6ZtJbekOExKBoPCuY8MWPFIXwDoLUTURRhd2FEEO-QN7_wZJBpgHteEL7voikqQvzN5UmH1wSj6sxDOqY8BTvhDJ0EnTGbJvyjRJvIjUdEeJLxURA/s1600/January+2013+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUCnvg0CXvI4JpYnAqS5UppR5rG6ZtJbekOExKBoPCuY8MWPFIXwDoLUTURRhd2FEEO-QN7_wZJBpgHteEL7voikqQvzN5UmH1wSj6sxDOqY8BTvhDJ0EnTGbJvyjRJvIjUdEeJLxURA/s320/January+2013+015.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After Christmas MommyK took a trip to CA to help with a friend </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who has three kids whose husband was deployed to Afghanistan.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yYKaz3Ejoda7qWxvjFuI2PluY4Dn0C69sjfBfS6CcG6x9Uyxg0faacPUG9xh9_Tj2Z8fMDhwu1bKDqIolZ5z50gBbNiLoysnZxwY4FJGeGKQvOiDyH2X4oq1YSlbIw8uLNGyzE_X7hY/s1600/January+2013+049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yYKaz3Ejoda7qWxvjFuI2PluY4Dn0C69sjfBfS6CcG6x9Uyxg0faacPUG9xh9_Tj2Z8fMDhwu1bKDqIolZ5z50gBbNiLoysnZxwY4FJGeGKQvOiDyH2X4oq1YSlbIw8uLNGyzE_X7hY/s320/January+2013+049.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
MommyK and Andrea</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiManQHS0PcZnB7y0Byi1NTGsvoRgLSfUPA4dNOHYZmVRTVh4JHFEQ8idkLgDXXfkStY6s3cMl-l3SHABi3kyga6M5ObmWRwUVuNg2kECTwWar8UsmHw3rSS9damaqk9vCT8V4FX49UhWI/s1600/January+2013+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiManQHS0PcZnB7y0Byi1NTGsvoRgLSfUPA4dNOHYZmVRTVh4JHFEQ8idkLgDXXfkStY6s3cMl-l3SHABi3kyga6M5ObmWRwUVuNg2kECTwWar8UsmHw3rSS9damaqk9vCT8V4FX49UhWI/s320/January+2013+012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While in CA, I got to meet the author of the book <i>I Am Intelligent</i> and mother of Peyton Goddard, along with Peyton herself, a woman affected with autism that communicates only through using facilitated typing. A very encouraging story of the struggles and accomplishments of an amazing woman.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZU72OH4gH1GoUfEIMZCiVA-dc8CdRVCyJP3cqukj2b5CI-x3HdN15xGvgeV7g2mNgNzTxqgQANqCFNOp_1nSHybQ3I6YLB0NFDXfrnelO3kWJ8-mbIrR4cozoAO6g1R8QKpY1j3ZUP4/s1600/January+2013+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZU72OH4gH1GoUfEIMZCiVA-dc8CdRVCyJP3cqukj2b5CI-x3HdN15xGvgeV7g2mNgNzTxqgQANqCFNOp_1nSHybQ3I6YLB0NFDXfrnelO3kWJ8-mbIrR4cozoAO6g1R8QKpY1j3ZUP4/s320/January+2013+021.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Peyton with her mother and father</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
January....</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="goog_748185850"></span><span id="goog_748185851"></span><br /></div>
<!--3--></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVZGjMdhfZ0vigdSaimXNBxB4bjCjBGh59CclGNoM_9N4-uqrt2bLnL54oUz07hk6s10ieSUj9r0qCcqLFFxbcubfzzi44XViuDsT64kJmPuv5AdZeHxKQXKQ7j3pZ1iaf-AiYooxn32t/s1600/March+2013+006.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVZGjMdhfZ0vigdSaimXNBxB4bjCjBGh59CclGNoM_9N4-uqrt2bLnL54oUz07hk6s10ieSUj9r0qCcqLFFxbcubfzzi44XViuDsT64kJmPuv5AdZeHxKQXKQ7j3pZ1iaf-AiYooxn32t/s320/March+2013+006.PNG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First dance presentation with the dance ministry at church</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSsIItyXp5HTumN-_rAxSFjRiU1_bba67tobJhDdiOC62vgT3gpkgFuZlc3RbV2hKu5jv4_sOF4JwP_Z0ZDkrItcsoajkeDp2dwxe60H3EYsuSGLEe3YL-0p3SID_70N39pZ1oqnIbqFv/s1600/March+2013+007.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSsIItyXp5HTumN-_rAxSFjRiU1_bba67tobJhDdiOC62vgT3gpkgFuZlc3RbV2hKu5jv4_sOF4JwP_Z0ZDkrItcsoajkeDp2dwxe60H3EYsuSGLEe3YL-0p3SID_70N39pZ1oqnIbqFv/s320/March+2013+007.PNG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlQDHyqLX9g3LUCsEZ58_-DZjhDi88lbNI4LcUfvEMGzUlpyAmH-xu2Vd4axS0iXzAsPKy63Zak1dG_g9l9c5_ilQXpDgcFv8Da8CNfTCnFs-D3vOvVqIOA28W8Xj7jkoId4K93CjaVRS/s1600/March+2013+004.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlQDHyqLX9g3LUCsEZ58_-DZjhDi88lbNI4LcUfvEMGzUlpyAmH-xu2Vd4axS0iXzAsPKy63Zak1dG_g9l9c5_ilQXpDgcFv8Da8CNfTCnFs-D3vOvVqIOA28W8Xj7jkoId4K93CjaVRS/s320/March+2013+004.PNG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLQTOlGcEQZh_2MFGtuIEWgeBJXI6K5jb9wDxgGgeWCKCVD4nw-0ueAAplQKxsi8mnfy1r90blGKI9kaukET24tqNTfIooyotLe7xkS_dvuY2klIiFL-IfFWEAQMkmsIo1HVaKklLWrTq/s1600/January+2013+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLQTOlGcEQZh_2MFGtuIEWgeBJXI6K5jb9wDxgGgeWCKCVD4nw-0ueAAplQKxsi8mnfy1r90blGKI9kaukET24tqNTfIooyotLe7xkS_dvuY2klIiFL-IfFWEAQMkmsIo1HVaKklLWrTq/s320/January+2013+002.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A rare moment when Miracle doesn't mind her stander</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkDZhn_eGqyeYxWmQogB_hOy6FBoGTUsD43xHoAcnIZHTIvlaDgAqGXFdJJxAIliPNIbBwlgBauesa5sg-9LI-vemvPZOHd7a5YEAYIzvL5HsQuQfPZTuiORk8xNIjO5Odc5Q4Tl3c0uW/s1600/January+2013+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkDZhn_eGqyeYxWmQogB_hOy6FBoGTUsD43xHoAcnIZHTIvlaDgAqGXFdJJxAIliPNIbBwlgBauesa5sg-9LI-vemvPZOHd7a5YEAYIzvL5HsQuQfPZTuiORk8xNIjO5Odc5Q4Tl3c0uW/s320/January+2013+026.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I adapted a lunch box to be a cute feeding bag for Miracle </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvAbWHR8N7AVE5-X3H9miDmcNyPjoBaxaHbxqfY_3I9Wf_pQnpEKsDzsWdy_Rd11HPJ2S2vEag56PrGxJxj9xpzPzXSEZszj5rKCjr4vDObwrg6kEb_fbykWt6OuZFoENIzmQjTyPvonW/s1600/January+2013+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvAbWHR8N7AVE5-X3H9miDmcNyPjoBaxaHbxqfY_3I9Wf_pQnpEKsDzsWdy_Rd11HPJ2S2vEag56PrGxJxj9xpzPzXSEZszj5rKCjr4vDObwrg6kEb_fbykWt6OuZFoENIzmQjTyPvonW/s320/January+2013+027.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0gMSe5LYB6duoom3Cli_8gfO9puKZxcxil65gzyBOiFzPkfY9ChPoISjSHR6BCVMqowYCz6gRyALlCgU3erziec_bT7LgZHyfdNYQhFl-Ajp4JYrE7UgHCiXDZJrJope_wmJ6uwFfRIa/s1600/January+2013+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0gMSe5LYB6duoom3Cli_8gfO9puKZxcxil65gzyBOiFzPkfY9ChPoISjSHR6BCVMqowYCz6gRyALlCgU3erziec_bT7LgZHyfdNYQhFl-Ajp4JYrE7UgHCiXDZJrJope_wmJ6uwFfRIa/s320/January+2013+006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More Junior Bible Quiz meets - FYI it's mismatch day...I don't really dress my kids like that, LOL</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
February....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3qqfKTQsWIgWihBLNgxnDPL7dlWFE4IjAfsEVPqI-bRaN7NyX1IfbvgtS2tu3MlwBwE7TpYn4YfqXT7gfdp2G3wSFlbzBGkQMt_a6wLQcZ-nARzAGS-4Lm3llKMC1NHpCT2TR-fjWyCs/s1600/March+2013+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3qqfKTQsWIgWihBLNgxnDPL7dlWFE4IjAfsEVPqI-bRaN7NyX1IfbvgtS2tu3MlwBwE7TpYn4YfqXT7gfdp2G3wSFlbzBGkQMt_a6wLQcZ-nARzAGS-4Lm3llKMC1NHpCT2TR-fjWyCs/s320/March+2013+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Marriage Retreat with Mr. Prince</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15pQY0MPLDCb2Y2ymU-3jCbRUd9h5JkfT5A6PKGCxUojUsh2ZkG4EUIpbzmcdIR6qBI2O8eqz6JSjh7j9MkojBrqllKHCHSh29tLCrsmnAaGfjig1eWfRWXtRjK-buQQketlAkRdX8q39/s1600/March+2013+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15pQY0MPLDCb2Y2ymU-3jCbRUd9h5JkfT5A6PKGCxUojUsh2ZkG4EUIpbzmcdIR6qBI2O8eqz6JSjh7j9MkojBrqllKHCHSh29tLCrsmnAaGfjig1eWfRWXtRjK-buQQketlAkRdX8q39/s320/March+2013+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cousins wearing the same shirt, Avery and Miracle</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMYvtEHtNRd5-KpgbYqKQ0NyZxJCIl0QA_CwgSq3s9OC_84vBg0vYYfy6iG2dWy8DfivY7tub3OmGiO-iMziRDozFzhgr5oSi93OYrSBSSPpTzVex88McVYCn2B-OLhAovL4xzTJzMA4T/s1600/March+2013+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMYvtEHtNRd5-KpgbYqKQ0NyZxJCIl0QA_CwgSq3s9OC_84vBg0vYYfy6iG2dWy8DfivY7tub3OmGiO-iMziRDozFzhgr5oSi93OYrSBSSPpTzVex88McVYCn2B-OLhAovL4xzTJzMA4T/s320/March+2013+015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Science Central day on animals - They are dissecting a shark</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqnT2jySu7IHsYCMM7swFDprf79mL1hFIH46yCYwcrBqYDjh3mVbaaxCxXAb4SHsHH2hZgcNK2VNkWNKy6yMF_O3gjR7DtewKS86ph9ZrI7US_JphtniQnAsTR470BNCZ6g1Rsz8po2F6/s1600/March+2013+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqnT2jySu7IHsYCMM7swFDprf79mL1hFIH46yCYwcrBqYDjh3mVbaaxCxXAb4SHsHH2hZgcNK2VNkWNKy6yMF_O3gjR7DtewKS86ph9ZrI7US_JphtniQnAsTR470BNCZ6g1Rsz8po2F6/s320/March+2013+007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvFM71BTWDX0zdJqKSf8rI6U7RHjYRAQ4b3chepQlhmUQZiVS6ygZXSQUfc8nc1ZZoUamevpbMjB3tjCKHQiKYeOCGPl1_BcvNrCgymaf_02hi0Rke4Oa9xOQXBs2C96D5Nusd_txWQLS/s1600/March+2013+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvFM71BTWDX0zdJqKSf8rI6U7RHjYRAQ4b3chepQlhmUQZiVS6ygZXSQUfc8nc1ZZoUamevpbMjB3tjCKHQiKYeOCGPl1_BcvNrCgymaf_02hi0Rke4Oa9xOQXBs2C96D5Nusd_txWQLS/s320/March+2013+010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcTNG5Ik0z5iNe32Z-QP9-H32wlCzOij5OyiOeMZypKdD-LqNm0EhPMyO61OSY6QRDXWtVlOmyxTFuB3CGLnB0jhVmeBOMRAS9faZJP_xRMsmy3Dz4zuPy1X1cQhVd5KSLiZuEjDEKiSk/s1600/March+2013+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcTNG5Ik0z5iNe32Z-QP9-H32wlCzOij5OyiOeMZypKdD-LqNm0EhPMyO61OSY6QRDXWtVlOmyxTFuB3CGLnB0jhVmeBOMRAS9faZJP_xRMsmy3Dz4zuPy1X1cQhVd5KSLiZuEjDEKiSk/s320/March+2013+016.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Valentine's Party at church with other homeschool families</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlaJnJgN3siZimZNMjsQ8dcrdlI-FrENsy5KyLlmUr8NdviFH7E-89N_cNX-bonlaRGapNK8e96CNsF8j2xS5hDX9Sk19D0zG80WjRRl_74q6pcEMK2gGHe0BMb2i1V9xE8uLNgAqFPO5/s1600/March+2013+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlaJnJgN3siZimZNMjsQ8dcrdlI-FrENsy5KyLlmUr8NdviFH7E-89N_cNX-bonlaRGapNK8e96CNsF8j2xS5hDX9Sk19D0zG80WjRRl_74q6pcEMK2gGHe0BMb2i1V9xE8uLNgAqFPO5/s320/March+2013+026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA06g1uBA-_EQ20OwV1TP6Dd-__pTPn3KaRzVBnt0S3fvQly-ixLilHhyFxsT9xdTS9pK9TE5LGfd47N7OKzWLUvrsWKUcX_zeGDuB_THj0quMfmXY7ufSGDIDQmIlO0aRS8JaHcppjNij/s1600/March+2013+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA06g1uBA-_EQ20OwV1TP6Dd-__pTPn3KaRzVBnt0S3fvQly-ixLilHhyFxsT9xdTS9pK9TE5LGfd47N7OKzWLUvrsWKUcX_zeGDuB_THj0quMfmXY7ufSGDIDQmIlO0aRS8JaHcppjNij/s320/March+2013+002.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHI1PoFe_ZS4mxSp9mqI4R9jPplB4TOD6owwRya8wmNUZh78iGPrB4pRBDtTnGMW-ArzMk-p3d_AKpimaQP41ilLgQ1ub5rjVo4AwhiH7xXD0rEZozSNl5F7YK3gD12-FJSpUzpCIm5SGt/s1600/March+2013+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHI1PoFe_ZS4mxSp9mqI4R9jPplB4TOD6owwRya8wmNUZh78iGPrB4pRBDtTnGMW-ArzMk-p3d_AKpimaQP41ilLgQ1ub5rjVo4AwhiH7xXD0rEZozSNl5F7YK3gD12-FJSpUzpCIm5SGt/s320/March+2013+015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
New hat! Miracle has lots of owl stuff. For one, it's cute. For two, owls are mysterious, quiet and are way more intelligent and purposeful than you think....just like Miracle. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnX0ctulDp1AVRppGkcVwGvgt_x1jU4Hd3sXKCFN99TrNI8shDmd4mFNH8l26sSq-xqN_nTpeIjwzyZaWaOdWwMrMbWg5Lknh2GPKKqQAyDfiLRb65C1kSGNdyb-SBBsiEFbZG2y9WnrF-/s1600/March+2013+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnX0ctulDp1AVRppGkcVwGvgt_x1jU4Hd3sXKCFN99TrNI8shDmd4mFNH8l26sSq-xqN_nTpeIjwzyZaWaOdWwMrMbWg5Lknh2GPKKqQAyDfiLRb65C1kSGNdyb-SBBsiEFbZG2y9WnrF-/s320/March+2013+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Princess Pea at the ER waiting for stitches</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGIwBD_sBIcH_RmSv1Ia4L77kSlrRFRtXSZ2uJmNt7N51GVA3ZQvDsqQPUsC0LmNSt2BFudwM6mY4tB-yKUgEbF_-PN0H70NkBLHtF-fewy1tuSIAgNHnKcUlZfU2rA8vNoyWKrw-MpDG/s1600/March+2013+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGIwBD_sBIcH_RmSv1Ia4L77kSlrRFRtXSZ2uJmNt7N51GVA3ZQvDsqQPUsC0LmNSt2BFudwM6mY4tB-yKUgEbF_-PN0H70NkBLHtF-fewy1tuSIAgNHnKcUlZfU2rA8vNoyWKrw-MpDG/s320/March+2013+007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wwSmZf-xqvzAnSL_7Q4PueRrkETfRLkaCoCUA2FRPhsiDeqk1AQNTu5y36Sz2dnQdbVBf8bNbKrbfeYwf1hRLmQ3_5l3tuecDfwdnaz_BghXp7w0IL1-3AD7OtoErvLFYpdxOR_kha5J/s1600/March+2013+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wwSmZf-xqvzAnSL_7Q4PueRrkETfRLkaCoCUA2FRPhsiDeqk1AQNTu5y36Sz2dnQdbVBf8bNbKrbfeYwf1hRLmQ3_5l3tuecDfwdnaz_BghXp7w0IL1-3AD7OtoErvLFYpdxOR_kha5J/s320/March+2013+001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The girls dancing with Miracle</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXBmuJIQO7WOjiHhyk8_ad3HmcV46qE3_1QxOV2obRF7-yKsbE4_N5ixh2zDQG8S_PWd1_gHvjuD3BYf1erZ2EhQUxIrEiDU1tkVAYTxO-wkEfbD6EFCoqK5owYK26g4SdVT1wjnGZORU/s1600/March+2013+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXBmuJIQO7WOjiHhyk8_ad3HmcV46qE3_1QxOV2obRF7-yKsbE4_N5ixh2zDQG8S_PWd1_gHvjuD3BYf1erZ2EhQUxIrEiDU1tkVAYTxO-wkEfbD6EFCoqK5owYK26g4SdVT1wjnGZORU/s320/March+2013+006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Skating as a family this time and Boo Boo did great!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRXjsxZk5e1xXIWHEH9_tGUPE9MaCHq14-s5PVrsnWiraQWnZAZXREu5HNUMJqeID07bO4trSb-Xrq3cvOasFDUxWCP3qLQGjn2Mpz1Zu-57GgyZXIDkxV3u5cX84UxeUXdEYnBS8U-qG/s320/March+2013+013.JPG" width="240" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Miracle had fun, too</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZw-uarKdQGzTas4UfGb8ROf_MBJLbs4xE1tQ9jpuYy3ISu-VYtm39K5xq5a1zeNcy3jfOUKoMx8ktxknxMfckwlgkhIZ4T1n_I38GJoCT1CpXs_aekzfrJFLoXmDufT0a4kW-ZNV4oUvC/s1600/March+2013+010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZw-uarKdQGzTas4UfGb8ROf_MBJLbs4xE1tQ9jpuYy3ISu-VYtm39K5xq5a1zeNcy3jfOUKoMx8ktxknxMfckwlgkhIZ4T1n_I38GJoCT1CpXs_aekzfrJFLoXmDufT0a4kW-ZNV4oUvC/s320/March+2013+010.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Miracle trying her best to get out of this so she can slump over, booger!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
March....</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXhF9NGRqrNZcZf7t-k1C7-ShWiGMmudqF8e3fAHYbfPwbBJIAM9G-oJpPF2KfNu4At7Ql8JyS2lcuFney0kllRWhvk7bzbzyIZoAshV9DtuVZhhf9GruNlWV_uFxL-Znqq2GSwG8Td3v/s1600/March+2013+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXhF9NGRqrNZcZf7t-k1C7-ShWiGMmudqF8e3fAHYbfPwbBJIAM9G-oJpPF2KfNu4At7Ql8JyS2lcuFney0kllRWhvk7bzbzyIZoAshV9DtuVZhhf9GruNlWV_uFxL-Znqq2GSwG8Td3v/s320/March+2013+012.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sid the Science Kid turned 10</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59uVWGmcgObaV3nHVk6fAoJOi95jmiRaeVErLoCYZ_gzbv8bTB3zarLX_GLkvXotBjZM2TWlfStD77GrIjGenTv9UtbF5Qhqrq2GCsPOwuDqAhremIB_AxiMHrjJBWZIIs3tbethWxBqK/s1600/April+2013+005.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59uVWGmcgObaV3nHVk6fAoJOi95jmiRaeVErLoCYZ_gzbv8bTB3zarLX_GLkvXotBjZM2TWlfStD77GrIjGenTv9UtbF5Qhqrq2GCsPOwuDqAhremIB_AxiMHrjJBWZIIs3tbethWxBqK/s320/April+2013+005.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59uVWGmcgObaV3nHVk6fAoJOi95jmiRaeVErLoCYZ_gzbv8bTB3zarLX_GLkvXotBjZM2TWlfStD77GrIjGenTv9UtbF5Qhqrq2GCsPOwuDqAhremIB_AxiMHrjJBWZIIs3tbethWxBqK/s1600/April+2013+005.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He also got a bike from PaPaw B</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59uVWGmcgObaV3nHVk6fAoJOi95jmiRaeVErLoCYZ_gzbv8bTB3zarLX_GLkvXotBjZM2TWlfStD77GrIjGenTv9UtbF5Qhqrq2GCsPOwuDqAhremIB_AxiMHrjJBWZIIs3tbethWxBqK/s1600/April+2013+005.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59uVWGmcgObaV3nHVk6fAoJOi95jmiRaeVErLoCYZ_gzbv8bTB3zarLX_GLkvXotBjZM2TWlfStD77GrIjGenTv9UtbF5Qhqrq2GCsPOwuDqAhremIB_AxiMHrjJBWZIIs3tbethWxBqK/s1600/April+2013+005.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2b8nAIvY-Otjr3m6UdpOS5ylEGWp4XoH83KjA2qkvj8eyIjqEkBlM1A0kWFJPvdIuG_J52t8K7WaFZiZfpTIiE7FKBnDqlHSSBKczZVBcle3AukTjpQNibMSCe3hO0X9QsBAInW2g0lN/s1600/March+2013+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2b8nAIvY-Otjr3m6UdpOS5ylEGWp4XoH83KjA2qkvj8eyIjqEkBlM1A0kWFJPvdIuG_J52t8K7WaFZiZfpTIiE7FKBnDqlHSSBKczZVBcle3AukTjpQNibMSCe3hO0X9QsBAInW2g0lN/s320/March+2013+004.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Piling in the ancient elevator to visit Mr. Prince at his school.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Highlight of their day. They are homeschooled...remember? ;)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizm17F1XCCo8jMdlzLTIHJYaLocYKvxQsrX-LcNBQNmuDst10WbweaWOnle1buNP-L8ZL0LEdjUjjAZGffEaG0TlPj9KRt09FNoAB-hPa5fZXRSihB6gnwobQaV10JZiQtdg53BhqL7fKc/s1600/March+2013+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizm17F1XCCo8jMdlzLTIHJYaLocYKvxQsrX-LcNBQNmuDst10WbweaWOnle1buNP-L8ZL0LEdjUjjAZGffEaG0TlPj9KRt09FNoAB-hPa5fZXRSihB6gnwobQaV10JZiQtdg53BhqL7fKc/s320/March+2013+001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, snow in March.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CjcPgFQuVGmBgalQ1vlBjIjJlSQ7GFbyTI0SkS8MDX9wDIm2mgsbGe-cpbP3xSIg5N_lVy2KcazhM_bv7XFIqF6uEJaAxGZXTv4bEMv_DwnncW_jTxarDwETCBkexOih9OAyoG7HIxm9/s1600/March+2013+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CjcPgFQuVGmBgalQ1vlBjIjJlSQ7GFbyTI0SkS8MDX9wDIm2mgsbGe-cpbP3xSIg5N_lVy2KcazhM_bv7XFIqF6uEJaAxGZXTv4bEMv_DwnncW_jTxarDwETCBkexOih9OAyoG7HIxm9/s320/March+2013+008.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At Miracle's annual appointment at Riley's Children's Hospital they told us she </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
does NOT have the hip dysplasia mentioned a year ago. Good news!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9L34-veG0ri4VD1UDq3eO5UD7XAzXz4yuZrhQk_upRCkb2P9X9CjidoJt-oQaql1X6wPKLCvzqAX9XDq-jvMW_vrfMHrr4EjGmY2U-IitE5gKqVEPOYKA-1J-573gnCD9Cxp4xFjok-2k/s1600/March+2013+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9L34-veG0ri4VD1UDq3eO5UD7XAzXz4yuZrhQk_upRCkb2P9X9CjidoJt-oQaql1X6wPKLCvzqAX9XDq-jvMW_vrfMHrr4EjGmY2U-IitE5gKqVEPOYKA-1J-573gnCD9Cxp4xFjok-2k/s320/March+2013+003.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dual therapy with OT and PT, four point</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8N6Cu4MsO4vJO7Pam4D8MLDtc2zYfipA5GQryNVBr_U3_OiD5DVEXi26KHGPMrCPMiCFoADholNmWxWCsCoBrYnX6WweQnSdrZ6HnjhWlH0UC-OlRUDUFdF3-yMgnFexAJMZpLAK10_Q/s1600/iPad+Mar+2013+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8N6Cu4MsO4vJO7Pam4D8MLDtc2zYfipA5GQryNVBr_U3_OiD5DVEXi26KHGPMrCPMiCFoADholNmWxWCsCoBrYnX6WweQnSdrZ6HnjhWlH0UC-OlRUDUFdF3-yMgnFexAJMZpLAK10_Q/s320/iPad+Mar+2013+005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Junior Bible Quiz state competition </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjOB1PrfHJyT-_kvSgj-ykmCbQO4RdtFaSszOjX2QM_vXvC8QImZXIplcHF70PhYPZYbUTD-uVrysCpxNw0K8GMOjV33AJJVyAthdYtiZeu1PD4jAsw6J1E0ek8cKuRU_GfdfboscAaEV/s1600/March+2013+011.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjOB1PrfHJyT-_kvSgj-ykmCbQO4RdtFaSszOjX2QM_vXvC8QImZXIplcHF70PhYPZYbUTD-uVrysCpxNw0K8GMOjV33AJJVyAthdYtiZeu1PD4jAsw6J1E0ek8cKuRU_GfdfboscAaEV/s320/March+2013+011.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkkuCzoQePN2UynsISqFT9FEP3n2KKtqLRoOhMlB4ehpa5JFO5BuqZp1-3dbbgREvSvj5vRVD9NIGA1RmXHyvHL42t7NXRtLVWpxhY2wr7SJtIDAEVqZMgLlPf6x0S9u-lh7O68sRLKiJ/s1600/March+2013+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Easter Play - us girls were angels in Act II</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJO8qjiG0h73laVnj4nJafoXck-e9SE6Qg2rLeGzmIYFLP7_ekghtZyop2Gdz8-7VYkAqXgMOL02VbekGSdKQqSmupEFBbyvmHqhyzfVfDmvQi76oIWRLTLNuVNqm5NGAn1TqoAdHckD9/s1600/March+2013+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJO8qjiG0h73laVnj4nJafoXck-e9SE6Qg2rLeGzmIYFLP7_ekghtZyop2Gdz8-7VYkAqXgMOL02VbekGSdKQqSmupEFBbyvmHqhyzfVfDmvQi76oIWRLTLNuVNqm5NGAn1TqoAdHckD9/s320/March+2013+008.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mr. Prince as John and brother-in-law, Brandon, a Roman soldier</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNy3BsmswCK5Yqs5c3z_UdIn87-0TDwhq_QdI_w8mZjbpkdqZjcgnKFGxdoCg3b4t69KoFPTjp4_z2qhSxTZARWl9uPuVydI0m5GA-ALV-mN-6Dr84rwuLoA97Tqi4mReDly_0g6q-xJ6/s1600/March+2013+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNy3BsmswCK5Yqs5c3z_UdIn87-0TDwhq_QdI_w8mZjbpkdqZjcgnKFGxdoCg3b4t69KoFPTjp4_z2qhSxTZARWl9uPuVydI0m5GA-ALV-mN-6Dr84rwuLoA97Tqi4mReDly_0g6q-xJ6/s320/March+2013+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Brandon, MommyK, Mr. Prince</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Princess Pea, Angelica Pickles, Sid the Science Kid</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrbpKaNB74TijYhd1pynEmLFJpT0qPfMkCkA4hMjpyKt_dlbMAvCbJyq2cErq37a6He71a7O355RyleKskU-ZhL1MH6D_z5-tU_Rj1lhpCBoG87MwwTDq32nf0ik1jF627gQliYX3ATyW/s1600/March+2013+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrbpKaNB74TijYhd1pynEmLFJpT0qPfMkCkA4hMjpyKt_dlbMAvCbJyq2cErq37a6He71a7O355RyleKskU-ZhL1MH6D_z5-tU_Rj1lhpCBoG87MwwTDq32nf0ik1jF627gQliYX3ATyW/s320/March+2013+002.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jewish family</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39X9QkxZEkGnVJ7WjlXdSYeviHGfj-iZtnC6r8IhmJXIYPR827THQPc3VsfKslCVvYAjc3iRFNdLJQFVFGh03Kjn0lY6iSGnPPNIFm3kWBmTwc-k-U4VBayszSJLyW_w6XWZ8PFAbAgSG/s1600/April+2013+003.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39X9QkxZEkGnVJ7WjlXdSYeviHGfj-iZtnC6r8IhmJXIYPR827THQPc3VsfKslCVvYAjc3iRFNdLJQFVFGh03Kjn0lY6iSGnPPNIFm3kWBmTwc-k-U4VBayszSJLyW_w6XWZ8PFAbAgSG/s320/April+2013+003.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sid the Science Kid got the kid's solo part and did AMAZING!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
April...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8mOHbgd_1_brIECz0nNOpeHLuyeJh_kvcXPSAwDRUtljbd4AvIvSOtrTAmH57sG5iEUkdR0uyT8KDNWvuRSxMDx4XIs-QjMFcg5EblcwuI1RPydLgZcF0nFE9lnR1dodO-_7-A2qOUx6/s1600/April+2013+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8mOHbgd_1_brIECz0nNOpeHLuyeJh_kvcXPSAwDRUtljbd4AvIvSOtrTAmH57sG5iEUkdR0uyT8KDNWvuRSxMDx4XIs-QjMFcg5EblcwuI1RPydLgZcF0nFE9lnR1dodO-_7-A2qOUx6/s320/April+2013+030.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Miracle had two weeks in intense physical therapy in Pontiac, MI</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the first two weeks in April. These are the granddaughters of my host</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
family, who adore Miracle.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudZNI5JhrzDYeuTMb1Ma0TcRsPI1doLVp5C7ynTHzQZ7VUpXDusb5nivR_RdyFcGbn5VtuW3JQdblHhjMwb4yRpMkYjHZESStqdRcTRnY1Ubr0ttzJ4YMsOCy9djBq_mi02r_Bi4sEy8F/s1600/April+2013+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudZNI5JhrzDYeuTMb1Ma0TcRsPI1doLVp5C7ynTHzQZ7VUpXDusb5nivR_RdyFcGbn5VtuW3JQdblHhjMwb4yRpMkYjHZESStqdRcTRnY1Ubr0ttzJ4YMsOCy9djBq_mi02r_Bi4sEy8F/s320/April+2013+027.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The girls picked this musical seahorse out for Miracle as a gift </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
because they knew she loved music and lights. <i>SO SWEET!!!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdYdbIoFoXevui5zPQYHllqx7e56ZOJ2RgHQG6IQdZ98ssGmAp6RGWsCu7elND49ruEmSnJAlbVHyZHn0-X2rplSOm6KwmlotxZmUXy3PEtqWsvMo70EwSKvTvOir2mA9RtcjGcBg4zwo/s1600/April+2013+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdYdbIoFoXevui5zPQYHllqx7e56ZOJ2RgHQG6IQdZ98ssGmAp6RGWsCu7elND49ruEmSnJAlbVHyZHn0-X2rplSOm6KwmlotxZmUXy3PEtqWsvMo70EwSKvTvOir2mA9RtcjGcBg4zwo/s320/April+2013+019.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bianca, the oldest, also wears a hand splint like Miracle's due to a stroke in the womb.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think that's why they have a special bond. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBVP1M80j24inhdLsFaZJHkC6ntJ3v6GQjfpcaEM4VhZ_Hie285Ek38uWOP1bSx3yOHGi-wIeoVk5cX5rzDXXdfmsuv52JHTv16ldAYM9G-5kJrkB3vvhSPHPPb-5M8enxapdSizG8d1O/s1600/April+2013+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBVP1M80j24inhdLsFaZJHkC6ntJ3v6GQjfpcaEM4VhZ_Hie285Ek38uWOP1bSx3yOHGi-wIeoVk5cX5rzDXXdfmsuv52JHTv16ldAYM9G-5kJrkB3vvhSPHPPb-5M8enxapdSizG8d1O/s320/April+2013+013.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Working hard!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IkoBh3g87wvYRFkHhrTW6_2-zOPO3mRcjs26V77lZZPFZ16OQeLsfniOhbGQ01yW-P-Wh8Uvt_gBqC3473ra_eqhznwH411Zx7P8zUUy5lSWpZE2RLVxgSTa9l9AvcOYnzszC2HV6TG6/s1600/April+2013+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IkoBh3g87wvYRFkHhrTW6_2-zOPO3mRcjs26V77lZZPFZ16OQeLsfniOhbGQ01yW-P-Wh8Uvt_gBqC3473ra_eqhznwH411Zx7P8zUUy5lSWpZE2RLVxgSTa9l9AvcOYnzszC2HV6TG6/s320/April+2013+007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rolling!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCtZNXF47WT2lG6tK5XltWkTN5CkeCJihRVHA0qN3_YgcUBKzMhjRbMGH5-j2yDlusLTEqkYcobTqPBinIRGGcHZZOWQqDWGtA150B4xTmKojk4k-ZY_BVJl37v3WcL6d16m4uGU_5wYh/s1600/April+2013+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCtZNXF47WT2lG6tK5XltWkTN5CkeCJihRVHA0qN3_YgcUBKzMhjRbMGH5-j2yDlusLTEqkYcobTqPBinIRGGcHZZOWQqDWGtA150B4xTmKojk4k-ZY_BVJl37v3WcL6d16m4uGU_5wYh/s320/April+2013+005.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She's generally not happy during these sessions...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUpE_dBSErFOBf6WWqQr-iYIf9DbgPqiOxh8ZOJG11uGogRryXbV6iwPD_zQTzMP0UOCgBd-GRWiRBs5pwGyTBSZYNw0FYrmqVl2_ZWYOTVnh3sYeLyuqtHxbw15j7SVyaq04eUba_QOr/s1600/April+2013+004.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUpE_dBSErFOBf6WWqQr-iYIf9DbgPqiOxh8ZOJG11uGogRryXbV6iwPD_zQTzMP0UOCgBd-GRWiRBs5pwGyTBSZYNw0FYrmqVl2_ZWYOTVnh3sYeLyuqtHxbw15j7SVyaq04eUba_QOr/s320/April+2013+004.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Unless she's being massaged or stretched! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-oAEXiNolC2bUvFbINeGS3XpDnHZjSK0Ldz7LpztOPJ6Hu63cRgmLDVmcrxlha1BiE26AksAFP-sG40gqsQJ4ujx_Ngl2ZMCGMNnW3T9bYhkaTIQsMbSJFbywZEYagqZdy3Nrc-nsHen/s1600/April+2013+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-oAEXiNolC2bUvFbINeGS3XpDnHZjSK0Ldz7LpztOPJ6Hu63cRgmLDVmcrxlha1BiE26AksAFP-sG40gqsQJ4ujx_Ngl2ZMCGMNnW3T9bYhkaTIQsMbSJFbywZEYagqZdy3Nrc-nsHen/s320/April+2013+029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was out of town the day Boo Boo turned 5, so we celebrated together through Skype.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He got some Ninja Turtle dress up stuff, so they all turned into Ninja Turtles right before my eyes!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQQJiANybQNcnEv47p6Smsm7HLdJQLq8ZdHISh3bzeZKMe5TgxxboD_T3OvdLWWPLv6Oh05FtD4CfAqvcsj6Gd026F3Ph4Amvc8aQAGmPe-pPeCe3SbUcMntS2t-AG_rpv4t8tt7WaBOS/s1600/April+2013+015.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQQJiANybQNcnEv47p6Smsm7HLdJQLq8ZdHISh3bzeZKMe5TgxxboD_T3OvdLWWPLv6Oh05FtD4CfAqvcsj6Gd026F3Ph4Amvc8aQAGmPe-pPeCe3SbUcMntS2t-AG_rpv4t8tt7WaBOS/s320/April+2013+015.JPG" width="240" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I brought home some special gifts when I visited the weekend between therapy weeks.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQ4pqZEe1vTO6EtBg4n8u6eqooY-THC2VDcP8Y51yS6D8hljIIveNsqKPUQXzHD2cBLqKXiv_qXMNzRHGumTD33WjGk8L4M8RJnX7-O_tvLYEYtarK3ISpslNkqyTahdy2krPeuJilszs/s1600/April+2013+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQ4pqZEe1vTO6EtBg4n8u6eqooY-THC2VDcP8Y51yS6D8hljIIveNsqKPUQXzHD2cBLqKXiv_qXMNzRHGumTD33WjGk8L4M8RJnX7-O_tvLYEYtarK3ISpslNkqyTahdy2krPeuJilszs/s320/April+2013+015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Miracle was doing SO GOOD with eating before therapy in MI. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We were debating weaning her from some of her tube feedings...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAABz3iimVQX5Sjzl9XsUW16wNYoMhm2t2eI0HPsaoeWns-C28pET-G_z0zsaE6SAduo1Ji6KAS7ZBXa1J6d784QavM5fFx2m_19eg_LlaS2KsJtstKXSi_zxvIAu9oIpQ51g7WSby0Dx/s1600/April+2013+003.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAABz3iimVQX5Sjzl9XsUW16wNYoMhm2t2eI0HPsaoeWns-C28pET-G_z0zsaE6SAduo1Ji6KAS7ZBXa1J6d784QavM5fFx2m_19eg_LlaS2KsJtstKXSi_zxvIAu9oIpQ51g7WSby0Dx/s320/April+2013+003.JPG" width="240" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then just two days after being home from therapy she had a 2.5 hour seizure.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Miracle still hasn't fully recovered from this seizure almost 4 months later.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She's eating very little by mouth now and lost a lot of what she gain in MI.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She was in the hospital for almost a week. It was rough.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56Pr3TKDIlhlbIHV4FIDbsV36ZVRDjYOeXB2x-h0s9sijjCzDBO5oMTBTx5yPkt-rhNasoc6pov5FCXENYwemJEpwuArj9lrADYvemWqHhQHbyVHeDyHo51u9dqpjafeKg_SX0A2QDgmG/s320/April+2013+042.JPG" width="240" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This was her when they first arrived. Just sleeping.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjhMMkGAU6ok6OSODmMDEv3BTyjGoIptcJVFLHf6VHtVfBsDB1EOOhV2mYGGxLD3P1wzjbsPlwdRzaKMWXOqzKkG5IJWzjYyvJjfU6pQViR0TRRPL4Xfrg0mepcqD1lBQeELnyhTEnENl/s1600/April+2013+040.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjhMMkGAU6ok6OSODmMDEv3BTyjGoIptcJVFLHf6VHtVfBsDB1EOOhV2mYGGxLD3P1wzjbsPlwdRzaKMWXOqzKkG5IJWzjYyvJjfU6pQViR0TRRPL4Xfrg0mepcqD1lBQeELnyhTEnENl/s320/April+2013+040.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsGfODEMGNFZUlaWI4BzGJCdjO82bYgY71mY19qhfELFnTO6K1kVSqDKOSgkM_Nr_7f4JYLfQlfqeQNHP360Kd4SXK6wHtt9o8MTA_NgYBr16NIeTYOJ5Zr89hzV91NI6xZra1AWQU8wZ/s1600/April+2013+050.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsGfODEMGNFZUlaWI4BzGJCdjO82bYgY71mY19qhfELFnTO6K1kVSqDKOSgkM_Nr_7f4JYLfQlfqeQNHP360Kd4SXK6wHtt9o8MTA_NgYBr16NIeTYOJ5Zr89hzV91NI6xZra1AWQU8wZ/s320/April+2013+050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But the kids always make her smile. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After days of no emotion and not even opening her eyes,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she's perfectly happy when her siblings visit!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yxtSCYcPuKehGfFUbgOYdS0UNSuCzLAGTVrVJq1Ve43IYa-QKfvlkAVGQdEtyiMgpWJFxBM_PICEICPRvRoC6QlvoOh_8mgYVb8ARFC9tNRVRBZeuhXBbqEv23B-ZBXgTcgS_3Yo42YY/s1600/April+2013+055.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yxtSCYcPuKehGfFUbgOYdS0UNSuCzLAGTVrVJq1Ve43IYa-QKfvlkAVGQdEtyiMgpWJFxBM_PICEICPRvRoC6QlvoOh_8mgYVb8ARFC9tNRVRBZeuhXBbqEv23B-ZBXgTcgS_3Yo42YY/s320/April+2013+055.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2_zHjcOD8zKAh3h9DjfQl-IxXbEmKN2fKMbRc_rRaO-91tFEjCP43PSF6Kez09C0zBXe7UOXl9XI1meky6f_vpFyJM_vePxQBbnEtJARSg7RyyPXQD3OvbfbaONtZ_YMHH7MuRov610g/s1600/April+2013+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2_zHjcOD8zKAh3h9DjfQl-IxXbEmKN2fKMbRc_rRaO-91tFEjCP43PSF6Kez09C0zBXe7UOXl9XI1meky6f_vpFyJM_vePxQBbnEtJARSg7RyyPXQD3OvbfbaONtZ_YMHH7MuRov610g/s1600/April+2013+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5VZ7Kbnm1BmeTvdsL4qdASyRebx0dhVKgRP9FQyoUgH9qSz4b08Ca6jCRSDzNMdgDxeZjTrzsQNYMYBY3QvW4Ux0xoTwV1xlqMU-q_fAO870Vu7GIjfodlbBNU6RZ_CXgURAobQAvGks/s1600/April+2013+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5VZ7Kbnm1BmeTvdsL4qdASyRebx0dhVKgRP9FQyoUgH9qSz4b08Ca6jCRSDzNMdgDxeZjTrzsQNYMYBY3QvW4Ux0xoTwV1xlqMU-q_fAO870Vu7GIjfodlbBNU6RZ_CXgURAobQAvGks/s320/April+2013+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Restored to Glory dance ministry presentation on Moses was this Spring and it was FABULOUS!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4unBkQg8ie4mx9BkIEI2ffKMIDr7w98XMtkjYg25CS81LNJbxsNfs141OlOTQRwnjwJ8DPt6BbhaUDBiSr8DX9ntn_4vUOiNxYSKzfGbNrrpsbJ6rFl77u4uSvvsNlYIq12jwKgbmFHv/s1600/April+2013+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2_zHjcOD8zKAh3h9DjfQl-IxXbEmKN2fKMbRc_rRaO-91tFEjCP43PSF6Kez09C0zBXe7UOXl9XI1meky6f_vpFyJM_vePxQBbnEtJARSg7RyyPXQD3OvbfbaONtZ_YMHH7MuRov610g/s1600/April+2013+006.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2_zHjcOD8zKAh3h9DjfQl-IxXbEmKN2fKMbRc_rRaO-91tFEjCP43PSF6Kez09C0zBXe7UOXl9XI1meky6f_vpFyJM_vePxQBbnEtJARSg7RyyPXQD3OvbfbaONtZ_YMHH7MuRov610g/s320/April+2013+006.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAABz3iimVQX5Sjzl9XsUW16wNYoMhm2t2eI0HPsaoeWns-C28pET-G_z0zsaE6SAduo1Ji6KAS7ZBXa1J6d784QavM5fFx2m_19eg_LlaS2KsJtstKXSi_zxvIAu9oIpQ51g7WSby0Dx/s1600/April+2013+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The girls were Jewish people again, ha!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjOCGHP-WB7_81jTxlUVP3TCOA94f-x1MkKf1RJkrMDwymy4ScRbickbAVNRjYME3B68OaKgfPW18TwiU-f4mnCDTv5vtkfwZXxTcKBkjn-4Br4snpsYzSEoy3MiBL8GE4idbVl4myggI/s1600/May+2013+018.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjOCGHP-WB7_81jTxlUVP3TCOA94f-x1MkKf1RJkrMDwymy4ScRbickbAVNRjYME3B68OaKgfPW18TwiU-f4mnCDTv5vtkfwZXxTcKBkjn-4Br4snpsYzSEoy3MiBL8GE4idbVl4myggI/s320/May+2013+018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrL7QIHFLuziQiifdCQuoJSyLzBfha58V_BkSD6biSce2i6TtKLqG-T_edFWYEnFjlXvM4NXNjgYkY-jhPjdh7u0El8oElO7NfBfY1pCJaP1Z-tP8Lao_ButiSy9GS0ujKnVOqot4ANdhg/s1600/May+2013+010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrL7QIHFLuziQiifdCQuoJSyLzBfha58V_BkSD6biSce2i6TtKLqG-T_edFWYEnFjlXvM4NXNjgYkY-jhPjdh7u0El8oElO7NfBfY1pCJaP1Z-tP8Lao_ButiSy9GS0ujKnVOqot4ANdhg/s320/May+2013+010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Princess Pea and Angelica Pickles</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr57evYHQYX74n2dY9OG_7F-mH8886IZUIHVs8CcxleQTnruZQ6_t0emcfnJwE9aUvjJLx-hxjZ1RIrjMerHM_SyAo-vzFz8vC6gfv9Pgbup2NhrcmP8MZS1SBl2IHwGGqQNiCBxo0kMjT/s1600/May+2013+002.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr57evYHQYX74n2dY9OG_7F-mH8886IZUIHVs8CcxleQTnruZQ6_t0emcfnJwE9aUvjJLx-hxjZ1RIrjMerHM_SyAo-vzFz8vC6gfv9Pgbup2NhrcmP8MZS1SBl2IHwGGqQNiCBxo0kMjT/s320/May+2013+002.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Their dance teacher and favorite person, Wanzie</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRhi0bbOod44qKNX4ywMHv1z-ra3xl9mBZW99EeCr2A6GuPDCCA1W7U2-z8XIesaKmoN41ksrqxlppfFaSDJPh4o6sAeR7mMSCS4NcVZoCVqEOB2UIbEVxLChsbIFnBoX4N6wEH_wQkVm/s1600/May+2013+008.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRhi0bbOod44qKNX4ywMHv1z-ra3xl9mBZW99EeCr2A6GuPDCCA1W7U2-z8XIesaKmoN41ksrqxlppfFaSDJPh4o6sAeR7mMSCS4NcVZoCVqEOB2UIbEVxLChsbIFnBoX4N6wEH_wQkVm/s320/May+2013+008.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Teacher's assistant, Holly</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sxKcWt9RqswplVdrEzBWiRi4WFfQKvr1QNuyfJ4TYd1pRCgdBS6RZmh2e2QlFiuMavfWjJN_IyOyQjE89jZpw2ej9_2f4nNrLgNsuxVf0g4kMLIyEe9Tuw2eCtsHL2OS60qKlMCzmsK2/s1600/April+2013+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sxKcWt9RqswplVdrEzBWiRi4WFfQKvr1QNuyfJ4TYd1pRCgdBS6RZmh2e2QlFiuMavfWjJN_IyOyQjE89jZpw2ej9_2f4nNrLgNsuxVf0g4kMLIyEe9Tuw2eCtsHL2OS60qKlMCzmsK2/s320/April+2013+004.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The kids also had their annual Kids Choir performance</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_S5ARKdPrsmYqe-nFe0dTnzmdE3y8-g00B3dUAazeoSBNjBa1MBCMPNMxxQ5X1_x_cuUOfuSrnR0f91EnuyvdTrltAnP3FbRnqumy0j-coZwFJehcJISzdIuFqeJSrWsNqtFotLrz40LG/s1600/April+2013+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_S5ARKdPrsmYqe-nFe0dTnzmdE3y8-g00B3dUAazeoSBNjBa1MBCMPNMxxQ5X1_x_cuUOfuSrnR0f91EnuyvdTrltAnP3FbRnqumy0j-coZwFJehcJISzdIuFqeJSrWsNqtFotLrz40LG/s320/April+2013+002.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3D Kids Choir performance</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjni4ipieReYzpPeMZ1RjHDaSB4oeqpd0Y1fWngDVafLHjFRsqFhwx4sHtYbrlauL7Xc7x6nES-JC1Dm33d8C6qOG4VFoCOoRNujmGNcaTzi7uw1Gohlpq5LbM4ohR-UfmAvNtOASiy0BNS/s1600/May+2013+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjni4ipieReYzpPeMZ1RjHDaSB4oeqpd0Y1fWngDVafLHjFRsqFhwx4sHtYbrlauL7Xc7x6nES-JC1Dm33d8C6qOG4VFoCOoRNujmGNcaTzi7uw1Gohlpq5LbM4ohR-UfmAvNtOASiy0BNS/s320/May+2013+007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sid the Science Kid was the Biztown News editor during the Junior Achievement Day at Biztown</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
May....</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wpH12YWXP1RPPxoB1_lJDOMzB7IQrVJgWdWLSc2kALjKGbvbFj99io2csY105NtsGvdEVBDFN6xQzEPBOrf-SEu7l-NfpiJ5Zt1cKoATM2WK04ldzUwyz7rQU9LBMrv6AU3Wa9pzNEzL/s1600/May+2013+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wpH12YWXP1RPPxoB1_lJDOMzB7IQrVJgWdWLSc2kALjKGbvbFj99io2csY105NtsGvdEVBDFN6xQzEPBOrf-SEu7l-NfpiJ5Zt1cKoATM2WK04ldzUwyz7rQU9LBMrv6AU3Wa9pzNEzL/s320/May+2013+003.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This photo cracks me up! This was my attempt at trying to keep Miracles legs down so she will sit in her wheelchair correctly and keep her AFOs on. Her tone has been increased since the April seizure. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It <i>obviously </i>didn't work and she thinks it's so funny.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhUF8pGhjlzEsFtasrH3RhQGMfkBtmYgGDbgPKKT3JYFhbq836EtlKPGvUsjRiXNPmyVZLbwBwg3ehEo43mOi7WxRQIGI6bXqBz2HTJbY20xMkvPTgdzTZJo1GKtBAIhumT8u5QRAkH7G/s1600/May+2013+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhUF8pGhjlzEsFtasrH3RhQGMfkBtmYgGDbgPKKT3JYFhbq836EtlKPGvUsjRiXNPmyVZLbwBwg3ehEo43mOi7WxRQIGI6bXqBz2HTJbY20xMkvPTgdzTZJo1GKtBAIhumT8u5QRAkH7G/s320/May+2013+032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Angelica Pickles and Sid the Science Kid were baptized in May!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nothing make you more proud or breaks your heart more than a moment like this.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Doesn't this picture just capture her little heart?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNroNer31aI5n7QMGCt3ZQU7IdEj8dlgn6r49VwUy3dB3RfR5QulIgt5hfuwriC8V3xyjcqxrjtOIAi9zIceZj85YRC7zGGLV_8HIHhvTRJCEb1RXPrzjJM_UqiBF7usdZSYb1Y7rRIanX/s1600/May+2013+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNroNer31aI5n7QMGCt3ZQU7IdEj8dlgn6r49VwUy3dB3RfR5QulIgt5hfuwriC8V3xyjcqxrjtOIAi9zIceZj85YRC7zGGLV_8HIHhvTRJCEb1RXPrzjJM_UqiBF7usdZSYb1Y7rRIanX/s320/May+2013+007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Worshipping with Grandma K beforehand</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51UJfZJTkvXS6o7XTaHmxQl0avBtoggr-SXGsVW-C4nsCVYvmACrRoehrdAYGPKo9yDyztngkQIZ0MVzHi7Je6_Rb4JpcgfyzZ29TzxVDgLH8MKKD7Nikd27NCbaW0AL22XZWIk6jwtuE/s1600/May+2013+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51UJfZJTkvXS6o7XTaHmxQl0avBtoggr-SXGsVW-C4nsCVYvmACrRoehrdAYGPKo9yDyztngkQIZ0MVzHi7Je6_Rb4JpcgfyzZ29TzxVDgLH8MKKD7Nikd27NCbaW0AL22XZWIk6jwtuE/s320/May+2013+013.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Can you tell Sid looks a little nervous?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He refused to have his picture taken most of the day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He asked to be a part of this one, but I don't think he was positive he really wanted to, ha!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1ox_GJoMAZYVFsran9C324pwqtEPHzjFtdC2V6SwLLlZx7A8cMlk_Y5KVW26X8XUne9WMc32DfvLRBiLjiX0XvZnhC8ALgCkKppxt5CjwUcv1IG2BbWnHgaLwFTN0L4jHvEUWaPW_7t2/s1600/May+2013+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1ox_GJoMAZYVFsran9C324pwqtEPHzjFtdC2V6SwLLlZx7A8cMlk_Y5KVW26X8XUne9WMc32DfvLRBiLjiX0XvZnhC8ALgCkKppxt5CjwUcv1IG2BbWnHgaLwFTN0L4jHvEUWaPW_7t2/s320/May+2013+027.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After baptism. These two usually <strike>never ever ever ever</strike> do not get along. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was sweet for them to share this together.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope it will change how they feel about each other some day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnvsnuiWi9r1363D2lhhjToa43FNSRwvML7LTIbSt277XrHnbuMGQ09kZK-kW5om-lRz89oKiYC-IPAcVNcYcc3bwH_ufXJ07huy3bp9aW9GR3elx85o0KxoZULe0TOM_0TLYQWoJ8ez-/s1600/May+2013+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnvsnuiWi9r1363D2lhhjToa43FNSRwvML7LTIbSt277XrHnbuMGQ09kZK-kW5om-lRz89oKiYC-IPAcVNcYcc3bwH_ufXJ07huy3bp9aW9GR3elx85o0KxoZULe0TOM_0TLYQWoJ8ez-/s320/May+2013+004.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We studied the Human Body this spring and Boo Boo LOVED it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Brain surgeon, sure!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsHFakWmQ8bc2uS_Y1QA1u2FuOXDobrxyRchQfh8DgncIUJBy39I60XsF67XawjcZcrR6BLgyb5OLhkrFscOqn4OIMCFqBiZdBqlxN_WZfNFoTgWtCKjREf5itDdZlNRlGwlIUjADQh0Z/s1600/May+2013+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsHFakWmQ8bc2uS_Y1QA1u2FuOXDobrxyRchQfh8DgncIUJBy39I60XsF67XawjcZcrR6BLgyb5OLhkrFscOqn4OIMCFqBiZdBqlxN_WZfNFoTgWtCKjREf5itDdZlNRlGwlIUjADQh0Z/s320/May+2013+017.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Angelica Pickles turned 7 and got her first American Girl doll!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She got Ivy. She's always loved Asian dolls.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtYTtkUq6uN_dqOCPDWF1QBE14qjtemNg-_yldfdAiaMbQZU8CACi-M6V_WEUpdSOsQ42dIfgLf5wQeL92jB5e8byfHLVKizOif7Sr-1XWTArePpc3RXdkLXGbJSVG82ViPlvJvIPUltn/s1600/May+2013+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtYTtkUq6uN_dqOCPDWF1QBE14qjtemNg-_yldfdAiaMbQZU8CACi-M6V_WEUpdSOsQ42dIfgLf5wQeL92jB5e8byfHLVKizOif7Sr-1XWTArePpc3RXdkLXGbJSVG82ViPlvJvIPUltn/s320/May+2013+015.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMw_Dt0IUNTxBzvXVuTGjYHcOZmZF3mn7xtRxd-vVI7iUFP_b3Z4Xx-1qzHhXaOY2TYs21ddYBJFS0bliajqYpjjPr30xERCKFbkt5J7bIWZXlgVM7hhNp1pDFxYkLZz_J-VaCbeeOFCM/s1600/May+2013+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMw_Dt0IUNTxBzvXVuTGjYHcOZmZF3mn7xtRxd-vVI7iUFP_b3Z4Xx-1qzHhXaOY2TYs21ddYBJFS0bliajqYpjjPr30xERCKFbkt5J7bIWZXlgVM7hhNp1pDFxYkLZz_J-VaCbeeOFCM/s320/May+2013+006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Finally warm outside! Playing with some great family friends.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0YMAtiw3DMP_P-D1khv86_6dCip1EiCvJzv5stUDidXNBg8XOWv6h_KH2m5EPoVszwCu9UPZwD8kFxfinCqu-eLmmSBFHDCdT_UnkyHura0aqS9H22gpd49J47VlG09El4-T93I0Rbzo/s1600/June+2013+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0YMAtiw3DMP_P-D1khv86_6dCip1EiCvJzv5stUDidXNBg8XOWv6h_KH2m5EPoVszwCu9UPZwD8kFxfinCqu-eLmmSBFHDCdT_UnkyHura0aqS9H22gpd49J47VlG09El4-T93I0Rbzo/s320/June+2013+006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Miracle has the best nurses <i><u>EVER</u></i>! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cathy entertains <i>all </i>of my children if I don't....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahBsTEIjWjPkRg214DX-k_BZ2sXK1SzoczASI9-I8khbljifBLjMdft2BvH85ExVF9OIYqEI4kuwLycjChBthlKCuTaAMzYJ6b5ytptcE88kgoysIl5Uda_-viEF0DQNVhkrEwHOu0QQ5/s1600/June+2013+005.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahBsTEIjWjPkRg214DX-k_BZ2sXK1SzoczASI9-I8khbljifBLjMdft2BvH85ExVF9OIYqEI4kuwLycjChBthlKCuTaAMzYJ6b5ytptcE88kgoysIl5Uda_-viEF0DQNVhkrEwHOu0QQ5/s320/June+2013+005.PNG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Angelica Pickles loves to help with Miracle. Here she is feeding her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Miracle is still having a hard time eating. ;(</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqR2SMR7TxB3Ex60A2RtPfN9EUrfi1T11xbhqvVLAwshyphenhyphent05aco1cK6EX2UFmy9y8OD9e4bmhKOosoq50SgDRCGTIUgGr8ouweqOYPbEtxrWomzJbxDeVhryO35cK041an1KjTmO_2HSvq/s1600/June+2013+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqR2SMR7TxB3Ex60A2RtPfN9EUrfi1T11xbhqvVLAwshyphenhyphent05aco1cK6EX2UFmy9y8OD9e4bmhKOosoq50SgDRCGTIUgGr8ouweqOYPbEtxrWomzJbxDeVhryO35cK041an1KjTmO_2HSvq/s320/June+2013+002.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We had a couple week where storms or sickness were keeping up one or more kids.<br />
Our bed is the go-to for such occurrences. But, who can stay upset when they wake up to this?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
June...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxoHeXVXpp90pvilORGENiRMDNghelJ64WKCXvvgs8w9jt8d2rGAv5c_lmrfIAnZIMv20VT_811Srp-1SeONQMpUEr8gnKGt0_0M-Tb3GUGUzukIPWJr8q-2g2-yzIVTHu-MznvCWbP8D/s1600/June+2013+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxoHeXVXpp90pvilORGENiRMDNghelJ64WKCXvvgs8w9jt8d2rGAv5c_lmrfIAnZIMv20VT_811Srp-1SeONQMpUEr8gnKGt0_0M-Tb3GUGUzukIPWJr8q-2g2-yzIVTHu-MznvCWbP8D/s320/June+2013+038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Angelica Pickles has a friend battling Lukemia right now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She had a chance to visit her when she was feeling well.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They are so cute.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_W4sNHbhVkMc8urF3ChcBFbdI39ZcDp9u7eGJlsBTyJIe5-GCO70I3s5mI6oMKJoLXzs0hOMkvL6ioiYTEcOOYYRJyCKggHnzpShIrA1Ubt1s747OL0WglkM9AhI6ApSR0TBFNdIh8sJY/s1600/June+2013+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_W4sNHbhVkMc8urF3ChcBFbdI39ZcDp9u7eGJlsBTyJIe5-GCO70I3s5mI6oMKJoLXzs0hOMkvL6ioiYTEcOOYYRJyCKggHnzpShIrA1Ubt1s747OL0WglkM9AhI6ApSR0TBFNdIh8sJY/s320/June+2013+023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
MommyK and Miracle<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWP7zJ15PwxB6U7bjue-o-yswJz7wyegAIQSrOjUnBmGSIWoPQOZ8ySwSBSPjki8N_IlVFwtK-A-vKckbItCVn8nDqmnr_9cOIdCBWwyISMADd5DQysjnjURerNoAThmihdDyWrTSaXMK7/s1600/June+2013+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWP7zJ15PwxB6U7bjue-o-yswJz7wyegAIQSrOjUnBmGSIWoPQOZ8ySwSBSPjki8N_IlVFwtK-A-vKckbItCVn8nDqmnr_9cOIdCBWwyISMADd5DQysjnjURerNoAThmihdDyWrTSaXMK7/s320/June+2013+024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
MommyK, Mr. Prince and Miracle<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATFwse5qNjqcuDNo8vc-6ZeL7tOc7_YbHa70yxuzF5dFiYkF6s-czMjA7UwOOcQcnncYKcgaImD7hYQ2c8AHJhRWrtB17_7eySAsBXLXift001dFgO8sqt_fyw3CrDwG0vCannbj1J4Kh/s1600/June+2013+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATFwse5qNjqcuDNo8vc-6ZeL7tOc7_YbHa70yxuzF5dFiYkF6s-czMjA7UwOOcQcnncYKcgaImD7hYQ2c8AHJhRWrtB17_7eySAsBXLXift001dFgO8sqt_fyw3CrDwG0vCannbj1J4Kh/s320/June+2013+014.JPG" width="240" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The age-old joke about losing your tooth in an apple.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yeah, it happens.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7sPgjOOv0jG69EHVeuT5ta638RVdi_0IJQPJrEf4xfsft9eYaouzdW7MzbHd4j04FCLbx5dITurs9pIKtkvebuFHgEIswUb1K7iukULU5j0p0o2OOrS04v7AZ7TuP3xNLhEc6nforsW8/s1600/June+2013+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7sPgjOOv0jG69EHVeuT5ta638RVdi_0IJQPJrEf4xfsft9eYaouzdW7MzbHd4j04FCLbx5dITurs9pIKtkvebuFHgEIswUb1K7iukULU5j0p0o2OOrS04v7AZ7TuP3xNLhEc6nforsW8/s320/June+2013+022.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Hiking with a fellow homeschool family<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEvuq-q7xZUc_2qLVdiHmj2ifYCXgugy5zrRFQC68A02JjbxNbYZ-f27SgKG_gRGMAWSGeNHX8b7K5rACi7OMSbLsi1Byl-cTaav8HxPXmB3muYqBuTKGYa0iuH55QGRHfjqa2P0ehZ92/s1600/June+2013+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEvuq-q7xZUc_2qLVdiHmj2ifYCXgugy5zrRFQC68A02JjbxNbYZ-f27SgKG_gRGMAWSGeNHX8b7K5rACi7OMSbLsi1Byl-cTaav8HxPXmB3muYqBuTKGYa0iuH55QGRHfjqa2P0ehZ92/s320/June+2013+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaA8ZURuhmHzutBFjr8mPxrHvxv4mC3CdjoIPWOd8UCNeHQEp3_sSmnzxCO_9P1b0DUqVS2RNZBFhei-KVqEY0HD0NnZM0PMJiRIKs2AC3vINrayhV_P5jcWbs-nnWdqGaTRcQSroBQCH/s1600/June+2013+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaA8ZURuhmHzutBFjr8mPxrHvxv4mC3CdjoIPWOd8UCNeHQEp3_sSmnzxCO_9P1b0DUqVS2RNZBFhei-KVqEY0HD0NnZM0PMJiRIKs2AC3vINrayhV_P5jcWbs-nnWdqGaTRcQSroBQCH/s320/June+2013+010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUbsq3al00JieIICT1b2D-RwJyPKYqkvSMP8dXDsABEt3UMTm6CLVdM-iT14MLtjO2pBMXMOHhnz7xTzc8RhdceFk99IO2rYHysZGmuETpLYAbf9Vn_WZaF0xdOw4UH4tlR1s6SuU4Mr5/s1600/June+2013+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUbsq3al00JieIICT1b2D-RwJyPKYqkvSMP8dXDsABEt3UMTm6CLVdM-iT14MLtjO2pBMXMOHhnz7xTzc8RhdceFk99IO2rYHysZGmuETpLYAbf9Vn_WZaF0xdOw4UH4tlR1s6SuU4Mr5/s320/June+2013+007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We love splash pads<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilr-KIhpDVl1L5hhumEv2qK-Fck8F6R1HO3aET2lvRVFTpE0ZDoQUXxlRYoGgcGblBVgI0g-54-vuEASP2u043DEwoX-DmuBwYkTGdv8lY853XLbC4zT3pxUuUj_pTWU3CtD9vCxcKkKSK/s1600/June+2013+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilr-KIhpDVl1L5hhumEv2qK-Fck8F6R1HO3aET2lvRVFTpE0ZDoQUXxlRYoGgcGblBVgI0g-54-vuEASP2u043DEwoX-DmuBwYkTGdv8lY853XLbC4zT3pxUuUj_pTWU3CtD9vCxcKkKSK/s320/June+2013+025.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Sending a beloved babysitter, dance teacher and friend to college.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePMvHXO1heffth2jEe7ifVV2c1RDouH9LeeUVIHYSr5QVWrp7pzuMnDF5erGTeKHUlBQJv8H0yUkSs41ppLy3inu1zSaLUyBGTkkRrzPn8xrpdUFGi6V-ryUrKeBgR5CmNAOiMKMeWgpc/s1600/June+2013+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePMvHXO1heffth2jEe7ifVV2c1RDouH9LeeUVIHYSr5QVWrp7pzuMnDF5erGTeKHUlBQJv8H0yUkSs41ppLy3inu1zSaLUyBGTkkRrzPn8xrpdUFGi6V-ryUrKeBgR5CmNAOiMKMeWgpc/s320/June+2013+005.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Soccer awards<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAJhvawhynKjoE3bJlK5-INiRdVZStla6Txi5p3rBrO_ILAZEInbQC7ZXOp43MiJCWkANDtsVqjJ1BAk7VgGV5YV4u6dJ_SRMxiNC1mN0l1bDBXlmTrxM29ACXvh0cU5eBYehx23EiBIc/s1600/June+2013+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAJhvawhynKjoE3bJlK5-INiRdVZStla6Txi5p3rBrO_ILAZEInbQC7ZXOp43MiJCWkANDtsVqjJ1BAk7VgGV5YV4u6dJ_SRMxiNC1mN0l1bDBXlmTrxM29ACXvh0cU5eBYehx23EiBIc/s320/June+2013+007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Soccer carnival is always fun<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIFZaQ9kbccZhyX1bPUPsMR_vLfzNo8sXa0_smy1kJYzAdLoccof5DA8CA09b9fPhn7TS_qnrD3yAzEiSLH8VaWkXvYWn7ivWl_fGlidNyfFbct6N3SHbuNJiRD0e3omc9K4Bys-_mFgn/s1600/June+2013+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIFZaQ9kbccZhyX1bPUPsMR_vLfzNo8sXa0_smy1kJYzAdLoccof5DA8CA09b9fPhn7TS_qnrD3yAzEiSLH8VaWkXvYWn7ivWl_fGlidNyfFbct6N3SHbuNJiRD0e3omc9K4Bys-_mFgn/s320/June+2013+011.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8mFuPSpXGH1vYR0No44AoVpXuiOF6ZwuusOZbe6B5U_uaofLmn98Ry_DCgnOQteQdTP34JM3luTPQ_rWvfoLj_orKft42PAxUDjamwEUo1k8KhQ-bzyKRsXvNPd4yK5xiqBjiK6m6t9p/s1600/June+2013+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8mFuPSpXGH1vYR0No44AoVpXuiOF6ZwuusOZbe6B5U_uaofLmn98Ry_DCgnOQteQdTP34JM3luTPQ_rWvfoLj_orKft42PAxUDjamwEUo1k8KhQ-bzyKRsXvNPd4yK5xiqBjiK6m6t9p/s320/June+2013+015.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UQ_CsZkhg4QoHpkloQRRehKoc1zkXn_VyH9JnkrcOBH7mx-YWat2oriNCdgB6eKrLg9GlPUXG3C6D5lSF3_-dWlrwnglmXLETcRrD3AMbh6pAMlN7f3vjwk-Knx-T2plbblp7y5uF9mn/s1600/June+2013+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UQ_CsZkhg4QoHpkloQRRehKoc1zkXn_VyH9JnkrcOBH7mx-YWat2oriNCdgB6eKrLg9GlPUXG3C6D5lSF3_-dWlrwnglmXLETcRrD3AMbh6pAMlN7f3vjwk-Knx-T2plbblp7y5uF9mn/s320/June+2013+020.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Sid the Science Kid, in case you couldn't tell...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDST3iyFXb7GxOHsiRVgFSEyXWGbNnuN5uRj2arCu9mv1o1rvM6BAgmbWs1xFzr4VPIXCqWfj-PI729z_0WeYsORzKoLeNIfBWGVVOhVqjgBAdQq7vtZEaoAw3XxuhAw_Y5rMvfbkINcKo/s1600/June+2013+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDST3iyFXb7GxOHsiRVgFSEyXWGbNnuN5uRj2arCu9mv1o1rvM6BAgmbWs1xFzr4VPIXCqWfj-PI729z_0WeYsORzKoLeNIfBWGVVOhVqjgBAdQq7vtZEaoAw3XxuhAw_Y5rMvfbkINcKo/s320/June+2013+004.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Father's Day 2013...the kids made hats at church for him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOC_ThywGZpGcjPUgQKwOV2D8Q09CWFL0muJUkrpeISro73118v4i1zlDRCNuYMjn65yiFneJLjz0fym_YDiw0PYyDYxKjqGPnNGRpss5WVpQJRqMILcqCvEr1lEVmlbnkU2OvlmWBLvo/s1600/June+2013+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOC_ThywGZpGcjPUgQKwOV2D8Q09CWFL0muJUkrpeISro73118v4i1zlDRCNuYMjn65yiFneJLjz0fym_YDiw0PYyDYxKjqGPnNGRpss5WVpQJRqMILcqCvEr1lEVmlbnkU2OvlmWBLvo/s320/June+2013+006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Cousins<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7nOagVZVSE9Ooa3W19NOa8bqmUgwkEZdhXqTM_OuEplLUYMAynN-G2B0IpbJKcGsVFJ9qwQVDM71hXK4a7MJFx8f-6ZpbjcdL9B8g87lVp2z1y4lQmFfCpRkEZoCMh1MVkXF1xD4h85U/s1600/June+2013+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7nOagVZVSE9Ooa3W19NOa8bqmUgwkEZdhXqTM_OuEplLUYMAynN-G2B0IpbJKcGsVFJ9qwQVDM71hXK4a7MJFx8f-6ZpbjcdL9B8g87lVp2z1y4lQmFfCpRkEZoCMh1MVkXF1xD4h85U/s320/June+2013+002.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
More craft projects making life with all this extra equipment a little easier.<br />
Feeding tube extension bags. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrksoxHfWMl5h0E5aD21xBoIRlq6l1fX3XogY5l7yYSsYIOkTPeg28u1iuJ-cZ8jirE3TNRNcAjlzFnaR0S0SIQleT7JWbZFeFG6Zeza44I8ZSys9z_9a9GD-NRi6KazU1o2dcyGnThWFB/s1600/June+2013+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrksoxHfWMl5h0E5aD21xBoIRlq6l1fX3XogY5l7yYSsYIOkTPeg28u1iuJ-cZ8jirE3TNRNcAjlzFnaR0S0SIQleT7JWbZFeFG6Zeza44I8ZSys9z_9a9GD-NRi6KazU1o2dcyGnThWFB/s320/June+2013+010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The three oldest went to Summer Clubhouse with Mr. Prince,<br />
so it was just Boo Boo and me when the nurse had Miracle during the day.<br />
So.much.fun. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeBJRwxvVQS5I78qX_BWVJGKRGwLvp-h_2Ex0LY2FzF5T1QQ_orqZHC4iuUIoyVZGYE5SirekX5R_gojOLfNVdMvM9gkC2cwo3JU8OJVukvrFsh33pVgMPFG4RRrKblWEtTBGeR0jHxmI/s1600/June+2013+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeBJRwxvVQS5I78qX_BWVJGKRGwLvp-h_2Ex0LY2FzF5T1QQ_orqZHC4iuUIoyVZGYE5SirekX5R_gojOLfNVdMvM9gkC2cwo3JU8OJVukvrFsh33pVgMPFG4RRrKblWEtTBGeR0jHxmI/s320/June+2013+009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQJk5WmuPwbpdIGgt7eWd45E0Qh5P8UEekmXHAY-BksuI7iETsoBiiab0H9mGSyJRnPKh88sZfuVFSMbm5y3WHo7vtSrj1bay7pwBu2WWtE5Xa9iJX6nAaolreh0mAKYgmrOB0w4pQTTN/s1600/June+2013+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQJk5WmuPwbpdIGgt7eWd45E0Qh5P8UEekmXHAY-BksuI7iETsoBiiab0H9mGSyJRnPKh88sZfuVFSMbm5y3WHo7vtSrj1bay7pwBu2WWtE5Xa9iJX6nAaolreh0mAKYgmrOB0w4pQTTN/s320/June+2013+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My mother came up and helped me do some landscaping.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
July...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYOnAFBH80aoM9gLUnmTVlUrrTSx3rNf8aC6JH60_Fc199O9SnNqXnrUuuT4LIrk7t1I5V1NiuJfZJ98P-ogNYfXbguFytjw1CLJEvi8ejkgrujtaWCOgWqqLi_awxfO3kjj5xZuHfm8k/s1600/July+2013+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYOnAFBH80aoM9gLUnmTVlUrrTSx3rNf8aC6JH60_Fc199O9SnNqXnrUuuT4LIrk7t1I5V1NiuJfZJ98P-ogNYfXbguFytjw1CLJEvi8ejkgrujtaWCOgWqqLi_awxfO3kjj5xZuHfm8k/s320/July+2013+017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Family Vacation - Creation Museum, KY<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0rwRDssR5AjwJbPswUTZMO-iJvm-JyFdnLR5TLECaezo-lnlS84RjEH5fXKW7JIXu2KIRCsCgXqUC4oTqDaWeXoKhcFVzOifUtxWaaFbp6Cab7qwwsybrNBEm2-vRcVBE_js1Cb10lf1/s1600/July+2013+090.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0rwRDssR5AjwJbPswUTZMO-iJvm-JyFdnLR5TLECaezo-lnlS84RjEH5fXKW7JIXu2KIRCsCgXqUC4oTqDaWeXoKhcFVzOifUtxWaaFbp6Cab7qwwsybrNBEm2-vRcVBE_js1Cb10lf1/s320/July+2013+090.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvtyAOPZCS5gpx9CcQ_xl6_Zn9sUPcmVOiDW3fTaK_WiV1j7b9OgNCM14jq-CcmTr4eAEaIZtATRimXzzqHx7rA8VnupN9WJmmVHzx0pAlZRAj1RjmxoSdAG9Q55kMqDpu9egsOC2CRRU/s1600/July+2013+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvtyAOPZCS5gpx9CcQ_xl6_Zn9sUPcmVOiDW3fTaK_WiV1j7b9OgNCM14jq-CcmTr4eAEaIZtATRimXzzqHx7rA8VnupN9WJmmVHzx0pAlZRAj1RjmxoSdAG9Q55kMqDpu9egsOC2CRRU/s320/July+2013+035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Prototype to the Brooklyn Bridge in Cincinnati, OH<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclN-WTdjBotYun5dnTpNbK-E5bV79qY0ZSP6qtcx_GcGuGcpokYAyiDRWDjoh2DyvhasbpRClz_zre_LcUe348dZ2TF2ay3HB_h1tmGOW-Chd7u3RQFt2NlzkSqKWwwLGz0YdS5u3Qbp9/s1600/July+2013+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclN-WTdjBotYun5dnTpNbK-E5bV79qY0ZSP6qtcx_GcGuGcpokYAyiDRWDjoh2DyvhasbpRClz_zre_LcUe348dZ2TF2ay3HB_h1tmGOW-Chd7u3RQFt2NlzkSqKWwwLGz0YdS5u3Qbp9/s320/July+2013+053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Carew Tower - Cincinnati, OH<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0-mog_zLYxib3vP75ESjhNk7MYaeUS8qgRblI10P6XDk_MAcZ4yd3LUeXJSxjZzw9sObLP921anY2Lo_3FZkTUOFTPatAwWFVSOFG_vK_J0GgnZDuFRWOpfBKGDQZaA0cFTMp2vCEPVN/s1600/July+2013+079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0-mog_zLYxib3vP75ESjhNk7MYaeUS8qgRblI10P6XDk_MAcZ4yd3LUeXJSxjZzw9sObLP921anY2Lo_3FZkTUOFTPatAwWFVSOFG_vK_J0GgnZDuFRWOpfBKGDQZaA0cFTMp2vCEPVN/s320/July+2013+079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8WexsM4kVSLnmIkX_4xLjhDLaUaCFwX3BxpGPOhcUH4JPBbZA574brH5uRgDMpd_KGR085ZH5XZGAtQ-Rp8azGtNufKhX2JDUvQhucBeGQ3vehZf3iZdIVZOpKsC9MZcpLCo7YxZm7nt/s1600/July+2013+080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8WexsM4kVSLnmIkX_4xLjhDLaUaCFwX3BxpGPOhcUH4JPBbZA574brH5uRgDMpd_KGR085ZH5XZGAtQ-Rp8azGtNufKhX2JDUvQhucBeGQ3vehZf3iZdIVZOpKsC9MZcpLCo7YxZm7nt/s320/July+2013+080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVWayFikxxeF0-L1N3KiJuRzSDhNX8kaji5mY0HaioQID88t4cUvBnwluMVD8qriC1JnLk4iVEm3R2sDeBDr3FkBmgHostT6UgUbahGF9EUENX9ugsSI2OBsnOMnTDQCrSvxSO7AQLpn5/s1600/July+2013+081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVWayFikxxeF0-L1N3KiJuRzSDhNX8kaji5mY0HaioQID88t4cUvBnwluMVD8qriC1JnLk4iVEm3R2sDeBDr3FkBmgHostT6UgUbahGF9EUENX9ugsSI2OBsnOMnTDQCrSvxSO7AQLpn5/s320/July+2013+081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_f1wixJBnnvMN9-enhINaFgVa_W2ZQmqVlvo9fUiBBbKj46yjUTKEV3fD23dkpWqkzfEJzFnBx3fDDy7b84HZpqsWGZ6LWMq2WNLSRcNpoL4Wf2kLL9kwiZXnRMGidd3Wfk_VHJwm9gPZ/s1600/July+2013+089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_f1wixJBnnvMN9-enhINaFgVa_W2ZQmqVlvo9fUiBBbKj46yjUTKEV3fD23dkpWqkzfEJzFnBx3fDDy7b84HZpqsWGZ6LWMq2WNLSRcNpoL4Wf2kLL9kwiZXnRMGidd3Wfk_VHJwm9gPZ/s320/July+2013+089.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Trammel Fossil Park<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOu_BlVfyhiDF5pLEYBZKZaFS5j2gdYRpl-vOWfVjKiiKiIUptP3GLT9rXA7f8Uh0U1yYZz7ORWI22I02lCfu9iEWla1pKtW1i9FPLsDA_RVOUMZVNwH2iOiX7SiM69C6uXtY8h76WmZ_/s1600/July+2013+059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOu_BlVfyhiDF5pLEYBZKZaFS5j2gdYRpl-vOWfVjKiiKiIUptP3GLT9rXA7f8Uh0U1yYZz7ORWI22I02lCfu9iEWla1pKtW1i9FPLsDA_RVOUMZVNwH2iOiX7SiM69C6uXtY8h76WmZ_/s320/July+2013+059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Boonshoft Children's Discovery Center - Dayton, OH<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRaw31Q2qNmbtzBC53dODiM-liIdbPR7WWptXRTeZfezY-3WUFkzhzUthKUo9_-Dqlu53v2mND_f6bk6x8td5HHXMkXujt7EWY-OvBFdFOlYV9_QfrkhmcZy1ks-1_BkOiNu0QQYozuXX/s1600/July+2013+029.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRaw31Q2qNmbtzBC53dODiM-liIdbPR7WWptXRTeZfezY-3WUFkzhzUthKUo9_-Dqlu53v2mND_f6bk6x8td5HHXMkXujt7EWY-OvBFdFOlYV9_QfrkhmcZy1ks-1_BkOiNu0QQYozuXX/s320/July+2013+029.JPG" width="320" /></a>\<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3MPzSw1-_zYatQHjlozdbpnQfps-jXWzZM_upqIZtVhh4RoKgvgjInn7D2pTqOoCsisKB3f5nhyphenhyphenz6Bj1kKebUWykTJNF4Sjpk0_DCLLB-LE1K2ps6U6K9tdTZu9O_s-VLRNi-z9GhK9q/s1600/July+2013+043.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3MPzSw1-_zYatQHjlozdbpnQfps-jXWzZM_upqIZtVhh4RoKgvgjInn7D2pTqOoCsisKB3f5nhyphenhyphenz6Bj1kKebUWykTJNF4Sjpk0_DCLLB-LE1K2ps6U6K9tdTZu9O_s-VLRNi-z9GhK9q/s320/July+2013+043.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFJ-hdV4QE9iUmQ0JiNciR73dEiYspb9-HLfVmSPeSADg4hH9PE3GtqXsFxEhjT_ucpvqQYP_dYY6hWdOnuFpnFyIEm5oApNq-nIwpZOCmd_FUxdZ2TAVsA9dnRXwyLQSHKWkhGmMZxck/s1600/July+2013+031.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFJ-hdV4QE9iUmQ0JiNciR73dEiYspb9-HLfVmSPeSADg4hH9PE3GtqXsFxEhjT_ucpvqQYP_dYY6hWdOnuFpnFyIEm5oApNq-nIwpZOCmd_FUxdZ2TAVsA9dnRXwyLQSHKWkhGmMZxck/s320/July+2013+031.JPG" width="320" /></a> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh17FjG-phT1Brnb3vyxqgjqxNH2gxL-5uSJSPMZOqh0jtGvQiB9pSzV7NhdMCWofWH11QvRNG2lSUkIsPkXPtchgPbJGQQcA3eWFgcl4-NwOgWIY4E0HxrPOLSA1TGFIBpM4k_bqv3271f/s1600/July+2013+058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh17FjG-phT1Brnb3vyxqgjqxNH2gxL-5uSJSPMZOqh0jtGvQiB9pSzV7NhdMCWofWH11QvRNG2lSUkIsPkXPtchgPbJGQQcA3eWFgcl4-NwOgWIY4E0HxrPOLSA1TGFIBpM4k_bqv3271f/s320/July+2013+058.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uNaEodrRWpDfQWisOAK4emJ1zBwJNfoCLLDHRt0ZeB453umTjOsmJSZXlnYt8KlWGVL8w5TRV7IubS_R_YgWXx_4QVzpAnkouYekmaIvPs06n4-RxNE68ykPWpdGh3GMdS0gGsqygQox/s1600/July+2013+060.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uNaEodrRWpDfQWisOAK4emJ1zBwJNfoCLLDHRt0ZeB453umTjOsmJSZXlnYt8KlWGVL8w5TRV7IubS_R_YgWXx_4QVzpAnkouYekmaIvPs06n4-RxNE68ykPWpdGh3GMdS0gGsqygQox/s320/July+2013+060.JPG" width="320" /></a> <br />
First Skyline experience<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7ZcsDaJxKk30ZGAkJjdD_-CeBbmmFckVX6asELykkaSq_1K3YgTaFXeQZAG4OF6f6JEeE7jeClHL5u-U32UVfSWNL0-1PhGHuc6FlnztIcGNMjSH8k-wxTr8F9XM7HCPlXmUzamS5xJR/s1600/July+2013+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7ZcsDaJxKk30ZGAkJjdD_-CeBbmmFckVX6asELykkaSq_1K3YgTaFXeQZAG4OF6f6JEeE7jeClHL5u-U32UVfSWNL0-1PhGHuc6FlnztIcGNMjSH8k-wxTr8F9XM7HCPlXmUzamS5xJR/s320/July+2013+005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
IL to visit MommyK's family<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3glU1URzksJMJVMQcfB6T4-ifrvfNr6ayNbD6Y_9Gg7goq_8ROa7XlrlYeuMzXl-R5wOE7DKb6xBvQ3UwYxOSD3vNSMbijRiAdxRwVn_RU1LKgVV-BUN4HHmh5qXSBkfI2v0H6ygPSnd/s1600/July+2013+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3glU1URzksJMJVMQcfB6T4-ifrvfNr6ayNbD6Y_9Gg7goq_8ROa7XlrlYeuMzXl-R5wOE7DKb6xBvQ3UwYxOSD3vNSMbijRiAdxRwVn_RU1LKgVV-BUN4HHmh5qXSBkfI2v0H6ygPSnd/s320/July+2013+009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We love visiting with Great Grandma Liz<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIO58Dj45MCwzZn0kAu4hcVt4wu_oTG16BD3JgY52iUK1YIY6mcW5csSSTFM5J1hvr2y0orV-TNnuJi99HLhb4ZbcdJ2C4R69TCyA0xBf3s94b1w9bizaFuB3f0x1ZwyUnyXvsWP6fGmP/s1600/July+2013+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIO58Dj45MCwzZn0kAu4hcVt4wu_oTG16BD3JgY52iUK1YIY6mcW5csSSTFM5J1hvr2y0orV-TNnuJi99HLhb4ZbcdJ2C4R69TCyA0xBf3s94b1w9bizaFuB3f0x1ZwyUnyXvsWP6fGmP/s320/July+2013+010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uhVILmoE-iTlQZqkFVkG7mvqbsuRKIYvBA_G-OPKmDknxsAWTwlJaHJ_jvgC_imnSUZCB-ej6OvWZwF5oi3vXbtTnktmWSRP5JdB_tJQmxfzMurPuLEFDtKtaJGGuJd8Jr1DdZwG99qJ/s1600/July+2013+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uhVILmoE-iTlQZqkFVkG7mvqbsuRKIYvBA_G-OPKmDknxsAWTwlJaHJ_jvgC_imnSUZCB-ej6OvWZwF5oi3vXbtTnktmWSRP5JdB_tJQmxfzMurPuLEFDtKtaJGGuJd8Jr1DdZwG99qJ/s320/July+2013+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
3D movie<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDMNOXJ0UBqOI0CSbyRvvAjisRMWjG04vme-z53wS4T72HcZ_rdzvNR5rSRuxXkOIqnBNi2j6x9PR6CFSyM2QAuUpMNzuGBWcRZWigZvOhJHRDLWy5XqyhWHxHGs48YeLVlOUVJyYb7tf/s1600/July+2013+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDMNOXJ0UBqOI0CSbyRvvAjisRMWjG04vme-z53wS4T72HcZ_rdzvNR5rSRuxXkOIqnBNi2j6x9PR6CFSyM2QAuUpMNzuGBWcRZWigZvOhJHRDLWy5XqyhWHxHGs48YeLVlOUVJyYb7tf/s320/July+2013+009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzA0RERcStLInfNr_sRcMk3Qr6y3RZTRu6cPuAVG13DdTtaYzccA9_b3F8oQ7UrHiC7I57Ktkiv4iYHRd249cJJ2APrU6RYON25xApiosolcm6A5sF5KFhQ9_yqVOCSl8Z9li127dVQELK/s1600/July+2013+005.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzA0RERcStLInfNr_sRcMk3Qr6y3RZTRu6cPuAVG13DdTtaYzccA9_b3F8oQ7UrHiC7I57Ktkiv4iYHRd249cJJ2APrU6RYON25xApiosolcm6A5sF5KFhQ9_yqVOCSl8Z9li127dVQELK/s320/July+2013+005.JPG" width="320" /></a> <br />
Adapted backpack to be a g-tube bag for a little girl that uses a pump 18hrs a day<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgz6MOli_G0Rb7mp7KRTA97hWsau7IMqHP3-XzzcogAh4vU-SwkFOzPmdyLL86VfhQNWAdV4p-nX9hOsP1F2u67Ir0xjNpU8BWMy3RSnn8vhD_dMMRfrMXKE0d2Nx4B8GAH-fVMO7wdvzH/s1600/July+2013+014.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgz6MOli_G0Rb7mp7KRTA97hWsau7IMqHP3-XzzcogAh4vU-SwkFOzPmdyLL86VfhQNWAdV4p-nX9hOsP1F2u67Ir0xjNpU8BWMy3RSnn8vhD_dMMRfrMXKE0d2Nx4B8GAH-fVMO7wdvzH/s320/July+2013+014.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
First Drive-in movie - Dispicable Me 2<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqAPmtfhcws4is82hKdMbQRdUgRWxp349lDX4xGdQfYMbVt2ClzJL1KhnI2k3FbUqx-4gpsn2VMBYWlKamWBt0pvLsr8URW7H5tNapXiAa3Xnfi7wrLFeXDwHCu1IqC6sfge8BHEftpWJM/s1600/July+2013+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqAPmtfhcws4is82hKdMbQRdUgRWxp349lDX4xGdQfYMbVt2ClzJL1KhnI2k3FbUqx-4gpsn2VMBYWlKamWBt0pvLsr8URW7H5tNapXiAa3Xnfi7wrLFeXDwHCu1IqC6sfge8BHEftpWJM/s320/July+2013+017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Visiting great family friends in IL<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwd5Pb86KBb3n89IywtqgyJKSoa-s9Zk1OYJ3ShbCyhUXGxzsRE8G31n04LnLWsIrqEyTXm_V6Dp1OE1g14YdQZB1x6CpNuily9V-cQeRjBExwMGougeNxQU8wBM67Mt9607q-ZILodd7/s1600/July+2013+018.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwd5Pb86KBb3n89IywtqgyJKSoa-s9Zk1OYJ3ShbCyhUXGxzsRE8G31n04LnLWsIrqEyTXm_V6Dp1OE1g14YdQZB1x6CpNuily9V-cQeRjBExwMGougeNxQU8wBM67Mt9607q-ZILodd7/s320/July+2013+018.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZi3XEPnm5Emt-je16FPj07dLOJdzlgJ0q5OsZssGLVf0T7JGaesjuTdrV6LAv7quhIplxv_YtyPTYHz9oGb2DarPf8TKg-NMD_P-RdstzKnADhXMQcafpFsUNnIx-2CsvYgBh0EBqyFwp/s1600/July+2013+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZi3XEPnm5Emt-je16FPj07dLOJdzlgJ0q5OsZssGLVf0T7JGaesjuTdrV6LAv7quhIplxv_YtyPTYHz9oGb2DarPf8TKg-NMD_P-RdstzKnADhXMQcafpFsUNnIx-2CsvYgBh0EBqyFwp/s320/July+2013+018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I cannot remember the last time my brother and I took a photo together - Aaron<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Pnmke0tuh9Ur4u456PJPwrzIjhZmfcq5B3j7nlo-HQ82cv5XglsKe9sJnISKO6bqGKz-T2X212-30jDEerMxjKdZVVjCFiXCwD7RzEgVaowUyZAshA4wiUVVvzLOJGFDbqKcS7MGziZc/s1600/July+2013+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Pnmke0tuh9Ur4u456PJPwrzIjhZmfcq5B3j7nlo-HQ82cv5XglsKe9sJnISKO6bqGKz-T2X212-30jDEerMxjKdZVVjCFiXCwD7RzEgVaowUyZAshA4wiUVVvzLOJGFDbqKcS7MGziZc/s320/July+2013+020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwd5Pb86KBb3n89IywtqgyJKSoa-s9Zk1OYJ3ShbCyhUXGxzsRE8G31n04LnLWsIrqEyTXm_V6Dp1OE1g14YdQZB1x6CpNuily9V-cQeRjBExwMGougeNxQU8wBM67Mt9607q-ZILodd7/s1600/July+2013+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIyrzyoVRJptd5yhSw5WjroS4-TLaADkcbD4kkduYj6crpl_dRLkH0IPWpBWNe142CSFuB7AviUx2fw-DAJX6xBV-TbmchWgI97Emp6z1UzL1mB9Q6q3KP0DRvRcFxp36JmwUb7CistPz1/s1600/July+2013+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIyrzyoVRJptd5yhSw5WjroS4-TLaADkcbD4kkduYj6crpl_dRLkH0IPWpBWNe142CSFuB7AviUx2fw-DAJX6xBV-TbmchWgI97Emp6z1UzL1mB9Q6q3KP0DRvRcFxp36JmwUb7CistPz1/s320/July+2013+007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Intense therapy in MI again<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVtE9I_UOu9tMZFw1fN05fQ-OUeZwwsyiqY3_WgA4UqTU8YBo8IMbSUVwWBNnFVIpMnH8FRdBC8vIydd4xupgDbdaFz5EV_ySVYQgYD2tzDyg6SHxP1vSQSC2jcIXbvFJHcaTU2uKY49J/s1600/July+2013+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKaiukyKYQ2LC_LHpjQvow-O4g-AAy_0Gr9uFcIuTTG8YvnNvyeWc1L0lBbvvJP_tyO455W9cQ2XjiDQKu9V6KBZOKTRQlwyYTyLwna4A79ljJxcJfnODaZi1g-pDR5-8hQ2gSCpI1DYw/s1600/July+2013+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKaiukyKYQ2LC_LHpjQvow-O4g-AAy_0Gr9uFcIuTTG8YvnNvyeWc1L0lBbvvJP_tyO455W9cQ2XjiDQKu9V6KBZOKTRQlwyYTyLwna4A79ljJxcJfnODaZi1g-pDR5-8hQ2gSCpI1DYw/s320/July+2013+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Crawling</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, that was our whole year in pictures.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Are you caught up now?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
:) </div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59uVWGmcgObaV3nHVk6fAoJOi95jmiRaeVErLoCYZ_gzbv8bTB3zarLX_GLkvXotBjZM2TWlfStD77GrIjGenTv9UtbF5Qhqrq2GCsPOwuDqAhremIB_AxiMHrjJBWZIIs3tbethWxBqK/s1600/April+2013+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<!--3--></div>
<!--3--></div>
Mommy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970863651571623082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181450402630174309.post-43624948826817530782012-09-02T08:38:00.001-07:002012-09-02T08:44:45.939-07:00Homeschool Week 3 & 4 RecapWell, if the rest of the year goes as well as these last four weeks, it will be a very successful, enjoyable year! Now, we haven't started our full-blown weekly schedule with co-op, piano, dance, soccer, choir, swim lessons, Junior Bible Quiz or Miracle's water therapy. But, I'll enjoy these quiet weeks for now and stay on track while I can!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8Yjh_1DPMXaiO1Yk6-xgtkyyDLG9edr6FF-CYF1bUO1aDlCJkGpkvCq0YJ19-xbr_KVhR42aI9OvvV3a6uuXWUrkQR2URhFB4U4TpQGZRMYk04cVEisKC8EvEKeeKIn7VnJveWrtGgM/s1600/July+-+August+2012+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8Yjh_1DPMXaiO1Yk6-xgtkyyDLG9edr6FF-CYF1bUO1aDlCJkGpkvCq0YJ19-xbr_KVhR42aI9OvvV3a6uuXWUrkQR2URhFB4U4TpQGZRMYk04cVEisKC8EvEKeeKIn7VnJveWrtGgM/s320/July+-+August+2012+018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We finally finished a small book we started the end of last school year that covers 12 Hebrew names of God that are seen through the Lord's Prayer called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Names-Our-Father-Trinity-Trilogy/dp/0802429467" target="_blank">Names of Our Father</a> by Yvonne Riley. I really loved how this book taught the names paralleled to the prayer. As we learned "Our Father" we learned that God is our Abba, or Daddy God. As we learned "in Heaven" we learned Elohim is our Creator and Ruler of the Universe and so on. We took this book slowly, as to actually use the names of God in our prayers and talk about them in depth. The only thing I didn't like about the book was the pronunciations. They seemed to clash with what I had already been taught or what I had heard elsewhere, so I'm not sure if my kids are saying the names right! Also, I know I've heard many of these names used after Jehovah, like Jehovah Jirah, but I wasn't sure which ones did and which ones didn't, so I couldn't teach them that. Wish I knew more about the Hebrew language! All in all, my kids learned a lot and enjoyed making little posters for our display wall to help us remember the names and the prayer. By the end, even little BooBoo could recite the Lord's Prayer perfectly and all four kids daily use the names of God in their own prayers at the meal table.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjZPPCJ3_d9cmJJVgKkFvM0UrU4lnNDnJp_ulKzxN0KwVFK2fG339QEHG_ybwYEgGOR_6fQX1nE8kBjArg7GWOXpAE2vhgqAzlGNLDb0yweE_fJ-XScFTB1qWUllzCAd4Y6zPM7wvTas/s1600/July+-+August+2012+017.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjZPPCJ3_d9cmJJVgKkFvM0UrU4lnNDnJp_ulKzxN0KwVFK2fG339QEHG_ybwYEgGOR_6fQX1nE8kBjArg7GWOXpAE2vhgqAzlGNLDb0yweE_fJ-XScFTB1qWUllzCAd4Y6zPM7wvTas/s320/July+-+August+2012+017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPV0RnOxYGPHEWba1IUFrN9EhYCBo8MnVwNFf-BuDNF4R1PEVl25OGVS6NBH4_3logwvQurIXW3JLdmE7laB7tP0Yqgu8uz5rCXwDXgDgnAQaLiXqoZJbDxqA7LObWlCWIAuW_kZ_BW_8/s1600/July+-+August+2012+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPV0RnOxYGPHEWba1IUFrN9EhYCBo8MnVwNFf-BuDNF4R1PEVl25OGVS6NBH4_3logwvQurIXW3JLdmE7laB7tP0Yqgu8uz5rCXwDXgDgnAQaLiXqoZJbDxqA7LObWlCWIAuW_kZ_BW_8/s320/July+-+August+2012+016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Another bible curriculum we are using this semester is teaching us about the 10 Commandments in depth. The past few weeks we have been learning about the first three commandments. Each week we have made a small poster representing each commandment. On the first poster we included other gods people worship (ancient Egyptian gods since we are studying this in history, Buddha from our studies last year and the golden calf from the bible that we are studying also in history) and our song "Do Not Worship" that we learned.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBZZMDSvAXp7NMbvg3aSsz81lbw0w6on4Bx_yKnK2MFiy8d1t5KfPVzaQ4ITcqrs1IbqjP0TbAVdp31IuDlNSSSFnQhipnHiQAl3XLbDk470brffJON5AwOHe7Rqjb-IHWCp6mpSJTXk/s1600/September+2012+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBZZMDSvAXp7NMbvg3aSsz81lbw0w6on4Bx_yKnK2MFiy8d1t5KfPVzaQ4ITcqrs1IbqjP0TbAVdp31IuDlNSSSFnQhipnHiQAl3XLbDk470brffJON5AwOHe7Rqjb-IHWCp6mpSJTXk/s320/September+2012+001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1sr9RgoZNdEVKZnL4CLx5_vmCyFNViBSvM3rCxZ0yD-AgK5CtFE6-82RehXXfAfmVW85VsW84Xrz29jgLX9FqjZ-khC_qHkUKNlZwynMMyC-4emnGpajoqGIlB4FJJnp95de2Ty6hom8/s1600/September+2012+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
In the second poster we talked about all the things that get in the way
of our relationship with God and become little idols. They chose things
like food, toys, games, friends, Legos, video games, music and movies.
I thought they did an excellent job understanding the concept that idol
worship isn't just worship of statues or images of gods, but that it's
worship of <i>anything</i> we put ahead of God in our lives.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWpcgspA6bsJYzKTXp_bw7ncCE66Up0AGku9xB68VQb0yKu08LuHakAznTlZRXQYVUYqVjrTbyYju32zqjS5Pebc8b-yxq-1eNDnQCxmN00HM_nyHCFTYPL_mzsGsxtbnzaEmRo0_ymM/s1600/July+-+August+2012+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWpcgspA6bsJYzKTXp_bw7ncCE66Up0AGku9xB68VQb0yKu08LuHakAznTlZRXQYVUYqVjrTbyYju32zqjS5Pebc8b-yxq-1eNDnQCxmN00HM_nyHCFTYPL_mzsGsxtbnzaEmRo0_ymM/s320/July+-+August+2012+001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmWbIM-td1e0xGqrJ4NQ19Sg3FdsQgPWUi2CqfNqd7rdRsVFoC0hlzY_wzODz8K4QkwvaKrUov6GJ_Ls_hyphenhyphenWqFUOykD_ZHB1s_KvOBdI9iPxo0o9X-t2xWN_O5Pn9QeMXJFhMOPhPIDk/s1600/July+-+August+2012+260.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmWbIM-td1e0xGqrJ4NQ19Sg3FdsQgPWUi2CqfNqd7rdRsVFoC0hlzY_wzODz8K4QkwvaKrUov6GJ_Ls_hyphenhyphenWqFUOykD_ZHB1s_KvOBdI9iPxo0o9X-t2xWN_O5Pn9QeMXJFhMOPhPIDk/s320/July+-+August+2012+260.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
These were in a shop in Chinatown when we visited a few weeks ago. I thought it was creepy being in there with all these idols everywhere but I'm glad I took a picture. We prayed for the people in Chicago and China, that they will somehow be told of Christ and learn that there is only One True God and put away their idols.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQg3yWRMUDL3_eoobhQzFnIOuiXhZ71bvDTI3Ph6WJ8sL7p427A9m8FjyAxtrHWR7dGCP6MWa2zlItB4yQGs5uuICaZZaxg2R-bwTs9r42-_686eq7SG2jDR4FnLkZuPqkEZ-sCmB4eEo/s1600/September+2012+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQg3yWRMUDL3_eoobhQzFnIOuiXhZ71bvDTI3Ph6WJ8sL7p427A9m8FjyAxtrHWR7dGCP6MWa2zlItB4yQGs5uuICaZZaxg2R-bwTs9r42-_686eq7SG2jDR4FnLkZuPqkEZ-sCmB4eEo/s320/September+2012+008.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This past week we talked about misusing the name of God. Though my kids haven't been exposed to much language at all, and don't know the extent to which this is broken daily in our world, we did talk about saying 'oh my goodness' vs. 'oh my god,' which they do hear from friends. We talked about how high we should reverence God and all his names and this tied in well with our names of God study we just finished! <br />
<br />
Trying to include crafts is very hard for me.<br />
<br />
I.hate.messy.<br />
<br />
In God's Design for Life: Plants we talked about the differences of the plant and animal kingdoms, parts of the plant, trees and grasses. I am amazed at how much Angelica Pickles at 6 is retaining! She did this chart almost all by herself.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7ddMJlV2SKCLNAWPbputJvXzLuhGa98T03x_VQp-LsZBo1oQaP-MiRCOwI8wrDUZIorI506pervhfjWcf-iIrzjim8QM877GAgfExpgm7qRha4syeLzh0N8ncDx6cizLMqan6iI6ZKc/s1600/July+-+August+2012+003+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7ddMJlV2SKCLNAWPbputJvXzLuhGa98T03x_VQp-LsZBo1oQaP-MiRCOwI8wrDUZIorI506pervhfjWcf-iIrzjim8QM877GAgfExpgm7qRha4syeLzh0N8ncDx6cizLMqan6iI6ZKc/s320/July+-+August+2012+003+%282%29.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
When we learned about stems we put some celery in colored water to see the xylem tubes clearly. I had them all hypothesize what would happen. Our celery was limp, so Angelica Pickles guessed the water would 'make the celery come back alive.' I knew what she meant. Boo Boo guessed the celery would 'drink up all the water.' Princess Pea guessed the tubes would turn colors and Sid guessed the whole plant would turn red or blue. They were all pretty much right! They were so proud of themselves.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8iT11WuygS9uP3W4Fpwya41ebS2tcVhyfRcueyi9TIiB7k7n5DsI0nNCikY8I04isQcIPIDEfoR4LtjELPJPXzz8RMRyweFuo8uDw61WqPbwAcQJ_R5Kev0vZygBYNGn_l3belT_LH0/s1600/July+-+August+2012+061.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8iT11WuygS9uP3W4Fpwya41ebS2tcVhyfRcueyi9TIiB7k7n5DsI0nNCikY8I04isQcIPIDEfoR4LtjELPJPXzz8RMRyweFuo8uDw61WqPbwAcQJ_R5Kev0vZygBYNGn_l3belT_LH0/s320/July+-+August+2012+061.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
And when you see science concepts in their everyday coloring projects, you <i>know </i>they are enjoying school! Princess Pea posted this on the wall next to our chart a few days ago with no prompting: the parts of a plant. =)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8LalDcFllBAX5yZ4KJ50QyjlnVYpLYMk5Y3BkHDUbX-evLT6qYD7fd-VTAQm4nFKyHfKGG9rLQXTDkf7dasr-UOFE8SJd38QRiQpyEmaWXu1ONV-q5C9dTySkFJJf3JO7dHLERCzGrg/s1600/September+2012+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8LalDcFllBAX5yZ4KJ50QyjlnVYpLYMk5Y3BkHDUbX-evLT6qYD7fd-VTAQm4nFKyHfKGG9rLQXTDkf7dasr-UOFE8SJd38QRiQpyEmaWXu1ONV-q5C9dTySkFJJf3JO7dHLERCzGrg/s320/September+2012+006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And Angelica Pickles made this...roots and all.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XGVyhxr8fe2_Rxr2plg89I7Y3BbBROyH_uaYniG1MRn7Vb54HmIbm580_nUiCsEFOIilpUkNfjMepmI9DG30rECQT1n-MfHAKaiv_O0tm9vTqEwNMnsTT5pUt19uYUInnd1eex_oNME/s1600/September+2012+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XGVyhxr8fe2_Rxr2plg89I7Y3BbBROyH_uaYniG1MRn7Vb54HmIbm580_nUiCsEFOIilpUkNfjMepmI9DG30rECQT1n-MfHAKaiv_O0tm9vTqEwNMnsTT5pUt19uYUInnd1eex_oNME/s320/September+2012+002.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Boo Boo is still enjoying his All About Reading Level 1 every day. He is doing awesome! He started reading his first <i>real </i>book this week! My all-time favorite part of homeschooling: teaching my children to read!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik00Q_2lN7jCTv-3b3otJy0ZhIobfk6xrUkeuZ3HxMwafTg2Lh0xZDUtqZiuqiteKqKteI2Y9JEHHtd9ujHtqvSlRB9jncXdn-1aV8OW3-RQshqMDlUNJA_IVJ_FdZbXTMuyIkYWItggI/s1600/September+2012+001+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik00Q_2lN7jCTv-3b3otJy0ZhIobfk6xrUkeuZ3HxMwafTg2Lh0xZDUtqZiuqiteKqKteI2Y9JEHHtd9ujHtqvSlRB9jncXdn-1aV8OW3-RQshqMDlUNJA_IVJ_FdZbXTMuyIkYWItggI/s320/September+2012+001+%282%29.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm reading the American Girl Doll book McKenna to Princess Pea for her first read-aloud this year (she just purchased the doll with her <i>own </i>money) and it's been very interesting. McKenna is struggling in school in the book and she sees gymnastics as her life. It's the only thing that is important to her. She's frustrated she has to get a tutor. After just a day or two into the book, my extremely intelligent 7 year old starts to say stuff like, "I'm not really good at school" and "I'm not a good reader." <i><b> </b></i><br />
<br />
<i><b>WHAT??</b></i><br />
<br />
She is awesome at pretty much everything I teach her and at least 2 years ahead of her grade level in reading! I didn't say something the first few comments, but after 3 or 4 I told her that I was going to discontinue reading the book if she started to mimic McKenna's attitude. I am very strict about bad attitudes in our home, especially related to school, and I don't want to start an 'I Hate School Club' when <u>I</u> am the <i>only </i>teacher! ;) So far I haven't heard anything else, but thought it was interesting. I love that my kids get into characters of books, but not at the expense of their own individuality or beliefs or character.<br />
<br />
In Tapestry of Grace week#3 we learned a lot about Egyptian Mythology and Pharaohs. A few years ago I would not have taught this stuff to my kids. But, I think they are all at a good place to understand the differences between religions and beliefs and I don't fear them thinking that these stories are real. They loved comparing the stories of the gods to the One True God.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm777cDSEmDzNJ89SGQg3yhz-DNOFGpA9mN9TXS7KMugH7WzA7Rqc8GvNMJsq9w6F6hEm5gTjgXcgJRa6M0ERVARqnU38gejALaVp8FgEBdp90aXcsjRtZP1OfnRaHUyTizL02myp-p5A/s1600/July+-+August+2012+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm777cDSEmDzNJ89SGQg3yhz-DNOFGpA9mN9TXS7KMugH7WzA7Rqc8GvNMJsq9w6F6hEm5gTjgXcgJRa6M0ERVARqnU38gejALaVp8FgEBdp90aXcsjRtZP1OfnRaHUyTizL02myp-p5A/s320/July+-+August+2012+029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our super simple pharoah collars</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sQyEU4NEJtw3TfqjWsEJhFvKdt3DtXznqjbeTBNQ7iRfqViqvzmvPvBRGEtJ6DPyrVtjXZ83BBWY0IEb1Tg2xj9xQNnqoqhwvYA3s8EfdAclITJrhHDfB2n6PylylMkAx8GYXP7duAY/s1600/July+-+August+2012+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sQyEU4NEJtw3TfqjWsEJhFvKdt3DtXznqjbeTBNQ7iRfqViqvzmvPvBRGEtJ6DPyrVtjXZ83BBWY0IEb1Tg2xj9xQNnqoqhwvYA3s8EfdAclITJrhHDfB2n6PylylMkAx8GYXP7duAY/s320/July+-+August+2012+030.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sid also made the Upper/Lower Egyptian crown worn by the pharoahs</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif347rUWmqlmLSXawqtoRcL0q_YJQ6gx8xXXxwJ4i2AwMq6pmwd5Xk-6V4K_7vD6crvGm_ukMDoshquk2MRc033m7SB2B_T4hY-L8KNxOGMM00-p-BMpUGGDuin7kbHUZp8cO0RaChgZw/s1600/July+-+August+2012+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif347rUWmqlmLSXawqtoRcL0q_YJQ6gx8xXXxwJ4i2AwMq6pmwd5Xk-6V4K_7vD6crvGm_ukMDoshquk2MRc033m7SB2B_T4hY-L8KNxOGMM00-p-BMpUGGDuin7kbHUZp8cO0RaChgZw/s320/July+-+August+2012+008.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZr2gX7162iRZpmm7ownLn4omKbsdBpayV7pLCs6P6-AKm3mhb6NJf5RriGNXHwYIJsdeiJaLQ8dgcjzOMBstTZ4fhMQ5RVSYhb2MHFFZuRmZXj8mTPtluN3cYydvki_E2HdiuQAm-zM/s1600/July+-+August+2012+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZr2gX7162iRZpmm7ownLn4omKbsdBpayV7pLCs6P6-AKm3mhb6NJf5RriGNXHwYIJsdeiJaLQ8dgcjzOMBstTZ4fhMQ5RVSYhb2MHFFZuRmZXj8mTPtluN3cYydvki_E2HdiuQAm-zM/s1600/July+-+August+2012+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZr2gX7162iRZpmm7ownLn4omKbsdBpayV7pLCs6P6-AKm3mhb6NJf5RriGNXHwYIJsdeiJaLQ8dgcjzOMBstTZ4fhMQ5RVSYhb2MHFFZuRmZXj8mTPtluN3cYydvki_E2HdiuQAm-zM/s320/July+-+August+2012+010.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sid also made a pop-up pharaoh. Sid is constantly making paper crafts, lists and elaborate projects on his own, so I'm trying to give him some projects related to history to take up his time so I don't find surprise projects all over my house! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjWuJr10ufzlVG_Me2OmjblE4S638Q3boo7gT83qngpFzOoVgG9EVKl8q83l5cwHBqQdLxXMLF9BJxMtoLMUHRHFyMqMrXYQJ_dzUTtZOHqKe2b27zGWVlvONIu6Kf5fKrHgB6R95NaM/s1600/July+-+August+2012+004+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjWuJr10ufzlVG_Me2OmjblE4S638Q3boo7gT83qngpFzOoVgG9EVKl8q83l5cwHBqQdLxXMLF9BJxMtoLMUHRHFyMqMrXYQJ_dzUTtZOHqKe2b27zGWVlvONIu6Kf5fKrHgB6R95NaM/s320/July+-+August+2012+004+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This was part of the lapbooks I purchased from Tapestry for Year 1. I'm not a lapbook kind of gal, but I thought my kids <i>might </i>get into it. We made a notebook last year that they <u>loved </u>to show to people. Since much of Tapestry won't fit into a notebook, I thought we would use this to show people what we are learning. They weren't real interested. I should have saved my $70 and gone with my gut... Maybe if I spread each piece out throughout the week, they will get involved more...?<br />
<br />
Week #4 we talked about how Creation and the Flood were actually written by Moses to encourage the Israelites as they were wondering in the desert. We had some great books on dinosaurs that I found super interesting myself like <i>The Great Dinosaur Mystery and the Bible</i> by Taylor and <i>What Really Happened to the Dinosaurs?</i> by Dinsmore and <i>Dry Bones and Other Fossils </i>by Parker. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAJf2Exl6iW0iTV5AO_VtNedv_G7zzq2A_UirJaWa349Y-SOQ9yaBSROJZ4m5EQofbcpzXRpU6ZP8KIcwwziwAhlbanF7Hth4KkkD2RHvqudEYDg48V7cCD-CIxG-x85bWvsF1R2DhRQ/s1600/September+2012+007.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAJf2Exl6iW0iTV5AO_VtNedv_G7zzq2A_UirJaWa349Y-SOQ9yaBSROJZ4m5EQofbcpzXRpU6ZP8KIcwwziwAhlbanF7Hth4KkkD2RHvqudEYDg48V7cCD-CIxG-x85bWvsF1R2DhRQ/s320/September+2012+007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
We even found a fossil in our yard last week we were able to tie in to school! It was thankfully a slower week because I didn't have the planning day I usually have since I had a busy weekend.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFbvIKmTuK0SIClrzW8svGXbDVLrTtLOhKKksbxCnjXQf3mK2j90gs6HDoQE8owBr8nGLj2Xffn2VBkYF-_LjX13sEC_75lonLWxL27yk-jA109L-raNlHSeXd9GazRzYtQ-ztVp7vWM/s1600/July+-+August+2012+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFbvIKmTuK0SIClrzW8svGXbDVLrTtLOhKKksbxCnjXQf3mK2j90gs6HDoQE8owBr8nGLj2Xffn2VBkYF-_LjX13sEC_75lonLWxL27yk-jA109L-raNlHSeXd9GazRzYtQ-ztVp7vWM/s320/July+-+August+2012+035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Loving the cuddles when Mr. Prince gets home... The learning never stops 'round here!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Between week 3 & 4 I helped run the Children's Resale at my church and brought home some great finds!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWF6pzObVejode7uYQCY__MoAnlixQbNGIyyTKzIrx_TTU4vpmsmL1Vr71uscAsIRgo1Pak379mGw0fp_rZokAQULdGKp9l8mFw5zk_ifcPk7008fC-TiHTuPOztQcMp5BsU6We4jFoUk/s1600/September+2012+001+%283%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWF6pzObVejode7uYQCY__MoAnlixQbNGIyyTKzIrx_TTU4vpmsmL1Vr71uscAsIRgo1Pak379mGw0fp_rZokAQULdGKp9l8mFw5zk_ifcPk7008fC-TiHTuPOztQcMp5BsU6We4jFoUk/s320/September+2012+001+%283%29.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
$10 for 20 of the Treasury of Illustrated Classics books</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fcyWmr3ZEEYhFeTVCe-31bCoZDU5ZiFsOigPlEnq9DGQlHyYyOWE-cPTJweTiJg7d4P8kaSj-gs4AFqZeT22HkdpQE1iiyDTTYQeFHDdD2B_lypRA3PtP6mVstbyOsVe5Z2XZuPj3jA/s1600/September+2012+002+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fcyWmr3ZEEYhFeTVCe-31bCoZDU5ZiFsOigPlEnq9DGQlHyYyOWE-cPTJweTiJg7d4P8kaSj-gs4AFqZeT22HkdpQE1iiyDTTYQeFHDdD2B_lypRA3PtP6mVstbyOsVe5Z2XZuPj3jA/s320/September+2012+002+%282%29.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And a TON of Magic School Bus books! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was gone Saturday and Sunday and I think my two oldest devoured every single one before I got home!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1i_OhPxmkatb3gGyXqpLxiyKoMjb8zYLYHo-dCNhIYzLGf0oLhQizUve5wtIOqQ95bJUCtSIXVWywAlK88Zdowq68O7LzG4BUrw15ibgWtoOWdhuils1dj7j34NZiGp1QyrGNQ8j8vY/s1600/July+-+August+2012+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1i_OhPxmkatb3gGyXqpLxiyKoMjb8zYLYHo-dCNhIYzLGf0oLhQizUve5wtIOqQ95bJUCtSIXVWywAlK88Zdowq68O7LzG4BUrw15ibgWtoOWdhuils1dj7j34NZiGp1QyrGNQ8j8vY/s320/July+-+August+2012+013.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dress-up clothes....can we say Punky Bruster?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3Urm1G8wX8Y8mZwjZ-vDX5kTNQamJGMGVIup-ZrUcAS4Q_Hh3qWClv4U6asCC6XSnUbr6XdlH3_YMlnUh7yADLYePVYnK_ns547Sce8M7tjn8Cwh-vmrNyq9SaEGI-qq8Pwaro_vtsc/s1600/July+-+August+2012+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3Urm1G8wX8Y8mZwjZ-vDX5kTNQamJGMGVIup-ZrUcAS4Q_Hh3qWClv4U6asCC6XSnUbr6XdlH3_YMlnUh7yADLYePVYnK_ns547Sce8M7tjn8Cwh-vmrNyq9SaEGI-qq8Pwaro_vtsc/s320/July+-+August+2012+014.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Princess Pea was excited to have a <i>real </i>gymnast outfit like McKenna in her book.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Unfortunately, the reason I was gone all weekend is because I had to take Miracle to Riley Children's Hospital due to an increase in seizure activity. She was having a seizure every hour after 2pm on Friday and then every 20-40 minutes while I was at the Resale Saturday morning. I got to Riley by 4pm on Saturaday, but didn't leave the ER until 9:30pm. I requested an EEG numerous times, but apparently since she has multiple seizure types, her medication choices are limited and they felt there was no need for an EEG. After giving her IV Dilantin, her seizure increased to almost 15 every hour that evening. They gave her some extra Keppra and things finally calmed down. Sunday morning the two neurologists taking care of her said she could go home if she continue to show no more seizures. At noon I asked my nurse to contact them for discharge paperwork. At 4pm I got word that they wanted me to stay another night.<br />
<br />
Umm....no. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-o9rWD21e9INk5NfE44QTgI56zWsanBa_ctmPOU_IUqcZSMlSoZtDMR8U86Jk10zHlX2HVde3D-eliYEbMyQ_eDk1Djznv6XtBkiYDPvo9SfwOsABpwaaDVzx0K2m0TFJZHMKT7eTKCk/s1600/July+-+August+2012+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-o9rWD21e9INk5NfE44QTgI56zWsanBa_ctmPOU_IUqcZSMlSoZtDMR8U86Jk10zHlX2HVde3D-eliYEbMyQ_eDk1Djznv6XtBkiYDPvo9SfwOsABpwaaDVzx0K2m0TFJZHMKT7eTKCk/s320/July+-+August+2012+018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Seizures slowed down until Dilantin was given. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She was actually happy for a few hours in the ER.</div>
<br />
The weekend doctor came in many times telling me I had to stay. Many times I told him to come back with a different answer. A social worker even came in after I had packed up the room and tried to sweet talk me into staying. She also told me if I chose to leave with her, they would call Child Protective Services for neglect.<br />
<br />
I actually laughed out loud!<br />
<br />
I asked her if she knew how many times I had called her neurologist in the month of August, how many times I had been in the hospital for seizures in the same month (4x)! I told her I had 7 nurses who had observed me in my home with my kids 5 hours a day, 5 days a week that would state I was NOT a neglectful parent. Not to mention all our family and friends...<br />
<br />
Whoa, I was mad then. This back and forth continued for hours.<br />
<br />
At 8:30 I requested my parental rights in writing. I simple didn't believe them, yet I wasn't going to chance them taking Miracle from me.<br />
<br />
At 9:00 I had discharge paperwork in my hands.<br />
<br />
Hmmm...does that mean I was right?!<br />
<br />
Man, my MamaBear gets more intense with every hospital stay.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, some great things came of my stay there. The nurses loved Miracle and me and we got along great. This isn't always the case when you have nurses who want to do their routine, their way, on their time. I'm not that kind of Mama. ;) The one on Sunday actually tried to get the doctor to let me go most of the day. She knew I was capable. Two other nurses asked lots of questions about parenting five kids and homeschooling. And I even ran into another mom with a tubie child, shared contact information and even gave her some of the g-tube cloth drainage tubes I make for Miracle. She was so grateful. Though I really despise hospital stays and much of what comes with them, because I have to use their services to care for my daughter, I always look desperately to find the good God places in there for our family or others to make my trips worth it to me.<br />
<br />
Now we are debating a new medication that can cause a rash that could be deadly....wow, thanks for the choices doctors! Sigh. I'm putting off starting it...praying and <i>hoping </i>that God will move before we have to give this to her. So far we are still seeing seizures daily. They are shorter and less intense, but still lingering. It's only a matter of time before they get more intense and longer, unless God intervenes...<br />
<br />
So, life goes on.<br />
<br />
Onto week #5! I had scheduled in a week break every 4-7 weeks of school to catch-up what we might have gotten behind on and have a slower week. This week is supposed to be my catch-up week but I just can't stop! I have nothing to catch-up on, and with all Miracle's medical issues, I never know when we will be back in the hospital messing up our schooling. Thankfully this stay was on a Saturday and Sunday!<br />
<br />
So, forward we march!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Mommy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07970863651571623082noreply@blogger.com1