tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38812860016490407372024-03-13T14:29:19.976-04:00akers of loveabbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09783545875592259704noreply@blogger.comBlogger335125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881286001649040737.post-88125223910754230632015-02-21T15:57:00.000-05:002015-02-21T15:59:46.842-05:00His Boys<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My boys. <br />
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I <span style="font-size: x-large;">love</span> saying those words. I <span style="font-size: x-large;">love</span> the picture in my head and the warmth in my heart when I say those words. </div>
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I am your mama.</div>
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And sometimes I still can't believe it. <br />
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It's perfectly clear that we don't share the same DNA, but you are so much a part of me. I know what you're going to say before you say it. I know what ticks you off. I know what makes you happier than a pig in mud. I know you. </div>
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But listen, sweet boys. You know how I tell you that I <span style="font-size: x-large;">love</span> you more than all of the snowflakes that have ever fallen from the sky? God <span style="font-size: x-large;">loves </span>you even more that! <br />
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That's hard for me to comprehend, but it's true. And actually, I'm glad He <span style="font-size: x-large;">loves</span> you more than me because there are so many times that I mess up. I can't <span style="font-size: x-large;">love</span> you perfectly and never will, but he can and always will. <br />
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I don't know what your questions will be as you start processing your adoption stories, but whatever they are, I want you to remember God's love for you and cling to His promises. <br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast <span style="font-size: x-large;">love</span> and faithfulness. </span></span></span><span style="-webkit-transition: all 0.3s ease 0s; background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Psalm 86:15</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." Revelation 4:11</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="line-height: 24px;">Trust in the</span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 24px;">Lord</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-16461A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16461A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">with all your heart </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9</span> </span></blockquote>
Even though you are my boys, you are really His. <br />
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Don't ever forget that. <br />
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abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09783545875592259704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881286001649040737.post-53728260217161842272014-12-25T00:26:00.001-05:002015-02-21T15:55:03.626-05:00The Weary World Rejoices<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
For the past 6 weeks, at least one person in our house has been sick. Last weekend, our house got a new round of crud that brought more coughing, aches, fevers and I-want-to-stay-in-bed-and-do-nothing tiredness. Tonight, Christmas Eve, Sammy is the most recent "winner" of the fever prize. <br />
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I'm tired.<br />
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This sickness stuff is for the birds. I find myself feeling so sad that our family's Christmas memory making has been few and far between.<br />
<br />
Christmas crafts...nope.<br />
Downtown Christmas lights...nope.<br />
Advent reading every night...nope.<br />
Christmas Eve Service...nope.<br />
Hosting Christmas dinner with both sets of grandparents...nope.<br />
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<i>We managed to make my in-laws sick, not knowing that it was more than a cold...and my parents don't want to get sick, so they're staying away too. I don't blame them.</i><br />
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I'm tired. <br />
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Yesterday morning, when my husband woke me up letting me know that he had won the fever lottery, I decided to stop ignoring the day set before me and get up. I coughed myself downstairs and opened my Bible. Before I began to read, I was still. Now, I'm not sure if I was being still before God, or if I was so tired that I wasn't able to function. Either way, these words popped into my head.<br />
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The weary world rejoices.<br />
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I'm weary. <br />
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<i>Before I go on, I just want you to know that I know that fevers are not the end of the world. There are so many other things that are a million times worse than cold sweats and runny noses. I get that. </i><br />
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I wish I could say that ever since those words popped into my head, I have had a happy disposition and a new attitude. Not the case, but God keeps using my sin-filled moments to remind me that even though I'm weary, I still have a reason to rejoice. Actually, those sin-filled moments <i>are</i> the very reason that I should rejoice. <br />
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Christmas isn't about what I so many times try to make Christmas about. <br />
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There will be no homemade cinnamon rolls Christmas morning...<br />
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"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sin." Matthew 1:21</blockquote>
...but I still have a reason to rejoice.<br />
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No steaks on the grill for Christmas dinner. We will be dining on a pre-made pizza from Sam's Club...<br />
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"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel - which means, God with us." Matthew 1:23</blockquote>
...but I still have a reason to rejoice.<br />
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I ran out of wrapping paper and two of Wes' presents aren't wrapped...<br />
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"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14</blockquote>
...but I still have a reason to rejoice.<br />
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Sammy may still be sick, I may still have a hacking cough and Max may wake up sick (please, no)...<br />
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"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:17</blockquote>
...but I still have a reason to rejoice.<br />
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My weariness and our lack of Christmas-y-ness seem pretty trivial compared to the magnitude of the truth in those verses, but I love how God can use even the smallest things to shift our perspective back to Him. <br />
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"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4</blockquote>
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abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09783545875592259704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881286001649040737.post-21185266657048914022013-11-26T07:48:00.001-05:002013-11-26T14:15:34.669-05:00Adoption Interview Project 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span>Hi, everyone! It's me...Abby! <br />
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My blogging has been few and far between these days, so I decided to participate in the <a href="http://openadoptionbloggers.com/adoption-blogger-interview-project/">Adoption Blogger Interview Project</a>, like I did <a href="http://akersoflove.blogspot.com/2012/11/adoption-interview-project.html">last year</a>, in hopes that it would get me back into the swing of blogging again.<br />
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That was a long sentence...<br />
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I was excited to see who I would be <i>randomly</i> matched with and guess what?!?!<br />
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I got matched with my sweet friend, <a href="http://www.surpassinggreatness.com/">Suzanne</a> whom I've never met in person, but we both work on an <a href="http://sparrow-fund.org/blog">adoption blog for The Sparrow Fund</a>. {If you have a heart for adoption, The Sparrow Fund blog is a great place to go for encouragement!}<br />
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Anyway...<br />
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It was fun getting to know Suzanne a little more through this interview. <br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>You
have very openly talked about infertility on your blog. I would love to
here about the moment(s) in your life that God began putting adoption as a way
to build your family on your heart.</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">After struggling
with infertility for many years, God began to reveal to me that He had a
different plan for our family. Adam wanted to explore all options for a
biological child but suggested I start doing a little adoption research. I am
researcher so I went adoption research crazy! I bought books, read blogs,
looked at adoption agency websites, etc., but Adam still wasn’t ready. Then, I
had a disastrous IUI treatment that was coupled with a horrible autoimmune
episode that landed me in the hospital in need of four pints of blood. So for the
next year, all thoughts of children were put on hold in order to focus on and
uncover my health issues. Almost exactly a year after my hospitalization, we
were at dinner on our 9th wedding anniversary, when Adam looked at me and said,
"let's adopt a baby!"</span></i><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Why
did you choose to adopt from China? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Truthfully, my
heart has always been in China, even as a young child, but we looked at all options, domestic, foster and all countries open to international
countries. I am researcher after all. E</span></i><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">ven after all the
research, we both knew our heart was in China. </span>China is God’s
calling for us.</i><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Waiting
is hard. Is there a piece of scripture that God used to encourage you and
help you during your waiting periods for both of your children?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes! The waiting is so hard, but God is so
faithful!! Here is my favorite go to verse on those days when the wait seems
unbearable and the very thought of another moment without your child sends you
into tears.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“When you pass through the waters,<br />
I will be with you;<br />
and when you pass through the rivers,<br />
they will not sweep over you.<br />
When you walk through the fire,<br />
you will not be burned;<br />
the flames will not set you ablaze.<br />
For I am the Lord your God,<br />
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; . . . “ (Is.
43:2-3a)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Do
you know anything about either of your children's birth families?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Sadly, with
Chinese adoption, we never know any information because in order for a child to
be eligible for adoption in China, they have to be abandoned so there is no
information provided. Chinese officials put out what they call a finding ad
when the baby or child is first found, but these are not successful and thus
the child is sent to an orphanage. The one rather unique thing about my son is
that his parents left his birth date and name with him which is not typical. </span></i><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Y<b>our
son, Anthony (9 years old), joined your family after your daughter, Grace (4
years old). Were you planning on adopting an older child the second time
around? What would you say to anyone who says that adopting out of birth order is a no-no?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We were not planning to adopt out of birth
order. In fact, it was probably the furthest thing from our minds until God stepped
in. </span></i><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I believe that God’s plan is so much greater than ours, and
it is His plan I want to follow, not the world's. Therefore, to the nay sayers,
I would say, it depends on God and His plan for your family. You must listen to
Him and seek Him above all else. Of course, we also talked at length with our
social worker, adoption case worker, family and friends specifically about it
and all were in agreement with us that in this case, it would work, especially
since God is on our side. Would it always be easy and perfect? Of course not.
Does God only ask us to take the easy path? He asks us to step out in faith and
follow Him, no matter the cost.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>How have you seen your
children grow as they have adjusted to being part of your family?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With each passing month, we see all our
attachments to each other grow, but we have also seen their personality blossom
in an environment of love. The more they trust us, the more they open up and
relax. It has been so wonderful to see them connect as brother and sister as
well. Anthony stepped right into the role of older brother as if he had been
one his whole life, and Grace is the perfect little sister. The most rewarding
thing, though, is to see their love for Christ grow as their understanding of
Him and His sacrifice for them is unveiled before them. It is truly a beautiful
thing. <o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thank you, Suzanne, for sharing your heart! I hope we get to meet someday!</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Check out the other interview projects <a href="http://openadoptionbloggers.com/?p=5680">here</a>. </span></i><br />
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<a href="http://openadoptionbloggers.com/adoption-blogger-interview-project" target="_blank"><img alt="Adoption Blogger Interview Project 2013" border="0" height="254" src="http://openadoptionbloggers.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/abip2013sq.png" title="Adoption Blogger Interview Project 2013" width="400" /></a></div>
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abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09783545875592259704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881286001649040737.post-46836324263570640332013-10-12T16:16:00.000-04:002013-10-12T16:48:02.235-04:0010 on 10 {October}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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7 o'clock</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W9CmbV_43x0/UliwYY7hiQI/AAAAAAAAGLg/flvuj_gXDjw/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W9CmbV_43x0/UliwYY7hiQI/AAAAAAAAGLg/flvuj_gXDjw/s640/photo-3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Bible reading.<br />
I'm <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">loving</span> <a href="http://www.bsfinternational.org/">this study</a> of Matthew.<br />
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8 o'clock</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BpJB0DTzIdk/UliwYsGNz3I/AAAAAAAAGLk/uK45csh7IhE/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BpJB0DTzIdk/UliwYsGNz3I/AAAAAAAAGLk/uK45csh7IhE/s640/photo-4.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Baby holding.<br />
I later found out this wasn't just a "I'm still tired face" but a "I have a fever face".</div>
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<br />
9 o'clock</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h2B9qDFjwy0/UliwZbASEsI/AAAAAAAAGL0/PcOICqV64-k/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h2B9qDFjwy0/UliwZbASEsI/AAAAAAAAGL0/PcOICqV64-k/s640/photo-5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Restaurant playing.</div>
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10 o'clock</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oxIuXFS6ezQ/UliwbPTKjrI/AAAAAAAAGMA/az50kk1xMns/s1600/photo-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oxIuXFS6ezQ/UliwbPTKjrI/AAAAAAAAGMA/az50kk1xMns/s640/photo-6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.motivatedmoms.com/products/ebooks/">Chore</a> doing.</div>
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11 o'clock</div>
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Pumpkin buying.</div>
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12 o'clock</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-47KchL8QsOM/UliwcYAsbpI/AAAAAAAAGMU/54L-sa4rUA0/s1600/photo-9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-47KchL8QsOM/UliwcYAsbpI/AAAAAAAAGMU/54L-sa4rUA0/s640/photo-9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lunch eating.</div>
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I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">love</span> days when we get to meet Wes for lunch. I also <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">love</span> McAlister's tea.</div>
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1 o'clock</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S5uUTVWRb84/UliwUgkC3dI/AAAAAAAAGLA/hlFu-KYaXcw/s1600/photo-10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S5uUTVWRb84/UliwUgkC3dI/AAAAAAAAGLA/hlFu-KYaXcw/s640/photo-10.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/And-Train-Goes-William-Bee/dp/0763632481">Book</a> reading.</div>
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2 o'clock</div>
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Phone call making and family picture deciding.</div>
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3 o'clock</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2DvpB7oCeAg/UliwVzJdHWI/AAAAAAAAGLM/TXrZ1LU4jTc/s1600/photo-12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2DvpB7oCeAg/UliwVzJdHWI/AAAAAAAAGLM/TXrZ1LU4jTc/s640/photo-12.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/52917364343614615/">Crescent roll</a> making.</div>
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4 o'clock</div>
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After nap greeting.</div>
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<a border="0" href="http://www.rebekahgough.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="ten on ten button" border="0" src="http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k578/rebagough/Screenshot2010-10-11at110042AM.png" /></a></div>
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abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09783545875592259704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881286001649040737.post-17881107791619232832013-09-15T23:07:00.000-04:002013-09-15T23:07:03.723-04:00Sam {1 year}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
At 1 year you...<br />
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say dada, mama, dat {we don't know what this means...possibly just a sound to make yourself known} and ball, clap like a pro, pull yourself up to standing position, have four teeth, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">love</span> pushing around cars, climb up the stairs, follow your mama all around the house, jabber up a storm with lots of expression, still have a bald spot on the back of your head, sign the word more {anything to get more food} and let anyone hold you.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BXhwhpuEWxA/UjZr6Nw5--I/AAAAAAAAGHU/Mm-gInh6xQg/s1600/sam+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BXhwhpuEWxA/UjZr6Nw5--I/AAAAAAAAGHU/Mm-gInh6xQg/s400/sam+1.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XmRCL-2WnaE/UjZr5zOQFII/AAAAAAAAGHQ/UbQCFoEmens/s1600/Sam's+first+birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XmRCL-2WnaE/UjZr5zOQFII/AAAAAAAAGHQ/UbQCFoEmens/s400/Sam's+first+birthday.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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We think that you...</div>
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are going to force us to increase our grocery budget {you <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">love</span> to eat}, will never be a vegetarian, will be everyone's friend and will give Max a run for his money when you're old enough to hold your own.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4IEiP2vNpYQ/UjZv0ZLLukI/AAAAAAAAGHk/Q9qCjpYKTU0/s1600/sammy+close+up+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4IEiP2vNpYQ/UjZv0ZLLukI/AAAAAAAAGHk/Q9qCjpYKTU0/s640/sammy+close+up+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We call you....</div>
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Sam, Sammy, Samuel, Baby, Sam the Man, Koala Bear, Sam-sam and Sammy-boy<br />
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We hope you...</div>
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learn to walk soon because you're really heavy, always stay happy, don't have anymore trips to the ER, stop dropping your cup, survive Max's wrestling matches and continue to snuggle.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fA-Yij027l0/UjZwNJ_lwAI/AAAAAAAAGH4/OwuSlgbpgAM/s1600/sam+1+year+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fA-Yij027l0/UjZwNJ_lwAI/AAAAAAAAGH4/OwuSlgbpgAM/s400/sam+1+year+1.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ugDXomemlU0/UjZwMggTxQI/AAAAAAAAGH0/QCSFlhqcrws/s1600/sammy+birthday+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ugDXomemlU0/UjZwMggTxQI/AAAAAAAAGH0/QCSFlhqcrws/s400/sammy+birthday+.jpg" width="266" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6AUbhVVkML8/UjZwNN7yn-I/AAAAAAAAGIA/UkBZeqzry2o/s1600/sammy+birthday+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6AUbhVVkML8/UjZwNN7yn-I/AAAAAAAAGIA/UkBZeqzry2o/s400/sammy+birthday+2.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-14jZB6n5K1E/UjZwN6SioKI/AAAAAAAAGIM/nIB1w2YJH5w/s1600/sammy+leaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-14jZB6n5K1E/UjZwN6SioKI/AAAAAAAAGIM/nIB1w2YJH5w/s400/sammy+leaf.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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We <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">love</span> you so much, Sammy! Happy Birthday!<br />
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abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09783545875592259704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881286001649040737.post-36472770166412495282013-09-07T14:46:00.001-04:002013-09-07T14:46:42.439-04:00In Other News<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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One of my favorite games to play with Max these days is "Go-up-to-your-room-and-put-some-clothes-on". </div>
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He would be an underwear-only-all-day-every-day kind of kid if we let him. </div>
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Rain or shine.</div>
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Inside or outside.</div>
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But we don't.</div>
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If he ever gets married, his future wife will thank us.</div>
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Back to the game...</div>
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You never know what he's going to come downstairs wearing.</div>
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This outfit is actually pretty normal...</div>
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And weather appropriate.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DyRejJWUIoM/UitnkAuTvTI/AAAAAAAAGGI/5lQNbeBBD90/s1600/DSC_0083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DyRejJWUIoM/UitnkAuTvTI/AAAAAAAAGGI/5lQNbeBBD90/s640/DSC_0083.jpg" width="424" /></a><br />
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Usually, he'll come down in something like corduroys and a long sleeve way-to-small-for-him pajama shirt.</div>
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And I say, "Buddy, it's 85 degrees outside."</div>
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And he says, "It's ok" and runs off to play outside.</div>
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Great conversation, little man.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PH4xho4EmCQ/UitnkY22AcI/AAAAAAAAGGM/KTlqRdVSRu0/s1600/DSC_0080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PH4xho4EmCQ/UitnkY22AcI/AAAAAAAAGGM/KTlqRdVSRu0/s400/DSC_0080.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wYun-YJOzpQ/UitnkcuY3DI/AAAAAAAAGGQ/apttJVNGlZQ/s1600/DSC_0081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wYun-YJOzpQ/UitnkcuY3DI/AAAAAAAAGGQ/apttJVNGlZQ/s400/DSC_0081.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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In other news, Max's new nickname should be "Pockets."<br />
I just decided this.<br />
One time, he managed to fit 5 ping pong balls {also known as soft golf balls} in his pockets.<br />
If it's small enough to fit in a pocket, it must go in the pocket.<br />
If his pants or shorts don't have pockets, he's not interested in wearing them. <br />
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In more other news, God is using this strong-willed/passionate three year old boy to reveal some pretty yucky pride issues in my heart. </div>
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Maybe I'll fill you in on that one later.</div>
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Maybe I won't. </div>
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No pinky-blog promises coming from me.</div>
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In even more other news, I'm so, so happy to be his mama. <br />
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abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09783545875592259704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881286001649040737.post-76218209596715706082013-07-30T15:53:00.000-04:002013-07-30T15:53:02.892-04:00The Girl Behind the Blog {Encouragement}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Over a year ago, I did my first <a href="http://akersoflove.blogspot.com/2012/02/girl-behind-blog.html">girl behind the blog</a> post.</div>
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And...I haven't done one since.</div>
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So, here I am again.</div>
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It's naptime and maybe I should be doing something productive like mopping my {really dirty} floors or folding some {really wrinkly} laundry, but here I am posting another video. </div>
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Last time I blamed it on <a href="http://www.carinalee.com/">Carina</a>. </div>
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This time its <a href="http://www.kerriewilliams.com/">Kerrie's</a> fault.</div>
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<a href="http://www.writtenonherheart.com/">Ashley</a> and <a href="http://www.nadinewouldsay.com/">Nadine</a> wanted us to talk about encouragement...</div>
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<a href="http://www.writtenonherheart.com/search/label/TGBTB" target="_blank"><img alt="WOHH" height="200" src="http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc416/5ohwifey/Blog%20Tools/NEWtgbtb.jpg" width="200" /></a>
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Sammy wanted to weigh-in on the topic of encouragement...</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzphswRa6i70XcncESBPTLCynbPSf26c6HQL8z43NBu9LDCtClY0GipWdGTYDb0jCEbmUmaotvvFPw9yY8aZw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09783545875592259704noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881286001649040737.post-79979834043813826522013-07-28T15:31:00.000-04:002013-07-28T15:31:56.185-04:00We Went to the Fair<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/2428621/?claim=sq8vg94dvwe">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>
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<br />
I learned something new at our county fair.<br />
Max is a horrible driver.<br />
Here he is being "instructed" by some poor souls who were stuck monitoring the motorized kiddie jeeps. <br />
There was a round track, but all Max wanted to do was barrel through the bales of hay.<br />
{By the way, I can't ever say that. I want to say hales of bay, bales of hale, etc}<br />
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<img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8U_v7KneUTc/UfVjger8L8I/AAAAAAAAGBQ/euugY4-Hpl4/s400/max+and+quinn+1.jpg" width="266" /> <img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kfQ-g944vkU/UfVoQo8JotI/AAAAAAAAGDA/dN8kZ6XlECc/s400/max+and+quinn+driving.jpg" width="266" /></div>
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Look at their faces...pure delight and mischief.<br />
I'm in trouble.<br />
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Thankfully, Quinn took over driving and it was a much smoother ride.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xZdkAQLkh_s/UfVrA4ES1iI/AAAAAAAAGDw/ydAYY-7wgh8/s1600/DSC_0067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xZdkAQLkh_s/UfVrA4ES1iI/AAAAAAAAGDw/ydAYY-7wgh8/s640/DSC_0067.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MfsTT28bFUg/UfVjhfHBzPI/AAAAAAAAGBo/-On3PsIheTw/s640/tshirt.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Then there are these two.<br />
I just love them together. Their birthdays are only a couple of weeks apart and they are pretty similar in their personalities. <br />
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Oh, Emme and Max.<br />
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Even their names sound cute together.<br />
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Wes had a meeting that evening, so I decided to head back to the fair that night with the boys.</div>
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We got to see 5 hot air balloons take off. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EGT0jf22xzA/UfVllW0Y1gI/AAAAAAAAGCA/kYY8521L8Bk/s1600/balloon+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EGT0jf22xzA/UfVllW0Y1gI/AAAAAAAAGCA/kYY8521L8Bk/s640/balloon+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And dressed up little people and dressed up little horses.<br />
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And we had free ice cream and a $5 funnel cake.<br />
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Next year, Sam, I promise I will document that you went too.<br />
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abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09783545875592259704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881286001649040737.post-1938102917301599232013-07-21T13:07:00.000-04:002013-07-21T13:07:55.133-04:00Our Trip to the Pond<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The boys and I spent the beginning of last week with my I-met-her-online-but-she's-not-creepy-friend, <a href="http://wearefamily-stephanie.blogspot.com/">Stephanie</a> at her husband's family lake house.</div>
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It was perfect timing since Wes was going to be away on a golf trip.</div>
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We had such a great time. </div>
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We have the bond of Michigan, adoption, being mothers of little ones and Jesus, so hanging out was easy.</div>
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The kids hit it off almost immediately. </div>
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There were about 5-10 minutes of shyness before the playfulness and craziness started.</div>
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Here we are all sweaty, but I had to get one picture of us together.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--U6nwyetgjo/UehADmj9x4I/AAAAAAAAF-A/dEUkAq3PmWI/s1600/abby+and+stephanie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--U6nwyetgjo/UehADmj9x4I/AAAAAAAAF-A/dEUkAq3PmWI/s400/abby+and+stephanie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sam was feeling left out that he didn't get a ring pop, so he settled for some sunscreen...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aqXB9Pg-uCA/UehAE2ferpI/AAAAAAAAF-U/M411aK9TGDk/s1600/leah+and+max+candy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aqXB9Pg-uCA/UehAE2ferpI/AAAAAAAAF-U/M411aK9TGDk/s640/leah+and+max+candy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These two were a hilarious pair. You definitely wouldn't want to leave them alone together for an extended period of time. Who knows what would happen...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3a7npUhvI64/UehAFEFcCBI/AAAAAAAAF-g/x6Tp0fPWhUU/s1600/max+and+Leah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3a7npUhvI64/UehAFEFcCBI/AAAAAAAAF-g/x6Tp0fPWhUU/s640/max+and+Leah.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Max <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">loved</span> the lake. {He referred to it as the pond}</div>
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The spiderwebs...not so much.</div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JExkSS6QBGE/UehAGXtJcoI/AAAAAAAAF-w/Rwp5VZUvJmg/s400/max+boat.jpg" width="298" /><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0cfCeXHoMzI/UehAGjzmkmI/AAAAAAAAF-0/PK_hjz31E3A/s400/max+house.jpg" width="298" /></div>
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And go-with-the-flow-Sam had this facial expression the entire time he was in the water. <br />
I feel like he was saying, "Mom, I really know that you want me to do this, so I will just endure it because I love you."<br />
Thanks, buddy.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vxtoiBZ9rSY/UehAGDsdo3I/AAAAAAAAF-o/f5t9pLyzk4k/s1600/sam+boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vxtoiBZ9rSY/UehAGDsdo3I/AAAAAAAAF-o/f5t9pLyzk4k/s640/sam+boat.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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So thankful for new friendships and sweet, sweet memories.<br />
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abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09783545875592259704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881286001649040737.post-54105071828474402642013-07-06T10:58:00.001-04:002013-07-06T10:58:23.711-04:00Our Fourth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JR7oKa18ZgY/Uda5efH1rqI/AAAAAAAAF50/Ee30A4oaMno/s1600/sam+fingers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JR7oKa18ZgY/Uda5efH1rqI/AAAAAAAAF50/Ee30A4oaMno/s640/sam+fingers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-St42vhXacfg/Uda5eMIaPZI/AAAAAAAAF5w/nXrWYoQA5v8/s400/Sam+grass.jpg" width="320" /><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PFzgAjy1GwM/Uda5eezUO1I/AAAAAAAAF54/J9RlEOOUhcw/s400/sam+up.jpg" width="265" /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-986Re-wgTlA/Uda7j2y0m5I/AAAAAAAAF7E/VVs7h0gSgsk/s1600/max+crawling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-986Re-wgTlA/Uda7j2y0m5I/AAAAAAAAF7E/VVs7h0gSgsk/s640/max+crawling.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UlehnmVF57M/Uda7kr1wpVI/AAAAAAAAF7M/Kb0MBHDXGmI/s1600/sam+giggle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UlehnmVF57M/Uda7kr1wpVI/AAAAAAAAF7M/Kb0MBHDXGmI/s640/sam+giggle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sam decided he wanted to practice his freedom by learning to crawl on the eve of our country's birth. <br />
So we enjoyed the fourth watching him feebly move around the house and outside. <br />
As much as I have said, "I'm in trouble" about Sammy crawling, it really is so much fun to watch your kids learn new things.<br />
Way to go, Sammy-boy!<br />
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We went and saw <a href="http://www.ourlittlehope.blogspot.com/">our friends</a>' new baby girl. She's adorable...and tiny.<br />
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We had a mini photoshoot with the boys wearing matching shirts {That you can barely see}.<br />
It's not easy to get a picture of these two together.<br />
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<img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A6iRFAsl_II/Uda--iq3eQI/AAAAAAAAF7s/rSRHvie_U8w/s400/max+and+sam+fourth.jpg" width="265" /> <img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gzeVeAlA-Fs/Uda-_VM7tZI/AAAAAAAAF8A/2xycM5D7a7M/s400/max+kissing+sam.jpg" width="266" /></div>
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And this here picture just cracks me up.</div>
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I don't even care that it's blurry. </div>
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I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">love</span> it.</div>
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Max had his first experience taking a picture with my camera. <br />
Don't let my smile fool you...It's a bit forced. <br />
This was after about 5 minutes of him not getting it and me saying, "Not that button, that button" and "You have to make sure that we are in the camera" and "You have to hold the button down".<br />
I will say that the boy has some perseverance in his blood.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oJeWZvPDVos/Uda-_qE1Q1I/AAAAAAAAF8E/6zIv29p5Xj4/s1445/mommy+and+sam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oJeWZvPDVos/Uda-_qE1Q1I/AAAAAAAAF8E/6zIv29p5Xj4/s640/mommy+and+sam.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Max and Sam swam in the pool. </div>
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Max calls it a cat pool because I call it a kiddie {kitty} pool. </div>
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Pretty cute and funny if you ask me.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3GSJBhQ5sU/UdgsqmheAgI/AAAAAAAAF8g/fEPGkvYHzkg/s1600/max+and+sam+pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3GSJBhQ5sU/UdgsqmheAgI/AAAAAAAAF8g/fEPGkvYHzkg/s640/max+and+sam+pool.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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We did a little grilling, walking, feeding the fish at the pond and swinging.</div>
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Once we put Sammy to bed, we broke out the sparklers.</div>
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The been-in-the-garage-for-a-long-time-and-hard-to-light-sparklers.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RNXGfPNYrCI/Uda--s3PO7I/AAAAAAAAF7w/xJBiaLRXp7A/s1600/Wes+sparklers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RNXGfPNYrCI/Uda--s3PO7I/AAAAAAAAF7w/xJBiaLRXp7A/s640/Wes+sparklers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And we ended our day with homemade ice cream, brownies and fireworks on TV. </div>
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Boom. Perfect day.</div>
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abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09783545875592259704noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881286001649040737.post-45929057403761617032013-07-02T07:30:00.000-04:002013-07-02T07:30:00.654-04:00Max's 20 Questions {3 year old edition}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I wasn't sure how Max would do answering these questions, but he had an answer right away.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1. What is your favorite color? Orange</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">2. What is your favorite toy? My basketball and football</span></div>
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3. What is your favorite fruit? I like balanas. That's actually his least favorite fruit...</div>
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4. What is your favorite tv show? Doc McStuffins</div>
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5. What is your favorite movie? Backyardigans</div>
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6. What is your favorite thing to wear? Pajamas</div>
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7. What is your favorite animal? Giraffe</div>
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8. What is your favorite song? God is so Good</div>
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9. What is your favorite book? I know an Old Lady</div>
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10. Who is your best friend? Quinn</div>
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11. What is your favorite snack? gold crackers {goldfish} We hardly ever have goldfish...his real answer should be fruit snacks...</div>
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12. What is your favorite drink? chocolate milk</div>
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13. What is your favorite breakfast? Toast</div>
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14. What is your favorite lunch? He insisted on saying "I like eggs." That's not true.</div>
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15. What is your favorite dinner? Peanut Butter and Jelly</div>
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16. What is your favorite game? Crazy Eights</div>
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17. What is your favorite thing to play outside? Kickball</div>
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18. What is your favorite Bible story? Adam and Eve</div>
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19. What do you sleep with at night? Bobby, Sandy...and Papa and Grandma {?}</div>
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20. What do you want to be when you grow up? Help Daddy<br />
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abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09783545875592259704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881286001649040737.post-87607834350092308862013-07-01T14:04:00.000-04:002013-07-01T14:04:03.627-04:00Picture Post {Max's Birthday}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Max woke up with gummy lifesaver rings by his door and a donut from daddy.<br />
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We went to the splash park.<br />
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Max experienced Putt-Putt golf for the first time.<br />
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He got a hole-in-one on 18, but he was more concerned that his ball disappeared.</div>
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We had cake.<br />
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Max got to open presents from us and Papa and Gramma Myers.</div>
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On Saturday, Papa and Grandma Akers came to celebrate, so we got the cake {looking a little rough, but still tasting delicious} out of the freezer for candles and singing.<br />
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He got a scooter...and kneepads and elbow pads. Max says that they make him stronger.<br />
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_________________________</div>
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Google Reader is no more...</div>
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You can keep in touch with me by following me on <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/">bloglovin'</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/2428621/akers-of-love">Here is my page.</a></div>
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abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09783545875592259704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881286001649040737.post-86526165681653699212013-06-27T22:40:00.000-04:002013-06-27T22:40:22.914-04:00Max is Three<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
At 3 you...
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would go barefoot always if we let you, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">love</span> books and Doc McStuffins, say things like "which angle are we turning?" or "let me get situated first.", drink Generade {Gatorade} when you're "working hard", enjoy helping Daddy outside, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">love</span> gum and anything mint flavored, sing "God is so Good" fifty times a day, are fascinated with the moon, and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">love</span> chasing the squeeerels in the backyard,<br />
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We think that you...<br />
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are so much fun these days, have miracle ears {especially when it involves food wrappers}, keep us on our toes with all of your extra energy and may have a future in gymnastics {specifically the rings}.<br />
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We call you....</div>
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Max, Maxwell, Buddy, Sir and Mister.</div>
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We hope you...</div>
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learn to use your inside voice in the car soon, continue to be a great big brother, stop running away from us when we ask you to, "come here" and learn to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">love</span> God with your whole heart.</div>
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Happy birthday, Max!</div>
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We love you so, so much!<br />
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abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09783545875592259704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881286001649040737.post-28058974344749170792013-06-16T15:24:00.001-04:002013-06-16T15:24:33.138-04:00Worth Remembering {9 months}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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You are a delight, Sammy-boy.</div>
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You smile constantly. </div>
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Sometimes, you choose to just smile with your eyes, which is just as dreamy.</div>
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You are on the verge of crawling. </div>
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I'm fine with you staying put for a little longer...</div>
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You are obsessed with your bottle...</div>
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...which means you could care less about drinking out of a cup or a sippy cup.</div>
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You have zero teeth.</div>
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However, the other day, you ate an entire chicken nugget.</div>
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You will go to and snuggle with anyone. </div>
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You say dada a lot...but I'm convinced you have no clue what you are saying. Sorry, Wes.</div>
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You still bob your head back and forth like it's your job.</div>
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You <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">love</span> taking baths.</div>
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Whenever anyone walks by you, you hold your arms up for them to pick you up.</div>
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Anything you can get your hands on, you put in your mouth.</div>
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Then, there's you and your big brother...</div>
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It's one of the sweetest things, I've ever seen.<br />
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I pray that you guys stick together and are there for each other no matter what.<br />
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Happy 9 months, sweet baby boy.</div>
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abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09783545875592259704noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881286001649040737.post-569524306003939372013-04-18T11:07:00.000-04:002013-04-18T11:17:47.700-04:00Thankful {spring break}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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-----> Any time Max was sleeping on our 20 hour trip to and from Florida.<br />
-----> Walks on the beach and conversations with Wes about how God has blessed us.<br />
-----> Sleeping, satisfied babies.<br />
-----> These donuts. Anna Maria Island Donuts.<br />
-----> We liked them.<br />
-----> Clean babies.<br />
-----> These burgers. Duffy's.<br />
-----> Spending time in the sun with my boys. <br />
-----> Watching Max get more and more comfortable with the water as the week went on.<br />
-----> More walks...and those baby toes.<br />
-----> Any time Max was happy on our 20 hour trip to and from Florida.<br />
----> Coming home.<br />
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I'm on a roll...3 posts in one week.<br />
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abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09783545875592259704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881286001649040737.post-31966876050966984842013-04-17T14:08:00.000-04:002013-04-17T14:43:11.062-04:006 months {plus 1 month and 2 days}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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At 6 months {give or take a few days} you...</div>
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dance like it's your job moving your head back and forth, let any one hold you, freak out when you see your bottle, sleep like a rock star, have no teeth, laugh at anything Max does, sit up on your own and smile when Daddy comes home.</div>
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We think that you...</div>
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will be super social, will make it really hard with your big, sparkly eyes to say no to you, will be a perfect {and dangerous} audience for all of Max's shenanigans. </div>
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We call you....</div>
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Little Buddy, Buddy, Baby, Sam, Samuel, and Sammy {I swore I would never call you this, but it just happened}</div>
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We hope you...</div>
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don't learn to crawl for a long time and continue to bring joy to others with your big smile and bright eyes.</div>
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abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09783545875592259704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881286001649040737.post-27728622554355079332013-04-13T23:10:00.000-04:002013-04-13T23:10:00.182-04:00Picture Post {Spring Break}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We went to Anna Maria Island for spring break.</div>
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It's horrible.</div>
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Don't ever go there. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">kidding.</span></div>
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We had a blast and can't wait to go back next year! </div>
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We drove which is never enjoyable, but we made it. </div>
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Sam wins the prize for being the best traveler out of all of us. </div>
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It's a tie between Max and I for last place. </div>
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Aunt Andy helped Max and I die some eggs.</div>
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I think I cracked at least three of the eggs out of six...</div>
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Max cracked zero.</div>
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Max and Wes enjoyed breakfast on the front porch.<br />
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We played at the beach.<br />
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We rode the island trolley...<br />
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...to an amazing donut shop.<br />
We waited an hour for these babies.<br />
They were so worth it.<br />
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We swam at our pool.<br />
Max is a little fish.<br />
He <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">loved</span> the water.<br />
Sam <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">loved</span> the water too, but a lot of our swimming was done during his nap times.<br />
Next year, buddy.<br />
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We loved spending time with Gramma and Papa Myers.</div>
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And Great Papa and G.G. Amstutz.</div>
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Sam tried carrots for the first time.<br />
The pureed stuff...<br />
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...and the real deal.<br />
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We played "Max be nimble", Candy Land and Old Maid.<br />
A lot.<br />
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Max took a bubble bath.</div>
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I might have gone a little overboard on the bubbles.</div>
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Max asked me join him.<br />
So I did.<br />
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So thankful for the memories we made!<br />
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abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09783545875592259704noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881286001649040737.post-86566243683533473402013-01-22T22:09:00.002-05:002013-01-22T22:09:41.333-05:00Just so I don't forget...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Your go-to books right now are <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/put-me-in-the-zoo-robert-lopshire/1100291346?cm_mmc=googlepla-_-book-_-q000000633-_-9780394900179&cm_mmca2=pla&ean=9780394900179&isbn=9780394900179&r=1">Put Me in the Zoo</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gods-Wisdom-Little-Boys-Character-Building/dp/0736908242/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358884221&sr=8-1&keywords=wisdom+for+little+boys">God's Wisdom for Little Boys</a>.<br />
Your job for mealtime is getting out the silverware and "setting the table."<br />
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Last week, while eating dinner, you said, "This is really good, Mom. Thanks."</div>
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You sleep with your basketballs.</div>
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You <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">love</span> to play hoops up in your room...especially when daddy plays defense.<br />
Your little potty has been retired.<br />
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One of your favorite things to do is jump on the bed...and I let you do it.</div>
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The other day, Sam was crying and I asked you to tell him something that would make him happy. You thought for a moment and said, "God <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">loves </span>you, Sammy." Melt my heart.<br />
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You <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">love</span> to climb into Sam's crib and snuggle with him in the morning.<br />
When you don't want to stop doing something you say, "Two more times." or "Two more minutes."<br />
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You get "hurt" a lot which means you need a lot of bandaids.</div>
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Whenever it is snowing, you want to get your boots on and go outside and play.</div>
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You want to put pajama's on for nap time. Who wants to sleep in jeans anyway?</div>
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I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">love</span> you, buddy. You're my favorite two year old.<br />
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abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09783545875592259704noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881286001649040737.post-17555515428279166412013-01-15T22:07:00.002-05:002013-01-15T22:07:53.930-05:00Sam {4 months}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hey, little buddy. </div>
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You are 4 months today. </div>
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We have <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">loved</span> you for every second of those 4 months.</div>
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You still <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">love</span> to eat. {7-8 oz. every 4 hours during the day.}</div>
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You smile often...just not when I put a big black thing in your face.</div>
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You have this reserved laugh that sometimes makes me think you're laughing at me, not with me.</div>
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You are sleeping through the night and napping like a champ. Sometimes, you get a little confused about your afternoon nap and try to wake up after an hour. I give you a little pep talk and you eventually fall back to sleep.</div>
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You <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">love</span> to snuggle.</div>
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You still would rather not be on your stomach.</div>
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We think that you are going to roll over from your back to your stomach soon.</div>
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We also think that you will have notes on your report card for excessive talking. You like to jabber.</div>
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You are wearing 6 month clothes and size 2 diapers.</div>
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Max can make you smile and it melts my heart the way you watch his every move.</div>
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He also calls you Sammy Rodney.</div>
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You're still snorting like crazy which makes it easy for us to check on you. We don't even have to open the door to your room...although...I still do because I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">love</span> to watch you sleep.</div>
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Sam, we are so thankful that God had it in His plan to have you be part of our family!</div>
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We <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Love</span> you!</div>
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Apparently, Max wasn't feeling the pj's...</div>
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Off they go.</div>
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abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09783545875592259704noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881286001649040737.post-11022869623757155892013-01-11T22:57:00.000-05:002013-01-11T23:41:40.829-05:0010 on 10 {kind of}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's January 11, not January 10.</div>
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I have 14 pictures, not 10.</div>
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I took pictures for 12 consecutive hours, not 10.</div>
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Close enough...</div>
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7:00.</div>
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Breakfast with my oldest boy.</div>
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He got to pick out his own cereal at the grocery store.</div>
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The obvious choice was "the cookie monster cereal".</div>
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<img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-haOjwmtBatc/UPDTtLwYIhI/AAAAAAAAFJk/DaU9HbHJ09Y/s640/cookie+crisp.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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8:00.</div>
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Get Sam.</div>
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Feed Sam while watching Mickey.</div>
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Always.</div>
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9:00.</div>
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Preparing to leave the house to run a few errands. </div>
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My patience is tested often during "getting-ready-to leave-the-house-moments". </div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-098FNc_KP3o/UPDTu6HYMcI/AAAAAAAAFKE/JAlOzq0jgEs/s640/shoes+9.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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10:00.</div>
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Sam's Club.</div>
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Max wasn't feeling it on our errand run.</div>
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11:00 - 5:00.</div>
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Cake shop.</div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-593YuGBHQ84/UPDTtdepzsI/AAAAAAAAFJ0/meEqNUzs5qM/s400/for+goodness+cakes+12.jpg" width="266" /> <img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n_KEp5Ih-y4/UPDWVC_20hI/AAAAAAAAFMI/qc0Zg0sF9E4/s400/bags.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="266" /></div>
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This girl has been a blast to work with.</div>
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Sad that she's leaving our cake shop, but excited for her new opportunities!</div>
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6:00.</div>
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Getting ready for family date night. </div>
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7:00.</div>
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Shigs & Pits.</div>
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Think about that name for a bit.</div>
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Adding this restaurant to our list of favorites.</div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wocvoIQEQow/UPDYHBkpXfI/AAAAAAAAFNo/Lwl270FtIiM/s400/wes+and+sam.jpg" width="265" /> <img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rVJXJcIS-vA/UPDTumsZBUI/AAAAAAAAFKA/iY3hAvl4ioo/s400/shigs+and+pits.jpg" width="298" /></div>
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abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09783545875592259704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881286001649040737.post-25825191193387054562013-01-08T23:20:00.000-05:002013-01-08T23:20:48.626-05:00Christmas 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">loved</span> Christmas this year.</div>
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I guess I should say last year...</div>
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{Sidenote: When I was a kindergarten teacher, my students' favorite thing to say to me right before Christmas break was, "See you next year!" Aren't five year olds hilarious?}</div>
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We simplified presents this year which was a huge stress reliever for me. </div>
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Two gifts for Max...plus his stocking.</div>
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Shhh...don't tell Sam. </div>
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He didn't get any presents.</div>
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He slept through most of the festivities anyway...</div>
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We normally eat at the kitchen table, but during December, we began eating in the dining room, lit candles and read some portion of the Christmas story.</div>
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It was a sweet time and such a joy hearing Max learn and begin to talk about the birth of Christ.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ThdaY9nYRVQ/UOzdtypCxEI/AAAAAAAAE9k/9XNgBSRzyMo/s1600/Christmas+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ThdaY9nYRVQ/UOzdtypCxEI/AAAAAAAAE9k/9XNgBSRzyMo/s640/Christmas+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We spent the weekend before Christmas with my family.<br />
Bingo is always the highlight.<br />
My dad gets amazing prizes like chip clips, calendars, candles, flashlight key chains, gift cards and the grand prize...a twenty dollar bill.<br />
You should be jealous.<br />
Here are Auntie B and Uncle G with their game faces.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-glxIhPNHty4/UOzkKReGziI/AAAAAAAAE_M/CBu1kIwZFZI/s1600/bingo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-glxIhPNHty4/UOzkKReGziI/AAAAAAAAE_M/CBu1kIwZFZI/s640/bingo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The grandkids got Christmas pj's.<br />
This was the best shot I could get...<br />
At least they're cute.<br />
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Christmas morning was spent with our little family.<br />
Wes and I cheated and opened our presents after the kids went to bed on Christmas Eve.<br />
I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">love</span> being an adult.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D7B3Xjcp-dg/UOzn_3QFm7I/AAAAAAAAFCw/6pfbKByu7no/s1600/Christmas+morning+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D7B3Xjcp-dg/UOzn_3QFm7I/AAAAAAAAFCw/6pfbKByu7no/s640/Christmas+morning+1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5bnMVSs7Nd8/UOzn41dGQZI/AAAAAAAAFCo/ZLSsT_71HmM/s1600/max+presents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5bnMVSs7Nd8/UOzn41dGQZI/AAAAAAAAFCo/ZLSsT_71HmM/s640/max+presents.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We had both of our parents over for Christmas dinner.<br />
Wes grilled some amazing fillets...new Christmas tradition.<br />
Wes read the Christmas story around the dinner table and then we all sang all four verses to Joy to the World...another new Christmas tradition.<br />
I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time...another sweet moment.<br />
We finished dinner with singing Happy Birthday to Jesus and eating angel food cake...a Christmas tradition we started <a href="http://akersoflove.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-festivities.html">last year</a>.<br />
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Christmas evening was spent with Wes' parents.<br />
Max enjoyed opening his presents and everyone else's.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k7MgL7yDL_M/UOzrXlGdrcI/AAAAAAAAFD4/yAIt1w-AgdQ/s1600/DSC_0077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k7MgL7yDL_M/UOzrXlGdrcI/AAAAAAAAFD4/yAIt1w-AgdQ/s640/DSC_0077.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We decorated a gingerbread house. <br />
As you can see, Max was a big help.<br />
His job was to try all the candy and make sure it was good enough to put on the house.<br />
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Our Christmas was very merry.<br />
I hope your's was too.<br />
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abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09783545875592259704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881286001649040737.post-66106495737076834192012-12-31T15:23:00.000-05:002012-12-31T15:23:00.050-05:00Sam Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hi.</div>
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My name is Abby.</div>
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I once blogged in this little corner of the internet.</div>
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I haven't written a post for 47 days.</div>
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That's a long time.</div>
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So, I'm breaking my blog silence to tell you about our special day last Friday. </div>
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{If you follow me on <a href="http://followgram.me/akerslove/">instagram</a>...this is old news...sorry.}</div>
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Samuel officially became part of our family.</div>
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December 28 will forever be remembered as Sam Day. </div>
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Just like October 28 is known as <a href="http://akersoflove.blogspot.com/2010/11/its-official.html">Max Day</a>.</div>
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We were thankful to finalize before the end of the year to be able to benefit from The Adoption Tax Credit.</div>
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That may sound shallow, but adoption is expensive.</div>
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Normally, it takes at least 4 months to finalize.</div>
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Normally, adoption finalizations through our agency are only done on Thursdays.</div>
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This judge made it possible. </div>
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Thank you, Mr. Judge.</div>
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We finished the day having dinner with both sets of grandparents at The Cheesecake Factory. </div>
Sam, we <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">love</span> you a ton. <br />
You're a perfect fit.<br />
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abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09783545875592259704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881286001649040737.post-62672995940692085962012-11-14T06:43:00.000-05:002012-11-14T06:57:02.956-05:00Adoption Interview Project<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;">I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">love</span> finding other adoption blogs...especially those that are related to domestic adoption...and even more specifically open adoptions. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So this year, I participated in <a href="http://www.productionnotreproduction.com/2012/11/adoption-blogger-interview-project.html">The </a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://www.productionnotreproduction.com/2012/11/adoption-blogger-interview-project.html">Adoption Interview Project</a>, hoping I would be matched with a blogger that has had a similar experience as we have had.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I was blessed to be matched with <a href="http://parenthoodpath.blogspot.com/">Kristen</a> who blogs about her sweet family along with her thoughts of infertility and open adoption sprinkled throughout. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Although every adoption story is different, I really related to much of what she had to say in response to my questions.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">I hope you enjoy!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">What led you to adoption and specifically domestic adoption?</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Simply put, we wanted to be parents. After we were married in 2004, we spent a little more than a year trying to conceive "the old fashioned way" before seeking medical treatment. We tried that for awhile - with increasing intervention, stress, and disappointment - before deciding that we were more comfortable pursuing adoption than IVF. So, we began researching our adoption options.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">I realize now that we had many outdated and incorrect perceptions of adoption, in each of its various forms. The more we learned about open adoption, the more excited we became. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">Since few international adoptions are open, we focused on domestic. I also dreamed of parenting a newborn.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"></span><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>What surprised you the most about the adoption process?</b></span><span style="line-height: 18px;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">There were lots of surprises along the way. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">One not-so-nice surprise was how uncomfortable it felt working to "market" ourselves and my insecure, illogical urge to assess our attractiveness compared to other hopeful parents. On tough days, it was hard to remind myself that open adoption is about empowering people with information and choices. And, rather than worrying about being perfect, instead we needed to present our wacky, </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">idiosyncratic</span><span style="line-height: 18px;">, imperfect selves for the "right" potential birth parent(s) to select us.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">A more positive surprise is how much we came to love and respect our son's birth mom (perhaps partly because many of our "flaws" appealed to her?). I wouldn't have anticipated that we would really like to have more visits and contact with her than she does with us.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Sure. And I still do. It can be messy, and frustrating, and disappointing, and emotionally hard sometimes. But so far, the rewards for our child - and ourselves! - are worth it.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><br />At this point, though we've only had four visits in three years, we have pretty frequent contact with our son's birth mother, V. We connect with her at least as much as we do most of our family and other close friends. We text probably once a week and talk about once a month. Also, we are Faceb*ok friends, and she posts frequently, so we have that kind of odd window into her life. (Sometimes I wish I <i>didn't</i> know what she was up to on a Friday night!) I also set up a private group on Faceb*ok called "Watch Him Grow!" to share photos and such.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><br />We have never met his birth father or anyone on that side of D's family. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><br />Until recently, our only contact has been with V. However, this summer we were honored and delighted to be invited to her wedding. There, we connected with her extended family for the first time. There is LOTS I want to write about that, but I am still thinking about how I might do that while respecting their privacy...</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><b>What has God taught you through adoption?</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Adoption has taught me a great deal, mostly about myself. Through my struggles with our infertility and waiting to adopt, I learned how even some things that I really, really want are out of my control. This is both frustrating and liberating.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><br />I've also learned a lot about other people. I found support in some unexpected places (including from many Internet strangers). Through the compassion I received, I've learned to be more empathetic and how better to abide by people who are in pain. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;">I learned how loving and strong my wonderful husband is. I learned to put aside many of my fears and trust that together we could handle what comes our way.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><br />And, I've learned that even if he didn't come from my body, another human being - the son I love so much - can run around with my heart on his sleeve.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Have you been asked any awkward/funny questions or comments that you would like to share?</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Of course. Though, at least as a momma through adoption, I didn't have to endure strangers feeling entitled to touch my pregnant belly! Sometimes I am shocked by what people say or ask. ("Can his real mom take him back?" "I don't understand how anyone could give up her child." "You look great for having a two week old!") But I realize that most of the awkward comments and questions come from ignorance and are actually well intentioned. So, I adjust my responses in that light. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I've found that as D gets older, the weird questions are fewer and further between, and that I feel less compelled to share how he joined our family with random people than I was initially. The other day, the dentist commented that D must get his good teeth from me. I laughed and reminded the doc that he has his birth parents' traits rather than mine because I think genetics is relevant in a medical situation. People tell us all the time how much D looks like his daddy...which I don't really see, but I know it's because they can tell how connected my guys are. Whereas once I would have explained more, now I respond by simply commenting that I know they are both adorable.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks, Kristen, for taking the time to answer my questions! I've enjoyed getting to know you!</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Check out the other interviews by clicking <a href="http://www.productionnotreproduction.com/2012/11/adoption-blogger-interview-project.html">here</a>.</span></span></span><br />
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abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09783545875592259704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881286001649040737.post-51601445133007866822012-11-12T15:25:00.003-05:002012-11-12T15:32:36.426-05:00Made with Love {ugly painting turned word art}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/08/song-lyric-wall-art-diy-project.html">This project</a> has been all around Pinterest for a while, so when I saw this "interesting" artwork at a garage sale, I snatched it up to give it a try. </div>
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It was $2.</div>
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<img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AGwTb-XDfkw/UDUc-dsHEgI/AAAAAAAAEEc/C28FLeghwB0/s640/DSC_0100.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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I bought some vinyl letters at Lowe's.</div>
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They totaled $6.</div>
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I laid them out how I wanted them.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3dhago6E-Q/UDUc9QThSAI/AAAAAAAAEEU/9FjtcEwkEtA/s1600/DSC_0098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3dhago6E-Q/UDUc9QThSAI/AAAAAAAAEEU/9FjtcEwkEtA/s640/DSC_0098.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Stuck them on.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cjvzif8JvyI/UDUc_ZXyjxI/AAAAAAAAEEk/tljMEHhIeds/s1600/DSC_0101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cjvzif8JvyI/UDUc_ZXyjxI/AAAAAAAAEEk/tljMEHhIeds/s640/DSC_0101.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U7Z2niQ94zs/UDUdBeF2bYI/AAAAAAAAEEs/H-FoTqw1iCM/s1600/DSC_0102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U7Z2niQ94zs/UDUdBeF2bYI/AAAAAAAAEEs/H-FoTqw1iCM/s640/DSC_0102.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Spray painted the entire thing with paint I already had. <br />
Waited as long as I could for it to dry...I hate this part. I never wait as long as I should.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GK_m_4ukXmY/UDUdC6Ee_mI/AAAAAAAAEE0/xfttMROl0VQ/s1600/DSC_0103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GK_m_4ukXmY/UDUdC6Ee_mI/AAAAAAAAEE0/xfttMROl0VQ/s640/DSC_0103.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And carefully peeled off the vinyl.<br />
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Since my artwork wasn't actually a painting but a print, the vinyl tore some of the "painting" off, but I actually <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">love</span> how it looks.<br />
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If you look closely, you can see a nice layer of dust on the black credenza...<br />
I take every opportunity I get to use the word credenza.<br />
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So go find the ugliest painting you can find and make something beautiful out of it.<br />
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abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09783545875592259704noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3881286001649040737.post-42015652594942024182012-11-08T09:09:00.000-05:002012-11-08T09:09:17.781-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://akersoflove.blogspot.com/2011/11/2920-days.html">Happy Anniversary</a> to the guy who knows all about me and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">loves</span> me just the same.</div>
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abbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09783545875592259704noreply@blogger.com5