tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59223919263962469792024-03-13T23:27:28.935-07:00Born in our HeartThe Freudenthal Family's Adoption JourneyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666752699901001074noreply@blogger.comBlogger212125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922391926396246979.post-35286607889796537922014-02-21T07:51:00.000-08:002014-02-21T07:51:16.041-08:00Raising Kids Requires a Lot of Prayer!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As our kids are getting are getting older it is getting harder! I am experiencing all the things parents warned me about your kids getting older. I really thought it would never happen to me. But this growing up thing is creating a huge pit in my stomach. I remember when they were all little and thinking it was so hard and thinking I couldn't wait for them to be older and it would be so much easier. WRONG!!! It is hard physically when they are younger but way more hard emotionally when they are older.<br />
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My cousin Robin is a great Mom and wife. She is a prayer warrior and has been a great resource for me. She always tells me you have to PRAY constantly during this phase of life. Pray for your children. That is it so much harder and more stressful when they are older. She encouraged me to get the book the Power of a Praying Parent. I got the book and pray the prays frequently. It is an excellent tool. I keep a journal as well and try to put my thoughts and prayer requests on paper so I can remember them. I speak lots of scripture over my kids as well.<br />
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The issues of kids these days are too much. I feel so bad for them with all the social media and things like that. Social media can be awesome, but it also causes a lot of hurt feelings among teens. They can see where their friends went that they weren't invited to, all this BFF stuff, WCW. If you aren't anyone's WCW then you feel bad. If you aren't with your friends in their 5000th selfie you feel bad. When your friend says someone else is their "Main" or their "bestie" then your feelings are hurt. AHHHHHH It is so frustrating.<br />
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Another thing I have learned is that I can't make my child do anything. I can't "make" them have a relationship with Christ, I can't "make" them look to Him to meet their needs. But I can pray for them and encourage them. Christ has to grab ahold of their heart and they have to form their own relationship with Him. It is my job to model Christ to them and to let them see me having a quiet time and looking to Him for answers. And for them to see me pray to Him in situations. And keep praying that He would grab ahold of their hearts and have a relationship with Him.<br />
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It feels like too much. It is so much pressure to be a good parent. But people have been doing it for years. I just have to keep my focus on Him and keep praying. In my book I read these great verses and I think they would be a great theme verse for our family.<br />
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Romans 12:10- "be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.<br />
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1 Peter 3:8- "be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.<br />
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Ephesians 4:3- "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."<br />
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So those are my ramblings today, just really been thinking of the seriousness of parenting!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666752699901001074noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922391926396246979.post-88721719619677370712014-02-13T11:58:00.000-08:002014-02-13T11:58:35.467-08:00I Have A TEENAGER…….<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy 13th Birthday Ella Rain! I can't believe my firstborn is a teen! WOW! Where did that time go? It seems like just yesterday I had my first baby. This little chubby faced, full head of hair baby girl! She was the cutest thing ever. And boy was she spoiled. She wouldn't sleep unless she were in my arms. I could not leave the room without her crying and she was a major mamma's girl!<br />
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She seriously had the thickest head of hair I have ever seen on any infant. She was such a fun smart girl. I am so blessed to be her mamma.<br />
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Here are some random facts about Ella:<br />
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-she has a huge heart for others<br />
-she has a very giving heart<br />
-she has a guilty conscience<br />
-she tells me everything<br />
-she is a baller<br />
-she has a beautiful singing voice<br />
-she loves Jesus<br />
-she is very repentant when she is wrong<br />
-she is strong<br />
-she loves going to church<br />
-she is loyal<br />
-she is very affectionate<br />
-she is super smart<br />
-she is a hard worker<br />
-she is pretty mature<br />
-she made me a mamma<br />
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Ella Rain, you are a joy and a blessing and Dad I love you so very much and we are very proud of you! Keep focussing on Jesus baby girl!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666752699901001074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922391926396246979.post-19887765242460901182014-02-07T08:29:00.001-08:002014-02-07T08:29:50.611-08:00Max Wilen is 10!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My first little boy is 10 years old. Where has the time gone? For his 10th birthday he got to go to a KU game. It was so much fun. We got to meet up with Madz and sit with her and it was a blast! We are huge KU fans at this house!<br />
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When I think back on his 10 years I ams so proud of him. He has overcome a lot of adversity. When I was pregnant with him I had to have my gall bladder out. Then during his birth his heart rate was dropping so we had to hurry to get him out. He was born a bit early so he had a hard time learning to swallow, he choked on everything. He was a happy to starve baby. And he has had many other things he has overcome.<br />
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He has been brave and a fighter and for that I am thankful. I love him so much and I wanted a boy so bad. I was so happy to finally have my boy. As a little guy he was always my little buddy, he stuck to me like glue. Now he is a major dads boy. Which hurts my heart a little but I know that is what boys his age do and he has a great daddy. I like to be around his daddy too!:)<br />
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Max has been a huge blessing to us. Here are some random things about our guy in honor of his birthday:<br />
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-He is so darn handsome.<br />
-He is super fast.<br />
-He is very funny.<br />
-He is sort of an observer.<br />
-He has so much fun with his buddy Lane.<br />
-He is a great athlete.<br />
-He is a hard worker.<br />
-He is very smart.<br />
-He is an overcomer.<br />
-He has some sick dance moves!<br />
-He is very good to his baby brother.<br />
-He loves babies, just like mamma!<br />
-He is a good artist.<br />
-He has an engineer mind.<br />
-He is pretty fly for a white guy.<br />
-He is a trend setter.<br />
-He melts my heart!!!<br />
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Max Wilen, I love you so much and I am super thankful for you! It is an honor to be your mamma!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666752699901001074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922391926396246979.post-40338860855610125032014-01-23T14:25:00.000-08:002014-01-23T14:25:04.527-08:00Oh My Aching Heart….<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This week has been a very sad week. A friend of mine lost her 11 month old baby girl to appendicitis. I mean seriously? What gives? I can't even handle it. It is too much. I can't even begin to imagine what that poor Mamma is going through. How do you ever recover from something like that? How do you ever get over it. I know that with God all things are possible, but it would seem impossible going through it. I don't know if I could breathe without one of my children.<br />
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I am praying so hard for this sweet family. Praying for comfort and peace and rebuking Satan from trying to plant any doubt in their minds. Honestly when I first heard about it I just said, God I don't even have any words to pray. My heart was sick.<br />
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Also I read on another friends FB page about a sweet little 4 year old who was adopted from Ethiopia who was burned badly when her dress caught fire from the space heater. Poor baby has to have surgery and has no skin on her legs and tummy right now. Can't even imagine watching your child go through that.<br />
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I don't know how I would handle these situations, but the thing I do know is that God is good all the time. I will cherish the moments I have with my kiddos and hug them extra tight. Please pray for these sweet families that are hurting so badly.<br />
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Psalm 34:17-18 MSG- Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you. If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; If you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath.<br />
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Come Lord Jesus!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666752699901001074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922391926396246979.post-73024731802253487122014-01-19T16:00:00.001-08:002014-01-19T16:00:14.186-08:00Maya Jane is 8<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yesterday was my baby girls birthday! I can't believe Maya Jane is 8! She had quite the celebration. She decided to use some of her birthday budget for a small spa party with 2 friends. You see the way we do birthdays around here is we give the kids X amount of money and they can either use it for a party or put it in their accounts and use it when they want something. So this year Maya wanted to have a small party. We always have a small family party for them but we learned early on that friend parties were way too expensive and way overrated!<br />
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So Friday we took Maya and 2 friends to have a mani/pedi and get their hair done! They thought they were big stuff and there was a lot of sass with those 3 girlies! We then headed on to 54th street for lunch It was fun. Then yesterday was her actual birthday and we had a family party. She had a great birthday and is growing up so fast. Tonight she is staying the night with her cousins. She is big stuff.<br />
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Here are some random things about Maya to celebrate her:<br />
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-She is one of the most confident girls I know.<br />
-She is very spunky/sassy yet has one of the most tender hearts around!<br />
-She is very funny.<br />
-She is extremely smart.<br />
-She loves to dance and sing and make up songs and dances.<br />
-She loves Jesus.<br />
-She does not like to get into trouble.<br />
-She is such a fashionista.<br />
-She is a good little athlete.<br />
-She is a major mamma's girl.<br />
-She always has my back.<br />
-She has a hard time keeping her hands to herself:).<br />
-She is a hard worker.<br />
-She is beautiful.<br />
-She looks so much like her daddy!<br />
-But she acts a lot like me.<br />
-She was the most joyful happy baby ever!<br />
-She makes our lives very colorful!<br />
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I love you more than words can say Maya Jane. You are an amazing little girl!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666752699901001074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922391926396246979.post-59070100988263444292014-01-15T18:59:00.000-08:002014-01-15T19:00:30.770-08:00A Hump Day Post!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Oh goodness the Freudenthal's have been busy. Back to school we went after Christmas break. We got an extra day because it was so cold. It has been nice getting back into a normal routine. Although we get out early tomorrow and don't go back until Tuesday. Didn't we just have Christmas break?<br />
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Big things have been going on around here. Little Ade decided he wanted a haircut. And he wanted it cut "all the way down!" He gets so tired of people always touching his hair. His hair was boss, but we let him get it cut. He is cute any way he has his hair and he loves it. We are a big KU basketball family and he LOVES watching with me. He really watches and gets excited with me and mad with me! It is precious. When I put him to bed last night he asked me "Does Wiggins have short hair like me?" Proud moment, always love when my children have KU (and Jesus) on the brain!:)<br />
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The 3 big kids are heavy into basketball right now. Max is playing on 2 teams and he put on quite the show at his last game! He made 2 reversible layups so that made his life! We had a great win. Ella is playing travel ball no games yet, we are super excited to see them play this year I think they will be great. Ella has been working on her shot and it is looking so good. Maya is playing in a league and she had quite the game on Sunday, she scored 6 points! Big day for her as well.<br />
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We have also been trying to go to more high school games, so last week we took the girls and a friend and went and watched my old high school play, it was great. They had a lot of fun.<br />
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Maya packed lunches for me one day when I was sick and she put a note in Max's lunch. It said, "max you are the best white brother!" Seriously made my day. I had to hashtag it #interracialfamprobs. I seriously love having a family with different colors. I would like to have one more, but I don't see that happening.<br />
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Maya's birthday is Saturday so we went and picked out her decorations and treats for her class tonight. It was fun getting some one on one time with her. She had a blast. And of course we got Dance Party decorations. So appropriate for that girl!<br />
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OK I"m signing off for the night just wanted to update.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666752699901001074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922391926396246979.post-52346823888849597532014-01-05T17:56:00.001-08:002014-01-05T17:56:09.572-08:00Cold Busy Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Brrr today it was soooo cold. There is no school tomorrow due to the temperatures. We had a busy day today. We got up early and went to early church, there was like no one there. Then we zoomed over to Maya's basketball game. It was such an intense game. The team we played apparently doesn't like our team and is out to beat us. I don't know if this is true, but I have heard that they talk trash on our team. Which is kind of crazy because Maya plays softball with a lot of the girls on that team. Anyway, they were up 6-0 the first half and we ended up going in overtime and beating them by 1. Such a sweet victory! But seriously, it is 2nd grade basketball people. Maya played great. She took some great shots and played excellent defense. Just needs to work on using her left hand a bit more! From the game we came home and settled in and watched the KU game. It was a frustrating loss. I was seriously not happy!<br />
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For some reason yesterday and today I have just felt a nervous feeling in my stomach. Like I can't relax. A real anxious feeling. I hate it when that happens, it is the worst feeling. I can't stand it. But I can't pinpoint where it is coming from. I just keep praying and giving it to the Lord. Like the verse says, "When anxiety is great within me your joy brings comfort to my soul."<br />
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So tomorrow I am going to breve the cold and try to head to the gym and Hyvee, we seriously have no food around here. And they will need to bring a lunch to school on Tuesday and we literally have nothing! Until tomorrow!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666752699901001074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922391926396246979.post-5542102467202878222014-01-03T17:22:00.000-08:002014-01-03T17:22:26.433-08:00"Fun" Day!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So we decided today we were going to get the kids out of the house and take them shopping to spend some of their Christmas money. They have been asking me to do this all week mind you. So Joe stays home from work to go with us and we are getting everyone ready. They ask what we are doing and I say going to the mall and Target. "What??? I just want to stay home." I hate walking around the mall!" Uh…..really, wasn't this your idea guys? So we explained to them that this was something we were doing for them and it was going to be fun. So change your attitude. After Judy and Rudy Attitudey straightened up it ended up being a fun time.<br />
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Ella is staying all night with a friend tonight. Maya and I have been playing some serious Skip-bo and Joe, Ade and Max have been playing football and xbox. Lots of fun around here.<br />
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And a funny story from last night. The 3 big kids go to Bookball on Thursday nights and Ade sits and watches. We are there for 3 hours. So he plays ball and plays his iPad. So he is playing a game on his iPad and Joe hears him say, "I'm gonna get you you son of a bitch!!!!!" Apparently when Joe let him watch Back to the Future with him he picked up that little gem! So daddy had to explain to him that we don't talk like that! That boy is something else!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666752699901001074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922391926396246979.post-91072268452614124432014-01-02T11:00:00.000-08:002014-01-02T11:00:23.272-08:00Hello 2014!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It has been awhile since I have posted. This year I am going to try to keep up with this. Just post different things about the day. That way I will have some things documented!<br />
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2013 was a great year for us. We have started the process of starting a non profit called Orphan Free. Our goal is to help make our world Orphan Free. Not only through adoption, but through family preservation and list of other things.<br />
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Adoption has been such a blessing to our family and we feel like God is calling us to help others as well. As many of you have probably heard, Ethiopian adoptions are close to closing. That makes me so sad. When I am there every year I see the need and the number of children who are in such sad situations. But God is in control and He has a plan. We just need to trust in it.<br />
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At this point I don't think we will be adopting again. Joe is just not there and I think another one would put him over the edge. It has been a process for me to accept that and honor him. I think I will be 90 years old and still think we need a baby!<br />
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Anyway, I hope to keep up on this and I will try to post some pics. Have a great week!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666752699901001074noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922391926396246979.post-63461299207440693022013-04-15T10:32:00.002-07:002013-04-15T10:33:25.324-07:00I just don't feel complete....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have had this discussion with several people over the past couple of weeks. I have asked the question, do you feel like your family is complete, like you are done having children. And most of the women I have talked to have had an emphatic YES!!! They feel they are done having children and expanding their families. I on the other hand do NOT have that feeling of completion. I just feel like God has someone else out there for our family. I am struggling because I don't know, maybe I will always have this feeling. Maybe my heart will always want to have more children. I don't know. I really feel like 6 would be the most I could have.<br />
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There are days when I wonder why we have all of these children and I feel like the worst mom ever. But a majority of the time, I feel like we need at least one more. My husband has agreed to pray about it and I pray that God would give us both a CLEAR answer. I just really think I need one more little baby! And I think it would be great for Ade to have a sibling that looks like him.<br />
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I am just rambling, but that is what is on my mind lately. God please guide and direct us!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666752699901001074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922391926396246979.post-8059656543398402802013-04-07T21:05:00.002-07:002013-04-07T21:05:56.124-07:00Ethiopia Part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
One of my favorite things we did was we got to do a home visit in Korah. Korah is the trash dump where people go to survive. They dig through the trash to find food or things to sell to buy food. It is a very poor area. We got to visit with a woman who was HIV positive and had travelled there from the countryside to get medication. Basically in Ethiopia if you are HIV positive you are considered not worthy so to speak. Although they say it is getting better. One of the women had never even been to the market because she had never had the money. Heart breaking, she shared with us how her stomach hurt a lot and she had a lot of headaches. Also she said that she has a hard time paying her rent. Do you know how much her rent was? 12 dollars a month. Seriously, it was so sad. We ended the visit by laying hands on her and praying for her. I thought to myself this woman maybe hasn't had a hug in a long time because of her condition so I gave her a huge hug when we left and my friend Tammy kissed her on the cheek. It was too much. I left her house feeling like such a jerk for all that I have. <div>
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We got to visit the Layla House Orphanage on our last day. One of my faves. There were so many babies/toddlers there that were waiting for a family. Some had a family, but most were waiting. Seriously, why does it have to be so hard to adopt? My family could have expanded by at least 3 more if we could've just taken them. It broke my heart to see all of those babies laying in those bed in those pitiful clothes knowing that my son was once there. Laying lost without a mommy and a daddy. Thank you Jesus that you led us to him.</div>
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We went to another school Trees of Glory. That is where our families sponsor child is. Mickias. I got to hand deliver our package to him and it was sooooo wonderful. He is the most handsome little guy and he wasn't at school because he was guarding the home while his mom was away and he is 8. Broke my heart. They went to get him so I could see him. He let me love on him, hug him kiss him and carry him. He was precious. And he loved his new shirt and all of his goodies. I can't wait until November when I can send him something again. Our family loves and prays for him.</div>
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This year was much more emotional than the previous trip. I feel like I cried a lot this trip. But I was glad because I want the Lord to break my heart for what breaks His and I never want to become numb to the situation in Ethiopia. I have some of my dearest friends and family members there. I was very emotional just looking around being in an orphanage watching tiny kids without proper shoes, clothing and nutrition working so hard knowing that could've been my son. My precious little baby boy whom is so pampered and loved. I am so thankful he is with us and now has a family. And especially a father. I always hear about the "fatherless" and thanks to my husband, Ade Joseph is no longer fatherless.</div>
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I am now an Ethiopian driver, my buddy Habti let me drive his car and it was amazefest and so much fun! I am the only American he has ever let drive! I'm feeling pretty special, I still have a lot to learn though!</div>
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It has been tough transitioning since I've been home. I miss my friends so much. There are like family, like my little brothers. I adore them and we have so much fun together. I love that I can totally be myself, we can be laughing hysterically one minute and sobbing the next. I am so thankful for all that the Lord has done in my heart and I am so thankful that I have a purpose outside of the home. I can't wait until next year!!!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666752699901001074noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922391926396246979.post-54143916950966525162013-04-02T06:00:00.000-07:002013-04-02T06:02:23.066-07:00Ethiopia 2013 Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So I've been home for a few days and had some time to process and think about our trip. I would definitely say this was the best trip yet. I don't think I've ever been this emotional in my life. My poor husband was very understanding, but I bet he wondered if I would ever stop crying!<br />
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Our week started off at church at Beza and it was awesome worshiping with other believers from half way across the world, serving the same God! And the kiddos around were a bonus!:) The pastor at Beza is great. He gave a wonderful Palm Sunday service. How cool that we were in Ethiopia on Palm Sunday? So cool.<br />
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Monday we heading to Trees of Glory. Last year I met a amazing little girl named Tigist whom I fell in love with. It always amazes me how you can meet a person 1 time see them once and year and love them with all your heart. You see we looked into adopting Tigist because the children in the Trees of Glory area are in a tough situation and some of them do not have families. But she had a family who loves her, so that is right where she belongs. But I love her like she is mine.<br />
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So we get to the school and I had been talking talking talking about how excited I was to see her and guess what, she wasn't there:(. I was heartbroken. But my awesome friend Fikre called her father and he promised she would be there on Tuesday. So I enjoyed the rest of my day handing out care packets to the kiddos from their American sponsors. One thing that broke my heart during the care packages were that we had so many sponsors that didn't send their children a packet. It made me angry to see the 50+ children without a package. These kids have NOTHING and this one of 2 times they get a bag. It literally takes 30 minutes to go to Target fill a small ziploc, write a note and send it to the representative. I don't understand. So the looks on the kids faces was unforgettable. Thankfully we had extra things so they all got something.<br />
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The thing about the kids there is that the instant they get their bags, they start SHARING it. I always find myself wondering about my own children. No way would they start sharing their Christmas/Birthday presents right when they get him. And that always makes me sad.<br />
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So on Tuesday we headed back to Trees of Glory and guess who was there? My baby girl!!! Tigist was there. I took one look at her dropped my stuff and ran and picked her up. Pretty sure I barely let her out of my sight for 8 hours! I held her loved on her, kissed her, prayed over her. So much fun. Also we got to paint her nails! And she was so precious blowing them for 30 minutes. When I sat her down for lunch she patted her bench because she wanted me to sit with her. And if I was away from her I would randomly find her and kiss her so she had no doubt that I loved her. But my heart melted and I will never forget her little voice look up at me and say "I love you Ali!" Talk about emotional.<br />
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It came time to leave and I was dreading this part of the day. I hugged her and she buried her little lips into my cheek with the biggest kisses ever for about 5 minutes. We kept hugging each other and kissing each other. I told her I loved her and would always pray for her and sent her with the older child to walk her home. About 2 minutes later I feel a little tug at my shirt and I look down and it is Tigist with her arms up for me to hold her. Again, melting my heart. So I kissed my hand and had her kiss hers and we put them together and I told her I would always love her. I walked her out to the street and prayed for her all the way. And that was my day with Tigist.<br />
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But the thing that made me the most sad was that she didn't look as healthy as she did last year. She was so skinny and her teeth had gotten must worse. Her hair was turning red and brittle. That is the first sign that she is malnourished. Please pray for my girl that she would be healthy and well taken care of.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666752699901001074noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922391926396246979.post-68096701157480274372013-02-17T17:55:00.001-08:002013-02-17T17:55:51.720-08:00Father/Daughter Dance<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Friday was the Father/Daughter dance and so Joe and the girls were all dressed up and headed to the dance! Ella had an emotional meltdown. Nothing fit so we headed to the mall and found a dress in 20 minutes and she looked beautiful. We took pictures and then they were off.<br />
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The boys and I went to dinner with some friends and headed to the SJCS basketball games. It was super fun. Max's little friend Lane stayed the night and his birthday was on Saturday so we surprised him with a donut with a candle and a present! It was super fun.<br />
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So Joe said the dance came with lots of drama. Having 2 daughters at the F/D dance is never easy, someone always feels like daddy didn't spend enough time with them! Too much drama for this mamma! But Joe said Maya had a blast and danced and sang her little heart away. Ella was all about her friends. All in all I think it was a pretty fun time.<br />
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I enjoyed hanging out with my boys. I asked Ade if he had a girlfriend in his school and he said, "no Mom, we all just hang out!" Really my little 3 year old. He kills me!<br />
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This weekend has been crazy busy. We rearranged Ella's room and did a thorough cleaning that was brutal. I seriously about had a panic attack. I couldn't believe all the random things she had just stuffed in various places. So many huge rubber maids of clothes that no longer fit. Also cleaned out Maya's closet and it was bad as well.<br />
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Headed to church this morning and Ade started running a 103 fever:(. Pray for my baby. This is just a rambling post!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666752699901001074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922391926396246979.post-42096542353925107002013-02-10T17:56:00.000-08:002013-02-10T17:56:26.496-08:00Happy 12th Birthday Ella Rain!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today my oldest child is 12 today! I can't believe Ella Rain is that old! It seems like just yesterday I was trying to get to the hospital in a terrible snow storm. Just yesterday I held that chunky little blacked haired baby in my arms for the first time. I mean the girls hair went down her back! She was absolutely adorable! My life changed forever for the better most of the time.<br />
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She was my baby girl that was a major Mom's girl. She and I were the best of friends. She slept with me, ate with me, bathed with me, did everything with me and I loved it! I am so glad I got to have that time alone with her!<br />
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Here are some things that I love about Ella Rain......<br />
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-She is beautiful<br />
-She is funny<br />
-She knows how to make people feel good<br />
-She has a heart for missions<br />
-She is a people person<br />
-She has a guilty conscience so she generally tells on herself:)<br />
-She is fairly respectful<br />
-She is a great basketball player<br />
-She is so smart<br />
-She is bright<br />
-She likes to read<br />
-She loves children<br />
-Her blue eyes<br />
-Her dark hair<br />
-Her heart for Jesus<br />
-Her desire to do the right thing<br />
-She does not care what people think of her<br />
-She is not out to impress or be cool<br />
-She is my oldest girl!<br />
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There are many more things but those are just to name a few. Ella Rain, I am so glad that God gave you to me to mother. You are such a blessing and you definitely keep me on my toes. I love you so much I can feel it in my bones!!!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666752699901001074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922391926396246979.post-49510259699311778032013-02-04T18:13:00.000-08:002013-02-04T18:13:04.185-08:00Just Being Honest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am going to go ahead and say it, sometimes being a parent SUCKS!!! It doesn't stink, it's not just hard it just downright sucks. Today is one of those days. There is no "SuperMom" in this house today.<br />
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I am the only one that experiences this, you go to pick up your kids from school and you are excited to see them since you haven't seen them all day and they get in the car and are just totally rude and grouchy. Snapping at you when you ask them anything, crying and melting down because they can't get a snack at the gas station and giving you attitude and my very favorite, SULKING!!! Oh how I loathe the sulking. "Hey, it's great to see you kids too!" Glad I picked you up. Ughhh<br />
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And then after you have talked and talked and tried to train and teach them about a certain thing and it totally happens over and over and over again!!! Please people go ahead and talk about something you weren't supposed to and let your mouth get in your way for the thousandth time. Go ahead and get angry and pound the floor at your basketball game. Please, we love to be embarrassed. We love looking like you have never been disciplined a day in your life.<br />
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Oh dear Jesus, help me through these days and not lose my temper and patience, but to parent with grace. The most beautiful thing about us is that we are flawed and that Jesus loves us anyway. And that is what I tell my kids, even though you humiliate me and make me angry and frustrate me I don't love you any less.<br />
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I'm sorry for this mean post, but man do I feel better after writing it!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666752699901001074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922391926396246979.post-84665815732720816312013-01-31T05:40:00.001-08:002013-01-31T05:43:28.375-08:00Love that my boys each have a brother!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This week was Max's birthday. I have mentioned before that Ade ADORES Max. And Max is so wonderful to him. So today when I opened up Ade's school bag there was a picture with a note attached to it. The picture was Ade holding up a "birthday cake" made out of snow for Max, with candles and all. The note read, "Ade wanted to make a birthday cake for Mackey, but I told him it would melt so we took a picture to send." The look on his face was so precious. It seriously made me want to cry happy tears. To see the love between those two is priceless and worth ALL the hard work.! Love my boys!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666752699901001074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922391926396246979.post-85795470183203340422013-01-29T15:23:00.001-08:002013-01-29T15:23:09.855-08:00Happy 9th Birthday Mackie-Moo!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today is Max Wilen's 9th birthday. I can't believe my boy is 9. I like to say he is the 2nd boy who truly stole my heart! One look into those huge almond shaped hazel eyes and I was taken! He is such a sweet boy. I wanted a boy so bad and was so happy to finally get my boy. He is such a blessing to us!<br />
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Here are some random things about Max:<br />
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-He is really good at doing flips!<br />
-He is so handsome!<br />
-He is very smart.<br />
-He is really good at putting things together.<br />
-He is very compassionate.<br />
-He loves Jesus.<br />
-He is so good to his little brother.<br />
-He and Maya are good buddies.<br />
-He is a good student.<br />
-He is a really good basketball player.<br />
-He can be really funny.<br />
-He loves his blankie!<br />
-He looks so cute in his clothes.<br />
-He is super stylish and fly!<br />
-He loves to shop.<br />
-He sings well.<br />
-He adores his daddy.<br />
-He is very snuggly!<br />
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There are plenty more things but these are just a few. Happy Birthday Max, we love you more than words can say and we are so thankful God chose us to be your parents!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666752699901001074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922391926396246979.post-4265792105543436642013-01-19T09:19:00.001-08:002013-01-19T09:19:51.002-08:00Happy 7th Birthday Maya!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Maya Jane turned 7 yesterday. She had a fun day. I can't believe my baby girl is 7. She is such a blessing to us and we love her so much! Here are some random things about Maya girl!<br />
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-She is hilarious!<br />
-She looks just like her daddy!<br />
-She is a really good basketball player.<br />
-She has one of the softest hearts of anyone I have ever meant.<br />
-She is a perfect mix of sass and sweet!<br />
-She is a good dancer.<br />
-She is a fashionista.<br />
-She is so smart.<br />
-She loves her family.<br />
-She loves Jesus.<br />
-She is easy to discipline.<br />
-She loves her baby dolls.<br />
-She will be a great mommy.<br />
-She is a major Mamma's girl.<br />
-She loves to read.<br />
-She loves babies.<br />
-She is so kind.<br />
-She has the cutest little glasses.<br />
-I love her little baby feet.<br />
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Needless to say Maya Jane just all around rocks! We love you MJ!!!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666752699901001074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922391926396246979.post-2366106612357186992013-01-11T19:02:00.000-08:002013-01-11T19:02:07.043-08:00Spelling Bee, Awards, and funny things!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well today was the spelling bee at school. Honestly I dread this day every year. My Max is ultra competitive and I know if he doesn't do well he is going to get in the car and instantly think he is not smart and cry and be mad at himself. Ella every year has the same girls win and so she does it just for fun not expecting to win. And this was Maya's first year. Luckily I had an inside track to the spelling bee and my friend Joey gave me the heads up. Maya went out the 4th round and Max went out quickly, Ella on the other hand got 4th. So she was pretty excited. I guess when Maya got out she just started crying. Thankfully Jojo was there to comfort her and hug her until she calmed down. When Max got in the car he said he did horrible and got last place and was a horrible speller. I felt so bad for him. I hate it when my kiddos feel bad about themselves and especially feel like they are not as smart as everyone else. We are in a private school and have a ton of really smart kids and sometimes it's hard when you are a good student, just not a straight A student. BUT being the super mom I am:) I bought them a little present to help ease the blow and to let them know that Joe and I were so proud of them for even trying. Lot's of kids didn't even attempt the spelling bee. And we were proud.<br />
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When I got home I was going through backpacks and found a character award in Max's bag. He got the "compassionate" award for the month at school! I was so proud of him. I told him that though I was so happy for the kids that won the spelling bee I would much rather have him win an award like that! He is showing the heart of Jesus and that makes my Mamma's heart happy! So he was really proud of himself.<br />
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Some funny things Ade said today, Joe had opened the garage today as we were leaving and didn't come in the garage because he was on the phone, so Ade looks over at him and says, "what is Daddy up to?" Totally cracked me up! Then he said Daddy is frustrating! That boy makes me laugh so hard. Then I was buckling him in his car seat and he says in a high pitch voice, "don't hurt my balls!" He is such a boy!<br />
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Well, that is about all for now. Have a great weekend if there is anyone reading!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666752699901001074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922391926396246979.post-43379456936340399962013-01-05T11:02:00.001-08:002013-01-05T11:02:34.265-08:00Things are looking up!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, we are finally fever free over here! Praise the Lord, that was a rough virus and a long virus! We took the kids to The Great Wolf Lodge yesterday and we just got home. It is not my favorite thing to do, being pale white, in a swimsuit right after the holidays! I also don't like being in a swimsuit unless I am getting a tan, shallow I know! But anyway, the kids LOVED it and it was great for them to burn off some energy. They were so well behaved and we really had a great time.<br />
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Tonight Joe and I get to have a date night! We haven't had a date in I don't know how long. I think I've been away from my kids a total of 2 hours in the past month and a half and I am EXCITED. We are having dinner with my lifelong friend Katy Lovill. We have been friends since she was 4 and I was 5. Maya Jane is named after her. I am pretty excited to just chill with adults. But I will miss my babies.<br />
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The kids go back to school on Monday and I am excited. This hasn't been a bad break it has just been really long. And boring since the kiddos were all sick. But I am ready for a normal routine. In everything, it seems like I eat more when the kids are home and I don't exercise as much. It's time to get back to normal.<br />
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OK well we are off. Some funny things the kids said, Joe told Ade to put his coat on and he looks up and Joe and says, "daddy Jesus doesn't want me to wear my coat!" Oh boy we've entered that phase. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666752699901001074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922391926396246979.post-25685370395665690192012-12-26T18:16:00.001-08:002012-12-26T18:16:54.833-08:00Christmas Sickness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So Christmas was interesting around here. I had 3 kids with high fevers and croupy coughs:(. But they tried really hard to be happy. On Christmas Eve we have my mom's side of the family over and the last 2 years we have done ugly Christmas. So it has been really fun.<br />
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This year Joe dressed as Cousin Eddie from Christmas Vacation. He was hilarious. We had such a great time. But Maya was really feeling bad so I had to go lay down with her and I missed a lot of the party. But I could hear all the laughs and yelling so I know it was a good one.<br />
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We woke up on Christmas morning and read our birthday letters to Jesus and sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and then it was on to opening presents. The kids had so much fun and I feel like Joe and I did a good job. We didn't go overboard and they were happy with everything they had gotten. Poor Max Maya and Ade were all still sick. Later we headed over to my parents to eat dinner and open gifts and by this time 2 of the kids had spiked fevers and they were ready to go home. They were done. But we had a wonderful time at my parents, just felt bad that we had to leave so early.<br />
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Today has been cleaning and organizing. The kids were thrilled about that let me tell you. Actually Ella helped me a lot. She can be really helpful if she wants to be. I got all the Christmas decorations put away and got the house mostly put back together.<br />
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We had to take Maya to Urgent Care because she is so congested and her cough is awful. They gave her a steroid and she is much better. Poor little thing. I am ready to have 4 healthy kiddos again. I'm sure they are ready as well.<br />
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A few things I want to remember from this Christmas: We had told the kids not to guess their presents because it is really annoying to the people giving them. So every time Ade would open a gift we would say, "what is it? and he would say, DON'T GUESS!" He is so obedient. He was very into opening presents.<br />
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Ella opened a One Direction blanket and said, "Ok boys, come to Mamma!" She is too much.<br />
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Maya Jane got black American Girl Bitty baby twins and she named them Tariku and Mekdes. Tariku is Ade's birth name and Mekdes is his sisters name. Very sweet and precious.<br />
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Max kept telling us this is the best Christmas ever that we did the best buying that we ever had! It was really sweet.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666752699901001074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922391926396246979.post-81102545169913999412012-12-20T12:12:00.000-08:002012-12-20T12:13:10.548-08:00Sickness, Christmas programs, Snow Days, Tis the Season<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Oh boy it has been an eventful couple of days. On Monday I was so tired couldn't even stay awake and I wasn't feeling well, by Tuesday I had the full blown stomach flu. I really think there is nothing in the world worse than feeling nauseous. Can I get a witness? Anyway, I had to miss the Christmas program at school and it was Ella's last elementary program. So that was quite the bummer. But I hear she did great on her speaking parts and she nailed her solo. Maya Jane seems to be quite the performer, Joe said she had strangers coming up to her saying they couldn't keep their eyes of her! And Max was trying to get out of the whole thing! Such a boy, but he did well and they all looked really cute!<br />
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So we have a snow day here. I was excited about it until 3 of my kids were up by 6:30. One of them up at 5:30 and I might add she is soooo pleasant today. I decided to make cookies with the kids and my lovely tween daughter started in with an attitude. Oh Jesus please help this to stop. I can't take much more of the attitude. Daddy stepped in and she shaped up eventually. Maya had a blast making cookies and we had to clean up several messes, but it was fun.<br />
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Then it was off to play in the snow. Can I just say getting snow clothes on your children is one of the worst most frustrating parts of being a parent. I can't tell you how many times I yelled, "STRAIGHTEN YOUR ARM AND MAKE IT STIFF!" Can we just say Mamma is in a mood today? So I told them I would dress them once and if they cried, whined or complained about ANY item of their snow clothing they were staying in the house. Needless to stay they went out and didn't complain and had a great time.<br />
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OK so have I mentioned the mice in our home? I am going to die if we don't catch them. We have one that I think may be a genius and he is in our room and bathroom and he somehow escapes the snares of death we have set up for him every day! So it was wrapping time I needed to finish it up. And it took me 3 and a half hours I might add. I smelled something awful in the storage room and found a dead mouse in one of my rubber maids. Come on people I can't live like this!!! My husband said I was being a bit dramatic and I was having a pity party for myself. In my head I thought it is my party and I don't remember inviting you!:) Did I mention I am in a mood?<br />
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I am in a grouchy mood and I don't know why. Maybe it is because I was sick and I feel overwhelmed. But I feel so guilty when I get like this especially at Christmas. But I will ask for forgiveness remember the reason for the season and bomb my house with mouse killer and all will be well with the world!:)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666752699901001074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922391926396246979.post-39594233285314052122012-12-17T19:11:00.000-08:002012-12-17T19:11:07.524-08:00Wow It's been a long time!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It has been a long time since I have posted on here. I was just reading through my book of my blog when we were adopting Ade and it made me realize how much I enjoyed writing and keeping track of things the kids say and fun events in our lives. So I am going to try to do a better job of keeping up with this!<br />
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So let's see, Ade is doing fabulous! He is 3 now and I'm pretty sure he NEVER stops talking! It has been amazing how he has just molded into our family. He is a total Freudenthal! He acts a lot like me an says all sorts of funny things that I say! Like "that's cray cray!" He makes us laugh every day and he is such a blessing to our family. He loves his daddy like no other and I'm pretty sure his big brother Max may be his favorite person on earth. He is so darn cute and has the cutest haircut ever! We call it his Fresh Prince hair. He has a serious 90s fade going on and it suits him well!<br />
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Maya is in 1st grade and is so smart. She is growing up so fast and she is just so much fun! She makes our life very colorful. She is a fashionista and has such an eye for detail! She is very observant and quite the basketball player. She is a blast.<br />
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Max is in 3rd grade now and he is just so handsome. He also is a really good basketball player and is amazeballs at Hap Ki Do! He is so little and flexible and I'm pretty sure he is the best big brother in the whole world! He loves being home with Joe and I and is content to just hang out with us and be with his family.<br />
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Ella Rain in in the big 6th grade, she is rulin' the school!:) She is growing up so fast and she is so incredibly smart. She has such a missions heart and such a heart for others. She is such a blessing. She and Joe just got back from a week in Guatemala. They had such an awesome time and it was so great that they got to spend that time together just the 2 of them! I love to see her missions heart!<br />
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Joe and I are doing great. It seems like we barely have time for a 5 minute conversation and barely have any time together, but we do have time as a family and we are enjoying this season in our lives, soon enough we will have all the time in the world for each other and we will miss these days.<br />
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So that is a little update, I'll post some pics. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666752699901001074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922391926396246979.post-82312364593872019132012-06-06T11:07:00.001-07:002012-06-06T11:07:29.087-07:00A Heavy Heart for Sweet Lucy and Her Family<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today my heart is heavy. I have been following a blog for over a year now about a sweet little girl named Lucy who is Maya's age who has been battling cancer. Her previous scans showed the cancer was gone and then in the past few days Lucy has gotten sick and they found out that her cancer is back and there is nothing they can do. They don't have long with sweet little Lucy.<br />
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Lucy has an older sister and a younger brother Jack. She has 2 loving parents who have been such an inspiration to me. My heart HURTS for them. No one should ever have to endure this type of pain. And Lucy's mamma Kate has handled it with grace and beauty. She is very honest about her feelings and I admire her.<br />
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Please pray for sweet Lucy and her family and Jesus please keep that baby girl from having to struggle and please keep her pain-free. Have grace and mercy on her family and Jesus please protect little Ella's heart as she deals with all of this info.<br />
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Hug your kids tight and be thankful that they are healthy!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666752699901001074noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922391926396246979.post-72702972243764872812012-05-14T05:30:00.001-07:002012-05-14T05:30:48.035-07:00Turning Whittling into Giggling!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last night Joe was teaching Max how to whittle a stick. He was loving it. So this morning he came into the kitchen with his spear and said, "dad, I need to giggle more on this." He said giggle instead of whittle! So whittling will forever be giggling to us! I love him!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666752699901001074noreply@blogger.com0