tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-197515902024-03-07T01:16:52.409-06:00Here We Grow AgainBe always growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be all glory, both now and to the day of Eternity!
2 Peter 3:18Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746735954722210856noreply@blogger.comBlogger954125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19751590.post-81557599207178638962016-07-19T12:32:00.000-05:002016-07-19T12:32:53.607-05:00More than a List...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNakyM5hyphenhyphennvrxy32lMGNPVwt75Db7folwH3eLYkxjY9UiDRZzTp51P80A117Vd-FxWowS5SLeRWkToAJ3ArFGXyNR4P_jomKGg2t5Jzzh_frhyphenhyphenLM9n6Occ44RxQIKov7dxJwAJg/s1600/1e03e2cf-c296-4043-ba58-968e95ab0d25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNakyM5hyphenhyphennvrxy32lMGNPVwt75Db7folwH3eLYkxjY9UiDRZzTp51P80A117Vd-FxWowS5SLeRWkToAJ3ArFGXyNR4P_jomKGg2t5Jzzh_frhyphenhyphenLM9n6Occ44RxQIKov7dxJwAJg/s640/1e03e2cf-c296-4043-ba58-968e95ab0d25.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">I remember when I first
started seeing these flyers for the hosting program.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The needs of the kids
overwhelmed me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Most things I had never heard
of, and honestly I could barely pronounce half of the words. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And then I watched this
hosting program in action. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">First I watched my best
friends host 2 children from the Philippines, who soon became their son and daughter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">My first experience to really
participate was 2 years ago. We had barely stepped off the plane with our 2
newest children and so we did not do much. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Besides entertain some
chaperones during which time we managed to allow their passports to get stolen
out of our van. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I don’t care to remember THAT
story to much… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The 2<sup>nd</sup> hosting
experience was of course this past month. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">You know I have done a few
things with China stuff besides CZ. But that is my heart, my family where I
KNOW that I know that I am supposed to be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">So I have probably in some
ways “snubbed” any opportunities to work anywhere else. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Much of that because I am
OVERWHELMED by the needs that are in CZ. How can I possibly open my heart up to
ANYWHERE else?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And sometimes just because I
have visited other places there that I have not felt the tug, that our team is
REALLY needed there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">But then this hosting
experience, it stirred something in me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">These children that came. I
can’t get them off my mind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I know what it is like for ME
when I leave China. I struggle so much. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">So what is it like for them.
They have had a taste of life in a family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">They have had food, and clothes
and toys and fun. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdn12X48aLWT0A7A8dfbSZlOonFyifnqv4dXkG9-AvXjrHpyl1c3sjOLq7K5APCjDDs-8ivPRnZgDfjbIzOoneS-peOryyQUETfO96DzSx19bTA884actYdOep7res4IDCJwScA/s1600/4f5ede5d-a1bc-4022-8ffc-64cbab4fc603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdn12X48aLWT0A7A8dfbSZlOonFyifnqv4dXkG9-AvXjrHpyl1c3sjOLq7K5APCjDDs-8ivPRnZgDfjbIzOoneS-peOryyQUETfO96DzSx19bTA884actYdOep7res4IDCJwScA/s400/4f5ede5d-a1bc-4022-8ffc-64cbab4fc603.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">They have been loved deeply
and hugged and kissed on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And now they are back to the
orphanage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSpJM53xBypIjFolbpomuVKbJCOx7I5UbTjInEhJqzQqX5dJ-vF7mJLjFVWxr0MNfiaLQdNVCVfpYVQswNFoUekQvEpE3gHH8c_AaIcJmjMyZG_bcwKUIArFKMvobgbTg-YWotw/s1600/821dd230-580a-4900-9d88-44edee799a7f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSpJM53xBypIjFolbpomuVKbJCOx7I5UbTjInEhJqzQqX5dJ-vF7mJLjFVWxr0MNfiaLQdNVCVfpYVQswNFoUekQvEpE3gHH8c_AaIcJmjMyZG_bcwKUIArFKMvobgbTg-YWotw/s400/821dd230-580a-4900-9d88-44edee799a7f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That breaks me. And I know it
is breaking all of the mama’s hearts who had to put them on that plane. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-M5BQ2fXQaTlFOn7H_N2raFik74P6k_fg09ZqmW-uY_wkswvHvUEGINZ-CtENHS_K1JbvBPQNKjQd8VliRKzCONCDvCEZH7t7wSyYvtArDPIWTg1tPJwlJAzQer4DGG3u-mOuQ/s1600/53ddd155-03da-4a73-b036-8a093c5e12af.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-M5BQ2fXQaTlFOn7H_N2raFik74P6k_fg09ZqmW-uY_wkswvHvUEGINZ-CtENHS_K1JbvBPQNKjQd8VliRKzCONCDvCEZH7t7wSyYvtArDPIWTg1tPJwlJAzQer4DGG3u-mOuQ/s320/53ddd155-03da-4a73-b036-8a093c5e12af.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The ones that I am really
struggling with are those not chosen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Right now 9 of those children
have families who will begin the process to bring them home. They will move
heaven and earth to get it done as fast as possible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Lord willing by this time
next year those 9 will be back here, with the people that they know and who
know them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">But 4 of them still wait. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MIGHT have families. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">So I am going to concentrate
on the 2 who don’t. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">First up is Samuel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">This boy is B.O.Y.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">100% Boy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXL3B-XprI1wMwjIi_fsEWcklhsYe5MB2catIl670aMMBcDfoPRsZ_Rqccy0g2DHvh1N519gSeyuF3arClAYz9Tn8uhF6HW8g5GoOcJXuUiL6pvY4Bb8mUnWl8sU-HhAPJPq51w/s1600/004086e3-d2c5-4d14-8cc8-f51881cf4f68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXL3B-XprI1wMwjIi_fsEWcklhsYe5MB2catIl670aMMBcDfoPRsZ_Rqccy0g2DHvh1N519gSeyuF3arClAYz9Tn8uhF6HW8g5GoOcJXuUiL6pvY4Bb8mUnWl8sU-HhAPJPq51w/s320/004086e3-d2c5-4d14-8cc8-f51881cf4f68.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">He is full of energy and my
house got a GOOD workout in the hours he was here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Not going to lie, he was
busy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">But then he climbed in bed.
And I tucked him in, kissing him goodnight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5DMMlkhjXtWvQTOLCUeIrhlGtX0FGkl1HEqlodTbX87eoVylSRFPgZOMlaqbWemN8oc5fl57_wqrKX1dfnPKMKLjDo-AZL3365Ah07qnooQ5rmqxWdHGp7GJu-MdY1__jHaKDw/s1600/13714549_10208783917748111_1986096295_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5DMMlkhjXtWvQTOLCUeIrhlGtX0FGkl1HEqlodTbX87eoVylSRFPgZOMlaqbWemN8oc5fl57_wqrKX1dfnPKMKLjDo-AZL3365Ah07qnooQ5rmqxWdHGp7GJu-MdY1__jHaKDw/s320/13714549_10208783917748111_1986096295_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">He woke up so calm and sweet
and he clung to me at the airport. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I thought of that saying, we
can’t judge a book by it’s cover. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And that is what I think with
Samuel. He overwhelmed me upon meeting him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">But then I got to see this
little spirit inside of him that snuggled in and could see all the love he has
in him and I know that a family would fall in love if they can see that part of
him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtLoNFOwfzrWQ9smsh0kLH8powBelMJoQfPlXPN3bV2AxIbVgQQ3A7rIjRO8mUlTz3EvhLaMUGqYJTMBRaEoIr7kTSftIukA_7yDbooaT7wlL3pg-VjHNAXsAx-W1bdi1-w9hjw/s1600/13713447_10208783917948116_1372346817_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtLoNFOwfzrWQ9smsh0kLH8powBelMJoQfPlXPN3bV2AxIbVgQQ3A7rIjRO8mUlTz3EvhLaMUGqYJTMBRaEoIr7kTSftIukA_7yDbooaT7wlL3pg-VjHNAXsAx-W1bdi1-w9hjw/s640/13713447_10208783917948116_1372346817_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We see these photos on a
flyer, we read the list and we are SCARED. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I remember reading about
Noah. His list was the longest, his picture a bit scary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And then I met him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I told Mark, how can anyone
say NO to him? What is the big deal, he needs an eye lift and yes his “special
needs” list is long but WATCH him and look how sweet his kisses are and listen
to his raspy voice! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bLh-9j3KtXQ_zsdLNy0MnaE-gxfUwtb0KdDjQuVxbFMxM0MGE9YynAIaEVaNcmBfeeFTqtWBe9cxcKqSqseYoa3BM5yprsEnhRZKcDyr5qXAEhP1elfIWtXTJK7ZOkHFwURkSQ/s1600/13645277_210467239354208_7779958904714845418_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bLh-9j3KtXQ_zsdLNy0MnaE-gxfUwtb0KdDjQuVxbFMxM0MGE9YynAIaEVaNcmBfeeFTqtWBe9cxcKqSqseYoa3BM5yprsEnhRZKcDyr5qXAEhP1elfIWtXTJK7ZOkHFwURkSQ/s640/13645277_210467239354208_7779958904714845418_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Mark said, “you are seeing
the child and not the needs, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">some people can’t do that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That is truth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Sometimes we get so wrapped
up in the list that we forget to see who these children really are. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We forget that God created
them PERFECT in His eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Noah’s family DID find him,
praise the Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUge_2HWbNjV2aYImxsIP_MEk2oh0nmg7lY_w4p074l-Nb38y8kTTZ11-QmbiLwLKNoxzMmYuKDGIFFFn6BH_t2LimifYWOamccDtn334gFNGzMvQyktp5EYvlr27QrdwSayhfNA/s1600/sky-193697_640b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUge_2HWbNjV2aYImxsIP_MEk2oh0nmg7lY_w4p074l-Nb38y8kTTZ11-QmbiLwLKNoxzMmYuKDGIFFFn6BH_t2LimifYWOamccDtn334gFNGzMvQyktp5EYvlr27QrdwSayhfNA/s400/sky-193697_640b.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">But Samuel is still waiting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And so is Aubrey. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtgVfKT3vObUk2vtQaYgA2MLCYaSWJgxDm1Xf62iGtLgKXCbvdlVum6XMaAG3_nTFDL7GCzsH1JzYO_83uhrVvt7nu1M5X8QQMIZHzBjM2PQ4jyWccQ3DyGIPZYingP73sOzo7g/s1600/13728318_10153761705501527_874288326_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtgVfKT3vObUk2vtQaYgA2MLCYaSWJgxDm1Xf62iGtLgKXCbvdlVum6XMaAG3_nTFDL7GCzsH1JzYO_83uhrVvt7nu1M5X8QQMIZHzBjM2PQ4jyWccQ3DyGIPZYingP73sOzo7g/s640/13728318_10153761705501527_874288326_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Aubrey has major vision
issues. And I did not get to spend a ton of time with her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">She was nervous with the
change of moving from her host families to our friends for the night. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgIbnXXmLxVL9V4K_aYAqHmoAiMqtnvNsTYbsXVwjwbobcN5y4Ub0Pn9LTkqmR1MTw03D_23MAuswcpPqIB1LrvuJQzMmHRMdmb0bIB35IOTtl4Ht-g1Q9UAvyHX2-51seMpfLA/s1600/13695940_10208784052231473_526938697_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgIbnXXmLxVL9V4K_aYAqHmoAiMqtnvNsTYbsXVwjwbobcN5y4Ub0Pn9LTkqmR1MTw03D_23MAuswcpPqIB1LrvuJQzMmHRMdmb0bIB35IOTtl4Ht-g1Q9UAvyHX2-51seMpfLA/s640/13695940_10208784052231473_526938697_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">But once her host mom left we
actually saw her start to run around with the kids and giggle and smile. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Here is what my friend who kept her for the night said..</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">"Aubrey is very bright. She can speak 2 languages, Mandarin and Cantonese. I was shocked at how many English words she had picked up while being here. She was given glasses for the first time ever and they are really helping her so much. She is very smart, so polite and has so much love to give."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I wish we could make these
children come alive for you. I wish we could show you more than a photo and a
“list”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iSB71maPfpJT79n_T7zr7lcKj-S2I9PJsi-cvLgLwo9yVu2Ct2GgSshLEYTuCkI-K1VOEW8UOtOqKEw12I7d2c2ZOqdR-k3IOSzFOysTkvUAezsU1knUhwWELcL03Ph0MQi2mA/s1600/16c635f9-274a-4196-855c-7090308df8f2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iSB71maPfpJT79n_T7zr7lcKj-S2I9PJsi-cvLgLwo9yVu2Ct2GgSshLEYTuCkI-K1VOEW8UOtOqKEw12I7d2c2ZOqdR-k3IOSzFOysTkvUAezsU1knUhwWELcL03Ph0MQi2mA/s640/16c635f9-274a-4196-855c-7090308df8f2.jpg" width="614" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">They are so so much more than
that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">There is so much hope and
love and sweetness wrapped up in them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">God has given us voices for
so many different reasons. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I pray that I can use my
voice well to share these children. That I can tell those chaperones who came
that your child WAS chosen. They will be loved and that this trip you came on
was worth all of the travel and stress and unknowns and being away from your
own families for a month. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I pray that we can show even them they are more than a list. They are a loved and treasured son and daughter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 21px;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"></span></div>
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746735954722210856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19751590.post-77335364011246112892016-07-16T23:58:00.001-05:002016-07-17T00:17:48.548-05:00Thanks to God we Made it....<div class="MsoNormal">
It seems that blogging only works for me when I am in China
these years.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I guess 7 children will do that to a person. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Or facebook or iphones, they seem to steal so much of my
“free” time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But I miss writing and I have challenged myself to start
again. To make it a priority. I love looking back over the years at what God
has done, and I know I will regret that for all these missing posts. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So here we go. It seems only obvious that my first blog back
in a year would be about nothing less than… China. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But instead of being IN China, this is about China coming
here. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In my home. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Let me go back. To May. The month of craziness. Honestly,
ALWAYS crazy here but especially May.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Makenna graduated high school. I need to post about these
life events that are so so big and changing our everyday. But for now she
graduated.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Because our trip TO china was planned for departure May 25<sup>th</sup>,
we had her graduation party early. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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2 weeks before the China trip I had 200 people IN MY HOUSE
to celebrate our beautiful oldest daughter. It was such a fun fun day. You know
I love pinterest and I lived out my pinterest dreams in her party. <span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> <o:p></o:p></div>
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May 22<sup>nd</sup> she graduated! <o:p></o:p></div>
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May 25<sup>th</sup> we left in the dark of morning to begin
our journey back to China for my 9<sup>th</sup> trip. Makenna, Sawyer and I. <o:p></o:p></div>
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June 8<sup>th</sup> we returned home. <o:p></o:p></div>
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June 11<sup>th</sup> we drove 8 hours to drop her off at
college for a 2 week freshman orientation. On the 8 HOUR drive home (why oh why
is my child going SO far!!) Michelle called me to ask if I could help with
hosting some China chaperones the following week. Chaperones that spoke no
English. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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At first I thought NO WAY. I have been home from China a few
days, I am tired. But it is China and I miss China so terribly I ache and so
YES yes, I will do it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I, doing what I do well, text people I knew and asked if
THEY could host them. And thankfully they did. But we would do some of the
running and the coordinating and spending time with them. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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And then it ended up that we had one more guy arriving from
China that we would pick up from the airport. So it was our day to entertain
the first set of chaperones. We had set it up they would visit the Chinese
Gospel Church for dinner and fellowship before we met the last guy at the
airport. (they are not believers but they were hungry for food AND someone to
speak in their own language) <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We almost dropped them off at the church. I mean honestly,
we had every right to skip it. We were exhausted, we would not be able to
communicate, we needed a break. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But God… We were SO blessed by our visit. They asked me to
share about our story, my trips, my heart for the orphan. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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They listened and they asked if they could go with me to
help on our trips, to translate, to be love to those they could communicate
with. They handed me $ for the orphanage. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God often humbles me. What if I had said no? I almost missed
it. This blessing He had waiting for me. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVnjh18vAKoYU2Q4YrD2njGtDD5cIzjFoTp7tm6Dtx7hCFgm1Aj-3WWbmwH2iUzQ7q5i-0AYElj-i18OES-ZXZ2dQKES6BV9PoitgPjRJoZb8-P39T_6bewaINHLCikrJuUpZwQ/s1600/IMG_3394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVnjh18vAKoYU2Q4YrD2njGtDD5cIzjFoTp7tm6Dtx7hCFgm1Aj-3WWbmwH2iUzQ7q5i-0AYElj-i18OES-ZXZ2dQKES6BV9PoitgPjRJoZb8-P39T_6bewaINHLCikrJuUpZwQ/s400/IMG_3394.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We left there so excited and headed to the airport to meet
our next chaperone. We will call him Shawn. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Are you wondering what a chaperone is? I should explain. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In His Hands Orphan Ministry brings over children every
summer from China through Madison Adoption Agency partnerships. Kids that are a
little harder to place. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chaperones travel with them and this might be the orphanage
director, a nanny or teacher of the children, etc.. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
So we pick up Shawn and find out he actually does speak some
English and he would be sleeping at our house. We stayed up late that night and
the next talking and sharing China stories and learning and listening and
letting him ride our lawn mower and trying new foods and showing him what life
was like in a family and what a town looks like in America and we were so
blessed and so sad to see them go. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So sad in fact we asked if we could have them back again for
the end of their trip! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It worked out we were able to get them back to attend our
church for the 2<sup>nd</sup> time. The sermon was on the Great commission. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Myself and friends were sharing on our different mission
trips during the service. I had the songs & sermon translated so they could
follow along. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We were able to share our hearts and who we are. We shared
WHY we do what we do. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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None of this being nice and hospitable is about us or what
WE want. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is because God is in us and He wants us to love. No
matter how that looks. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We played tourists in the city, we sat more, we enjoyed our
company with long late talks and fun busy days. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92M9a5DQBiFAoJ48ndKafiG5stpCXRRnmWiCTYFfm-bbfUuwORNChw-JBq9sVgy10b2bnQHCtNnG5Tqd1tFiV_SwIXAefvT8qnEpiy5mwUuKAr1VmEHfjZI63lzHR-SA4J1gbJw/s1600/IMG_3375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92M9a5DQBiFAoJ48ndKafiG5stpCXRRnmWiCTYFfm-bbfUuwORNChw-JBq9sVgy10b2bnQHCtNnG5Tqd1tFiV_SwIXAefvT8qnEpiy5mwUuKAr1VmEHfjZI63lzHR-SA4J1gbJw/s400/IMG_3375.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We saw a side of China we don’t always understand.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And they saw a side of adoption they don’t understand. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They said how hard it is to wonder what happens once they
say goodbye to the children at their orphanage. They were able to see this side
of adoption. How much the kids are loved, how they just blend right in to our
families. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They saw a side of giving and loving that they have not
before. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkc_QJAEjwH7QQIh5mkYQWxMu8ZR06EaK9xLfTA5WFdUt5pIKeZcjh1mfJ_hxE4ZOHB2N69BMXiCIK3QMiIGp2xO9PzHfLqFVXtzmTD770fMcsk7dEqnMoRqITRTv2T9YyUEFSug/s1600/IMG_3304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkc_QJAEjwH7QQIh5mkYQWxMu8ZR06EaK9xLfTA5WFdUt5pIKeZcjh1mfJ_hxE4ZOHB2N69BMXiCIK3QMiIGp2xO9PzHfLqFVXtzmTD770fMcsk7dEqnMoRqITRTv2T9YyUEFSug/s400/IMG_3304.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
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On Wednesday we took them back to Springfield for their
early flight out on Thursday morning. They said, it is so difficult to say
goodbye. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
And it really is. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I gave them bibles and they promised they would read them. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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They asked me to come see them on my next trip. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then their flights were cancelled because of bad storms.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
13 children, 2 chaperones from China. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Rescheduled out of St Louis for Friday morning. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I did what just came natural. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Come here! It will be a party! God gave us another day, we
will meet the children that did not find families on this trip. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday night we hosted 5 boys and the 2 men, a girl went
to our friends house close by. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was crazy and loud and we met families who had to say
goodbye to the children they will adopt and God was so present in this house. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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I watched boys amazed at the ice maker, amazed at the
trashcan, laughing as I tucked them into bed and handed them each a stuffed
animal to snuggle with.</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We spent more time late into the night talking with our
friends. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49tckRys8V9HN2xa6M7_9Vx9b002Kg7gZKonxn-YG_x-PzIFkvK3_yTksnq_WgMin_4NmWinjY6hxJhYkeRDJnAADmCHum6wNxPJtBwQe05yxRH7RlcE1NpyPmZ5r3wr33p3pDQ/s1600/IMG_3421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49tckRys8V9HN2xa6M7_9Vx9b002Kg7gZKonxn-YG_x-PzIFkvK3_yTksnq_WgMin_4NmWinjY6hxJhYkeRDJnAADmCHum6wNxPJtBwQe05yxRH7RlcE1NpyPmZ5r3wr33p3pDQ/s400/IMG_3421.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
All to early it was time to get them all back to the airport
for the final goodbyes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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These children were here a month. Families hosted with no
intentions to adopt, but fell in love. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXD1bOlpjlp3M0kF2CHfOJhw6CW_h1YFqUlwd458Rm4awqBFJnLHCOIgcNhWtqOhd1y-RaK6yt8tVCtRLx_x6ELtxoUEGFYdXfM5F9Mkxh_8SxHliGS4NeHalWa_qdD63x8o2d4g/s1600/IMG_3512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXD1bOlpjlp3M0kF2CHfOJhw6CW_h1YFqUlwd458Rm4awqBFJnLHCOIgcNhWtqOhd1y-RaK6yt8tVCtRLx_x6ELtxoUEGFYdXfM5F9Mkxh_8SxHliGS4NeHalWa_qdD63x8o2d4g/s400/IMG_3512.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
So they were not putting orphans on that plane, they were
putting their children. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwJ2zLShXGH0pO8XPld2cet4J-kYySXeZ-JsBPGf5-6-jDGmaKHIadlj9FoGZ3kaFL8uJJm3tzQL53-dYQhnNWDUPEDpFEWhTc8EcXAi4QPeLZnsf5tBNwP-K4k8lFLG6UgQ9xg/s1600/IMG_3573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwJ2zLShXGH0pO8XPld2cet4J-kYySXeZ-JsBPGf5-6-jDGmaKHIadlj9FoGZ3kaFL8uJJm3tzQL53-dYQhnNWDUPEDpFEWhTc8EcXAi4QPeLZnsf5tBNwP-K4k8lFLG6UgQ9xg/s400/IMG_3573.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I peeled a boy off of his mama and carried him through
security as he wailed and screamed at the top of his lungs, mama, mama! They
said he asked the whole flight back when will she pick me up?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My heart was shattered as it always is when it comes to
loving orphans. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the tears are good! 13 children came to the US as
orphans. 9 leave with the promise of a forever family! 2 more are possibly
matched! <o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmAccjRFF4u_HWJWaQwHhNkhnFjHTlBpzxTzJ43rdVie-qMtY7wbaydOA_RduKLM6ZY7tAhrta_FPYRXVrpQeqadGQ5TXPYE1Qs7JtSzjT8LMahrTG9ALlkjauqtcznlun_rmZQ/s1600/IMG_3563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmAccjRFF4u_HWJWaQwHhNkhnFjHTlBpzxTzJ43rdVie-qMtY7wbaydOA_RduKLM6ZY7tAhrta_FPYRXVrpQeqadGQ5TXPYE1Qs7JtSzjT8LMahrTG9ALlkjauqtcznlun_rmZQ/s400/IMG_3563.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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13 children that would not have known love. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Tears are always good when we are broken for what God is
broken for. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We drove home and I checked the status of their flight. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
DELAYED. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I anxiously watched and it continued to be delayed. There
was no way they were making their connection in Dallas. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-i6F2Nm05a6yWw9h4QvrEc0Gc8SK0KZr-JGfbVQ1cnsNpNEdtDW8SDsG1CY977aa3lk9LbSKzUK921wAXbJQ7_ZJqGZAjFWGJUQVMixIoFA9yTXkF8qUEul-NQaYSwbHRJ-y0A/s1600/IMG_3562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-i6F2Nm05a6yWw9h4QvrEc0Gc8SK0KZr-JGfbVQ1cnsNpNEdtDW8SDsG1CY977aa3lk9LbSKzUK921wAXbJQ7_ZJqGZAjFWGJUQVMixIoFA9yTXkF8qUEul-NQaYSwbHRJ-y0A/s400/IMG_3562.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I called the airlines and they said they had already
re-ticketed the group. To stay the night in Dallas and leave in groups over the
next few days. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I “calmly” explained that would not work. 13 children who
are special needs can NOT be in dallas overnight and not fly together! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was told there was nothing that could be done. I gathered
up prayer warriors. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
And I asked for a manager. Who said there is nothing they
could do. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We prayed some more and I called again and asked for a
higher up manager. I asked if they could fly them back here OR send us there,
on the airlines bill. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
OR how about just HOLD THE PLANE. At this point the delay
was very close. They would be running, but they would be in the airport before
the China flight took off. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“We don’t hold planes”. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Probably true, who are we to ask for them to hold a plane?<o:p></o:p></div>
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BUT God…. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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After being on the phone for over an hour they said they
would alert the gate agents and they would see if they could wait a little bit.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We prayed, oh we prayed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I watched the updates and the flight to Hong Kong was
DELAYED. Just a few minutes but it was listed as delayed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The St Louis flight landed in Dallas. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We told them to RUN.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By Gods grace they made it to the flight. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I got a message from Shawn and this is what he said. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“ Thanks to God we are on the flight”. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I cried. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This friend who did not know what God could do just a few
weeks ago, watched God work. And he knew it was Him! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This stuff is crazy and tiring and sometimes we don’t want
to say yes. But oh when we do, when we give God a chance to be present and
listen and we love, we are so blessed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My heart is overflowing tonight as I reflect on this
adventure. I am sad and I miss them all and I wish I was in China right now.
But I am so very thankful for friends across the Ocean. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I give thanks to God for all He has done and all I know He will continue to do. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746735954722210856noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19751590.post-92227178528062212612015-08-01T09:51:00.000-05:002015-08-01T09:51:00.579-05:00Mavery's Heart Surgery<div class="MsoNormal">
This morning I read back over my blog from 2009, Mavery’s
first heart surgery with us. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have come so far. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1_9ry-Xplq3cGyRki5JHouRhJlVjU79VVystYe7VB8cbN93M5W8cdG2k7xYBvaMzXuK7xANhmE9FXs1RSmkFfu_3K0LQG9U9CCdLqLLyjwIrl_y5KejJg6TL7YkT4MWKf9o2/s1600/11825992_10206349753895536_1791246927180737786_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1_9ry-Xplq3cGyRki5JHouRhJlVjU79VVystYe7VB8cbN93M5W8cdG2k7xYBvaMzXuK7xANhmE9FXs1RSmkFfu_3K0LQG9U9CCdLqLLyjwIrl_y5KejJg6TL7YkT4MWKf9o2/s320/11825992_10206349753895536_1791246927180737786_n.jpg" width="291" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right before we left for the hospital</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yesterday at 3AM (July 31<sup>st</sup>) my alarm went off to
prepare for heart surgery #2 with us. (first was done in China, 2<sup>nd</sup>
was done January 2009.) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I walked in my door from China at 11:30PM Wednesday evening,
the 29<sup>th</sup>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was not the ideal timing situation, obviously, but it was
the only time that worked with the surgeon. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-r2lBACLisPKXh13LF4QoeNSYnJfSqJUsFTLPpq0XrFq6l3twzo6vKels8bktuV46DBo-vI7PdaW0dXoV8b-dE1YRMid0fW2ZnzM_9Cw2d6G_P6IJyZrGihtmqwUgDgx02aq/s1600/11813477_10206350151345472_4949968788271073081_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-r2lBACLisPKXh13LF4QoeNSYnJfSqJUsFTLPpq0XrFq6l3twzo6vKels8bktuV46DBo-vI7PdaW0dXoV8b-dE1YRMid0fW2ZnzM_9Cw2d6G_P6IJyZrGihtmqwUgDgx02aq/s320/11813477_10206350151345472_4949968788271073081_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So far so good, smiling before! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mavery was very excited for surgery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She can remember her heart catheritzations
and that memory includes presents, room service and mom sleeping with her at
the hospital. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLD7QecEwP91HbaBqYeW5Ri6cFYShlFltpvFMPvPLQEkpRtIRDNq41OGGVIKuJv6MyCZKKuAIfhyxlwwUv_DRsBwxXL4fyzJWFETfRf6Cxwbv_Z4NMQNfG2K6iI4f0bcOKhBd7/s1600/1513211_10206350151585478_3256818783392604884_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLD7QecEwP91HbaBqYeW5Ri6cFYShlFltpvFMPvPLQEkpRtIRDNq41OGGVIKuJv6MyCZKKuAIfhyxlwwUv_DRsBwxXL4fyzJWFETfRf6Cxwbv_Z4NMQNfG2K6iI4f0bcOKhBd7/s320/1513211_10206350151585478_3256818783392604884_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will take excited over tears. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They took her back right about 7AM giggling and said she was
giggling all the way into the OR. Love that calming medicine and just can’t
understand why they don’t throw us parents an extra dose! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Surgery went well, she was in recovery quicker than we
imagined (in reality it was hours but went fast with a roomful of family and
friends waiting with us) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They told me they were trying to take out her breathing tube
(really, already?) and would bring me her blanket, then giving me an idea when
I could see her. Probably another hour. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over an hour later they came out to say there was a
problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was bleeding and so they
had to OPEN HER BACK UP. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here is the good thing about surgery a day after you get
back from China. You are in a huge jet lag fog and so when they tell you they
have just cut your child’s chest open for the 2<sup>nd</sup> time, have put her
on the by pass machine AGAIN your only coherent thought is “God, she is in your
hands and I trust you”. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She came through this 2<sup>nd</sup> surgery and we finally
laid eyes on her about 10 hours after we kissed her goodbye that morning. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8KWipK_3i_3iYiTm1mhMKa47wjXXQB3Y0rL3r_d_k9YX6UA1mkhRXk9tEhs4CNFU1xAvGPAQCByARtLlbmbTJRxvbhlSs7XV5fTkxAoO-J5UhhQHl-ogSF_1eHwxOa3vNUik/s1600/11825821_10206353787916384_6495136486736455496_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8KWipK_3i_3iYiTm1mhMKa47wjXXQB3Y0rL3r_d_k9YX6UA1mkhRXk9tEhs4CNFU1xAvGPAQCByARtLlbmbTJRxvbhlSs7XV5fTkxAoO-J5UhhQHl-ogSF_1eHwxOa3vNUik/s320/11825821_10206353787916384_6495136486736455496_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first glimpse after. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By midnight the breathing tube was out and she was asking
for food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was not happy that they
only gave her ice chips. Right before the tube came out she was so frustrated
trying to communicate with me. No idea what she was saying but I tried as hard
as I could to guess! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is so hard when you just can’t fix it for your kids isn’t
it? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As she was pleading with me through her eyes and I am trying
to calm her down all while trying not to sob I just kept thinking over and
over, Thank you God she is alive! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-O4bOC_xJxVJ7hXZ4H8wT5xJaDLpq8N8DM_HIY1K7rjtSWiY7LjEp1pg3YHVDa2YOg7gMHRhK_Wb9UzPy2s7D7JXZB4oq8TFUk5LSELYm6YkbPi7jDbif8qPcMLd6u4ofwH8/s1600/11825035_10206354431252467_8965776571621233980_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-O4bOC_xJxVJ7hXZ4H8wT5xJaDLpq8N8DM_HIY1K7rjtSWiY7LjEp1pg3YHVDa2YOg7gMHRhK_Wb9UzPy2s7D7JXZB4oq8TFUk5LSELYm6YkbPi7jDbif8qPcMLd6u4ofwH8/s320/11825035_10206354431252467_8965776571621233980_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tube is out! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember her first surgery; 3 months home and the paralyzing
fear that God had brought her home for just a little while. I was so scared He
was going to make me say goodbye after I had barely said hello. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you send your child back in for another surgery you
still get those crazy thoughts. WHAT IF? (Kind of like every time I fly and I
imagine the plane going down!) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But this time I was filled with more peace than that first
surgery. Mavery has taught me SO much in the 7 years she has been home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gets EXCITED over surgery. She doesn’t
complain, she just fights hard to move on. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I first saw Mavery on a waiting child list in 2007 I
fell in love. God spoke to my heart so clearly and I had no doubts she was
going to be my daughter. Mark was scared that her heart condition would mean
she would not live. We had her file reviewed and they said typically that
condition is minor so in faith we moved forward believing her heart would be no
big deal. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXK9XQFBcJ6rWU7OLtu-Uc98vwjbYj-m2I609BkGjoH1kf99U69xCMP4e7QpQ2hj33f8oGwYGBnWosb0Qk4AtN1WrEUaYA7yF9rSxUJ-Un2XZroCyirdJj1GePg7KC1J8ViWg/s1600/Mavrey%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXK9XQFBcJ6rWU7OLtu-Uc98vwjbYj-m2I609BkGjoH1kf99U69xCMP4e7QpQ2hj33f8oGwYGBnWosb0Qk4AtN1WrEUaYA7yF9rSxUJ-Un2XZroCyirdJj1GePg7KC1J8ViWg/s1600/Mavrey%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And of course it was a very big deal. It is not a fixable
heart condition that goes away. It is an ongoing broken heart that will forever
need checked and monitored. She is ok, it could be SO much worse. But it is not
something that we can ever ignore or pretend is not there. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBKpgoJ4nNKnLtfzJoRiDE1-aLD6DR0pdqSeBHXZB_JPr3NlcTad7HLO4w_qnUOyTKSPfMJ48vg7O5lXrfpPE5rFF-CfndgbeumxVURka8OdfO6cR8K_SnGpsouSvT8i02qla/s1600/Mavery+Hospital+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBKpgoJ4nNKnLtfzJoRiDE1-aLD6DR0pdqSeBHXZB_JPr3NlcTad7HLO4w_qnUOyTKSPfMJ48vg7O5lXrfpPE5rFF-CfndgbeumxVURka8OdfO6cR8K_SnGpsouSvT8i02qla/s320/Mavery+Hospital+036.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surgery 2009</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think back on that day I first saw her face and Mark’s fears. I see SO clearly God’s plan. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
IF we had known it was so serious, we would have been to
scared to move forward. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
IF China had known she had a huge aneurysm on her heart
(they never did a recheck after her first surgery) I am not so sure she would
have been adoptable. My guess is they would have just left her for a while and
that aneurysm (per her doctor could have exploded any moment) would have killed
her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I pray that Mavery ALWAYS sees God’s hand on her life. I
pray that I can continue to grow and be more like Mavery, excited over the
challenges and facing the future with my arms thrown open wide with a smile on
my face. <o:p></o:p><br />
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The night before surgery Mark wrote a post on Facebook. I
pray it touches your heart as you hear from a Daddy’s heart how much he loves
his baby girl, and I pray that you know you have a Heavenly Father that loves
us even more than this. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As I was praying for Mavery's heart surgery
this morning I felt compelled to write something about how she has taught our
family so much and stretched us more than anyone. . This will be a little long
but this is therapy for me as much as anything. Mavery came to us as a sad and
broken three year old. If you have spent anytime in a Chinese orphanage you
would know why. In the beginning, our emotions were strong and we were going to
be perfect parents. She would come home and everything would be great. She
immediately had to have open heart surgery which I think broke her just a
little more. After 6 months to a year, reality set in. She was driving us crazy
by doing things just to make us angry, being mean to the other kids, screaming
all the time, and the other kids were resenting her (except Sage who always
loved her no matter what). Shannon was in tears most days, On the darkest days
I remember wondering if we made a mistake. Would our family fall apart?
However, we made the decision just like God did for us that we would love her
unconditionally. Our emotions would not control us, she is our child, and we
would do whatever it takes. We did get counseling help which helped explain
that her actions were her trying to control her world. If she could make us
angry then she was in control. We just kept loving her and she has slowly
blossomed. She is now 9 and is the most giving of our children. If there is one
piece of cake left, toy, candy, etc..., and you did not get any she will gladly
give you hers (actually she will insist). When we adopted Syler and we had to
send him to school with very little English, we chose Mavery because we knew
she had that nurturing instinct and would take care of him. She gladly did. She
has a huge smile and everyone she meets loves her. She is hilarious. Everything
is not perfect. She still has a lot of sensory issues and she is completely
unpredictable. You don't want to make her mad because she can still give out
the most viscious tongue lashing in the house (although if I ever had to go to
war she would be my first choice). We as humans always wonder why God does not
just make things easy. Our journey with Mavery is a perfect example of why. He
wanted to change our hearts and to teach us to love just a little more like he
loves us. Without Mavery, I would never have adopted two more kids at once with
one being an older child because I saw first hand with Mavery what God cn do, I
am thankful for Mavery and trusting that God will take care of my baby girl
tomorrow. Also, please be in prayer for our friend<a href="https://www.facebook.com/karl.nowak1"><span style="color: #3b5998; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Karl Nowak</span></a> and
family. They are adopting two in Latvia and probably experiencing the fear
those first few days can bring when you wonder if you can handle this.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19751590.post-3358471310303112152015-04-06T21:45:00.000-05:002015-04-06T21:46:45.845-05:00Happy 1 year Syler & Mercie! <div class="MsoNormal">
One Year. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can’t even believe it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It seems like just yesterday and forever ago all at once. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you first meet your new children, or even after being
home a few months, you can’t help but think ahead to that one year mark. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You know life will be a bit easier, more settled, maybe
calmer. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The calmer part is just a crazy dream I always seem to have
even when adding more children. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life IS a bit easier in many ways. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It IS more settled. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not calmer, in fact I think it is more wild than a year ago!
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That is a good thing. It means that life is NORMAL. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One year ago we had no idea what it would mean to bring home
2 children at once.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We did not know what it would be like to bring in an older
boy who was almost 9 years old and didn’t know any language besides Chinese. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We could hardly remember what it was like to have a 2 year
old, with diapers and was a baby in so many ways. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Adoption is not all that much different than birth. We
forget the HARD, and we know that is God. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He brings the beautiful to mind. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I look back on
Gotcha Day of course I DO remember the tears. But I also remember the miracle.
The 2 children that God has whispered would be ours, they were in our arms
forever! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well Mercie was kind of in our arms. She was mostly kicking
& screaming and so sad my heart was shattered in a 1000 pieces for days
with her. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglQneOhyRTPtpw8kLrCClFMxb-NMKE0F2x10XC0TYk2ZU6k3fMRWwalhxm10NMay9_RLT5P2FkVdrp9kTnprf12pK32CG5UUieRza6xRb_-S9i-BBpWsByx8oCl2nVoqJGw8b/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglQneOhyRTPtpw8kLrCClFMxb-NMKE0F2x10XC0TYk2ZU6k3fMRWwalhxm10NMay9_RLT5P2FkVdrp9kTnprf12pK32CG5UUieRza6xRb_-S9i-BBpWsByx8oCl2nVoqJGw8b/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I knew that the same God who had brought them to me,
would heal that heart of hers through our love. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And He did! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our Mercie Fei Evangelin is such pure sweetness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both children have changed so much but in her
it is so evident because of the tears. She spent so many months terrified. And
now she has just blossomed. She loves to laugh and meet new people and while
she is still cautious at times, it is not with the same depth of fear. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a gift to watch a child learn to trust.
To watch them believe you really are their forever. She knows when mama leaves,
mama comes back. Always. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6d2MaXTda6edFkerVKOZLC8cxyl1zYG75GGF_gCpDz96LfuJLjAR9HYcfSSN2oExnSD-a54kySd0ZanWS9_KEjpBK-cGvyvyVUSwduNXjzfKFivF9jJ8ioReINsv43b_AFZe/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6d2MaXTda6edFkerVKOZLC8cxyl1zYG75GGF_gCpDz96LfuJLjAR9HYcfSSN2oExnSD-a54kySd0ZanWS9_KEjpBK-cGvyvyVUSwduNXjzfKFivF9jJ8ioReINsv43b_AFZe/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently we had an evaluation done for school screening. She
failed miserably. It is easy to start to worry and wondering if she is going to
struggle. But school tests are school tests. They aren’t heart tests. And if I
had to give her a heart test I believe she would pass with flying colors.
Mercie is happy. She rarely cries or throws a fit. Mercie is silly! She loves
to make everyone laugh. Mercie is attached. She now sleeps in her own bed and
doesn’t wake up screaming or even crying. She goes in the church nursery to
play with her “friends” and she knows mama will be back. So while she may not
be able to say more than a few words, can’t stand on one foot or point out her
colors, in one year she HAS learned that she is loved and wanted and that she
is home. She has learned to trust and believe in us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKY0rkJl8uRt8mMx6VGO2LiEg1yrfAxGY5Tby5P5IGhw-H9MoINxBwVuuqnMZfcyz29edHg8L4P1QgfzwAig2wB7-SXPzAKIhW6xOH-HGwqPFVgilmQiVFHb3STN6vqSQ-tew/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKY0rkJl8uRt8mMx6VGO2LiEg1yrfAxGY5Tby5P5IGhw-H9MoINxBwVuuqnMZfcyz29edHg8L4P1QgfzwAig2wB7-SXPzAKIhW6xOH-HGwqPFVgilmQiVFHb3STN6vqSQ-tew/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She has wrapped herself
around everyone’s finger who meets her and anyone who sees her can’t help but
smile. Her curls are still there, which makes me so happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She still doesn’t say words clearly, but she
is so expressive you can understand whatever it is she is trying to say! In the
days of a crazy life you do forget sometimes the miracles of our children. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes the Lord will just flash a photo
across my mind of the day I met Mercie while on a trip in China, July
2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t get to picture her birth,
but I can picture that day, that room, her sitting on the ground, me falling to
my knees and on that day already begging God, is it possible she might be mine?
And now she is here!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHL2o_7u2sIi5OoEqvxiq6uKr9ojY915eeSr4NIQkLgys3y9cIAJZ01A6mkMLaSpQT_7pM5HxJsb7eqU3AY9cDhw0-jtzB4IVZbwrp8ZVUileWxp7g51VPVZdb7k__bp3-SNqj/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHL2o_7u2sIi5OoEqvxiq6uKr9ojY915eeSr4NIQkLgys3y9cIAJZ01A6mkMLaSpQT_7pM5HxJsb7eqU3AY9cDhw0-jtzB4IVZbwrp8ZVUileWxp7g51VPVZdb7k__bp3-SNqj/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
God answers prayers. God works miracles. God brings the orphan home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQ-Bs6QMF3QWsclp1sIvALuPuBp7DjLksMn9KCpkN_AoNk9PVfypCm6zvltPa6m_4fz7cEkEsB7p2PJW6JaXnOjfl1LgLN_6tZLL2HHML7gsXajMlWzkpRyYVafO_ozfkJshO/s1600/unnamed-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQ-Bs6QMF3QWsclp1sIvALuPuBp7DjLksMn9KCpkN_AoNk9PVfypCm6zvltPa6m_4fz7cEkEsB7p2PJW6JaXnOjfl1LgLN_6tZLL2HHML7gsXajMlWzkpRyYVafO_ozfkJshO/s1600/unnamed-6.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Syler Blane GuoLang, the bravest boy I know. Also probably
the easiest I know. There are times Mark & I look at each other and ask, is
he TO easy? Shouldn’t he be sad, or mad or grieving or defiant or combative or
all the other things you worry about with older boys? Recently a friend told
Mark, maybe sometimes we TRY to find things wrong and there doesn’t have to be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Isn’t that the truth??<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFBpY5lDQ8SoDRkA9DgvQri_sj21aa5jsf9nCtMzryyFP0idtbXtHI_-p971p9Rv9sWm6NjJgCDLT2woQ3duP2jvCxW2vQQtKlxt505MidnZz9InhkhXP8Vdu-PKfi9CWBDI0/s1600/10993407_10205135885589587_7640716889737076005_n-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFBpY5lDQ8SoDRkA9DgvQri_sj21aa5jsf9nCtMzryyFP0idtbXtHI_-p971p9Rv9sWm6NjJgCDLT2woQ3duP2jvCxW2vQQtKlxt505MidnZz9InhkhXP8Vdu-PKfi9CWBDI0/s1600/10993407_10205135885589587_7640716889737076005_n-1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, leaving all you know at almost 9 years old does seem
traumatic. But maybe it doesn’t mean he has to be sad or mad. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe he is just so happy to be home.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe God has been writing us in his heart since the
beginning & Syler can accept that story better than even I can. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our boy is joy. He really is. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are times I still have to remind myself how far he has
come, and often times I get irritated over nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a boy. He thinks like a boy. He forgets
like a boy. He acts like a BOY. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlr6JX8F70esbOg1I5o4imLqBR3POqy9hiVYw4AnkALRy40RryduFca_ur2XynbGywNOQ-pr3RQ2JZawi3osDdUCUpR5wPrkLrIcWDbyeiuHNI1oO8guBIKz7UJE73EMh0NEo/s1600/unnamed-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlr6JX8F70esbOg1I5o4imLqBR3POqy9hiVYw4AnkALRy40RryduFca_ur2XynbGywNOQ-pr3RQ2JZawi3osDdUCUpR5wPrkLrIcWDbyeiuHNI1oO8guBIKz7UJE73EMh0NEo/s1600/unnamed-16.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
So yes sometimes we are still working on manners, where he
puts things and can’t remember, don’t inhale your food, and yes you have to
WASH in the shower, not just get wet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But if I step back I remember I am still telling other
certain boy(s) in this house the same things!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BxfACTXvQ0quRfUKO2zPRSjFRGv6NLXsIc0BlJWYnBz8YYm_DGtic4deOL92PdUC1D3U9qDrdp3SdYZabF56mcAl7J34vg4h2yLkI_8Q1C7EQjid74L7qIUBZQPnXALuwJJa/s1600/unnamed-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BxfACTXvQ0quRfUKO2zPRSjFRGv6NLXsIc0BlJWYnBz8YYm_DGtic4deOL92PdUC1D3U9qDrdp3SdYZabF56mcAl7J34vg4h2yLkI_8Q1C7EQjid74L7qIUBZQPnXALuwJJa/s1600/unnamed-18.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Syler never argues. We spend so much time after school
practicing reading, going over letters & words. I know he doesn’t want to
do it while everyone is outside. But he just does it. He wants to keep up in
reading with his siblings. He wants to learn! And he is learning SO much. MY
brain is in overload half the time with all he is learning. How in the world
can he already know all the things he knows?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One year ago he knew how to say hello. THAT.WAS.IT. He is now reading
simple books! You can carry on a conversation. There is nothing he can’t
explain to me or talk about. Sure there might be a few words he struggles, but
overall we can talk. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t get me wrong, we still have communication gaps and I
have to really make sure he understands something I have said, because often I
assume, and that might not work out well. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bonding with an older boy is about as I expected it to be.
Easier for dads & big brothers. Harder for me. And while I feel he trusts
me, loves me, understands I am mom, I sometimes wonder if he really believes it
is forever. So I am working on ways we can grow that bond. One idea we have
been doing is I have him share stories he remembers about his life in China. I
type it on the computer and told him someday I will make a book for him so he
won’t forget. It has been kind of fun and sad all at once to imagine this life
he lived before me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day he was
telling me about riding on a motorcycle to school. I said, “I didn’t know you
went to school at that age!” His reply, “Well, you never asked!”. Lesson
learned. ASK questions. Keep asking the same questions. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Our Social Worker was here for our 1 year placement
recently. She asked how the kids all get along. I automatically said that they
fight at times, and then regretted that because shouldn’t I be raising perfect
kids that love each other always and smile and never say anything mean? And
then it hit me, they DO fight at times, and that means we are NORMAL. Life is
normal. They are now siblings. There is no tip toeing and playing nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They treat each other exactly as brothers
& sisters should. We fight, we make up and we love. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So how are WE doing as we have settled into this life as a
family of 9? This is actually a bad week to write this because we are in the
middle of house renovations. And I have not done that with 7 children in the
house before. It is a bit more stressful than I expected to have construction
in your house! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Besides that stress, we are busy, but feel blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In some ways it has been a soul-searching
year for me. I have realized that as my family grows bigger, my social life
grows smaller. I miss adult interaction. Being a heart that bleeds for the
orphan, it can feel a bit lonely at times. Having 7 children, 4 adopted and in
constant planning of returning to China puts me a in a category that sometimes
causes me to question where do I fit in? Should I move next door to the Duggars, start an adoption community commune or just move across seas where my heart seems to live? There are times I don't want to be THAT mom with ALL the kids, as if it is a weird thing. I want it to be normal to cry over orphans and nannies and wonder what God will do next with our lives. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God has reminded me so often; He is really
all I need. In His book this life is normal. I have to bend in closer to Him and remember that I need to hear
HIS voice above my own or anyone else's. (Which quite honestly scares me to death sometimes, because when you
are willing to HEAR God, well, you might just be called to step out in faith!) <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiyxUqfkNonVA5kHYHX_TgXhrE7gdL2kSz-MsVmmF4LQ67PM3wt3Sf764aIXPVasauyR4bAb-iEqhrAZUfRlotry_apJtD0CuHAHM5fCtsAAMZisbN3ti9m3H2cryF-A4sJKl/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiyxUqfkNonVA5kHYHX_TgXhrE7gdL2kSz-MsVmmF4LQ67PM3wt3Sf764aIXPVasauyR4bAb-iEqhrAZUfRlotry_apJtD0CuHAHM5fCtsAAMZisbN3ti9m3H2cryF-A4sJKl/s1600/unnamed.jpg" height="400" width="358" /></a></div>
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I don't know what our story holds. I know that in 3 months I will return to work in China. I think Mark is a bit nervous of who I will meet while there. :-) Right now, quite honestly, that is not on my mind, we are so crazy! BUT, my prayer continues to always be, Lord lead me and I promise to follow. I pray that I won't miss His voice as He speaks. </div>
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And while we try to listen we praise Him for the year He has given us! A beautiful year of Syler & Mercie! </div>
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**Scroll down to see our 1 year video! </div>
ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19751590.post-7243015699610782882015-04-06T21:14:00.000-05:002015-04-06T21:14:14.401-05:00One Year with Syler & Mercie! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Zz2Cs0MGpjg/0.jpg" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Zz2Cs0MGpjg?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19751590.post-59705228962826530352014-09-29T23:05:00.000-05:002014-09-29T23:20:42.401-05:006 months with Syler & Mercie!
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<br>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">6 months. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">SIX months together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Half of a year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">WOW. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I remember after getting home
thinking of what life would be like in 6 months, and it seemed SO far away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I looked forward to being
able to write that post, knowing that we would be feeling more settled, calmer,
SLEEPING. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">But also not wanting those 6
months to fly by, as life seems to do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And here we are. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">177 days ago we met our
children. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZCg6SYosyKm6l0jLBvBraKS1CcPrDGDxlhIGzqqfzd3go0zXrpX_yhtd6QbLop-YKc-8ewU0p8C9YzgMebcX7pTdT3lKvk9urUybj37qybrvu6Jn4fAQVozcXFR1pdRJWGQF_Q/s640/blogger-image-1598211061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZCg6SYosyKm6l0jLBvBraKS1CcPrDGDxlhIGzqqfzd3go0zXrpX_yhtd6QbLop-YKc-8ewU0p8C9YzgMebcX7pTdT3lKvk9urUybj37qybrvu6Jn4fAQVozcXFR1pdRJWGQF_Q/s640/blogger-image-1598211061.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It is already getting hard to
remember life before them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And thank God we don’t have
to imagine life with out them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I have been reminiscing over
our time in China, reading back over my blog, looking through photos. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">They are not the same
children we met that day on the other side of the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtLvoYHk0r6hey-9Io6W0AExrIVfkIyX5BFtCHZAqj11AaW_bLgoa7FVDvnHkbdiBNpPI-l2ZLROkT4MyAKgRr4tdguYEkYgCZslHZr4o7C888lH96mqQUcgRmKE1inZaF623IQ/s640/blogger-image-893086204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtLvoYHk0r6hey-9Io6W0AExrIVfkIyX5BFtCHZAqj11AaW_bLgoa7FVDvnHkbdiBNpPI-l2ZLROkT4MyAKgRr4tdguYEkYgCZslHZr4o7C888lH96mqQUcgRmKE1inZaF623IQ/s640/blogger-image-893086204.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And we are not the same
people that flew around the world as parents of 5, to become parents of 7. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Those 5 children are forever
changed as they embrace their new siblings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">God has given us a front row
seat to watching Him create beautiful things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">He has shown us that we are
weaker than we wanted to be, but SO so much stronger than we ever imagined
possible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">He has shown us that when we
throw our arms wide open, when we ask him to lead us where our trust is WITHOUT
borders, wherever He calls us, our faith WILL be made stronger. He will take us deeper than we ever imagined. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And He will walk with us. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaj1ctmrcZgNbIoVII52vaPNlrf-WBZtTGYXSYa7LUNUAU23B0tNO48fQeIN8wrPy-xMqjMV4fjVQVx_FX2Z-tC_5TYGm5X1eC52sP8dlJZu3MNGGRuXBe40MHlqn5EsbhjbD5kg/s640/blogger-image-2062315676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaj1ctmrcZgNbIoVII52vaPNlrf-WBZtTGYXSYa7LUNUAU23B0tNO48fQeIN8wrPy-xMqjMV4fjVQVx_FX2Z-tC_5TYGm5X1eC52sP8dlJZu3MNGGRuXBe40MHlqn5EsbhjbD5kg/s640/blogger-image-2062315676.jpg"></a></div><br></div></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">In 6 months we have watched
Him bring our new children to LIFE. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81mwrc6CqXssvOYBUXeucSY3k8IJ5zf7pPtsQuhgGpIQRKG0wSab81LO_k37dgBdwhw4KxnompcPCZZN2RImBXnavwoam0KXy13tY6hOb4w3rQOF3uTY3lIkleryq9qZXChloAQ/s640/blogger-image-1105061409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81mwrc6CqXssvOYBUXeucSY3k8IJ5zf7pPtsQuhgGpIQRKG0wSab81LO_k37dgBdwhw4KxnompcPCZZN2RImBXnavwoam0KXy13tY6hOb4w3rQOF3uTY3lIkleryq9qZXChloAQ/s640/blogger-image-1105061409.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We have watched sorrow turn
to JOY. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We have watched HOPE come
from where there was once none. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3Oa_e_A60_uv-Cn4yrlL1ElNpX27BDZsSJ5qAoS0ScKDLXdXFFRV7rlIPoGsG-mrT4C33WL_aBxV1jQFGexmTZboD5heVwmYbAfuBNdojE9V8zh3C5jZU_RJ9918dwxJR_hcrQ/s640/blogger-image--2086600842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3Oa_e_A60_uv-Cn4yrlL1ElNpX27BDZsSJ5qAoS0ScKDLXdXFFRV7rlIPoGsG-mrT4C33WL_aBxV1jQFGexmTZboD5heVwmYbAfuBNdojE9V8zh3C5jZU_RJ9918dwxJR_hcrQ/s640/blogger-image--2086600842.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">God has made beautiful things
out of all of us. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESeqEcpOY5HVYWjmnDEwxKh1gveHickzGEeadqfp9OA8EtE0cnV__oysPyUYZpwL5XGDTqp2L7Liy9YZS9_Um09jKlup_L1vG4FrZJLZMEaQNZzAJ0ytwt0vvv-aUo17e6srnfQ/s640/blogger-image-1021845512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESeqEcpOY5HVYWjmnDEwxKh1gveHickzGEeadqfp9OA8EtE0cnV__oysPyUYZpwL5XGDTqp2L7Liy9YZS9_Um09jKlup_L1vG4FrZJLZMEaQNZzAJ0ytwt0vvv-aUo17e6srnfQ/s640/blogger-image-1021845512.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">He has made them new. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">They are Laxtons forever and
while people still tell us they are so lucky, we know better. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">WE are the lucky ones. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It is often said, can you
imagine what their life would have been like if they were still in China? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And I can’t help but think
what MY life would be like if they were still in China. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">YES of course, I know that
God has rescued these children, they are no longer orphans. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">But in the process we come to
know the Rescuer more and more, and really, isn’t that what this life is all
about? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Adoption. Changes. Lives. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LQueOlaUi2xbT-J2thTFjpi4H4OpFv1yvyM411_sqnHTARXQATjYMU3Xr5ak2Yeqh_71GI4DBzFwooGz1B8KdHjslfirUpaw02iGCMrn75xUojtnhqcV04rZ0mZk_v0yV_glTA/s640/blogger-image-186170350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LQueOlaUi2xbT-J2thTFjpi4H4OpFv1yvyM411_sqnHTARXQATjYMU3Xr5ak2Yeqh_71GI4DBzFwooGz1B8KdHjslfirUpaw02iGCMrn75xUojtnhqcV04rZ0mZk_v0yV_glTA/s640/blogger-image-186170350.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">No one should walk away from
watching & be unchanged. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">This is my prayer anyways.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">If someone sees our family
and doesn’t see the <b>Rescuer</b>, the one who has saved ALL of us, we are not living
the way He has called. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I want people to look at us
and not think of how CRAZY it looks (because oh it really is!!) BUT how God has
made beauty from ashes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">So, how IS life with 7 kids?
How are they adjusting? Are we done yet? </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOh_ywwiojCxONb44Ufr02pnUuw-qlqqVNRL5PLr3s4-VREhzJyl9jGDZVbBf0No2Z8KKQhPXc9aVhWwwCOSzXO_4PtWZlbLLpukWmWAUtRbWOtuIAKvIxPYegwoPDvc-FiYHRpQ/s640/blogger-image-856372101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOh_ywwiojCxONb44Ufr02pnUuw-qlqqVNRL5PLr3s4-VREhzJyl9jGDZVbBf0No2Z8KKQhPXc9aVhWwwCOSzXO_4PtWZlbLLpukWmWAUtRbWOtuIAKvIxPYegwoPDvc-FiYHRpQ/s640/blogger-image-856372101.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Life with 7 kids is as you
can imagine it is, but probably not quite that insane. It never feels like that many till I have to
tell someone how many children I have and give their ages. As I watch their
eyes grow large and sometimes their mouth drop open, I am reminded 7 is not so
normal for most. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Well that and when I have to
get all 7 out the door for church on time. Why is it Satan moves in to our
houses on Sunday morning as we prepare to go and worship our Father? No matter
how much we prepare the night before!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Now at first everything seemed
like I had SEVEN kids. Getting food on the table, laundry, baths, TEETH, etc
and so on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Not to mention the grocery
bill. But besides the grocery bill pushing a cart full of groceries for 9
people!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">As the months have gone on, 7
doesn’t seem like so many. We have all settled in. Dinner is calmer, bedtime
routine is down. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Though Sunday mornings still </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">need some work!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcWh0gadoh-ZkVafDTAZK-xv5CUPFW3o6TB9JwowuubQcdvAj-1mx9k72LU-zZZ9NpZIYtedkMAxac8dSrX0iCrza42O6gEbLPUypjznppI5sS6_m-c5PAEeh9MtB0heZZUCtFg/s640/blogger-image-910594015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcWh0gadoh-ZkVafDTAZK-xv5CUPFW3o6TB9JwowuubQcdvAj-1mx9k72LU-zZZ9NpZIYtedkMAxac8dSrX0iCrza42O6gEbLPUypjznppI5sS6_m-c5PAEeh9MtB0heZZUCtFg/s640/blogger-image-910594015.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Let’s start with Mercie Fei.
Our baby girl. Oh the sweetness that pours out of her. She has this house
wrapped around her tiny finger. I am not sure I ever talked about the way my
olders were hesitant about adopting her. They were GREAT with an older child,
but another baby? WHY??? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And then she came home. They
saw her terrified and anxious. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPwbrIAdPis3tXUhe39fdDQ8fIM_rZlULVpColX0VOBTfhhZWZQmeVkp2EoFACd2bwIYUA6HlDzLzIMaHv8aUD6zkIIANQRyWs7NnjXTfR49454pCwfgy8Nb0oY3W4sNRS9b_Jg/s640/blogger-image--1054694788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPwbrIAdPis3tXUhe39fdDQ8fIM_rZlULVpColX0VOBTfhhZWZQmeVkp2EoFACd2bwIYUA6HlDzLzIMaHv8aUD6zkIIANQRyWs7NnjXTfR49454pCwfgy8Nb0oY3W4sNRS9b_Jg/s640/blogger-image--1054694788.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">God moved their hearts in
mighty ways and they have been Fei Fei’s biggest cheerleaders. Sawyer definitely had to work the hardest,
she was so nervous with any males. But watching him with her and how much she
loves her biggest brother are so special. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNajO6I7e6nrA88f6Zkf3vWLG50XXu70ANyZNCYjtLhxqvlfP_vhKgQ9teoBTW4xKm6V8UUsePwMwPVfG_-9OKymIa-IAYYhFeIVDWkyt7z-q7ujFqHmCH0N414VjFJohKQqCmRA/s640/blogger-image--795225482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNajO6I7e6nrA88f6Zkf3vWLG50XXu70ANyZNCYjtLhxqvlfP_vhKgQ9teoBTW4xKm6V8UUsePwMwPVfG_-9OKymIa-IAYYhFeIVDWkyt7z-q7ujFqHmCH0N414VjFJohKQqCmRA/s640/blogger-image--795225482.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We do still call her Fei Fei,
though we try to say Mercie at times, and she responds to Mercie. She does call
herself Fei Fei, which she just learned this week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Language is slow. You might be able to understand a handful of
words. No being the loudest followed by Mama, which she can say in 100 different
tones. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">She still sleeps in our room,
right next to our bed. She feels safe and secure and right now that is what we
want. The fact that we are a bit out of bedrooms is also part of this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">She is hilarious and so
stinken cute honestly we can hardly stand it. Her hair gets curlier the longer
it gets. She is still such a tiny pixie and fits in as our baby just perfectly.
<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPS9Nb7ofkRmtEqKN2AqPMWz3aCkp0-NMMDkgj9r63Z4Zg_sFQO01ryDsUJjgN7cmEy7xFAEknyTxrRkA3J8UiYDuiUB7H0X4z49-EbH_8fVMz10ukNJMbTegU56a9I6dXqf6MYA/s640/blogger-image-946826485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPS9Nb7ofkRmtEqKN2AqPMWz3aCkp0-NMMDkgj9r63Z4Zg_sFQO01ryDsUJjgN7cmEy7xFAEknyTxrRkA3J8UiYDuiUB7H0X4z49-EbH_8fVMz10ukNJMbTegU56a9I6dXqf6MYA/s640/blogger-image-946826485.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">When I look back at the
photos of her in China I am shocked. It is hard to remember how much she hated
me, how sad she was, how EMPTY she felt. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HBHdwtgzYFCj0C3CA_jfWedlJ0eycySidw1l9AT_pNyIwp4TP4kEn6Gc372R8MUAxtg9pak0Cv753FxbRz32knLpqyPrecbbwRZryN6p7OVh_QmXFHQpxsG2iKyB9I4ux3Ai6g/s640/blogger-image-2127529438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HBHdwtgzYFCj0C3CA_jfWedlJ0eycySidw1l9AT_pNyIwp4TP4kEn6Gc372R8MUAxtg9pak0Cv753FxbRz32knLpqyPrecbbwRZryN6p7OVh_QmXFHQpxsG2iKyB9I4ux3Ai6g/s640/blogger-image-2127529438.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">God has breathed life into
Mercie. She giggles all the time, she rarely cries, she hugs & kisses
freely and you can just see the light that shines from her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">There are moments I remember
wondering if my story was going to actually include her. The fear I felt as we
pursued her, begging God to let her be ours. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEw1_LJsUDUjUfcgEV8RU01ExUkp9ZTLuDeNqxKj5BOVUTDFRFYtEwBK-_nT-mtjXvmsScxnnQrHxJeW-fpUI49Vmurk62Ql_UlcaofxYlbCMEn6YwsEUl27dvfAJmEzVTanIBQ/s640/blogger-image-1343879842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEw1_LJsUDUjUfcgEV8RU01ExUkp9ZTLuDeNqxKj5BOVUTDFRFYtEwBK-_nT-mtjXvmsScxnnQrHxJeW-fpUI49Vmurk62Ql_UlcaofxYlbCMEn6YwsEUl27dvfAJmEzVTanIBQ/s640/blogger-image-1343879842.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And now she is! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpEJIQ5I7al8FGClrB3HUWsZNNFZzFLdKnmP3FuxorJWJDYOchAnzC2BXGhbdfX9EuojD2xgnd9SYVVa4EW8ZwLnobTIPMYxDJ4UGxR9lTJdEwookBPGtM-WzVMLkR7VWa687_w/s640/blogger-image--1671339472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpEJIQ5I7al8FGClrB3HUWsZNNFZzFLdKnmP3FuxorJWJDYOchAnzC2BXGhbdfX9EuojD2xgnd9SYVVa4EW8ZwLnobTIPMYxDJ4UGxR9lTJdEwookBPGtM-WzVMLkR7VWa687_w/s640/blogger-image--1671339472.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Our sweet son is doing
AMAZING. Everyone told me you will be shocked in 6 months, and I AM. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Syler has embraced his role
in our family and hasn’t looked back. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9tkQYKcTVlG5B77RC6od-jZzRN_SZ8vsXtd9STQ1i0e7IOokoIPqr-oerySpys71H_iqfC67ykUN_KR-C_fHKEdBwYBUvxc4dy9B64B84ucMmPB3r2UT3x5-KrO-czYeQ9X7Gg/s640/blogger-image-131561775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9tkQYKcTVlG5B77RC6od-jZzRN_SZ8vsXtd9STQ1i0e7IOokoIPqr-oerySpys71H_iqfC67ykUN_KR-C_fHKEdBwYBUvxc4dy9B64B84ucMmPB3r2UT3x5-KrO-czYeQ9X7Gg/s640/blogger-image-131561775.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Language is booming. He is in
3<sup>rd</sup> grade and in the same class as Mavery at school. He has an
amazing Christian teacher and the school has gone above and beyond in helping
him. We do not have ESL classes but they are doing everything possible to help
him succeed. He works so hard and you can tell he is just smart. Things come
easier for him than some. We struggled
on sending him vs homeschool. We wanted
to make sure he felt secure and loved before sending him off. It is good when
you see God confirming your choice as we watch him blossom at school. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">He is VERY laid back (thank
the Lord!) and calm. He is snuggly and full of hugs for his mama. He is all BOY
and is happiest running around outside. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApe44wt7mQEDMoC01jgPJC6bgFNg25uD91fSgzc9h69O9aAfZKgtTHBHTxHCUiQWysx6IrTRK7bOahsDyNSx04lS1QpngGYHrSE_HJzTMA2UsE_5N3FJvSUU1DEQbnHmjvbUDgA/s640/blogger-image--589063826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApe44wt7mQEDMoC01jgPJC6bgFNg25uD91fSgzc9h69O9aAfZKgtTHBHTxHCUiQWysx6IrTRK7bOahsDyNSx04lS1QpngGYHrSE_HJzTMA2UsE_5N3FJvSUU1DEQbnHmjvbUDgA/s640/blogger-image--589063826.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">He eats everything. We joke
about how he did not want to try things at first and turned his nose up at most
things. Now there is nothing he does not inhale. Seriously, he is the least
picky in my house. He says “Mama make good food”. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We very rarely see defiance
in him, unhappiness, jealousy etc.. He and Sage had some competition going on
for a while but that has even gone away.
Recently I found a ton of GUM, chewed gum hidden on the floor beside his
bed. But once we talked it through (and took away gum chewing for a time) we
have not had problems. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Seriously he is like the
perfect child and has made older BOY child adoption look easy. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQ05B31Bar5cpkBL5TOJ7pJfgKmNJL_ip2dW2YitrtIwFqfuNLz1t8FD9Dhg2uW-f2QO8b97Beb-WEoLo7w8d6KZRiOodc0LkwAQnnYcC_NQZbpgSWo4mEaM23VgwqDVzZs_Hwg/s640/blogger-image--1148853434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQ05B31Bar5cpkBL5TOJ7pJfgKmNJL_ip2dW2YitrtIwFqfuNLz1t8FD9Dhg2uW-f2QO8b97Beb-WEoLo7w8d6KZRiOodc0LkwAQnnYcC_NQZbpgSWo4mEaM23VgwqDVzZs_Hwg/s640/blogger-image--1148853434.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">He holds us accountable to
family devotions every night and prayer before meals. Recently his cross fell off
his wall and he was holding it. I asked him “Syler who is that cross about.”.
He answered Jesus. And I said “who is Jesus?” He quickly answered Jesus is God.
<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZV152VAXnXFunpeujsyPHOKrgXjxOoI-gJdnScQL9P7uyMBSnlwNXz08r-Xsm8cjMJc5H4BgeBSlSUimIBPB3TPfLI8PKWw8OkFu8D1BBZPQGI39fgU6D7S3guUuZ3cNVDMGD_g/s640/blogger-image--1676380144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZV152VAXnXFunpeujsyPHOKrgXjxOoI-gJdnScQL9P7uyMBSnlwNXz08r-Xsm8cjMJc5H4BgeBSlSUimIBPB3TPfLI8PKWw8OkFu8D1BBZPQGI39fgU6D7S3guUuZ3cNVDMGD_g/s640/blogger-image--1676380144.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">6 months and my son can say
the name of Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Because HE has rescued us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Of course Syler does not
understand all of how God has written His story quite yet. But everyday we
point life back to the author. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Someday Syler will have such
a story to share. Unlike his sisters, He does remember life in China. And while
I know these memories could make him bitter, we continue to pray that they will
make him better. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Better at seeing the Rescuer
and how His plans are always best. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I realize older child
adoption is not for everyone. And how scary older BOYS can seem. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">But we are here to say if God
is nudging you in that direction, He will make it beautiful. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39RgFBpHAPp6XFlodsfDHD_EnbshOsOkmViLvJGzA443OihgbFBrkNRgdmHZK2KXLc-Huoo83d9y51cjFSCJ3erIcVaOPR7_bqv5VgSpVR57GCAh1u-N_fIUt-etz4FVud7zpUg/s640/blogger-image-930601779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39RgFBpHAPp6XFlodsfDHD_EnbshOsOkmViLvJGzA443OihgbFBrkNRgdmHZK2KXLc-Huoo83d9y51cjFSCJ3erIcVaOPR7_bqv5VgSpVR57GCAh1u-N_fIUt-etz4FVud7zpUg/s640/blogger-image-930601779.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Sometimes it seems we are
ALWAYS teaching Syler. How to speak English, school stuff, how to act in
situations, manners, rules, schedules, the list goes on and on. AND on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">But in reality, Syler has
taught us more than we will ever teach him. No matter the situation Syler NEVER complains.
He looks at everything as an adventure. He accepts what is given to him and
never gets down. If it were ME walking in his shoes I would never get over my
pity party. Learning a language is HARD work. Going to school and not understanding
the other kids is hard. When everything is new for me, it is HARD. And I whine
and carry on. But not my son. He just smiles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">There are times that I am
tired. It IS a lot of kids. It is such a variety of needs. I am parenting
toddlers AND teens. (for the record, they are both hard! Toddlers are
physically EXHAUSTING. Teens are mentally EXHAUSTING!) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">But in those moments when I
get frustrated, it all comes down to me and my selfishness. I would love to
have the time to do things for ME. I miss writing. I should exercise. I like
shopping ALONE. I don’t want to help with homework or homeschool or change a
diaper or well you get the idea. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69-RWJZyw4fI5U-Q7Cwolnt2xtwRiCW475xXscP6IUpoLVd07va3EVetbSXRGP1FU-IvTPd9tZpCIDFXvReFqXnAM7zFBfmrUv_uIfgaicFUJPZWOlIkvT9C08kIyIwrzaLgtlw/s640/blogger-image-919624681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69-RWJZyw4fI5U-Q7Cwolnt2xtwRiCW475xXscP6IUpoLVd07va3EVetbSXRGP1FU-IvTPd9tZpCIDFXvReFqXnAM7zFBfmrUv_uIfgaicFUJPZWOlIkvT9C08kIyIwrzaLgtlw/s640/blogger-image-919624681.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Then I look around me and see
how much God has given me. SO much more than I deserve. I look at my children, each of them, and see
how God has grown their hearts. I think of the ones we have left behind in that
orphanage, who are dying inside as they hope for a family. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">I </span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">praise God for being our
HOPE.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I make comments often, “IF we
adopt again, etc and so on” Tonight someone said back, It is not IF but WHEN…. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Quite honestly right now I
have no idea if our family is complete. (for the record, IF we adopt again, the
child MUST be pottytrained!! Ha!) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I have no idea how God will
continue to write our story. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Maybe this is our 7<sup>th</sup>
Heaven and we are done. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHZSZfTwXVv0ICZoFHXeK5l3D1L_DzbcuoJ6I8cjs1vJTo3KoO-LBD-zbtLOvLHMbz7CbHxtHT_HxMqFXCZsQt8vgiVlefBaGrWJvpjflTQ_WIHirrn198G2l_nwFIhVlJkvGow/s640/blogger-image-582563917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHZSZfTwXVv0ICZoFHXeK5l3D1L_DzbcuoJ6I8cjs1vJTo3KoO-LBD-zbtLOvLHMbz7CbHxtHT_HxMqFXCZsQt8vgiVlefBaGrWJvpjflTQ_WIHirrn198G2l_nwFIhVlJkvGow/s640/blogger-image-582563917.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Maybe it is more. (there is
such a gap between the 3 and Mercie, I mean really, I DO like having twins!) ;-) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Whatever it may be, I trust
in the One who brought us this far. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The one who has allowed me to see these 2 beautiful
children, who grew in my heart for so long, blossom to LIFE in my arms. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">6 months since FOREVER.. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<!--EndFragment-->ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19751590.post-6703051464482436522014-07-15T22:30:00.000-05:002014-07-16T00:14:11.981-05:00Mercie is THREE!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am so behind on blogging. So many things to share.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like having Chinese guests last week and their passports
being STOLEN from our van. Not even kidding. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I WILL catch up, I hope. (Facebook is so much easier to drop
pictures on these days!) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But today is about our miracle baby girl. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mercie Fei Evangelin is THREE today. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ms Mercie started her life in China early. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She was just a little over 2 pounds when she was brought to
the orphanage. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
TWO POUNDS. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes this doesn’t sink in to me, but when I look at
this photo, I am reminded of Gods mercy on our Mercie. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3eiTRWSbJ7Uejwh4xXu8X5etvDoRmr9ygWE6HQZKbOmL-ABw8Hhwso2O5FtFQH8sGrFL3Mt9tOo_Eu1DRxwCuerm5NBRyLkW6sK9Kw6xAuYl9OhdDN7UbVyWPdlphGIon0aW/s1600/%E9%83%B4%E7%90%B3%E9%9C%8F.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3eiTRWSbJ7Uejwh4xXu8X5etvDoRmr9ygWE6HQZKbOmL-ABw8Hhwso2O5FtFQH8sGrFL3Mt9tOo_Eu1DRxwCuerm5NBRyLkW6sK9Kw6xAuYl9OhdDN7UbVyWPdlphGIon0aW/s1600/%E9%83%B4%E7%90%B3%E9%9C%8F.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To survive being abandoned at that size? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mercy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To survive an orphanage at that size? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mercy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For her to be in MY arms? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mercy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the day to day I sometimes forget what a miracle her
story is. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But she is such a miracle. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our baby girl has changed SO much in these 3 months. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She is a true JOY. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remember the baby in China who HATED me? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdogRFoJ2humvUKlxk2hriahjXvwF0_WL5k7DdVPxyOBR6cEuT7G75nwAzT5ZO3aq633X8HxGM4dGaQg-bb0pxRmNMp7ksqlqdWvMV58TPdB9sGVJdNSM7a5TWNbHWjEZFaR3/s1600/1982217_10202777923642012_1866248460_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdogRFoJ2humvUKlxk2hriahjXvwF0_WL5k7DdVPxyOBR6cEuT7G75nwAzT5ZO3aq633X8HxGM4dGaQg-bb0pxRmNMp7ksqlqdWvMV58TPdB9sGVJdNSM7a5TWNbHWjEZFaR3/s1600/1982217_10202777923642012_1866248460_n.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now she is a mama’s girl, BUT adores her daddy too. Overall she is quick to warm up to people. She
still loves Malaine, but I am enjoying being her favorite person right now. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PHqrks_ONK7GbRyDr2KXo3qSbuW3hNn4mgofIGk-MHBE8VhM0fFATCeUDIA3kujZgxbP04bkl6_cWLP5yQzkT9np84WZVFNqScVbE-_DdMlhnUm4Cp2_y8a7oQc-6v_o3GX8/s1600/unnamed-26.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PHqrks_ONK7GbRyDr2KXo3qSbuW3hNn4mgofIGk-MHBE8VhM0fFATCeUDIA3kujZgxbP04bkl6_cWLP5yQzkT9np84WZVFNqScVbE-_DdMlhnUm4Cp2_y8a7oQc-6v_o3GX8/s1600/unnamed-26.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She makes sure her shoes are with my shoes, every time. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBIKrHI3nT9XybKSjjPyCVN3cOyLIZroPOZCQq1Z5teewMoCKAJbLKaWKm1HLxKG6J6hAJzoUlO40K9CfFNSKBIhgtTSoB-StKRLyFLVk5Yd-ZZj7YERUDf1gtxb7XgjP0ONSnw/s640/blogger-image-1854822988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBIKrHI3nT9XybKSjjPyCVN3cOyLIZroPOZCQq1Z5teewMoCKAJbLKaWKm1HLxKG6J6hAJzoUlO40K9CfFNSKBIhgtTSoB-StKRLyFLVk5Yd-ZZj7YERUDf1gtxb7XgjP0ONSnw/s640/blogger-image-1854822988.jpg" /></a></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She sleeps IN HER BED! Granted it is her crib with the side
off pushed up next to my bed and sometimes I have to hold her hand half the
night. BUT, she WILLINGLY goes to sleep in it. This is huge and has been so
much better. I am all for co sleeping, really I am. Unfortunately all we had
going on was the CO part, there was NO sleeping for me. I am a light sleeper so
every kick, thrash, basically movement had me awake. Which made me feel I was
in a fog most of the day. We are all enjoying a bit more sleep. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8LvewmHcd9LKWgmbZpu3IEmNL2yc-nNSbKV5voeUWwm87HJUyYMsX6wx0hR-yrXDhtrQfINsnScoEZn6DHPxkAVS-ctofozEtKpfcFFGH3-xNSMcoU_AyRyBAX5Rlao0nMSlUQ/s640/blogger-image-893164400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8LvewmHcd9LKWgmbZpu3IEmNL2yc-nNSbKV5voeUWwm87HJUyYMsX6wx0hR-yrXDhtrQfINsnScoEZn6DHPxkAVS-ctofozEtKpfcFFGH3-xNSMcoU_AyRyBAX5Rlao0nMSlUQ/s640/blogger-image-893164400.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
She is so funny! She is very expressive and her faces are
the best. She loves to make everyone laugh, and we do often! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
She thinks she is 8 and wants to keep up with the big kids.
Which makes me sad! Yet then in so many ways she is VERY babyish. When we took
her to be evaluated by adoption clinic they put her at about 18months and I
would say that is where she seems to be., more like an almost 2 year old than 3
year old. She is small in size, weighing
about 24 pounds now. Her language is VERY delayed. She babbles but there are
not many clear words. Mama, Baba, Jie Jie (sister) Dog which is Da, Baby which
is BB. All things to be expected being
born so small/early AND spending over 2 years in an orphanage. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
She eats anything and is a really good eater. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Not even close to being potty trained. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Loves to be held and snuggled and kissed and is so so sweet.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
She is a busy bee for sure. We forgot how tiring this age
is, the never blink or you are in trouble phase! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She can be stubborn, but actually her personality is pretty
calm I think. She sits in her stroller SO good, in a highchair while out and is
just happy! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
One miracle with Mercie is that while this is her 3<sup>rd</sup>
birthday, I have actually celebrated ALL her birthdays with her! She was
turning one the year we met her and last year we had a party while in China with my team. This
is a gift for me for sure. BUT this birthday we sure enjoyed waking up with
her, all day giggles and sweet goodnight kisses! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
There are times in the craziness of adjusting to 7 kids that
I am tired. VERY tired. Sometimes the volume in my house is so loud I
can’t hear myself think. The to do list is so long and someone always needs
something. But then God will whisper a
memory of life before and I think how empty we would be with out the chaos.
Mercie is a gift, and has really melted into our family perfectly. We have
loved her for so long, and to have her home with us, to see the way God moved
mountains is a story we treasure. <br />
<br /></div>
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So thankful for our baby girl. Happy THIRD Birthday Fei Fei!!<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19751590.post-53945561327748272952014-05-02T23:44:00.000-05:002014-05-02T23:44:57.345-05:00Syler's First Birthday HOME!
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">When we birth children, or
adopt them as infants, a first birthday is such a big milestone.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">We plan for months. We
celebrate all the firsts that have happened over that year. We are in awe of
how that newborn has changed from such a helpless being to a one year old
covered in cake! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrg20UExHWUcxmTxfrCxrXiaW92YXCQPSbV2IufKlJvqoJNyS2eVDyUyn7jKSHvq7MXyD9wrMqKbxYKOtWI8KD13oD0bEYqes1ktvLFRX4s7bf5ihtsH3C_Cu-dlMYQ_5cEYi/s1600/10307425_10202989760537802_4141370814419786735_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrg20UExHWUcxmTxfrCxrXiaW92YXCQPSbV2IufKlJvqoJNyS2eVDyUyn7jKSHvq7MXyD9wrMqKbxYKOtWI8KD13oD0bEYqes1ktvLFRX4s7bf5ihtsH3C_Cu-dlMYQ_5cEYi/s1600/10307425_10202989760537802_4141370814419786735_n.jpeg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">When you adopt a child at
EIGHT, you don’t get that 1-year-old birthday party. You don’t see first steps,
first teeth or first of ALL those things that make it so much fun getting to
know your baby. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">You can’t look back on
newborn photos and remember tiny toes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Sometimes you can’t look back
on ANY photos. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">BUT, you DO get a first
birthday HOME, no matter the age! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">And while Syler might not
have understood as the day started what it was all about, by the end he knew HE
was being celebrated! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">My sweet friend Kathy had
sent him a build a bear gift card so that was first on our agenda today.
Overall we have not been going many places. Of course they get to ride in the
car a lot as I taxi kids all over creation. But I try to avoid going in. Till
we can communicate better on some things, it is just easier to NOT go in many
stores. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Seriously had an outing to
Wal mart this week ALONE and I was giddy. That is really sad.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Sad that my time alone was spent at Wal mart
for one, but REALLY sad how excited I was to go!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Anyways, we ventured to Build
a Bear and it was GOOD. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Mercie now rides in a
stroller, HAPPILY. Miracles do happen! That makes life much easier. Will have to do a blog on her, so much change! Sweet change in our girl. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">We were bummed that Build a
Bear was out of super hero bears! But Syler found one he liked & quickly
caught on to the concept and seemed to enjoy the fun of building his first
bear! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispGPjQBDeWpWcTT4sTk2NHrpXnVjdK5VYj1A3qaNcOWaBYm8_tW6geAtyaRz7FE-BfMOdaywsYzhq7WiGvTbnJAaqxebggWUGFPiRB3YuOt4qphPons9dHEGFE2OEa5BXslsR/s1600/Build+a+Bear.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispGPjQBDeWpWcTT4sTk2NHrpXnVjdK5VYj1A3qaNcOWaBYm8_tW6geAtyaRz7FE-BfMOdaywsYzhq7WiGvTbnJAaqxebggWUGFPiRB3YuOt4qphPons9dHEGFE2OEa5BXslsR/s1600/Build+a+Bear.jpg.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I try to remember; I did not
get first of MANY things, but I DO get to enjoy these firsts through his eyes!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">He did so well at Build a
Bear we tried the lego store. After asking for every set in the store (I can’t
believe some of those are $400!!) we decided we should probably move on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">We had Chick Filet for lunch
our first week home and Syler, for whatever reason, was not happy with me there.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">This is the fun of no
language. He pouts, and I get to guess why, but of course even guessing I
really have no idea. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Are you mad because you
thought we were going out for Chinese food?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Are you mad because there is
a picture of a cow and you are eating chicken?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Are you mad because I am
eating a chicken sandwich and you have nuggets?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Are you mad because you don't like Chick Filet because honestly that is going to be an issue if that is why. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Are you even mad or just in
the mood to pout? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">So I was not sure if showing
him Chick Filet would result in a glare down contest or what. Thankfully he was
excited about chicken, we ate and headed home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">For dinner we decided on a
Chinese Restaurant that reminds us a bit more of China than most
places. Especially because the tables spin in the center and really, that makes
dinner with 9 pretty fun AND way more like China than a buffet! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">BUT if you have less than 9
don’t think you will get a spinning table, you will not. I tried it last summer
and they told me that is only for a big party and I only had 7. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Seriously. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnMpWuhrtzyO6lda2a3CHDfu-GvEwCbjmMQewzlTo3Dc6HXIosvl5ZGpXlOzeKD126gR207TflfVTDzrUOPnNjIlaWIAdLRGOvtSpB_e9SU3AcUWbBajFNRMrUS_ncBHhEQBf/s1600/10296565_10202992392403597_3590123991469155539_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnMpWuhrtzyO6lda2a3CHDfu-GvEwCbjmMQewzlTo3Dc6HXIosvl5ZGpXlOzeKD126gR207TflfVTDzrUOPnNjIlaWIAdLRGOvtSpB_e9SU3AcUWbBajFNRMrUS_ncBHhEQBf/s1600/10296565_10202992392403597_3590123991469155539_n.jpeg" height="268" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Syler SCARFED down the food.
He eats well here, but apparently nothing is as good as some Chinese Food. We
love talking to the staff there. They tried to talk to Syler and while you can
tell he understands, he does not talk. It is interesting but we have heard him
attempting to speak in English to us more than we have EVER heard him speak to
anyone Chinese. IN china or here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">We came home and had cake and
ice cream. He acted a bit shy but he seemed to have fun blowing out his
candles! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbOEjViCL3pdddtghWrlmeg-dtmdbmdkOQZrQJ1viVodgvopRpYXE9A74xKUuKyWDZd0Y3fI0K8cmARQIngsLuHRFED0a1F-vC_0TfDv386YprIi-X1csWBz7exer-a6tFRU6x/s1600/cake.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbOEjViCL3pdddtghWrlmeg-dtmdbmdkOQZrQJ1viVodgvopRpYXE9A74xKUuKyWDZd0Y3fI0K8cmARQIngsLuHRFED0a1F-vC_0TfDv386YprIi-X1csWBz7exer-a6tFRU6x/s1600/cake.jpg.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">He was so cute opening up all
his gifts and VERY excited about his FIRST bike! He had learned to ride a bike
right after getting home that first week, but was riding a pink hello kitty bike. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzaN8dbgAgeldEmiR0h0jISUCPSt_dtJS3dUBR7v5NPNAk3hbHkrOHhBn9FuZkOeY8ENGwxGl-uDxOfOe5CBJB-3_hzR3ZNmfFFqzEwZO3iguMulfr-Q5VOuHiXMHdrGJR8-54/s1600/10247263_10202992401843833_5216452448503981615_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzaN8dbgAgeldEmiR0h0jISUCPSt_dtJS3dUBR7v5NPNAk3hbHkrOHhBn9FuZkOeY8ENGwxGl-uDxOfOe5CBJB-3_hzR3ZNmfFFqzEwZO3iguMulfr-Q5VOuHiXMHdrGJR8-54/s1600/10247263_10202992401843833_5216452448503981615_n.jpeg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Tonight putting him to bed
was the FIRST time he actually kissed me! He is always snuggly and lets us hug
and kiss on him, but it was good to have it returned. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Things are going good with
our sweet boy. Really he is just an easy kid. He is calm and quiet and very
laid back. He gets along well with everyone here and seems happy. He is
definitely happiest when the girls come home from school and LOVES to be
outside playing with them. He loves
wrestling with Sawyer, and WOW are 2 boys together LOUD.(especially on top of 5 girls!) </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The times when we both have
frustration it is always because of communication. And I get that. I can’t
explain WHY I am saying no, he can’t explain WHY he thinks he should be able to
do something. So there might be pouting or tears, (on both of our sides!) but
that is improving. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Language really is going well. It is
funny, every Chinese person we have talked to laughs at me when I say we need a
tutor to teach him English. They all tell me, “He will learn listening to all
of you, no tutor needed.” And we are finding that to be true. Though it can still overwhelm me when I work
so hard on ABC every day and pull out a flash card of A and he says B. To
imagine him READING like the girls anytime soon seems impossible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgVV-_O5xY44b96sFdYYSwDNiDqtnV6jTmKqYUq0q95whQ8xKfxCzLIKjei-TrZPB2Kb46Nc_tyl2GMoRCP1SjG_K_dYeHUlj4UnBli8K7xiy7HKvK3Li7-3srmVzT6MF6TGM/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgVV-_O5xY44b96sFdYYSwDNiDqtnV6jTmKqYUq0q95whQ8xKfxCzLIKjei-TrZPB2Kb46Nc_tyl2GMoRCP1SjG_K_dYeHUlj4UnBli8K7xiy7HKvK3Li7-3srmVzT6MF6TGM/s1600/photo.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">But then again, I look back
at a month ago, and how far he has come. (can you believe it has been a whole
month, WOW!) and why do I even worry? Every day we see change. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">It kind of goes back to that
whole newborn thing. We miss out on those firsts, and that first year when they
change SOOO quickly. BUT we are LIVING his first year home and seeing those amazing
changes daily. It is different; he is no
baby for sure. But he is learning and exploring and trying hard to adapt in
this new world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">We may have missed almost 9
years with Syler, but we are so thankful that he is now home. That we will
celebrate every birthday with him forever! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19751590.post-36762828725945127072014-04-22T21:54:00.004-05:002014-04-22T21:54:43.583-05:00Happy Easter 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMibWSe2qGuxRN1x_yGYPb7OIIIIGr5pZMCSDK6yrBPguEVAdlOVK08sm-b0xwhW89R0UWWLNh-mkQU8oehssbcCO-NdPyY2mz7EEvGzOufKZ8SPlV1P4EA4yR-hxLtgEJC2w/s1600/1508572_10202910575198218_4247916240507412570_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMibWSe2qGuxRN1x_yGYPb7OIIIIGr5pZMCSDK6yrBPguEVAdlOVK08sm-b0xwhW89R0UWWLNh-mkQU8oehssbcCO-NdPyY2mz7EEvGzOufKZ8SPlV1P4EA4yR-hxLtgEJC2w/s1600/1508572_10202910575198218_4247916240507412570_n.jpeg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br />ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19751590.post-53399529113010660992014-03-24T23:25:00.000-05:002014-03-24T23:25:16.099-05:00Here we GROW AGAIN & Again!!! We are off! Moving over to our travel blog, follow along by clicking <a href="http://www.2china4sylerandmercie.blogspot.com/">HERE!!!!</a>ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19751590.post-49405065556913252322014-03-24T23:23:00.000-05:002014-03-24T23:23:08.532-05:00Catching up 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
Since I am leaving for CHINA and bringing home TWO children, I am guessing I will never get caught up on blogs if I don't catch up NOW before I go! :-) (and I do this because my children bug me when I DON'T, so here we go, in pictures! )</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>January</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chinese New year was the big event! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>February</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We had the youth mystery ball with our church youth group. I was in charge of the dessert bar. :-) </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>March</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Celebrated my moms 60th birthday!<br />
(also my grandpa and aunts!)<br />
<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Had a fun day at Cahokia Mounds.<br />
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AND prepared to travel!!<br />
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ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19751590.post-70947641171259150292014-03-24T00:17:00.000-05:002014-03-24T00:17:51.786-05:00Prayer and Blessings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sunday our church called our family up to pray over us. It was such a sweet send off. Our church family has been so supportive of my mission in Chenzhou and of our adoptions. So thankful to be a part of a church that has a heart for the orphan! I think it was so good for even my little girls to be a part of such a beautiful time of love and encouragement! </div>
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Then after that my friends and family gathered at my favorite coffee shop for more prayer and encouragement. It was beautiful. They each had a specific area they prayed over from our flights to luggage to our guides, each of us by name, the kids, etc and so on. </div>
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I know that many do not have the support of family and friends when they adopt, and I am SOOO thankful that we do. Not only did I feel loved, I felt that my new children to be are truly already loved by them.<br />
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They say it takes a village, and I am so grateful to say that I have one of the best around! When the going gets tough, as I know it will, I know that these dear friends will be there for me to love us through those tough times. Thank you friends for loving us well! </div>
ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19751590.post-86574428786666538262014-03-24T00:05:00.002-05:002014-03-24T00:05:41.429-05:00Who's going to China?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The question keeps getting asked, who is going to China this time? On our previous adoption trips we took NO kids. And it was heavenly. :-) It was the right choice for those trips and honestly what our new kids needed at the time. </div>
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But this trip we knew we would consider taking kids. In particular one kid. Who has a HUGE heart for the orphan, a HUGE heart for babies, and DESPERATELY wanted to go. </div>
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Makenna had no interest in going. She has been to China 3 times on mission and LOVES that. Wants to return again for that. The thought of NOT being in the orphanage the entire trip was to much for her to even imagine. Plus she is saving up to go back next summer on mission. </div>
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Sawyer, we wondered. It is a brother, would he want to go?! But Sawyer has yet to travel overseas. He is a VERY very VERY picky eater. Though I know that when God calls him, he will work through that. He is thinking he wants to go on mission, so he is saving his money for that. I do think he will do better on a mission trip over than an adoption trip. To much down time on adoption trips! </div>
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Sage & Mavery.... I really did want to consider taking Sage. This is her orphanage after all. And this trip would be easier than a mission trip. (I will not take her on a mission trip there till she is MUCH older) Plus she is just easy. BUT, Mavery is not ready for this trip at all. Mavery could not handle the flight let alone China! And to be honest, I am not sure that Sage is ready either. </div>
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So, the decision was pretty easy. Malaine will travel with us! She has wanted to go on mission, and I think this is a good step in that direction. Malaine is the one who knows the kids in the orphanage by name, sometimes better than I do! (and she has never been!) She knows the nannies, she knows their stories. She listens, she bears the burden of life there through what I share. </div>
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This will be her very first flight. She is SOO excited and I am SOO excited to share this with her! I know that she will do great with the kids, and will just be a joy to have along. She is an easy child as it is, and is laid back. She is excited to try the foods, she is NOT excited about squatty potties. :-) </div>
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I have had the privilege of seeing China through Makenna's eyes 3 times, and I have loved that. Now I will see it through Malaine's eyes. I pray that God will capture her heart and she will return changed, as China seems to do for all of us. </div>
ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19751590.post-33518301072863118072014-03-23T23:50:00.000-05:002014-03-23T23:50:48.742-05:00A room for a Superhero<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My mother is amazingly talented. Unfortunately that talent skipped right on over me and landed on Makenna. Which are both to my benefit, I get out of much of the decorating work! :-) My kids young and old are obsessed with super hero's. So when adding a boy, the choice for his room was so easy! </div>
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A super hero room for our superhero! My mom has spent MANY hours on this. Painting and drawing and sewing curtains and painting some more. My parents are so generous with their time, $ and talent and we are so thankful. You can just see the loved poured into this room for a boy they have yet to meet. But whom is already loved. </div>
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Makenna painted the letters below. She is such a good artist and enjoys drawing and painting. And as you can see, she is also VERY talented! You might remember, Syler was one of her favorite's from our mission trips. So the fact that he gets to actually be her brother is pretty special. I can't wait to see him finally seeing her! </div>
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Can you imagine the look on Sylers face to walk into this room? We will have a bed set up in our room for him, but he can keep his things in here and when he is ready, he can sleep under the city of super hero's! </div>
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ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19751590.post-71460281219953429972014-03-23T23:26:00.000-05:002014-03-23T23:26:39.783-05:00Together Forever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Waiting is hard. No matter how many children you already have, how many adoptions you have done, or how many photos you get. It is not natural to have children who are not in your care. </div>
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But one thing that has done my heart good is knowing that my children are together. They say that Syler is taking good care of his baby sister, and I believe that! </div>
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When I get photos, I can just see the tenderness that he shows towards her. Notice how he holds on to her, or how she is watching him. Is it not the sweetest thing ever? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKrII7DljyMDBGsqKRo-FOlzJcdnu3qhR7UCkSxgTDmM7WoF2SFgFZ_H0lhGs4yg2Jmcv6prwPML3cADWho-eVA6K83Ll_ogWiVvDrfO2JCfINh7Y5wPWX5Yl3MRgZ9gQhCkg/s1600/IMG_6505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKrII7DljyMDBGsqKRo-FOlzJcdnu3qhR7UCkSxgTDmM7WoF2SFgFZ_H0lhGs4yg2Jmcv6prwPML3cADWho-eVA6K83Ll_ogWiVvDrfO2JCfINh7Y5wPWX5Yl3MRgZ9gQhCkg/s1600/IMG_6505.jpg" height="640" width="502" /></a></div>
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Syler and Mercie will sleep at the orphanage for just 7 more nights. Then they will leave everything they have ever known. Nothing will be the same. The smells will change, the sounds, the clothes, and of course no nannies that have been there with them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3oX-2oZ1jV_qnEqlFqzL7CJ4iI-MhiZ8dVrZBTvtanBk7SoST08UzkU4BOuVAsWpMmHJHc0gMHTutpBpqHqZWlA1z711jixcz8k70N0NyynGQCHMX7bKpLDKBoDQkbXGgUa_/s1600/unnamed-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3oX-2oZ1jV_qnEqlFqzL7CJ4iI-MhiZ8dVrZBTvtanBk7SoST08UzkU4BOuVAsWpMmHJHc0gMHTutpBpqHqZWlA1z711jixcz8k70N0NyynGQCHMX7bKpLDKBoDQkbXGgUa_/s1600/unnamed-1.jpeg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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But the thing that won't change? Each other. No matter how scared they are, how unfamiliar things seem, how different life is, they can wake up every day and still see a face that they know. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-T0NGnqd2Kqk2ibdNeVS2EsPLnq01PCHMhCbtGWjkC5gSvYDEZe4wMSsSgsXAGBzW79dsIpSqW6v9LLhWDUYgCv11rBq-2V0CLuahobBP-UiW9I_VsjC7B9tjDuEwQ3jLYbqz/s1600/unnamed-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-T0NGnqd2Kqk2ibdNeVS2EsPLnq01PCHMhCbtGWjkC5gSvYDEZe4wMSsSgsXAGBzW79dsIpSqW6v9LLhWDUYgCv11rBq-2V0CLuahobBP-UiW9I_VsjC7B9tjDuEwQ3jLYbqz/s1600/unnamed-2.jpeg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am so thankful that God allowed this because it has given me just a bit of peace when I think of all the change they will encounter very soon. </div>
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Mercie is young, she won't remember life before us when she is older. But Syler will. He can fill in those gaps for her, he can remind her of their story, because he walked these halls with her every single day. </div>
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My heart overflows with each photo they have sent. I study them for hours, looking at everything and trying to soak them in. </div>
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What is going through Sylers head? Mercie is to young to understand, but I know he knows. And I bet he is counting down. </div>
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I know WE are counting the heartbeats till we are ALL together, very very soon! </div>
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Flight leaves TUESDAY!!! Have a few posts to catch up tomorrow and will link in to our travel blog! </div>
ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19751590.post-74979263125623273302014-03-12T22:47:00.000-05:002014-03-12T22:47:04.516-05:00Building a Bear for Mercie <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiop8IgsNhjPtXlq7MOnTHCXHTL9MR4EUJJaLepPg88m7gQRMfOL5_hl9RYY08LyFpYgcMZFI7CEglbmeWDy2PX0FMSz_DQFB-PzzCPW-kEz0Zp2af65p32a3YUhIk5TsoDbEtu/s1600/build+a+bear.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiop8IgsNhjPtXlq7MOnTHCXHTL9MR4EUJJaLepPg88m7gQRMfOL5_hl9RYY08LyFpYgcMZFI7CEglbmeWDy2PX0FMSz_DQFB-PzzCPW-kEz0Zp2af65p32a3YUhIk5TsoDbEtu/s1600/build+a+bear.jpg.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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We sent Syler a monkey from build a bear back in November, with our first package to him. We stuffed it full of love and dreams and even our voices were included. So when we finally got approval for Mercie, we went to build a bear for her too! And we did the same thing. Debated over which bear fit her sweet personality. Each of us chose a heart that we prayed over and stuffed it full of love. The wait is so long when our children are so far away, it helps a bit knowing that they will hold these things that were made by our own hands. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEOocZVrtxtCvaBOiuUjwbD3KPnqDvFjIpSuaUOaD-5RAQTywxBkbKj-0BvKGv0bQUld-XwOO-br21kQuSfRq1hd8-XmNWf7ns-J1AQqZgEX0JUDwPZf7C-Xls0VtWSf2jx-y/s1600/unnamed-33.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEOocZVrtxtCvaBOiuUjwbD3KPnqDvFjIpSuaUOaD-5RAQTywxBkbKj-0BvKGv0bQUld-XwOO-br21kQuSfRq1hd8-XmNWf7ns-J1AQqZgEX0JUDwPZf7C-Xls0VtWSf2jx-y/s1600/unnamed-33.jpeg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
We have also been working hard to get a space ready for the kids. (Syler's room gets it's own post!) Because Mercie is only 2, we plan that she will spend quite some time sleeping with us. We know that she will not know she does not have her own space, but I did want to put some effort into it. Even if she sleeps in our bed, which is what we hope for.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCRMtKmZftamAg5o69Qipo8aQQNfQxwdFxHNzW1DGO65FS3chqY201dKZl_a72VnATycTG67RiVq8fzHJmKxSUCN0FNAS5v1F7eN2lth-2YcHnDtB_pKnblJwSJ6o-0qbiJF-/s1600/unnamed-34.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCRMtKmZftamAg5o69Qipo8aQQNfQxwdFxHNzW1DGO65FS3chqY201dKZl_a72VnATycTG67RiVq8fzHJmKxSUCN0FNAS5v1F7eN2lth-2YcHnDtB_pKnblJwSJ6o-0qbiJF-/s1600/unnamed-34.jpeg" height="640" width="474" /></a></div>
My aunt gave me the quilt through an auction for the Life Network Pregnancy care center. I find it quite fitting that it was made by the quilters at our church. LOVE the colors, love that it is a cozy house, a home. A place Mercie has never lived in.<br />
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I wanted to find a picture to hang over the crib, and I searched and searched. This photo caught my attention, but I just wasn't sure. I picked it up, put it back, put it in the cart, put it back and walked away. But then I came back to think some more. (in case you didn't know, I OVERTHINK everything) I stood there studying the photo when something caught my eye.<br />
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It the top corner, against the leaf it had a verse. And when I saw what it was I started to weep right there in the middle of Hobby Lobby. If you would like to read WHY this verse made me weep, <a href="http://herewegrowagain.blogspot.com/2007/12/how-we-came-to-grow-again.html">please go here to read. </a><br />
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When God breathed adoption in my heart he also planted that verse along with it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBffKBgOfSP2JxBdAC5d0xwu68khwvcepiDahPTO56jzt4Yxvocl95ytoQJEpnbqbap-erJSwPPo31bcwk7rsuxGH7dbKNDJIQIWnG7EbDbz2pYIA17pJeegWUnLDWpr5cZs5E/s1600/scripture-art-wise-reminders-faith-owl.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBffKBgOfSP2JxBdAC5d0xwu68khwvcepiDahPTO56jzt4Yxvocl95ytoQJEpnbqbap-erJSwPPo31bcwk7rsuxGH7dbKNDJIQIWnG7EbDbz2pYIA17pJeegWUnLDWpr5cZs5E/s1600/scripture-art-wise-reminders-faith-owl.jpeg" height="640" width="458" /></a></div>
He used it so many times to remind me of WHY we were on the journey we were on. With Sage, with Mavery and now THIS picture. Not only is it fitting that it says PRAYER CHANGES THINGS, the verse. So to the counter I went to pay and that picture was over her crib as soon as I walked in the door.<br />
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Each time I look at her crib, next to my bed, I am reminded Prayer DOES change things.<br />
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Most of all prayer has changed ME, it has changed Mark. We are getting ready to travel for our 6th and 7th children. Children we begged the Lord to let us parent.<br />
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There are times our Faith wavers. We question, we cry, we get so tired of waiting and wondering. We think of our kids sitting in an orphanage, and it breaks us. I have walked the halls of that place, I KNOW how they live. I can't think to long or to hard or I go crazy.<br />
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But not much longer! We hope to have a date this week!<br />
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And we hope to have pictures of that bear in the arms of our baby girl, it is being delivered today!ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19751590.post-21119835506794208812014-03-12T16:19:00.001-05:002014-03-12T16:19:41.060-05:00HER name is....Oh this name game!<br />
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As you know I have dreamed of a baby girl for YEARS, and I do mean years. So I have tossed around names in my head for all those years.<br />
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Then when we found Syler we knew he was an S name and if we DID find a baby girl, she would be M.<br />
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But having a houseful of VERY opinionated children is HARD.<br />
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I suggest a name, they make fun of it.<br />
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I suggest again, they go on and on about it. And when I say ON & on I mean gagging, falling on the floor, "I can't believe you would do that to our sister" going on.<br />
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">I live a rough life.</span></span></div>
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One thing with our children's names is that we never chose them based on meaning. I know some do and that is great. But honestly, we just picked based on sound. And then of course letter. I mean really, Sawyer means woodcutter. I have no love towards trees or anything, just loved that name!<br />
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As I have prayed over this child and wondered how God would write her story my prayer was, Lord, please have mercy on her. Have mercy on US.<br />
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And so it went. We found out He DID have mercy, so we needed to officially name her! Here are some we considered.<br />
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Myer<br />
Maryn/Merin/Maren<br />
Maelle<br />
Maraya<br />
Mali<br />
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On and on the lists went. I asked for suggestions and people were so kind to share, I had pages I was going through! I joined every name board, I PRAYED and prayed. It was to the point I was literally have nightmares!<br />
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And I just kept coming back to this.<br />
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God had mercy on us.<br />
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And that just fit! So our baby girl will be named after the miracle that HE has done, by showing us mercy.<br />
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I actually loved Mercie all along. My family did not. I kept bringing it up and they said no. Until I showed them a photo with her name, and that did it. They agreed, it fit her and it fit us. </div>
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Webster defines Mercy as this:</div>
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<span class="ssens"><em class="sn" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">a</em> <strong>:</strong> a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion</span><span class="ssens"><div class="break" style="height: 10px;">
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<em class="sn" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">b</em> <strong>:</strong> a fortunate circumstance </span></div>
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<strong>C:</strong> <span style="font-size: x-small;"> compassionate treatment of those in distress </span></div>
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<span class="ssens"><span style="font-size: x-small;">:kindness or help given to people who are in a very bad or desperate situation. </span></span></div>
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<span class="ssens"><span style="font-size: x-small;">:a good or lucky fact or situation</span></span></div>
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<span class="ssens"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We know that God has been faithful. He has given us a gift that we did not deserve. We will never forget the mercy and compassion he has shown on us as we have laid on our face before him crying out to rescue this baby girl. </span></span></div>
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<span class="ssens"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Our prayer is that she will someday know Gods mercy herself. That she will understand how he wrote her story, our story. That she will see the mercy he has poured out on all of us. </span></span></div>
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Romans 9:15</div>
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For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”</div>
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Surely Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. </div>
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Matthew 5:7<br />“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.</div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Hebrews 4:16</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Let us then with confidence approach the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Mercie Fei, our sweet daughter, forever loved. </span></div>
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ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19751590.post-61579180053060683582014-02-27T23:01:00.001-06:002014-02-27T23:02:28.363-06:00Miracles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">When you ask God for
miracles, and then you actually SEE them, you want to shout it from the
rooftops.</span><br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And yet words fail me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">In October we
announced the news of our son, you can read<a href="http://herewegrowagain.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2013-12-21T19:09:00-06:00"> here.</a> And HE is a gift! I feel like
the luckiest mama in the world that he is ours! Syler Blane, our 6<sup>th</sup>
child. He evened us out! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">You may recall <a href="http://herewegrowagain.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2013-12-21T19:09:00-06:00">I wrote in that post about my longing for a baby girl.</a> How humorous that we started out
for a baby girl and ended up with an 8 year old BOY child! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And we were SO happy with our boy! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">But God… He wasn’t done. He
was putting his plans in motion. He knew the ending & he was still writing
our story. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We have a baby girl. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Well maybe not so much a
baby, though she is in our eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">She is 2 years old. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And she is a miracle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I first laid eyes on her in
2012. So to answer the question, yes she is from Chenzhou. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzEbUVODOdlU_5TFigfzXLPokYiCPDAOh_xT3GrWS8OmEX15wb-fJYKa1OtLYuVCy-KAitvxig1krFo0lnw5gq7LVZBQNugoRRwQ_YJ3VWp9tliYgGrTXabwL6rqIZObFac4W/s1600/403881_3975182270802_1173337181_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzEbUVODOdlU_5TFigfzXLPokYiCPDAOh_xT3GrWS8OmEX15wb-fJYKa1OtLYuVCy-KAitvxig1krFo0lnw5gq7LVZBQNugoRRwQ_YJ3VWp9tliYgGrTXabwL6rqIZObFac4W/s1600/403881_3975182270802_1173337181_n.jpeg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The day I saw her I knew, she
was mine. I can remember the moment I
laid eyes on her. I gasped, I got tears, I dropped to my knees and looked at
the nannies in wonder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Back in 2011 <a href="http://herewegrowagain.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2010-12-31T22:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2011-08-26T21:29:00-05:00&max-results=50&start=25&by-date=false">I fell in love with a baby we named Rosebud</a>. I adored that baby girl and would have taken her home
with me. But she was not meant to be mine. I have been blessed that I have
connected with her family and they are so gracious to let me see her life! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">She went home in 2011,
shortly after I met her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">So when I walked into the
baby play room in 2012, and THIS baby sat there, looking SO much like that
baby, it took my breath away. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbF7xnNTVTmN7BJ7J-ZIxvL3sLQMUlqNoA2rLpGMpG3HXxbVCBkkjMrW5qbDihIPdTwnWj_OA02mGgpUM3mFqVa-uQX_p7kd1IXkf_6xyt3WIf8AOtDiH8nfpR6kBsSjRO2TfV/s1600/IMG_0825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbF7xnNTVTmN7BJ7J-ZIxvL3sLQMUlqNoA2rLpGMpG3HXxbVCBkkjMrW5qbDihIPdTwnWj_OA02mGgpUM3mFqVa-uQX_p7kd1IXkf_6xyt3WIf8AOtDiH8nfpR6kBsSjRO2TfV/s1600/IMG_0825.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">As I fell to my knees before
her to soak her in, the nannies started to laugh and started saying Rosebud
(her chinese name of course) because they knew exactly what I was thinking! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtq_adB86tm1RjAv781JojEiQ_iX05fIQfsxUSd8NRrflCdSefdeN8FIpj80oXuaZfFXJcnFXuJx3roPjL1tFNCEv8qDuIBKDrS2N2lhyphenhyphenApz3WhGQGA86OeO_Q9lygJ1Ug97l/s1600/d5194064d5e661dad90e69f597719b43.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtq_adB86tm1RjAv781JojEiQ_iX05fIQfsxUSd8NRrflCdSefdeN8FIpj80oXuaZfFXJcnFXuJx3roPjL1tFNCEv8qDuIBKDrS2N2lhyphenhyphenApz3WhGQGA86OeO_Q9lygJ1Ug97l/s1600/d5194064d5e661dad90e69f597719b43.jpeg" height="576" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I had sworn this trip I was
not going to focus on ONE baby as much. I was going to spend equal times with
ALL babies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And then I saw her and well,
she was just my baby! She was perfect and smiley and I called Mark and said, I
want to bring her home! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And oh did they want to send
her home with me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">But of course that was not an
option. And at that point while we had tossed around adopting again, it was
simply that. Tossed around, but nothing settled. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We spent the next months
praying over this baby girl. Praying over our family. Are we supposed to add more? Are we going to be ok if we start an adoption and can't find her file? Are we CRAZY! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We knew going in we would only find her with a miracle. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">But we also know that God IS a God of miracles. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">And so we trusted in His plan. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I am not going to lie. It has been a LONG year. My faith felt like it was on a roller coaster of up and down. I wish I could say that I stayed strong, I never complained, I kept a happy attitude and knew that in the end God would give us a miracle in one way or another. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">My friend shared this verse with me, and I wanted SO badly to live that! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ujxbd0h0uzttbLmWDrwYLl1890pj3zMLlvgJ5Rd0pFSiUd3A7QBWfAKK8cMWRMsvPmq5PT3vwNBVgXmie4qAPO5DfXdp8bLiM6eE1SgXUQQqUIsuZFmIab1PIAAZH5jZge8B/s1600/instant-download-job-2310-scripture.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ujxbd0h0uzttbLmWDrwYLl1890pj3zMLlvgJ5Rd0pFSiUd3A7QBWfAKK8cMWRMsvPmq5PT3vwNBVgXmie4qAPO5DfXdp8bLiM6eE1SgXUQQqUIsuZFmIab1PIAAZH5jZge8B/s1600/instant-download-job-2310-scripture.jpeg" height="640" width="502" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Waiting is not something I have ever been good at though. EVEN now, I can't hardly stand it. We found Syler in October and we wondered, what is God doing? We were SOOO excited to have him as our son! We tried to come to peace with it might be just him. But my heart just kept saying, don't give up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimaDh2rTKgyIyiMmhiYytbEDHVu-ymOY37Hg0PuzCI7-1oGuWmenXvdnkJsm28GDUjdfEiRW1XzMZCYftaHQTjao_9e7XHu6til8CsuGQmYvzmFuNE7SVrbURpuPNyi9hSuFg-/s1600/a184f9e85fd4113f781d1f92c00ee15d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimaDh2rTKgyIyiMmhiYytbEDHVu-ymOY37Hg0PuzCI7-1oGuWmenXvdnkJsm28GDUjdfEiRW1XzMZCYftaHQTjao_9e7XHu6til8CsuGQmYvzmFuNE7SVrbURpuPNyi9hSuFg-/s1600/a184f9e85fd4113f781d1f92c00ee15d.jpeg" height="622" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And God, who is a God of Mercy, gave us our miracle.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb391FxACXV9wZNpeMRvnUqVg5qYo1IzheGjc_wVBG30x0nJp2Z1nk9UQuLZJk5obGbbufNYLC2rP3R42x5FvEX7t_wD6ABmc-GABcZ13nlkjTM28uAGwz-Q3uDTGyaQ1hC7X1/s1600/sometimes-miracles-come-in-pairs-vinyl.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb391FxACXV9wZNpeMRvnUqVg5qYo1IzheGjc_wVBG30x0nJp2Z1nk9UQuLZJk5obGbbufNYLC2rP3R42x5FvEX7t_wD6ABmc-GABcZ13nlkjTM28uAGwz-Q3uDTGyaQ1hC7X1/s1600/sometimes-miracles-come-in-pairs-vinyl.jpeg" height="554" width="640" /></a></div>
There is so much more to her story than I can even put into details. We are still processing through it all. But we do know this, God is good. We are blessed. Not only do we have an amazing son, we have my baby love.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0IjCOZ8J3EB6Wimp_rlfSQyIShvdGXmoUsBi259uvb3l3jRNqC4e9AeOs-6vCPegEu8wf_gLcH0kZxQEhqWk6xdVbDSp-g8g_RO5rv8F-FEpwJlMqVBZgRat80HFmxmGhMFK/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-04+at+10.32.44+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0IjCOZ8J3EB6Wimp_rlfSQyIShvdGXmoUsBi259uvb3l3jRNqC4e9AeOs-6vCPegEu8wf_gLcH0kZxQEhqWk6xdVbDSp-g8g_RO5rv8F-FEpwJlMqVBZgRat80HFmxmGhMFK/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-04+at+10.32.44+PM.png" height="640" width="458" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I know it is a gift that I have been given to celebrate her 1st AND 2nd birthdays with her. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I watched her go from a smily happy baby to a nervous toddler that is scared of strangers. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I know that she loves puffs, and that was my secret ammunition in July. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She is a tiny peanut, weighing in at a whopping 22 pounds. She will be 3 in July. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She was born VERY early and the fact that she is alive IS a miracle in itself. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She is ornery, and some families who met her have called her Ms Attitude or simply, Trouble. :-) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Her name is Lin Fei, and just happens that MY middle name is Faye. </div>
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She does not have an English name yet, she is up for the letter M. </div>
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Her report was so detailed, of that I am so thankful. My favorite line is that "she is a beautiful dainty princess." And she IS. </div>
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She is now the baby princess of our family. She is our daughter, never to be an orphan again. She is so loved and cherished and WANTED more than words can say. We have prayed on our knees and continue to do so for this sweet miracle. She is our gift. </div>
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There are moments when I stop and just weep. We started this journey and it was so unknown what would happen. We knew what we wanted to happen, but we just had no idea what God would do. We would look at files and lists and dream and wait. </div>
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My dreams though, they were only THESE kids. Always. </div>
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So now we wait. We will travel SOON though for BOTH kids. We are praying to meet them on March 31st, will you pray with us? </div>
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I really do hope to get back in this blogging thing because I do love to keep track of these things for my kids. Someday I may not remember their stories in detail, but they can read them! </div>
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SEVEN children. It just seems like the perfect number if you ask us!</div>
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ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19751590.post-59352300667848010272014-02-05T09:14:00.001-06:002014-02-05T09:14:48.631-06:00It's a GIRL!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1OZE8uDOP5fLZvL2K5R30Oe3BMJzLd7VWj7THGZWtxTPUrF3c_r_MSuenDcRnwVxrp7m3HULNMBZRc93eRxg53DKlZu41hfymPNV9eT0dzFm3nClyvj7hRUoOxgeBj9JH3GQ/s1600/DSC_0010_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1OZE8uDOP5fLZvL2K5R30Oe3BMJzLd7VWj7THGZWtxTPUrF3c_r_MSuenDcRnwVxrp7m3HULNMBZRc93eRxg53DKlZu41hfymPNV9eT0dzFm3nClyvj7hRUoOxgeBj9JH3GQ/s1600/DSC_0010_2.JPG" height="640" width="614" /></a></div>
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Oh yes it is! We are THRILLED to announce that we are going to China for TWO! More to come on the story of our MIRACLE. </div>
ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19751590.post-19096984074727426212014-01-12T20:58:00.000-06:002014-01-12T20:58:30.069-06:00Blizzard 2014! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Couldn't miss posting on the Polar Vortex we had this winter! More snow came down than my kids ever remember. It was CRAZY! It was reported that it was coming and I had my doubts. But they called off our church for Sunday morning as it came down, and kept coming and continued all day. It was FREEZING cold and everything was covered in a winter wonderland! </div>
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The kids could only go out for short periods of time, but they made good use of it! </div>
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Pixie LOVES this weather. I am not sure she would ever come in and she runs and plays like crazy! Even though it was deeper than her in some spots, and she had snow hanging off every inch of her, she LOVED it! </div>
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School was called off for 4 days. We did not leave our house for longer than that. I have never been stuck inside that many days in a row! But honestly, I enjoyed it. The kids were willing to play games, we were lazy and stayed in our pj's most days. We cooked and baked and cooked some more. Makenna made the Texas Roadhouse rolls for us one night, YUM! (obviously these are not the rolls!) </div>
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Mark even had to be out of town so I was here with the kids alone all week. And still managed to stay sane! It was actually a perfect ending for a crazy December if you ask me. I hope the kids will never forget this week and all that snow!! Because I have not seen that much since I was a little girl, so they may not see it again for a very long time! </div>
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<br />ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19751590.post-69199084558744202602013-12-25T20:36:00.000-06:002014-01-12T20:41:08.698-06:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Christmas Eve we always start the day with breakfast out with Mark's family. We were excited this year that his brother and family made it in from Texas! The kids always get one gift from us on Christmas Eve, new jammies! They were thrilled with footies this year! Ok, they were all thrilled besides ONE. :-) We then head to church for candlelight service. </div>
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We then head back to our house for family fun! It is always fun to be able to skype with my brother all the way in China! We miss him being with us so it is a great way to still include him in our parties. Not to mention it is his birthday on the 24th so everyone had a chance to sing Happy Birthday to him! </div>
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Last Christmas as a family of 7 and we can't wait to add MORE! We had our yearly live nativity, this year the older ones wrapped. Can't believe I don't have pictures of it !</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5KahvSHl1yMNnOiDTZISI2M7CeZNn2tc_cvS19Hf4sHlvoKpM6Pcfz5II8IpVhK1_2Tb010N7QNPUYdCBWTv_-4hRe-5suEdnsnC56rbWrgY0ial-akujDK_c9Ifm5ky197r/s1600/IMG_6102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5KahvSHl1yMNnOiDTZISI2M7CeZNn2tc_cvS19Hf4sHlvoKpM6Pcfz5II8IpVhK1_2Tb010N7QNPUYdCBWTv_-4hRe-5suEdnsnC56rbWrgY0ial-akujDK_c9Ifm5ky197r/s640/IMG_6102.JPG" width="640" /></a>It was a great week of celebrating the birth of Jesus, being with family and having fun. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbjyLFC5NfLL2PR2a1HelblFpIk4CcCZsJPRMiYYTil1IhVibTcvwCUvVm69ycFokKVCqQOdrQ_vAnQDEJYdoyZ7nJlDv0YKKL6QzFfaF0gW01UYzksfG8Co4q4kksr_3tVLb/s1600/Christmas.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbjyLFC5NfLL2PR2a1HelblFpIk4CcCZsJPRMiYYTil1IhVibTcvwCUvVm69ycFokKVCqQOdrQ_vAnQDEJYdoyZ7nJlDv0YKKL6QzFfaF0gW01UYzksfG8Co4q4kksr_3tVLb/s640/Christmas.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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But it is hard too. Celebrating while you are in the process of adoption is just tough. On us mama's anyways. The guilt you feel over your child sitting in an orphanage while you have fun, it is a hard balance. We did send the orphanage a Christmas party and were happy to see they at least had a bit of fun. Next year life will be so different and oh so good! </div>
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<br />ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19751590.post-25414710313306365262013-12-24T21:35:00.000-06:002014-01-12T21:36:35.471-06:00LOA for Syler! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMNaWLwERyWdEOeqR1AiaKZ8c6edrp2Lvr9CZv862eYllMRqe40F-I6OjFncu1s5ZH2OvbFW_O6TT4BXeDJ2S5MuO-tXr3rTNBACgkZUuuuxGQYtqOl3vNR3qhyS8Se4YView/s1600/IMG_6049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMNaWLwERyWdEOeqR1AiaKZ8c6edrp2Lvr9CZv862eYllMRqe40F-I6OjFncu1s5ZH2OvbFW_O6TT4BXeDJ2S5MuO-tXr3rTNBACgkZUuuuxGQYtqOl3vNR3qhyS8Se4YView/s640/IMG_6049.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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On 12/24 we officially had in our hand Syler's Letter of Approval (LOA) from China! We waited 62 days to finally hear China say YES he is a Laxton! I don't think we could have asked for a better day for it to come. </div>
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There are many more steps to go, but we know we are heading in the right direction! Hopefully spring travel is still what wil happen. </div>
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I have had so many thoughts lately of our sweet boy. We know that he knows and received our package. They said he is so happy & excited to be with our family and that he shared his candy with his friends. </div>
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Every night I go to bed praying and wondering how he is. He is the last thought on my mind and the first when I wake up. I am constantly looking at the clock to figure out what time it is and what he might be doing. Everything we do I think about how it will be when he is home. </div>
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I hate the waiting. I do not do well with the unknown. I don't like that he is there and I have no idea what is going on with him. If he is sick or scared or worried, what does he do? </div>
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I remind myself often that 6 months ago I was with him and in less than that amount of time I will be with him again! If I can look back at how fast the last 6 months have flown by, it gives me a tiny bit of comfort. This time next year, our family will be complete. At the very most, in 6 months our family will be complete! </div>
ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19751590.post-5476252850818170622013-12-21T19:09:00.000-06:002014-01-12T20:17:01.530-06:00December Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqN_AspmM_4a7cxl5ZmawWP_OD7p7weliaISR6Xe8KqJ_CFFN9tylx1ISwfpjDsezBUswmzbYsbEsXt4uTDOnBgpQXkMkrwr-t_8e553noYvA_6Qvd9fnLW46h5BthSjcwoWXZ/s1600/Breakfast+with+Santa.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqN_AspmM_4a7cxl5ZmawWP_OD7p7weliaISR6Xe8KqJ_CFFN9tylx1ISwfpjDsezBUswmzbYsbEsXt4uTDOnBgpQXkMkrwr-t_8e553noYvA_6Qvd9fnLW46h5BthSjcwoWXZ/s640/Breakfast+with+Santa.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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December was busy as always but full of fun! We had our traditional Breakfast with Santa at Eckerts. The older kids have a love/hate relationship with this. They love to eat but think they are just "to cool" of course! But I am pretty sure the silly Elf made it all worth it. He was the best ever! </div>
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Lots of baking, baking and more baking! </div>
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And one of our favorites is our traditional family candlelight dinner. We can't wait to have this table even more full next year! At our Thanksgiving candle light dinner the kids draw a siblings name. We secretly shop picking out a gift. And then after dinner they exchange. They LOVE it and I hope someday they will look back on this with fond memories. (and not remember the crazed mama that happens most of the time!!) </div>
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<br />ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19751590.post-6074103006583106592013-11-23T17:53:00.000-06:002013-11-23T17:53:52.730-06:00And his name is......<br />
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Names are HARD.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Naming your 6<sup>th</sup> child is REALLY hard. <o:p></o:p></div>
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ESPECIALLY when you have created a name pattern that you are
stuck in. <o:p></o:p></div>
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With Makenna, we just loved the name, that happened to start with M, like Mark. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Sawyer, we just loved the name. That happened to start with S, like me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But then we realized that we were 2 S and 2 M names so when
it came to Malaine it felt like she was being left out if we did not use the
same letters. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And so it went, we followed the pattern for every child. Though
Sage and Mavery got a bit confusing and out of order because Mavery is older than
Sage but up for the M letter. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Mark, Shannon, Makenna, Sawyer, Malaine, Sage & Mavery<o:p></o:p></div>
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So we knew this boy of ours was going to be S and would then
put our names back in order. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Mark, Shannon, Makenna, Sawyer, Malaine, S name, Mavery
& Sage. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But there was a struggle. When I first met our son over a
year ago while working at the orphanage, my girls on the team nicknamed him
Taylor. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Because they said he looked like Taylor Lautner. He actually kind of does, doesn't he?? :-) <o:p></o:p></div>
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So that has stuck. We have prayed for Taylor for the last
year, we have loved him, and known him as Taylor. <o:p></o:p></div>
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He does not go by this, we just give the kids American names
for us to keep track. Chinese names are just not as easy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Getting past Taylor is difficult, but we knew it was an S
name. Saylor was suggested, but I have always loved that for a girl. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We asked for suggestions, <strike>we </strike> I looked on every name site out
there, we prayed, we tried a few and one has finally settled. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It is still hard. But we hope by sharing with everyone else
it will help it settle even more. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We know that many do not like our name choices, and that is
ok. Yes, we like unique and different.We know everyone has thoughts and opinions, and that is ok too. You adopt, you name your child. We get to name this one. :-) <o:p></o:p></div>
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And so our new son & brother will be named.....</div>
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<o:p> </o:p>His full name will be Syler Blane ChenLang Laxton</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Chinese part still being worked on so that is subject to
change. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If you are curious, the ones we were choosing between were:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shepherd (though I was the only one liking this) <o:p></o:p></div>
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Shaw <o:p></o:p></div>
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Syler<o:p></o:p></div>
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Someone actually suggested Syler to me on Facebook and now I
do not know who, but it went on my list and we all kept going back to that. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Actually Sawyer fought hard for Shaw, because he is studying
Shaw in literature and said he’s cool. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But Syler just feels right. We can call him Sy for a nickname. Which has actually been on my list for YEARS. WAY before Duck Dynasty. :-) <o:p></o:p></div>
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Blane is actually after his 2 uncles, Brett Laxton &
Shane. We try to combine family names for all of our kids. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Today we sent off a package we have been working on. Filled with love. We went to Build a Bear recently to build his bear and the lady asked his name. We told her and when she stuffed those hearts in that bear and said, you all are putting lots of love in for Syler, my eyes filled with tears. </div>
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<o:p> To hear someone else say your child's name out loud, it just felt so right.</o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p>Syler, our son. </o:p></div>
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<o:p>And yes, we stuffed that bear full of love, a heart for each of us along with our voices. (which may or may not just scare him to death!) I hope Syler will feel all the love we have poured into that package and that it will give him hope. He is wanted, he is chosen and he is SO loved. </o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p> Mark, Shannon, Makenna, Saywer, Malaine, Syler, Mavery & Sage</o:p></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19751590.post-42864569897726414722013-11-20T13:35:00.000-06:002014-01-12T13:36:02.993-06:00Sage is 8!!! <br />
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My baby is 8! EIGHT! That sounds SO old, and it feels so old. I remember being 8 so I KNOW it is old! Though she continues to tell me, I will ALWAYS be your baby, even when I am so old! </div>
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Sage is our free spirit child. EASY. Quiet. SO easy... Happy. Really this one is hardly ever in a bad mood. She is never bored, she entertains herself like nothing I have ever seen. She is brilliant and I can say that because I did not pass on any of that to her! Her mind and the way she thinks amaze us. She loves her gymnastics and is thrilled to have mastered the running back handspring recently. THREE in a row! (I hold my breath a LOT!) </div>
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This is such a picture of how Sage rolls. This was on our trip to Florida. She never complains, just gets comfy and settles in for the ride! I often wish I could be more like this child. Letting everything roll off my back, if things don't work out, just try a new path. Just stay happy! </div>
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Happy 8th birthday baby girl! Love you to the moon! </div>
ShannonLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670358550491399896noreply@blogger.com0