tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70798220966306805722024-03-05T07:26:33.943-06:00Little LambsLittle Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15223363118517293788noreply@blogger.comBlogger243125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079822096630680572.post-8895058390933123882013-03-01T12:46:00.000-06:002013-03-01T15:17:45.624-06:0020 Months, 20 Questions<br />
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Since we have "announced" our adoption plans, we have received lots of LOVE, along with a lot of questions. As people ask us questions, I write them down. So in honor of today marking 20 months of waiting, here are our 20 most asked questions, Answered.<br />
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<strong>1. Why are you Adopting?</strong> <br />
Mark and I have always talked about adoption. Before we even got married, we talked about what our desire for our family would be, and adoption was <b>always</b> part of what we envisioned for our family unit.We had no idea when or how we would pursue adoption, but really felt strongly that it was part of God's plan for our family.We feel that the Lord has laid the plight of the orphan on our hearts, with a personal,clear, directive to us, The Lamb Family,to extend a family to one that needs a family. This desire to adopt was God-given to the both of us about ten years ago...so here we are..<br />
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2. <strong>Why Ethiopia?</strong> <br />
We both feel that adoption is a much needed and beautiful thing internationally and domestically.There are children everywhere (near and far) that need loving families. For us, Africa has always been on our hearts. We feel drawn to it, can't explain it other than just that. When we first started the process, we thought we would adopt from Rwanda. I talked with a few families who had adopted from Rwanda and did some research. The day I sat down to fill out the pre-application, I received a call from someone whom I had called earlier to talk about her Rwandan adoptions; she then informed me that it looked like Rwanda might close for a time, and the very next day, it did. We then set our sights on the other African country that most agencies adopt from, Ethiopia. Since we made the Ethiopian decision ( about 2 and a half years ago), I wanted to learn all I could about this country and culture. I immediately started reading about it's history and it's people,as I read and read and read and prayed and prayed and prayed, my heart began to fall in love with this country, a country so rich in culture, a country so resilient, a country where our daughter might already live.<br />
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3. <b>"<b>Why are you adopting internationally when there are so many children in the United States that need forever families,</b>?"</b> This is a great question.It is also one of the most asked questions. There are children,<strong>everywhere</strong>, that are in need of families,so many of whom live in this country. We know people that have adopted from both, domestically and internationally.Amazing to watch these adoption journeys. For us, the answer is actually really simple.. We felt the Lord leading us to adopt from Africa. That's it. We felt a legitimate stirring in our spirit for a child from Africa.We felt it in our soul.So,we decided to adopt internationally, specifically Ethiopia. I think domestic adoption is wonderful. I think international adoption is wonderful. I think adoption is wonderful. <br />
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4. <b>What agency are you using?</b><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/adoptionsbygladney.com">Gladney </a><br />
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5. <b>Is Adoption Expensive?</b><br />
Yep. <br />
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6. <b>Are you Fundraising?</b><br />
Yes. We are just about to start.I don't really like the term "fundraising" in re: to this. We are viewing it as a partnership. We have had people share with us that they would like to be a part of our adoption, be a part of bringing parents to a little girl, be a part of bringing a little girl to a family. I have had people tell me that they themselves could never adopt, but would like to be a part of the adoption process for someone else. This brings tears to my eyes and humbles me greatly. People are beautiful. <br />
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7. <b>Do you know the gender of your child?</b><br />
Female. We chose this. <br />
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8.<b>What age will you be adopting?<br />
</b><br />
We are open to a female child, ranging in age from 0-3 1/2 years. So, really, she can be anywhere within this age frame.<br />
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9. <b>So, you don't even know who your child is, yet?<br />
</b><br />
Nope. We have been waiting 20 months for something called a "referral." Once we receive our referral,that means we have been matched with a child. Our referral will contain a picture of our child and information. Everyone in a 3 mile radius will probably know we have received our referral by the shouts of joy that will emit from our townhouse.<br />
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10. <b>Are your extended families supportive of your decision to adopt</b>?<br />
Yes. All of them. Or..if they aren't, they have kept that information to themselves:)<br />
We have been seriously so blessed by every one's reaction and support. I am so grateful. Our future daughter even receives Christmas presents each Christmas, and she might not even be born yet. That is support, ladies and gentlemen. We are blessed.<br />
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11. <b>"Are you worried about Ryann adjusting to a sibling after being an only child for so very long?"<br />
</b><br />
I never thought Ryann would go almost 6 years without a sibling. When we started the adoption process, Ryann was three. Back then, the wait times, were completely different, and I was blissfully ignorant. I thought,year tops, from start to finish.Oh boy, I was so very wrong.<br />
I have talked to Ryann openly about adoption from age 3 until now. She prays for her sister in "Eepeeoepia" every day.<br />
This wait has been hard on Ryann.Every single day, she says she cannot wait to have someone to play with all the time. This breaks my heart. <br />
Although it is hard on Ryann, it is good (as most hard things are, right?). She is hopefully learning from this, from watching us. Oh, I hope so. <br />
With each month that passes in our wait, Ryann grows a little bit older...while growing older, she has more understanding about what adoption means, why it is important, etc. <br />
So, yes, being a worrier by nature, I do worry about how Miss only child Ryann will adjust to having a sibling this late in the game...but then I see a craft from Kindergarten, titled "What you you thankful for?"<br />
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...And I realize she is going to be okay.<br />
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12. <b>"Do you have a lot of fears concerning your daughter's background, etc?"</b><br />
Loaded question. I hear it a lot. We don't know what the future holds, like I don't know what her past held.I do know that I pray for her a lot. I pray that she is loved. I pray for her family. I pray for her caregivers. I grieve for her, for what she has experienced, or what she will experience. I don't know what she will be like, what will be her story. What will lead her to be an orphan. What "scars" she will have. <b>I do know we are all scarred</b>. I do know that the Lord knows all.I do know that the Lord writes our story. I know the Lord heals and helps the scarred. I do know that it is ultimately HIS timing. Lots of unknows, but this much I do know. <br />
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13. <b>How in the world are you going to know how to do her hair?<br />
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Ha! I loved this question, because I love hair care and products and would ask this too. My answer comes in the form of the woman who cuts Ryann's hair...she happens to be Ethiopian. (Hallelujah).Our next door neighbors also happen to be Ethiopian.<br />
I am sure we will ask her a lot of questions and there are all sorts of tutorials on youtube, etc. <br />
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14. <b>Do you have a name picked out?<br />
</b><br />
We have no idea what her name will be,if we will use it as her first name, or as her middle name, etc. We are definitely open to keeping her Ethiopian name as her first name. We also have an American name picked out, mainly because when I pray, I want to pray for her by name.<br />
So, yes we have picked an American name (which we are going to be annoying and not share publicly;) ) and yes, we are open to using her Ethiopian name as her first name..so time and circumstances will tell...<br />
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15. <b>You have been waiting forever. Why is the wait so long when there are so many children that need parents?<br />
</b><br />
Most asked question. I am not going to answer that here, however. In place of an answer, I will ask you to pray for all those waiting. It is hard to wait, and sometimes can be a really lonely place. <br />
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16. <strong>Will you actually go to Ethiopia to pick up your daughter?</strong><br />
Yes. We will go to Ethiopia twice, for court, and then to take her home.<br />
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17. <strong>Because of the long wait, have you had to do paperwork all over again?</strong><br />
Certain parts of it, Yes. Due to expiration dates coming and going. I fretted so much over paperwork at the beginning. Now, I just do it. It is what it is. <br />
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18. <strong>So you, just want 2 kids, then? Why didn't you wait to have all your biological kids first, and then adopt the last one?</strong><br />
I have been asked this, which is pretty personal, but I never mind answering it. My answer is that we have no idea what the future holds. We are just concentrating on the child we do have, and the child we are trying to bring home. We felt a strong calling to adopt, so we started the process. We didn't feel a "wait" to adopt. We felt the Lord telling us to adopt now. So we are...<br />
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19. <strong>How are you REALLY doing with the wait?</strong><br />
Some days are really hard, but most days are okay. Really. We are currently doing fine with the wait. This has not always been the case.I am learning so much about myself and my Lord. We live in such an immediate gratification culture, we want what we want when we want it. I definitely would have fallen into this camp at the beginning and middle of this process. I was so upset, so angry, so very sad when the slow down started. I didn't understand. I love nice little boxes where I can compartmentalize my life. I like things that fit. The 9-13 month wait fit in my "life boxes" (that was the wait time when we started this) I didn't understand how my supposed wait of 9-13 months could change to triple that, possibly. Now, that sounds <strong>messy</strong>. That doesn't fit. <br />
In my selfish, upset, "woe is me" attitude, the Lord met me. Truly. I felt whispers of peace, I felt whispers of affirmation, I felt glory in the wait. I was reminded of how many times the Lord waits on me. I was severely humbled. I began to realize how messy I truly am. <br />
We are so far from perfect, I don't always exude this peaceful attitude by any means...just ask Mark, or really anyone in my life.<br />
I know that we might never see "reason" behind this long wait. We might never understand. But, I am truly thankful for it...What it has done to me and my "boxes." <br />
My prayer for the remainder of this wait is the lyric from "It is well"<br />
"Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, It is well, with my soul."<br />
No matter what happens with all this, or how long it takes, I pray that this is my attitude.<br />
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20. <strong> How can we support your family during this time of waiting?</strong><br />
Pray for us.<br />
Pray for Ryann.<br />
Pray for our future daughter.<br />
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Pray for future us as we learn how to parent this blessing. I am under no delusions whatsoever that it will be easy by any means. I am actually pretty terrified. I know it is going to be a hard, long road. Please start praying now.<br />
We are waiting with great anticipation. We are waiting with hope. Pray that we will continue to wait in peace.<br />
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* If you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to ask<br />
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Little Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15223363118517293788noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079822096630680572.post-23887952858807867552012-12-03T16:28:00.001-06:002012-12-03T16:28:12.780-06:00The Classiest Woman<i>Long overdue blog post. One of my best friends, my grandmother, went home to be with the Lord this October.I read the following tribute at her funeral. We had "the long goodbye"...she has suffered from Alzeimer's for many years. I am truly so joyful she is now full of mind in the presence of her Savior.</i><br />
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I am sitting on a plane on my way to Dallas trying to formulate memories of my sweet grandmother into words I can read today. I am having a very hard time; this is a hard thing to do. Not because I don’t have memories, the fact is I have too many memories and too many words to describe the woman she was to me. All the words that I am coming up with seem way too simple, way too concise, to describe the magnitude of her life and her effect on me. Simply put: words can’t do her justice. When I think back on my childhood, all the special memories that come to mind include her. She is there in my mind and heart for every single one of them. I can’t just pick one, it is impossible. She was a very present, a very constant, and a very special part of my life from day one. For that I will be forever blessed, forever grateful, and forever changed.<br />
1Corinithians 13: 4 says, “Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant. If anyone embodies this verse, it is my grandmother. She was the kindest, the sweetest, the gentlest, the most encouraging, and the most humble person I know. She loved well. She loved her Lord well. She loved her husband well. She loved her family well. She loved her co-workers well. She loved her church well. She loved her 5th grade Sunday School girls well. She loved me well. Her love and the way she showed love is one to emulate. She was truly inspiring.<br />
Not only did she love me well, she was an extremely fun grandma. Weeks spent with her in the Summer were not complete without her amazing cooking. Her Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, gravy on the side, and banana pudding will always be my favorite meal of all time. Many have tried to replicate this, but it is never the same. She also loved to shop, and every single trip we took to the mall ended with me getting a whole new outfit complete with shoes and accessories. These shopping trips lasted way into my teen years and I would always look forward to wearing my “Mee-maw” outfits. She loved all things girly, and would paint my nails in an array of bright pink colors and would let me put on her lipstick at an age I think was probably a little too early. My favorite books were her favorite books. My favorite movies were her favorite movies, and every time I see The Sound of Music, Anne of Green Gables, and Singing in the Rain, I am instantly transported back to her TV room curled up next to her, watching our favorite movies under a fluffy blanket, and drinking a Dr. Pepper float with Blue Bell ice cream, with Paw Paw snoring next to us on his chair. <br />
When my mom called me with the news last week, the very first emotion I felt was Joy. Pure Joy. Joy that she is in the arms of our Savior Jesus Christ. Joy that she was with my grandfather again. Joy that she was of full mind. Joy that she was truly home. <br />
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Little Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15223363118517293788noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079822096630680572.post-10863600169092137572012-09-01T23:04:00.001-05:002012-09-01T23:07:22.918-05:00This Girl<br />
This Girl is <b>JOY<br />
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This Girl is <b>FEARLESS<br />
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This Girl is <b>PRECIOUS</b><br />
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This Joyful,Fearless,Precious,Enchanting Girl of mine will be entering Kindergarten in three short days. A New Chapter.<br />
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*Ryann and I had a staycation of sorts this past week,in celebration of the last week of Summer.We enjoyed lazy days at the beach,we visited the zoo, we shopped for school supplies,we snuggled on the couch as we watched movies. It was a joyous week with my girl. I am most grateful to be her mother. She is truly a gift. <br />
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Little Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15223363118517293788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079822096630680572.post-54867994401204524412012-08-14T17:01:00.001-05:002012-08-14T17:06:07.200-05:00Summer 2012Summer comes late to Seattle. A cool, rainy month of June slowly turned into a gloriously beautiful sunny skies filled July and August. It is during these months, that I often wonder why more people don't move to Seattle. There is really no better place to be in the Summer...It is so pretty and perfect, that I almost forget the rainy Spring, <i>almost</i> being the key word. Here is what we have been doing...<br />
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Our Summer began with a visit to Dayton, OH in order to visit the most beautiful baby in all the land, my gorgeous brand new niece, Emma Ruth Hentschel. We love her so much already, and had a fantastic, peaceful week cuddling this sweet, precious baby girl.<br />
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Ryann had her very first dance recital at the beginning of the Summer. Her tap class did a train conductor dance. The theme of the recital was transportation:) It was ridiculously cute. Of course, as eager parents of an only child at her first extra-curricular performance, we thought she was the best one;)<br />
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I know what you are thinking, why are there not more train conductors in this world with outfits like this?<br />
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gangsta train conductor?<br />
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Some of our Best Friends, The Woods, came to visit us in July. We love them so very much and it was such a delight to have them here with us. We miss them so much!<br />
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Barrett Wood always has been and always will be one of my favorite people in this world.<br />
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It was so fun getting to know Miss Caroline Wood. She is such a doll; I love the look she is giving Ryann in this picture. Caroline,I sometimes look at her this way too:)<br />
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Our July was capped off with a visit from Mark's parents. We were so excited to have Grandma and PaPa Lamb with us for a week. It was a fun-filled week that included: World Concern's Mud Run, The Lavender festival, a beach day, a zoo day, Downtown Seattle, and a vigorous hike to Bridal Veil Falls. We had so much fun, and are so blessed to have such wonderful, caring, parents. We so enjoyed our time with them.<br />
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So there you have it, a fun-filled Seattle Summer.<br />
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Little Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15223363118517293788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079822096630680572.post-83074905502785395832012-07-02T17:31:00.001-05:002012-07-02T17:35:30.061-05:00Olympic FeverI am a little obsessed with all things Olympics. Alright, a lot obsessed. My sweet husband appreciates (I think) this quirk about me and surprised me last month with tickets to one of the final days of the track and field Olympic trials, which were being held in our neck of the woods this past weekend in Eugene, OR. <br />
We had such a fantastic weekend in Oregon. I loved every second. Being that I ran track in high school, it was so fun, because I actually understood everything going on, which doesn't happen often when it comes to sports:)<br />
Thank you, Mark. This was one for the memory book for sure. <br />
These pictures are for <a href="http://annieandjeremy.blogspot.com">Annie</a>, my fellow obsessed friend. <br />
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Our seats were right in front of the high jump,which was so exciting<br />
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We saw the 110 meter hurdles final, here are the three going to the Olympics<br />
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Jackie Joyner Kersee handing out the medals to the Hepthalon Olympians<br />
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The highlight of the day was seeing Allyson Felix win the 200 meter final. <br />
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Such a FUN day! I was totally geeking out at all the Olympic things going on, Ryann, was a little less than enthused:)<br />
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<br />Little Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15223363118517293788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079822096630680572.post-87012205583070127272012-06-15T18:48:00.001-05:002012-06-15T19:09:24.693-05:00Nine, Ten, and Eleven<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEO40JusjQZ96_oqUv4usjvYjn1EiuMZu6aDDIu2P_mNdQciAqCTqL7_41uIXBuFonFRA3vpK9Ea0WzVY3WVEhAJd-WQ6zZMXTZY0ZMi7I6qdbwgvQ418QX22d42-hj2SrSy550FWzAW0O/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="256" width="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEO40JusjQZ96_oqUv4usjvYjn1EiuMZu6aDDIu2P_mNdQciAqCTqL7_41uIXBuFonFRA3vpK9Ea0WzVY3WVEhAJd-WQ6zZMXTZY0ZMi7I6qdbwgvQ418QX22d42-hj2SrSy550FWzAW0O/s400/images.jpg" /></a><br />
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*As of April 1, 2012, we have been waiting nine months<br />
*As of May 1, 2012, we have been waiting ten months<br />
*As of June 1, 2012, we have been waiting eleven months<br />
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It has been a long time since I have blogged. A friend asked if it was because I was sad that the adoption process was taking so long. The blog delay is not because of sadness, or anything like that, it just that I haven't had a chance to get around to it lately. But, that doesn't mean I don't think about our little one in Ethiopia a lot, a whole lot. Dear one,you are on our hearts <b>everyday</b><br />
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As I reflect on nine months waiting on you, our little lady number two, my mind goes to 5 years ago, when I carried Ryann for nine months in my womb. It was nine months full of <b>anticipation</b>, <b>excitement</b>, and at times, <b>anxiety</b>. Towards the end of my pregnancy, I was really <b>uncomfortable</b>, swollen, tired, impatient--counting the days when I would see <b>her</b>, the precious baby I had harbored for nine, long months. <br />
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I have carried YOU for nine months, in my heart. It has been nine months full of <b>anticipation</b> and <b>excitement</b>. Much like, telling my family and friends that I was pregnant five years ago, I was so very excited to tell our loved ones that we were indeed adopting YOU. Mark and I had talked for years and years about adoption, and it was so fun to tell everyone that we were acting on our hopes and dreams of adding you to our family. <br />
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These nine months have also been filled with <b>anxiety</b>. The highs of being finished with paperwork and being place on the official waitlist were quickly replaced with lows, as the wait times grew longer. and longer. and longer. I have shed many a tear, but have never doubted, not once, that this was the Lord's plan for our family. YOU are God's plan for us.<br />
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These past nine months have also been a tad <b>uncomfortable.</b> People, for the most part have been really supportive. They have asked really good questions, and have even asked how they can pray specifically for us,which has really touched me. A few people have asked really weird questions too...which is another post for another day. I love honesty, but some of the tones and implications behind some of these comments give me pause. Being somewhat uncomfortable is good for me. It has allowed me to really formulate answers and thoughts in my head and not just answer out of pure emotion, etc. <br />
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Finally, these past nine months have been filled with <b>Peace</b>, of all things. This has been a surprise to me, but oh so wonderful. I have such a peace about YOU. I love to just sit and think about you. We talk about you so very often. I pray for you. I pray for your mother. I pray for your father. I pray for your country. I pray for us. I pray for our country. I pray that we look to the Lord always as He designs and defines our family, that we will ultimately be His Family.<br />
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Nine Months Waiting with Little Lady #1<br />
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Nine Months Waiting for Little Lady #2<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf38jQ4ZnefCBLbPwnm3DHgREtlbXTqBMquYAe9DXdzxrAySc5Er4KXB3WplNangHPS69B9X_O05AtWBXFUYmaK_WcWyUhr2YC9iuCnzRJuAPWelehNfa1bnnNGXgca5QGfbWRQUPnQ6sQ/s1600/7211966516_bb13a05973_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf38jQ4ZnefCBLbPwnm3DHgREtlbXTqBMquYAe9DXdzxrAySc5Er4KXB3WplNangHPS69B9X_O05AtWBXFUYmaK_WcWyUhr2YC9iuCnzRJuAPWelehNfa1bnnNGXgca5QGfbWRQUPnQ6sQ/s400/7211966516_bb13a05973_b.jpg" /></a>Little Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15223363118517293788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079822096630680572.post-27571445644149385072012-04-09T16:28:00.003-05:002012-04-09T16:37:56.702-05:005<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi651WAM_uDdvuCXPGIYo_bCpshRNBMPKipoz4Jvbq-2EBKv90NItCSdtlws6Nn7GPBuxA8smAUU8OEkZdFwO6q-YzBqT-uHYt7Fa4bCwUJ8i5wv0MXWTNxPoiIZND_eCr-tfjW-s04kInm/s1600/DSC_0350.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi651WAM_uDdvuCXPGIYo_bCpshRNBMPKipoz4Jvbq-2EBKv90NItCSdtlws6Nn7GPBuxA8smAUU8OEkZdFwO6q-YzBqT-uHYt7Fa4bCwUJ8i5wv0MXWTNxPoiIZND_eCr-tfjW-s04kInm/s400/DSC_0350.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729518409978878754" /></a><br />Ryann,<br />I have loved your 4th year of life immensely. I love watching you with your friends, at School, at Church, at AWANAs, at Ballet. I often arrive early at these places to pick you up...just to watch you. You love well, Ryann...Unabashedly, Extravagantly, Fiercely. It doesn't matter who the person is, how old they are, what they look like, where they come from, you instantly want to be their friend. I often describe you as aggressively friendly, but I need to change that because that term sounds way too negative because the love you show, my dear, is a love to emulate. You teach us so much everyday. We love you more than words could possibly express. Happy 5th Birthday, dear one.Little Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15223363118517293788noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079822096630680572.post-41084638137535243282012-04-02T11:25:00.003-05:002012-04-02T11:33:21.371-05:00Ryann and Her Palm Branch<OBJECT id=BLOG_video-3ecda9f4062ef9a0 class=BLOG_video_class width=320 height=266 contentId="3ecda9f4062ef9a0"></OBJECT><br /><br />Ryann sang in church yesterday. It was Palm Sunday. She loved her Palm branch and wanted to make sure it stayed right where it was supposed to be. I thought this was so funny, because I see so much of myself in her, especially as she straightens the palm branch over and over again. I especially love when the little boy has enough of the singing and exits stage right. It was like Ryann was saying, "Oh no, he didn't just mess up my Palm branch." :) I wanted to say to her, it is Okay. Things don't have to be just right all the time...but she has a lifetime to learn that, I am still learning that. Right now, I will let her love her Palm branch. <br />I love this age so much.Little Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15223363118517293788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079822096630680572.post-40926515310306308182012-03-08T16:15:00.004-06:002012-03-08T16:33:13.810-06:00Seven And Eight<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GCO5DePjWuNKSVc3TzApNoCRO_UlAen73sPMghppJVtU_UFARNjgAR1Pt5OAVyvjejtn35r9Y2-c_A3YcrZZgCtmvQQjeOkXfeVcXwKFhYm59xlssOrVdOKJfCUkn86YsZTCfHmSPgVH/s1600/thumbnail.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GCO5DePjWuNKSVc3TzApNoCRO_UlAen73sPMghppJVtU_UFARNjgAR1Pt5OAVyvjejtn35r9Y2-c_A3YcrZZgCtmvQQjeOkXfeVcXwKFhYm59xlssOrVdOKJfCUkn86YsZTCfHmSPgVH/s400/thumbnail.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717657628516061890" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTpOD9VotjEZdUVCL6bJoHPu3gE0aWyHUPtxIX-wLIjDaZK200hY4fUH71e1a0bgepbjMv0qKuAG1DUo2ERIfr8Ib2cCrHSN-84WH2mTSF0R9Jq01FGhHXhKlXs9P-DrltFSuKd1PIlz2/s1600/thumbnailCAZ3260V.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTpOD9VotjEZdUVCL6bJoHPu3gE0aWyHUPtxIX-wLIjDaZK200hY4fUH71e1a0bgepbjMv0qKuAG1DUo2ERIfr8Ib2cCrHSN-84WH2mTSF0R9Jq01FGhHXhKlXs9P-DrltFSuKd1PIlz2/s400/thumbnailCAZ3260V.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717657624509421266" /></a><br /><br /><br />*As of:<br />Feb. 1, 2012,we have been waiting 7 months<br />March 1, 2012, we have been waiting 8 months<br /><br />No letters these past two months. I couldn't do it, been in a funk.To be honest, these last two months have been really difficult, struggling with the wait. Struggling, yet KNOWING that this is the Lord's timing, not our own. However long we have been waiting, we have so much more to go...it seems like it will go on FOR-EV-ER. In reality and in the big scheme of things, this wait is just a blip in time...but this blip of "in-betweeness" is slightly maddening and lonely sometimes...just keepin it real.<br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/H-Q7b-vHY3Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Little Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15223363118517293788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079822096630680572.post-5519436173014373852012-02-08T16:37:00.009-06:002012-02-08T17:09:54.673-06:00Six.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQ_R5TLv8QoxeFfFlu9g0Xh-tnzNwRiRF6vEvCWIhIvABiPbsqUVPyo4-LgXp_NBA2gRxpnSGJhV33rdK6JH0ExOLYzd3gVBvezvNIhYFeadYLosul0sgWoGNM8Dsk6Ae2UgjxKLaj4k_/s1600/x15627079.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 128px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQ_R5TLv8QoxeFfFlu9g0Xh-tnzNwRiRF6vEvCWIhIvABiPbsqUVPyo4-LgXp_NBA2gRxpnSGJhV33rdK6JH0ExOLYzd3gVBvezvNIhYFeadYLosul0sgWoGNM8Dsk6Ae2UgjxKLaj4k_/s400/x15627079.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706902682805826498" /></a><br /> ** As of January 1, 2012, we have been waiting 6 Months.<br /><br />To Our Daughter,<br />Half a Year! We have been waiting half a year for you, little one. This month, I want to focus on how great your father is. He is handling this wait much better than I am. Sure, he gets impatient like I do, but he is far more calm, and can really see the big picture. He is like this with the adoption, as well as every other area of life. We are opposites. I get completely absorbed by details, and he can really see the end game. His eternal perspective is inspiring. I need him in my life. If he wasn't here to balance out my type A self, we would all be a mess. I am always amazed how the Lord has matched us up perfectly.<br />He really is the best husband.He is so good on knowing how to love me. He tells me everyday that I am beautiful, even if my insecure self has a hard time believing him. I am so incredibly thankful for him and his leadership of this family.<br />He really is the best dad. He and Ryann have such a sweet relationship.Ryann looks forward to his return home from work every night. He plays pretend with her every single night. It is the highlight of her day. I often think it is the highlight of his day as well. They are two peas in a pod, sharing the same face (I think they look so much alike) as well as sharing the same silly personality traits. I love how he loves Ryann. I look forward to him having a relationship with you too. I know he will love you so well. <br /><br />Some of my favorite pictures of Mark<br /><br />1. Travelling and learning about loving other cultures well makes Mark so very happy.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HZPc-ObgZKjKV7IMJE0zQ5xKBGe1dmcuJ2oYAgpzF5sZH7FW_eOGwQ66qh_WzjNis9-71thlTvGr5qZb0aRTMS5l4awAnD8eWt_JDxK_VHAKy4GMcWOxOFy32wxfqDY3C64TvS7y8u15/s1600/DSC_1264.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HZPc-ObgZKjKV7IMJE0zQ5xKBGe1dmcuJ2oYAgpzF5sZH7FW_eOGwQ66qh_WzjNis9-71thlTvGr5qZb0aRTMS5l4awAnD8eWt_JDxK_VHAKy4GMcWOxOFy32wxfqDY3C64TvS7y8u15/s400/DSC_1264.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706902223407220514" /></a><br />2. Mark and Ryann being silly. This was a big day, the day where we were fingerprinted and filed all our paperwork with Citizen Immigration Services. It was a big milestone,for sure. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpFx1XXUP1w0g8P7JVZX4zzAemIxFt5nr-n9jbjUm1cmZAtfcI_chQJa0K6AsWgMdL0e8rZA5JfBk4W7rD6-mFOM3qMmWQRRTH4CTbWYy5W2K20uAbhD9tYZcwOY8FjBx5l3N8KoD8s5y/s1600/DSC_0682.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpFx1XXUP1w0g8P7JVZX4zzAemIxFt5nr-n9jbjUm1cmZAtfcI_chQJa0K6AsWgMdL0e8rZA5JfBk4W7rD6-mFOM3qMmWQRRTH4CTbWYy5W2K20uAbhD9tYZcwOY8FjBx5l3N8KoD8s5y/s400/DSC_0682.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706902209028660242" /></a><br />3. Mark and Ryann on one of their Daddy/Daughter dates. This was when he took her to see the musical, Mary Poppins...I don't know which one loved it more.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2q8RzVbzyC5MIeSqryROksK4VObTNdh2VaJVEu7tMv74MO8bxChDmUjBgxbEhEV65LjMtdkTC6hIHn-pQVPpIZWhOsJyCjY4wMfj6HK6djTeeNN5kAm5P3vmTBYJ3O0Je2gou1tDpDGSr/s1600/DSC_0655.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2q8RzVbzyC5MIeSqryROksK4VObTNdh2VaJVEu7tMv74MO8bxChDmUjBgxbEhEV65LjMtdkTC6hIHn-pQVPpIZWhOsJyCjY4wMfj6HK6djTeeNN5kAm5P3vmTBYJ3O0Je2gou1tDpDGSr/s400/DSC_0655.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706902200175281026" /></a><br />4. Mark and Ryann at a Seattle Mariners game last Summer.Love.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzNDE8T_IeiS58jw3xCyRSsGQyK-pMtYC7ysYfcChm6C_DRPqVLxPCNYb3iYTTQrDZJohyB5MDqv2zO4nqdjSdDRHHMYQ9TGdX6PlMpxn8tZOkfIcewSJS6GQ3x5ENcPSW3aNXlDxQHeb/s1600/DSC_0934.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzNDE8T_IeiS58jw3xCyRSsGQyK-pMtYC7ysYfcChm6C_DRPqVLxPCNYb3iYTTQrDZJohyB5MDqv2zO4nqdjSdDRHHMYQ9TGdX6PlMpxn8tZOkfIcewSJS6GQ3x5ENcPSW3aNXlDxQHeb/s400/DSC_0934.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706902190577008994" /></a>Little Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15223363118517293788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079822096630680572.post-74034834246494380252012-01-11T17:05:00.005-06:002012-01-11T17:39:52.888-06:00Five.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDgSSLwLTaNqhEQPrF8-LAHVFzKtKfAt0djXwaC9NK0vte0SvK_a7KZZmPSFqi3cji52oTR8Ny9ZTtH-Yvl-rYrKjONnn90uVsIZS1XTmwEOBnPSjceAx-W4iKhZ_ZJbv0GWDeRZyHIDV/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDgSSLwLTaNqhEQPrF8-LAHVFzKtKfAt0djXwaC9NK0vte0SvK_a7KZZmPSFqi3cji52oTR8Ny9ZTtH-Yvl-rYrKjONnn90uVsIZS1XTmwEOBnPSjceAx-W4iKhZ_ZJbv0GWDeRZyHIDV/s400/images.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696522156365609010" /></a><br /><br />Merry Christmas from the Lambs: Mark, Erin,Ryann Cate, and Waiting Patiently for #2 from Ethiopia.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjN_Yt21zd_plt884_0ABtqBlc2D4z8bZT5P9Gc9olXGkQb0ho8uWI5ypQwkXHjo0UtyetP0vHAkiI9LNTlcVHmHY4-8HR5G_aVhqp63arHadf9OKlUKWsWVHcdhSjKSAB473aD4T__Kot/s1600/DSC_1351.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjN_Yt21zd_plt884_0ABtqBlc2D4z8bZT5P9Gc9olXGkQb0ho8uWI5ypQwkXHjo0UtyetP0vHAkiI9LNTlcVHmHY4-8HR5G_aVhqp63arHadf9OKlUKWsWVHcdhSjKSAB473aD4T__Kot/s400/DSC_1351.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696521591424879922" /></a><br />**Way behind on posting, so let's all pretend the date on this post reads December 1, 2011**<br />To our Daughter,<br />You have been on my mind so much this month. Christmas is a time for family. We consider you already a part of our family and felt like we had to represent you in our Christmas card this year. Ryann wanted to put your name on the card as well,but we don't know what we are going to name you yet, little one...although Ryann has a different name for you each week. The name of this week in Ryann's mind is Jane, after the little girl in Mary Poppins, one of her absolute favorite movies. We all actually love the name, Jane, but we are waiting to officially "meet" you(get a referral) before we decide on a name for you. We talk about you so very often, Ryann and I often wonder and talk about what are you doing at a specific moment.She told me just today, that she (Ryann) is getting to be such a big girl and will help me out all the time with you when daddy travels all over the world. That is a good thing about this long, long, long, wait...Ryann is growing older too. She is understanding more. Throughout all of our conversations about you, she seems to be "getting" it. It truly is a beautiful thing. A precious reminder, that my timing is not "it". I like neat little boxes, checklists that correspond with my timeline for my life. But, Nope, that is not what the Lord has for our family. He has called us to adopt. A process that definitely is not in a neat little box with a neat little checklist. And that is a good thing. A very good thing. It is leading us to YOU. A question I got a lot this Christmas was if we thought that we would have you by next Christmas 2012. I had to say over and over again,"I don't know." That's the truth, I have absolutely no idea, and I am okay with that, <em>today</em>. The Lord knows...and He has proved over and over to me that His ways are best and "it"Little Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15223363118517293788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079822096630680572.post-73261129953913219432011-11-09T15:01:00.007-06:002011-11-09T16:51:28.379-06:00Four.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMZvglH11eipIOqSK6si1dv-u0ZbTImu2Hsk9U73ajdrzqBHk6gIUJ3byg-YbGSb538MOsqwre5-HiUHWwnCjUdisMfZgOIFDJxdjQsz1Tpfl1N0fX4ijRhPyfZUZLFwUn1-CNFQhe__3/s1600/thumbnail.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 102px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMZvglH11eipIOqSK6si1dv-u0ZbTImu2Hsk9U73ajdrzqBHk6gIUJ3byg-YbGSb538MOsqwre5-HiUHWwnCjUdisMfZgOIFDJxdjQsz1Tpfl1N0fX4ijRhPyfZUZLFwUn1-CNFQhe__3/s400/thumbnail.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673128250612147394" /></a><br />As of November 1, 2011, we have been waiting on that waitlist, 4 months. I was talking to a friend, another adoptive mother, the other day about that waitlist. It is so nice to have people in my life that truly understand.I am so incredibly blessed to know someone who has been there, or is almost there, or is right where I am. I am so completely fortunate to have friends in my life that are in all of these categories. So Amazed by the goodness of the Lord to allow this to be true. When I get overwhelmed, it is comforting to just know that people are right there with me on that waitlist, or have just welcomed their blessing home, or are in the process of raising their little one from Ethiopia. Often times, people will say things, "oh it's just like you are pregnant, waiting for your baby to be born". Not really...Unless your baby has the gestation of an elephant. It is such a comfort to have people in my life that understand. And are waiting. And are Trusting. I am thankful for that today. I am also incredibly thankful for the people in my life that want to understand, that ask questions, that call and ask how we are doing with this process, and above all, that pray for us. Words cannot my gratitude for all of you. This Adoption is not an island, it is something we want to share. <br />Proverbs 3:5-6<br />New International Version (NIV)<br /> 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart <br /> and lean not on your own understanding; <br />6 in all your ways submit to him, <br /> and he will make your paths straight.Little Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15223363118517293788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079822096630680572.post-19268947777284121482011-09-30T19:56:00.004-05:002011-09-30T20:12:43.022-05:00Three.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNWTgw5qPG1tVwd-OUtPSBrfjF9QXeWchEgYpJHVy7NI-7QPpYU3xg_ay1DbaF_BYT6ApFHnwYmumdDs2gEs22F5LV8nEtmw_KqxTToIR9DN_lEQHftrI2DbqfTIICAWguY9me8uAACrj/s1600/number+three.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNWTgw5qPG1tVwd-OUtPSBrfjF9QXeWchEgYpJHVy7NI-7QPpYU3xg_ay1DbaF_BYT6ApFHnwYmumdDs2gEs22F5LV8nEtmw_KqxTToIR9DN_lEQHftrI2DbqfTIICAWguY9me8uAACrj/s400/number+three.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658325153382886498" /></a><br />To our Daughter,<br />We went on a family vacation this month to Disney World. Ryann kept saying over and over again that the next time we go to Disney World, she will have a little sister. I love that. I love that she is thinking ahead, and her view of our family includes YOU. I am thinking ahead too. I have to be careful about having my thoughts too far out there, anxious that I will miss the present. BUT, isn't the future fun to think about? Our family of THREE, longs to be a family of FOUR...you, my dear, are definitely the missing link. <br />We made shirts for our trip, each one having our names on them. Ryann, said to me that we HAD to make you one when we go next time...and we will..we look forward to all the next times and the new times in our lives with YOU in them. We love you.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KovvsvtR7BGlAhgLbg7Avi68eTcj3LqWYtYZkCD-6TTINYGlKD7Wc5XdYb_jn3Ef73x_8MUHvq82uKugXFcDboa-wDz2irvB-edIWEQ1vJkpa5n6dFN92Xjmwf0Y9t_yPmuM5KWiwlvg/s1600/DSC_1052.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KovvsvtR7BGlAhgLbg7Avi68eTcj3LqWYtYZkCD-6TTINYGlKD7Wc5XdYb_jn3Ef73x_8MUHvq82uKugXFcDboa-wDz2irvB-edIWEQ1vJkpa5n6dFN92Xjmwf0Y9t_yPmuM5KWiwlvg/s400/DSC_1052.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658322548154476866" /></a>Little Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15223363118517293788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079822096630680572.post-35703799729340091162011-09-27T16:16:00.009-05:002011-09-27T17:23:51.124-05:00Disney!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgja8SUgyIgQvc-t1oPyUotH3Jkdjq0I9K9b_bB2_x_MoZqHBcCUOHvx3XpQtlqNKsC3dpdZ0mUZiEyuJgGt8iJV6B1SbYpWA4mUhvcatuxRulOfWfyvmopbxwfgXFmsEjD-2UIki3alIMP/s1600/DSC_1054.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgja8SUgyIgQvc-t1oPyUotH3Jkdjq0I9K9b_bB2_x_MoZqHBcCUOHvx3XpQtlqNKsC3dpdZ0mUZiEyuJgGt8iJV6B1SbYpWA4mUhvcatuxRulOfWfyvmopbxwfgXFmsEjD-2UIki3alIMP/s400/DSC_1054.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657168263788909762" /></a><br /> <br />This September was our epic Disney World vacation:) We have planned this trip for months and months, so I cannot believe it is already over. If you know me and Mark well, you know we are obsessed with Disney World. Yes, Obsessed is the right word;) We wanted to take Ryann on a special trip before we get our next little one, so we planned the trip a long time ago, thinking we would get our nextdaughter shortly thereafter...HA!Boy, were we wrong! Fingers crossed that Ryann remembers the trip when it is actually time to get her:) I know she will, It was one of the best times we have had as a family:) So Thankful!<br /><br />Family!: When we tossed out the idea to each of our parents of meeting us at Disney World to join with us on our vacation, we were absolutely thrilled both sets of parents said YES. Living far away from family is a hard thing. Having your daughter not live close to her grandparents is even harder, BUT I think the time we have with family is much sweeter, because I never take for granted the time we spend with family. We made lots of memories on this trip, due to our parents being with us, SO fortunate to have such wonderful, loving, supportive people in our lives.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqknEo_40G9W7NgCp2dpS_GnQfYISE9zrSPUZva2evZOP3vpBmmg7KwA93pWV06OoRLNNiRwPq-Rh9-bN4lh_UEkgN2nt1U58dnPf3wW9JK_yoyMIw8YPEFgiWxkQAMbI9Qunj4Z4lzDJI/s1600/DSC_0998.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqknEo_40G9W7NgCp2dpS_GnQfYISE9zrSPUZva2evZOP3vpBmmg7KwA93pWV06OoRLNNiRwPq-Rh9-bN4lh_UEkgN2nt1U58dnPf3wW9JK_yoyMIw8YPEFgiWxkQAMbI9Qunj4Z4lzDJI/s400/DSC_0998.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657154384412716946" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8RTOcb2KuwHPv_qBU3oXHu49gsCnuc-VRs7Xi_1uGlZIfzkbQqV-oZwGiAeP2wNuDsi0A-WFfwVmZ4IrBZaOSwPGolQCfmp0CYGwjW9MuqPDGzEj46Tdip0KSs98oR7HCDD3JHIwAhX8/s1600/DSC_1020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8RTOcb2KuwHPv_qBU3oXHu49gsCnuc-VRs7Xi_1uGlZIfzkbQqV-oZwGiAeP2wNuDsi0A-WFfwVmZ4IrBZaOSwPGolQCfmp0CYGwjW9MuqPDGzEj46Tdip0KSs98oR7HCDD3JHIwAhX8/s400/DSC_1020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657154378431894338" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYN2yzUUb1Qn2Dzlx32isTVzgBLwqM8rz7Fob7IVnnmT7O_CYVSsxXPBazMhZeAmKKXBjOfZ2RbuMRsxvCh4uhiavpZGge52qyv6hKPhdiHETA3ejMb244iwgg-nkMiUG6bQ7HXHAczw1s/s1600/DSC_0971.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYN2yzUUb1Qn2Dzlx32isTVzgBLwqM8rz7Fob7IVnnmT7O_CYVSsxXPBazMhZeAmKKXBjOfZ2RbuMRsxvCh4uhiavpZGge52qyv6hKPhdiHETA3ejMb244iwgg-nkMiUG6bQ7HXHAczw1s/s400/DSC_0971.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657154374295714418" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdY0alLA_XSLg3RdS9g3qQS_lFoQFuM0uffV4SNt6Hz3mUegoplwFbdt8Oby3_-yQqaAVHhEP0jWNMxYdg_lkXTFX6PwsQ0xNJKpRwFKdf8MuIJNoonwiOUHsN5gMhpgDXbzaEPdSN5r_p/s1600/DSC_1100.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdY0alLA_XSLg3RdS9g3qQS_lFoQFuM0uffV4SNt6Hz3mUegoplwFbdt8Oby3_-yQqaAVHhEP0jWNMxYdg_lkXTFX6PwsQ0xNJKpRwFKdf8MuIJNoonwiOUHsN5gMhpgDXbzaEPdSN5r_p/s400/DSC_1100.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657154366938128450" /></a><br /><br />Characters!: These are just a few of Ryann's favorite characters (I took so many more pictures of all the characters Ryann met).Ryann's grandma gave Ryann an autograph book for all the characters to sign as she met them,and Ryann completely filled it up! So sweet to see her get so excited!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKW1cYP8a2yzevNiO2ENyNtT5d5qCGltFap-QomoCY-7hE_s0Zd1zs6PNYcPjLh8fYO66Ao1oVYqDb25hKZFKBbkcgwMxIwbuKr6ly6i0XcZpFvw-R3_VQbN2BNq7dTPRm39zhtfc02G3M/s1600/DSC_1207.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKW1cYP8a2yzevNiO2ENyNtT5d5qCGltFap-QomoCY-7hE_s0Zd1zs6PNYcPjLh8fYO66Ao1oVYqDb25hKZFKBbkcgwMxIwbuKr6ly6i0XcZpFvw-R3_VQbN2BNq7dTPRm39zhtfc02G3M/s400/DSC_1207.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657153296542432626" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPCvllvKZWvIIcr8xPDJ955T-eGUVUwYExlQn5OZPuVGnub4fBh6u9seZdkFfIn9vVlQTKJPyZ82jmcTTNaWS8OpAp0rC5mjo2FZGvnQReOgqv2yTMfbnz_bo94mFyHGRdupwz_4g7YPl/s1600/DSC_0987.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPCvllvKZWvIIcr8xPDJ955T-eGUVUwYExlQn5OZPuVGnub4fBh6u9seZdkFfIn9vVlQTKJPyZ82jmcTTNaWS8OpAp0rC5mjo2FZGvnQReOgqv2yTMfbnz_bo94mFyHGRdupwz_4g7YPl/s400/DSC_0987.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657153294298683970" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8Hw8wvLM5n0_q7fSvKUE46rBA7YbFHyM6WM4sYInWPD84rpsBmpkeDo2syKVUWyZFsReDH7PB8i54DtdkyvwyLRGsN91Ixg2rDlwbS-ESLA3NgYSPm7JPtDEt-xJrJmrSkcUfQiOgLo0/s1600/DSC_1177.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8Hw8wvLM5n0_q7fSvKUE46rBA7YbFHyM6WM4sYInWPD84rpsBmpkeDo2syKVUWyZFsReDH7PB8i54DtdkyvwyLRGsN91Ixg2rDlwbS-ESLA3NgYSPm7JPtDEt-xJrJmrSkcUfQiOgLo0/s400/DSC_1177.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657153288319313042" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxc6i0AbWt1fItQknfqiK7WegIB2VQaWz3gBnkldezC3AYKNTh12kgMrN7cgmSL-ta_4nD5jz8_xC1GpfYNl7kwE53DOOYokogWRMlNoMc51S6jTEjfGsMKpUu6iw6sTxcF3MLS9BH_CM/s1600/DSC_1146.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxc6i0AbWt1fItQknfqiK7WegIB2VQaWz3gBnkldezC3AYKNTh12kgMrN7cgmSL-ta_4nD5jz8_xC1GpfYNl7kwE53DOOYokogWRMlNoMc51S6jTEjfGsMKpUu6iw6sTxcF3MLS9BH_CM/s400/DSC_1146.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657153283607455842" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaSdxuBEC4Ugl-z6BRL15uFXcd-dhoZa4vAnrme-LWOy0egMMlYxmWyXsNmwZk9D12EYtXMNUIaijCwHnLkrt4u5bZZxc85uT1Qf-UNiP1AMwkTpS9-mP_Hdr21W98_BfIRp8cQ-CldaW/s1600/DSC_0981.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaSdxuBEC4Ugl-z6BRL15uFXcd-dhoZa4vAnrme-LWOy0egMMlYxmWyXsNmwZk9D12EYtXMNUIaijCwHnLkrt4u5bZZxc85uT1Qf-UNiP1AMwkTpS9-mP_Hdr21W98_BfIRp8cQ-CldaW/s400/DSC_0981.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657153279403381954" /></a><br /><br />I know the highlight for us all,was the <em>Bippity Boppity Boutique</em>, where a fairy godmother turned Ryann into Cinderella. Following this, we went into Cinderella's castle, and *gasp* had breakfast with all the Princesses...this 4year old and 31 year old were in heaven.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwe2iToIst6_0ahkzqmVIzF9-bhwK1gzRhscdZIw-B5r5_3Ivr7UXLG1vbxptr1sIjVx2qwHfgChFMjtt3Fs_zUkm9m-LUtLGE_YJquX6A-pq2swjt6vZHnNm87C-45vPFWnrx27FhVIxi/s1600/DSC_1074.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwe2iToIst6_0ahkzqmVIzF9-bhwK1gzRhscdZIw-B5r5_3Ivr7UXLG1vbxptr1sIjVx2qwHfgChFMjtt3Fs_zUkm9m-LUtLGE_YJquX6A-pq2swjt6vZHnNm87C-45vPFWnrx27FhVIxi/s400/DSC_1074.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657151796148815522" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aK4wb1umpyyGM9weLBqF5xI-N-UofVwq6skEK6ytWiOjodjhUw1-NfNzdqvmE5YKvRXbuenBpIJaE0mzvT3-DV1YfZ21CtbjnvyYgIcKAnhmcBam3rVEvnwH-J9RdkX6fwGjVJAgIwp-/s1600/DSC_1077.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aK4wb1umpyyGM9weLBqF5xI-N-UofVwq6skEK6ytWiOjodjhUw1-NfNzdqvmE5YKvRXbuenBpIJaE0mzvT3-DV1YfZ21CtbjnvyYgIcKAnhmcBam3rVEvnwH-J9RdkX6fwGjVJAgIwp-/s400/DSC_1077.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657151785792702978" /></a><br />All in all, this was a Wonderful trip, a moment in time...So incredibly blessed to have made all these memories with our girl and our parents. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8DXfsWnn9h_xVIuq88JBi6ILd_BzRqmvSjJgcXMhGC6lGMqoXXnFYjui0KTEl7UhlmOpw_9qiyJTkU0JZXB1EUrBwmRz6PWgfKwUmmKd0syLPYKDuOwIU8-UGCczguRABsX62Su5NO8G/s1600/DSC_1134.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8DXfsWnn9h_xVIuq88JBi6ILd_BzRqmvSjJgcXMhGC6lGMqoXXnFYjui0KTEl7UhlmOpw_9qiyJTkU0JZXB1EUrBwmRz6PWgfKwUmmKd0syLPYKDuOwIU8-UGCczguRABsX62Su5NO8G/s400/DSC_1134.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657155588834101330" /></a>Little Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15223363118517293788noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079822096630680572.post-54240124837233055812011-09-01T16:11:00.017-05:002011-09-01T17:11:31.478-05:00Two.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQq6Xdyfxr0HJ3YEWOeJKXw5RxDEvsKCCTnuOjcxsEUW-Q85YVpEAE0iBeYShKhrgNUAckBEclHlZsGo8YG_o_YPSTbnY8LmJGkGHr0B2qCfRK64Um87q3t88u69nlUv7NBfXT9mdzeSal/s1600/number+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 114px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQq6Xdyfxr0HJ3YEWOeJKXw5RxDEvsKCCTnuOjcxsEUW-Q85YVpEAE0iBeYShKhrgNUAckBEclHlZsGo8YG_o_YPSTbnY8LmJGkGHr0B2qCfRK64Um87q3t88u69nlUv7NBfXT9mdzeSal/s400/number+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647514404455179410" /></a>
<br />To Our Daughter,
<br />It is September 1, 2011, that means we have been officially waiting 2 months for you. I often wonder if you are alive or not. Either way, I think about you every day, multiple times a day. With our age window being from 0-3yrs, you could be an energetic toddler right now,you could be a needy newborn, cuddly baby, or you could not even be a thought yet. The other day, I was recording things in Ryann's baby book (yes, I realize it is 4 years too late).I was putting things on the page in her book that had, popular songs on the day she was born, popular TV shows, etc. I googled,"Most popular song on April 4, 2007" to write down, and the answer was "This is Why I'm Hot"by MIMS.I laughed out loud about how ridiculous that was to write down in a book for posterity...but that is what google said, so I wrote it down.After many minutes of the line, "I'm hot cause I'm fly, you aint cause you not" going through my head...I wondered what I would write down in your book, since I have NO idea when you will be born...so let's pretend. If you were born TODAY, these are the things, me and your dad are loving...not what google says...
<br />
<br />Our current favorite books are:
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP12bjweaMhWYHF2GanZ5XwPrb1ZfGfQHNRJtANyPyEgXKEueNIa36XJMZR4Uxida2yoA27SQZdBbyw5HvVx9WyWsJJGmdY9-jpYzkWyks3JDzCssYU1kPgpkk-nhopxWS-IFkdes94GV2/s1600/hunger+games.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 106px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP12bjweaMhWYHF2GanZ5XwPrb1ZfGfQHNRJtANyPyEgXKEueNIa36XJMZR4Uxida2yoA27SQZdBbyw5HvVx9WyWsJJGmdY9-jpYzkWyks3JDzCssYU1kPgpkk-nhopxWS-IFkdes94GV2/s400/hunger+games.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647509653407122658" /></a>
<br />I realize we are not teenage girls, but this trilogy is soooo addicting. I read them all in 6 days. We are Dorks.
<br />
<br />Your Dad's Current Favorite TV Show
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTA7xCjN68fCGI1gXSwesNcvpSpX98QY6WthylR-dVceJNbnMX6YArfdMU4lm5fYsW8mX_jnwVK8kbaSzMGV5aEHSKCB8Uzn-8gmjZIacudlHj78CG5_dHi7xVHdB-ZWxz04kLQHAuh9k/s1600/00262011-961410_100.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTA7xCjN68fCGI1gXSwesNcvpSpX98QY6WthylR-dVceJNbnMX6YArfdMU4lm5fYsW8mX_jnwVK8kbaSzMGV5aEHSKCB8Uzn-8gmjZIacudlHj78CG5_dHi7xVHdB-ZWxz04kLQHAuh9k/s400/00262011-961410_100.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647510410527318594" /></a>
<br />Oh, how we love Mike and Frank
<br />
<br />Your Mom's Current Favorite TV Show (I realize I am years behind the times, but have been watching the DVDs this summer on the treadmill)
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<br />Now, I can't endorse/recommend all that goes on in Dillon, TX;) But, I am in serious denial of there only being 5 seasons...RIP Friday Night Lights...Clear eyes, Full hearts, Can't lose.
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<br />Current Favorite Band for both Mom and Dad
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<br />Mumford and Sons!
<br />
<br />Our Current Favorite Movie(we both loved the book, too)
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7Qg_oiyAwMl-BcJIDEZOtyX9jNyZ-SnurmR0WIj208pxy5KVDckiDb_nE_Uuqq1NZyI6975yXMfQxF40w_mZlY0QSa2ZltR4XUUZOkNw5z2hcmQDWU9RHIJP0H3I12C5LhbktfjQ-GB6/s1600/thehelp_smallposter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 101px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7Qg_oiyAwMl-BcJIDEZOtyX9jNyZ-SnurmR0WIj208pxy5KVDckiDb_nE_Uuqq1NZyI6975yXMfQxF40w_mZlY0QSa2ZltR4XUUZOkNw5z2hcmQDWU9RHIJP0H3I12C5LhbktfjQ-GB6/s400/thehelp_smallposter.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647513607721588674" /></a>
<br />So there you have it, if you were born today, these would be our current favorite things! This second month of waiting has been a good one. My attitude, only by the grace of God, has been less self-centered than previous weeks in regards to the long wait. I am sure next month I will be an "all up in knots" stressball again...but this month I was at peace with the wait. I am praying daily that I will rest in this period of waiting, to prepare my heart for what is to come. My all time favorite song is below. This song, to me, perfectly describes how much LOVE the Lord has for us, His children. His ways are perfect. I love the line in the song that says,"Why do I worry, Why do I freak out...God knows what I need." As a type A freak, I have this song on repeat often, as I strive to yield my wants and desires to Him.I also love the line that says, "Not a note is out of tune or out of place..." His will for us, is His, perfect will, not mine. If He says that we are to wait, we are to wait...nothing is out of place for what He has for us...
<br /><iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/301S7NgAkLs?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe>
<br />All that to say, we are waiting with GREAT EXPECTATION for you, little girl. We love you.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3EHw1RtWN1en3VhWWToj2E62xKjLLtFXq1BuUtKUdLnwQBMCyTw5YentnZ97oyv2gDQaIdDF2D-Nii4lD3f2ftLUaDtARi8R5Hm1L6i6fsbnjFxa_dBtb1wPIicoCKVetqIUdhKbp4eQ/s1600/DSC_0953.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3EHw1RtWN1en3VhWWToj2E62xKjLLtFXq1BuUtKUdLnwQBMCyTw5YentnZ97oyv2gDQaIdDF2D-Nii4lD3f2ftLUaDtARi8R5Hm1L6i6fsbnjFxa_dBtb1wPIicoCKVetqIUdhKbp4eQ/s400/DSC_0953.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647505782282232850" /></a>
<br />Little Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15223363118517293788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079822096630680572.post-70387267272083297672011-08-09T17:36:00.003-05:002011-08-09T17:38:20.842-05:00Hold me Closer, Tiny Dancer...Ryann starts ballet/tap in a month, She just HAD to try on all the gear...
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<br />Nobody Puts Baby in a Corner...
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiFfw1uBW2zcjDEi7N8cgByr0yedGyD3uBgoAnrMzcs6ZKoWu-OVUxzdaadzr_9wc-2dyfVxuVbh-Csrafv-dd9FDiNldpmjgBohlAr61F2WqraMYMWfYazYC5bI6Mj0T78oeRMS-k4rW/s1600/DSC_0912.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiFfw1uBW2zcjDEi7N8cgByr0yedGyD3uBgoAnrMzcs6ZKoWu-OVUxzdaadzr_9wc-2dyfVxuVbh-Csrafv-dd9FDiNldpmjgBohlAr61F2WqraMYMWfYazYC5bI6Mj0T78oeRMS-k4rW/s400/DSC_0912.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638989048071813682" /></a>
<br />Little Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15223363118517293788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079822096630680572.post-21376879225839398742011-08-09T16:45:00.015-05:002011-08-09T17:33:25.762-05:00Summer Fun Happy Summer, Y'all!
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<br />Summer comes late to Seattle, but we are have been enjoying it so much...
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<br />1. Fourth of July
<br />No Burn Ban in our Neighborhood:)
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<br />Happy 4th!
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTil-dlIJDaogLt-9fGQPs9DCGN6CJnxd4gzMcrnLcvfFJTOFZI1S0SIAyiWDq8zaLIXhqRy-AGjpxOAN95L8IhWvw-A8Y_ZwZiEXoOBz82a5_QP4eIbJUzD-ymiiRNwo47lyUG8Y5yk7X/s1600/DSC_0793.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTil-dlIJDaogLt-9fGQPs9DCGN6CJnxd4gzMcrnLcvfFJTOFZI1S0SIAyiWDq8zaLIXhqRy-AGjpxOAN95L8IhWvw-A8Y_ZwZiEXoOBz82a5_QP4eIbJUzD-ymiiRNwo47lyUG8Y5yk7X/s400/DSC_0793.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638982472786942386" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznTIdtnT64Esp7-YbmyOY33NIRkxFEgmgtq-0g94us7jqulm8gTGUKLsOsJIu5r9Z00Eu8CaS0K8aYckSzilRsCSRxXEPowrk1-0IeP3bH08kV9ltS-1A8BauIeim-Tp4Xqzv8cFsqCpu/s1600/DSC_0800.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznTIdtnT64Esp7-YbmyOY33NIRkxFEgmgtq-0g94us7jqulm8gTGUKLsOsJIu5r9Z00Eu8CaS0K8aYckSzilRsCSRxXEPowrk1-0IeP3bH08kV9ltS-1A8BauIeim-Tp4Xqzv8cFsqCpu/s400/DSC_0800.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638985585166659554" /></a>
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<br />2.Family: Ryann and I had the privilege of spending 2 weeks in Texas. We had so much fun seeing both sides of our sweet and supportive family.
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<br />Love this picture of Ryann and her PaPa
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<br />Grandma Robison and her 6 Great-Grandkids, what a treasure she is.
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<br />Ryann had so much fun fishing with her Pappy and her Uncle Jason
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<br />Uncle Read and Anne brought Ryann a huge present, a gigantic whale, which Ryann promptly named Cecilia...A perfect name for a whale?
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<br />
<br />3. Friends: We had so much fun seeing our friends during our Texas trip.
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<br />Greta, Ryann, and Hattie-Sweet Girls!
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<br />All of my bestest friends from FBA/FBC-Such an incredible JOY for us all to be together with our offspring:)
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<br />We had so much fun seeing our good friends, The Woods!
<br />Ryann and Barrett-Best Buddies
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<br />Sweet Caroline, Ryann and Barrett
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFx03q3AKbANncCSjawsMy9M5hHWQ8_bzmjzLyYLQDrSv-4wJ6k9nTHYRkXTT959BKGpU2Me7YziNMweY6V4dT269-jAy4AwlKa6w59fyWXvFU-Enid5k3oSLyrfsSqULEulUqQsoKDwA0/s1600/DSC_0873.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFx03q3AKbANncCSjawsMy9M5hHWQ8_bzmjzLyYLQDrSv-4wJ6k9nTHYRkXTT959BKGpU2Me7YziNMweY6V4dT269-jAy4AwlKa6w59fyWXvFU-Enid5k3oSLyrfsSqULEulUqQsoKDwA0/s400/DSC_0873.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638979122154165314" /></a>
<br />Little Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15223363118517293788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079822096630680572.post-42087259984867671282011-08-01T16:12:00.007-05:002011-08-01T17:06:04.779-05:00One.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnoIV8255allTfPK48hTNKQaMYXz3bwTXgqjl_1YBAYhSR1EW81O_2rRi9lAjADTHsZ5a3m7_3KG5XIE7c0qbvwbYiFtpLPWRi8LB_WYBHA0WTrquLCGko3oVtTul6o3wrOaOk9hXzuSX/s1600/untitled.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 126px; height: 106px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnoIV8255allTfPK48hTNKQaMYXz3bwTXgqjl_1YBAYhSR1EW81O_2rRi9lAjADTHsZ5a3m7_3KG5XIE7c0qbvwbYiFtpLPWRi8LB_WYBHA0WTrquLCGko3oVtTul6o3wrOaOk9hXzuSX/s400/untitled.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636008218799266082" /></a><br />*We have been officially on the waitlist for one month.It's weird to me to say we have been waiting one month, when in reality it has been so much longer than that. We have wanted to adopt for years, and have been in the process for almost a year. However, we have been on the official waitlist for one month as of today, August 1, so that is the marker I will count. When I was pregnant with Ryann, I wanted to write her a letter each month she was in utero, but never did. I want to write letters each month to our next daughter for however long we wait.<br />To Our Daughter,<br />This past month, we experienced the joy and excitement of being officially placed on a very long waitlist, for you.The reality of how long the list is and how long we will have to wait is daunting sometimes.We wish we could get on a plane right now to come, for you,but that is not part of God's plan. A plan that is far bigger and wider than mine. A plan that brought us to this place.A plan that will change our family for the better. A plan that has already changed me so much, and it has only be one month. A plan that has me seeing beyond myself. A plan I cannot wait to see play out. A plan I am so blessed and honored to be a part of. However long, this list is one that we will gladly wait on, for you. This month, we told all our family and friends that we were waiting with great expectation, for you. We are praying fervently, daily, for you. I have loved teaching Ryann about your birthplace this month; we put a map in her room with a heart on Ethiopia, she looks at it many times a day, asking, for you. I tell her the wait is long, which is hard to understand.Waiting for you, is teaching her patience, teaching me patience, teaching your dad patience... But she prays, I pray, your dad prays, for you. You, my dear, are in my heart always.We have so much love in our hearts, for you. <br />We love you. <br /><OBJECT id=BLOG_video-7e97586ce0da4de0 class=BLOG_video_class width=320 height=266 contentId="7e97586ce0da4de0"></OBJECT>Little Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15223363118517293788noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079822096630680572.post-1819787011023000822011-07-29T14:26:00.005-05:002011-07-29T14:49:34.238-05:00Horn of Africa FamineThis is bad. Really bad. My heart hurts for these people who are literally starving to death. This crisis has impacted more than 10 million people in this area of our World, specifically in Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia (where a piece of our heart and family may, in fact, already live).Breaks my heart. It is the worst drought in 60 years. World Concern is currently working in Kenya and Somalia in active response to this famine.This situation is dire. Please consider taking action. $10 would give food and water to one child for a month. To donate in response to this famine you can go <a href="http://www.worldconcern.org/somalia">here</a> or you can go to <a href="http://www.firstgiving.org/fundraiser/markwlamb/somaliarelief">Mark's personal fundraising page</a>. All donations go to the same place, <a href="http://www.worldconcern.org">World Concern</a>.<br /><iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aUDlS1Wgx3E?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe>Little Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15223363118517293788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079822096630680572.post-16104193185030934352011-07-05T16:31:00.006-05:002011-07-05T19:49:07.232-05:00Increasing our FlockWe found out on Friday, July 1, 2011, that we were <em>"waitlisted." </em> We were filled with joy when we heard these words, and this is a list we will gladly wait on. After 7 years of praying,and 8 months of paperwork gathering, we are so happy to announce that we are adopting from Ethiopia. Last Friday, we found out that our dossier was complete and on it's way to Ethiopia. Let the waiting begin....<br />I have so very many words about this subject and look forward to writing more and more about our journey on this little blog....stay tuned. While I organize my thoughts, enjoy my new blog header, made with love for us by our super talented cousin, <a href="http://nothingsandnotions.blogspot.com">Jennifer Hanson</a>Little Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15223363118517293788noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079822096630680572.post-18169095355541557772011-06-28T16:17:00.004-05:002011-06-28T16:26:28.150-05:00Summer Afternoon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-voRJ04MH1zzaWDZo656yfJa1TdMDiu-xU83Bg5C_ToLJVVA5uZSsgJWeYYGA01tJHrF_jn6uyASPJPnENpDshRdZSd-NsDffx2OuJ39wjfMXlKfl0Gnp6uBktJOnrQQ-6iO0V2Qq6a6/s1600/CSC_0734.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-voRJ04MH1zzaWDZo656yfJa1TdMDiu-xU83Bg5C_ToLJVVA5uZSsgJWeYYGA01tJHrF_jn6uyASPJPnENpDshRdZSd-NsDffx2OuJ39wjfMXlKfl0Gnp6uBktJOnrQQ-6iO0V2Qq6a6/s400/CSC_0734.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623384214546213618" /></a><br />"Summer afternoon, Summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language" -Henry JamesLittle Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15223363118517293788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079822096630680572.post-63879379300376616152011-06-08T16:47:00.006-05:002011-06-08T17:14:23.056-05:00A Girl and her Fish<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAosR8mLa96th5b4emglcbDK5RSQj_oOSRy93OKascVrHUpYntgpNj6Bz8ecoOb4JOMwAEHp-yQUQdhyGVa7HyNkW3Ba5-2xhjd3ksIhKN0dSEyoqF1ZVEWy8HxbSI0sfWQHJfQyrDHWF/s1600/CSC_0662.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAosR8mLa96th5b4emglcbDK5RSQj_oOSRy93OKascVrHUpYntgpNj6Bz8ecoOb4JOMwAEHp-yQUQdhyGVa7HyNkW3Ba5-2xhjd3ksIhKN0dSEyoqF1ZVEWy8HxbSI0sfWQHJfQyrDHWF/s400/CSC_0662.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615974335191585858" /></a><br /><br />A couple of weeks ago, Ryann had a field trip. To a trout farm. When I read the flier, I thought, "Oh that's nice, she will have fun catching and releasing little fish." I was wrong. I didn't know that after she caught a fish, we would have to take said fish home. Ryann caught her fish through the eye. I was done right there. I was not prepared for the amount of blood, and being the great mom that I am, I ran this poor fish to the only dad that came on the trip. Poor guy. He unhooked the now blind fish with blood all over it and put it in Ryann's bucket. Poor fish, it was flopping around, dying a slow death. I begged Ryann's teacher to allow us to throw it back, but she said that was not part of the plan and had me take the fish to a man in a booth, who then proceeded to end the fish's suffering, and get it prepared for us to take home and cook for dinner. Gross. Meanwhile, Ryann is oblivious, telling all her classmates and their parents how adorable her fish is and how she is going to take it home for a pet. She used the word adorable (her current favorite adjective) about 15 times.<br /><br />In the car, I explained to her that the adorable fish was no longer with us. Thinking that she would be really upset by this, I was shocked that she wanted Mark to cook him when he got home from work. When Mark got home, Ryann was right by him as he chopped off the fish's head and tail and she even helped him season and grill the fish. Mark and I wanted nothing to do with the actual eating of the fish. Ryann, on the other hand, ate every bite. <br /><br />Ryann presenting her catch<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypZaPFsq9qwD_BEKFvi6gbt8xvggKsohtSrgOKZ0V8x9zcVCc60dWFYjsSJNHYecgx6rYoJHuZVPCpIDhJzW89b5NAmtlR2_bX2MevuA5Xj860ER4eoEgAntDGoPKJ6SNs54gYNGmxDOY/s1600/DSC_0666.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypZaPFsq9qwD_BEKFvi6gbt8xvggKsohtSrgOKZ0V8x9zcVCc60dWFYjsSJNHYecgx6rYoJHuZVPCpIDhJzW89b5NAmtlR2_bX2MevuA5Xj860ER4eoEgAntDGoPKJ6SNs54gYNGmxDOY/s400/DSC_0666.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615971310005350290" /></a><br /><br />Here is a video of Ryann helping Mark cook her "Adorable" Fish. Ryann's pappy (a skilled fisherman) should be so proud. Heather, you get a shout out as well...funny!<br /><OBJECT id=BLOG_video-523f4dc0be4a6f9a class=BLOG_video_class width=320 height=266 contentId="523f4dc0be4a6f9a"></OBJECT>Little Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15223363118517293788noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079822096630680572.post-35276283386671466022011-06-08T16:29:00.005-05:002011-06-08T16:43:28.515-05:00Proud of our CubbieRyann recently finished her first year of Cubbies with AWANA. She loved it, We loved it..such a great program for kids (and their parents) I loved learning these little verses just as much as she did. Here is our girl at the Awards ceremony with her cute friends from our small group...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwo1Sgy7uJfQKIAjTwQJKDEcfjynZXtWudh4Kq4M4gzKks4DGcSNRCL-DDzGRzbbuuzOoPvjJ0vJC7Eernb0Rj54s1SitHyvrRMdEYZs48DIDoci9rnSjmhDPVnl6u3nguKtzSm1tE1m9X/s1600/DSC_0673.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwo1Sgy7uJfQKIAjTwQJKDEcfjynZXtWudh4Kq4M4gzKks4DGcSNRCL-DDzGRzbbuuzOoPvjJ0vJC7Eernb0Rj54s1SitHyvrRMdEYZs48DIDoci9rnSjmhDPVnl6u3nguKtzSm1tE1m9X/s400/DSC_0673.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615966047696429602" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVw1uM3TwERsKgKpB5HafStQ1fqPX01HH07nYI8Lu3s6g7LEIHrR298vGqVFMr-hVsuWhw58LDEISi-brxnL0lh88BmJOM9rWDpynsaNOU5sNTBFJmscOulGnJxEZl5maBzfauZZa98uc/s1600/DSC_0668.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVw1uM3TwERsKgKpB5HafStQ1fqPX01HH07nYI8Lu3s6g7LEIHrR298vGqVFMr-hVsuWhw58LDEISi-brxnL0lh88BmJOM9rWDpynsaNOU5sNTBFJmscOulGnJxEZl5maBzfauZZa98uc/s400/DSC_0668.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615966044489819970" /></a><br /> <OBJECT id=BLOG_video-FAILED class=BLOG_video_class width=320 height=266 contentId="FAILED"></OBJECT>Little Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15223363118517293788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079822096630680572.post-74564430963692689912011-05-19T16:25:00.014-05:002011-07-07T16:34:37.424-05:00Lately-Spring 20111. Spring is upon us! We are drying out and hoping for sunnier skies (knock on wood) this summer. We enjoyed the annual tulip festival immensely as we stood in absolute wonder of God's creation.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRd-Ql_gQGVtDXY19fBF6hLujSctaGWuIGdBpHhYVD0N0L1GUczpZslr2bgplnMASzm0uCxR9uD35SFnyqncANe79N4OlqT_zmqQgJ7s_h1GTXVAK_uTFp9I4-tUaL8Kq8zzYtSYbGaG-/s1600/DSC_0527.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRd-Ql_gQGVtDXY19fBF6hLujSctaGWuIGdBpHhYVD0N0L1GUczpZslr2bgplnMASzm0uCxR9uD35SFnyqncANe79N4OlqT_zmqQgJ7s_h1GTXVAK_uTFp9I4-tUaL8Kq8zzYtSYbGaG-/s400/DSC_0527.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608551511995485746" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKHt_ExmyNEAK-Cuw6PS8WizK73jKaB0Lle8lhuKkaUebPzk-M5TvNPsGRY4A2aRnX0XT1rH8E0J_Iix2QLWPrUd2yF3Z9kQ3e6iss15F8wG5CU30Kc3XDPSTDokXgp64uRXLuvsCPyzq/s1600/DSC_0544.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKHt_ExmyNEAK-Cuw6PS8WizK73jKaB0Lle8lhuKkaUebPzk-M5TvNPsGRY4A2aRnX0XT1rH8E0J_Iix2QLWPrUd2yF3Z9kQ3e6iss15F8wG5CU30Kc3XDPSTDokXgp64uRXLuvsCPyzq/s400/DSC_0544.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608551506868371042" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8eA1tGEwgWpJr67B33tt_NthnxNqp3WpV2JIKKeZPjXnDfABsAnTeeNFK6cS2uSwOcRSsqBGKpnyJCcfnOz3iw5g8E9Kg8lthwO8j_c5HeL9uNS1EIj2rqkYTI7G2px8anO25W-FSJDr/s1600/DSC_0558.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8eA1tGEwgWpJr67B33tt_NthnxNqp3WpV2JIKKeZPjXnDfABsAnTeeNFK6cS2uSwOcRSsqBGKpnyJCcfnOz3iw5g8E9Kg8lthwO8j_c5HeL9uNS1EIj2rqkYTI7G2px8anO25W-FSJDr/s400/DSC_0558.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608551504284738050" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6NGJsuoKstfNoQbOJyZXoDUusukyFtC9Ph6tWG5SxBcB7pAbqD9p0AENGVKmf9suxOyuWAMspDspj8W5RX4ZcGz3vNtZdI5Alc1avUz8fQSZhdWTA54YBNkrmr-Wk6vDBUkAaYCirvQ2/s1600/DSC_0561.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6NGJsuoKstfNoQbOJyZXoDUusukyFtC9Ph6tWG5SxBcB7pAbqD9p0AENGVKmf9suxOyuWAMspDspj8W5RX4ZcGz3vNtZdI5Alc1avUz8fQSZhdWTA54YBNkrmr-Wk6vDBUkAaYCirvQ2/s400/DSC_0561.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608551497731794482" /></a><br /><br /><br />2. FAMILY!-We were so blessed beyond words to have so many of our loved ones come see us this Spring. <br /><br />My sweet sister in law, Conni, and 2 of my nephews, Blake and Will, came to see us in March. We had such a special time! Conni's love for this city has made me love it even more, so grateful for her sweet heart and perspective.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xhbcHxGWtZSn5QIJ1EPViWjLGdCMoTXFVB3rhdX7K38WdMZmZZpDSLH_zsdnEB7JFIhcz9xwnTPhazYKnsqF7pQYnR7fG86sHjMjMWflvGJqWj20imPLl4ecyi3-6jffyt8xbOZ1iZWp/s1600/DSC_0203.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xhbcHxGWtZSn5QIJ1EPViWjLGdCMoTXFVB3rhdX7K38WdMZmZZpDSLH_zsdnEB7JFIhcz9xwnTPhazYKnsqF7pQYnR7fG86sHjMjMWflvGJqWj20imPLl4ecyi3-6jffyt8xbOZ1iZWp/s400/DSC_0203.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608549430585260786" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kAWkNkMJr1P4L-Owc8g5f7DA-CIWkw6dKfAyuhd8f3Ch-3ZJ5ST86CisAjhhwhkzFvGthRap2XirV0LSZ51dH0i-Z8ZDQOTEKOCUfDwYxrxhN24McJWvK_QL3MnbhrXKsP13WWn8yuCV/s1600/DSC_0254.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kAWkNkMJr1P4L-Owc8g5f7DA-CIWkw6dKfAyuhd8f3Ch-3ZJ5ST86CisAjhhwhkzFvGthRap2XirV0LSZ51dH0i-Z8ZDQOTEKOCUfDwYxrxhN24McJWvK_QL3MnbhrXKsP13WWn8yuCV/s400/DSC_0254.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608549425419247410" /></a><br /><br />My parents and sister, Sara,came to Seattle to help us celebrate Ryann's 4th Birthday. Ryann requested that everyone dress up for her birthday dinner. Specifically, she wanted my parents to be Barbie and Ken, Mark to be a fireman, and me and Sara to be princesses. She also wanted my brother, Read (who couldn't come), to be an Aggie...which we have laughed so hard about because he is the most loyal Texas Tech Raider fan on this planet.Barbie and Ken?! No Problem...my mom brought costumes, complete with a wig for Ken, and long, luxurious hair extensions for work-out Barbie. #130,289 reason why I LOVE my parents. Sara was such a sweetheart to come as well, using her birthday money for the flight from Ohio. love her!<br /> <br /><br />Mark's parents came to town Easter weekend and we had the best time showing them our new "world." We were blessed with beautiful weather and beautiful company. Come back soon, Lambs!We are so incredibly thankful for you!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-BHq9Sl8PbzJtsm7cEENzyGxOK3t5LpOqLRKs9w7VW2hXAUBENkRTXgahLTnLo0jmDHr_yOseZhFKdCKTm4w85TcZd_oCpwwPcOhsFsWoqQqDl8zOwswYwdjZHo9lZhL1GNhBEJNFduF/s1600/DSC_0571.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-BHq9Sl8PbzJtsm7cEENzyGxOK3t5LpOqLRKs9w7VW2hXAUBENkRTXgahLTnLo0jmDHr_yOseZhFKdCKTm4w85TcZd_oCpwwPcOhsFsWoqQqDl8zOwswYwdjZHo9lZhL1GNhBEJNFduF/s400/DSC_0571.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608547014345539314" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_VClr_aKwUNp99yYyC4JIydSA-ReKuF9dTS-jFrt_b3AXRmMvS-scBUECUmIcQMrEooIM8vjP4gSEOXvenERnWa0SRrqtQ3102uGU7HEp87wKwhizdkrFrmxJYL2NeVnbH1J24skOcya/s1600/DSC_0609.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_VClr_aKwUNp99yYyC4JIydSA-ReKuF9dTS-jFrt_b3AXRmMvS-scBUECUmIcQMrEooIM8vjP4gSEOXvenERnWa0SRrqtQ3102uGU7HEp87wKwhizdkrFrmxJYL2NeVnbH1J24skOcya/s400/DSC_0609.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608547011306455506" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUN0qRgAxTP733oMB4g8Fil2Xv6hmFS737d818Hza6mYEew3TeZXMhgW5iVU8pO_lmNyWxzKlCAR64dU3EguttXeDuBJkRkjOunpeEu_JEPKMcTHHhkir-9Ub4UY9WDPynBoPPFUnWAb-K/s1600/DSC_0509.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUN0qRgAxTP733oMB4g8Fil2Xv6hmFS737d818Hza6mYEew3TeZXMhgW5iVU8pO_lmNyWxzKlCAR64dU3EguttXeDuBJkRkjOunpeEu_JEPKMcTHHhkir-9Ub4UY9WDPynBoPPFUnWAb-K/s400/DSC_0509.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608547004081931538" /></a><br /><br />We are so happy to have "met" via skype, our newest nephew, Jackson Burks Herrington, born last week. Cannot wait to meet in person, this beautiful, brand new creation. He is precious, and so are his parents.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2X3Ujan2EhHzMbascFnOyrn-rig6dCrIiPewnaALKTDxiNOd9246zQiYu7rwAp-j10q59plMc9RqnFy_JwLmETCJuNoAUs819vVnp0e4Z-HfqQb_30DW8G8jStMlgLeuYs7mmImQ41D8G/s1600/DSC_0657.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2X3Ujan2EhHzMbascFnOyrn-rig6dCrIiPewnaALKTDxiNOd9246zQiYu7rwAp-j10q59plMc9RqnFy_JwLmETCJuNoAUs819vVnp0e4Z-HfqQb_30DW8G8jStMlgLeuYs7mmImQ41D8G/s400/DSC_0657.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608546231868300546" /></a><br /><br />3. Last week, Mark took Ryann on a daddy/daughter date to see the musical, Mary Poppins. So sweet. I went on daddy/daughter dates with my dad, and those are memories I will always treasure. So fun to have the tradition continue with my family. Mark and Ryann are two goofy peas in a pod...a daddy's girl, no doubt. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VOkYtAugYO7_skADhM7CHlQ2jxxlj8N8JpG1CJSy0e7OHOxy18KuPVETCB81IZUz_uUHTJtbRYMfUB8OyiHi2EMBim07q9PqpdFvWlakf32qVWsgk0aBgwoji5p_mDznn-i_Y-s7T_D6/s1600/DSC_0655.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VOkYtAugYO7_skADhM7CHlQ2jxxlj8N8JpG1CJSy0e7OHOxy18KuPVETCB81IZUz_uUHTJtbRYMfUB8OyiHi2EMBim07q9PqpdFvWlakf32qVWsgk0aBgwoji5p_mDznn-i_Y-s7T_D6/s400/DSC_0655.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608545294368595778" /></a><br /><br />4. Ryann started swimming lessons last week. After I took this pic, I asked her why she put her arms up, she replied with exasperation, "Mom,that is what us swimmers do.." Michael Phelps, watch out.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSfUZpffGH2igrMYUt5eNzAbA3H4z6VY_sXDgYsJ3PvO3Yww1ThQqN_giTNcrKC96kQcw2_tbJt7L4SBR9JiE0BOfEewlY9AuGByNz0Jqbkjeo5mSt0_QrZEZZgVJ-Xq8RMlrU-VEzP_3/s1600/DSC_0659.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSfUZpffGH2igrMYUt5eNzAbA3H4z6VY_sXDgYsJ3PvO3Yww1ThQqN_giTNcrKC96kQcw2_tbJt7L4SBR9JiE0BOfEewlY9AuGByNz0Jqbkjeo5mSt0_QrZEZZgVJ-Xq8RMlrU-VEzP_3/s400/DSC_0659.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608544684090657890" /></a><br /><br />5. #10,234 reason why I love Mark. Last Saturday, Ryann and I went to the store, and when we got back, Mark said he had a surprise for us...he had cleared out all our furniture and pitched our tent in the middle of the room. We loved camping indoors last weekend.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTi-rrjKvxzUGOtsiB7tJFLXzRcl4D7B0705Nt70BZNmdJy0Gt9tIV44-s4Zxq1WtEJcxoFCuVHV_NTog8NvneEspw9YPpAEUSBLrgJin6jQgSwhE3R8ATZerwF-WcM4Ddaumv9BHFfpcv/s1600/DSC_0658.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTi-rrjKvxzUGOtsiB7tJFLXzRcl4D7B0705Nt70BZNmdJy0Gt9tIV44-s4Zxq1WtEJcxoFCuVHV_NTog8NvneEspw9YPpAEUSBLrgJin6jQgSwhE3R8ATZerwF-WcM4Ddaumv9BHFfpcv/s400/DSC_0658.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608543740037155762" /></a><br /><br />6. Just finished and cried my way through this book...a must-read, for sure.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiwX-u68MZZUy4uIyiM2-4S2DYMFwysUjiUOx1mnwmgeItSfHFzOWGwPnhSGalVLlALu3abIX1h9KWMa0-BhAKN5gOLSwQNCKvyMKq63GDzAW1FQ0YHjqvcPG9Fp9_uOQ8SLRb38LR-Sr/s1600/bookcover-page.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiwX-u68MZZUy4uIyiM2-4S2DYMFwysUjiUOx1mnwmgeItSfHFzOWGwPnhSGalVLlALu3abIX1h9KWMa0-BhAKN5gOLSwQNCKvyMKq63GDzAW1FQ0YHjqvcPG9Fp9_uOQ8SLRb38LR-Sr/s400/bookcover-page.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608541749427050194" /></a>Little Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15223363118517293788noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7079822096630680572.post-32862777636661187212011-04-29T17:23:00.003-05:002011-04-29T17:25:18.963-05:00Great Day for a Wedding....A Royal Wedding!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVu8AVzgPokb5JxSp3nYB83dey6vApMWYr5YkUU-_B9JpRsxf63RtzH4_uzhRQx5a-vQ95Wts5bHjmLd7lLEStjnhaLN6hdgUtHceVor6mWe86PFSG4cc3ZZcpXJphUherC9xgkCplf0VH/s1600/DSC_0637.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVu8AVzgPokb5JxSp3nYB83dey6vApMWYr5YkUU-_B9JpRsxf63RtzH4_uzhRQx5a-vQ95Wts5bHjmLd7lLEStjnhaLN6hdgUtHceVor6mWe86PFSG4cc3ZZcpXJphUherC9xgkCplf0VH/s400/DSC_0637.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601135042812872082" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvTjnfOm0Y7K-mDeLz6_7ypzO3xx9Ctz-XolRikPaay7eJYpMtqMexxiBTf1APj4NDbdiA3OeBvBqHf9i0z24X_OWF45Fm1XATMmae9mipjH3swE62a0jCFNCMB2NBYmCdNTTfdVRHX-d/s1600/DSC_0632.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvTjnfOm0Y7K-mDeLz6_7ypzO3xx9Ctz-XolRikPaay7eJYpMtqMexxiBTf1APj4NDbdiA3OeBvBqHf9i0z24X_OWF45Fm1XATMmae9mipjH3swE62a0jCFNCMB2NBYmCdNTTfdVRHX-d/s400/DSC_0632.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601135041870298690" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yIxCrGchGdxMlvWzo891Q1bxBdzfiqQdpGPqvxAgxyf7SzQ3CP7AScGN3KqfRpuJO_FgjuBmhb290JE5k0J_8WZKml3IfJxuQBgEDUqaobCvJ199_GHVhv0N4gCo7k0r8-h-5vlQJz-t/s1600/DSC_0633.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yIxCrGchGdxMlvWzo891Q1bxBdzfiqQdpGPqvxAgxyf7SzQ3CP7AScGN3KqfRpuJO_FgjuBmhb290JE5k0J_8WZKml3IfJxuQBgEDUqaobCvJ199_GHVhv0N4gCo7k0r8-h-5vlQJz-t/s400/DSC_0633.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601135034831056466" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50cNCXs9jUqy8zmTpxc0A8plA32jDnmIGarWzVRe4q-3xxjMHb55aP3lVPaE26BwtJPvdL8Crel8uJKcnihekhxdNwv7LyOK8c3krrDaWPAZMHqYYXTCfPAFO3rHME9wRA0AZJA0TTApc/s1600/DSC_0639.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50cNCXs9jUqy8zmTpxc0A8plA32jDnmIGarWzVRe4q-3xxjMHb55aP3lVPaE26BwtJPvdL8Crel8uJKcnihekhxdNwv7LyOK8c3krrDaWPAZMHqYYXTCfPAFO3rHME9wRA0AZJA0TTApc/s400/DSC_0639.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601135031595183042" /></a>Little Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15223363118517293788noreply@blogger.com2