tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16561895868354020932024-02-07T12:47:52.609-08:00Punky Monkey ChroniclesDaily life in a 'Monkey' filled household is never boring! An almost adult child and two teens, one with Down Syndrome that thinks she's the boss bring us to tears with their antics! Join us and see how we live!busymommy3http://www.blogger.com/profile/12603874012480644624noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656189586835402093.post-87424515409408532802016-09-12T12:05:00.002-07:002016-09-12T12:35:20.765-07:00Tangible <span style="font-size: large;">In the last few days the realization that Lucy will be home soon has really begun to sink in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Filling her closet with clothes. Buying bed and linens. Purchasing dolls. Looking for the perfect car seat. All those things added a tangible element to the adoption process. I can't even describe what it feels like knowing something I've been thinking about for longer than I've been an adult and praying so fervently for is actually happening!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Makes me think of Proverbs 13:19 </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">However, last night, as I was winding down from the weekend, I thought:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I wonder how she'll feel transitioning from an orphan to child number 8 in a family?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I wonder how she'll feel about having two grandmas and a grandpa? Aunts, uncles? Nieces and nephews, cousins?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was so excited and then, suddenly, I thought:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I wonder how she'll feel, saying good bye to her foster parents, foster siblings? Teachers, friends? The orphanage and the nannies that have spend time with her? Her country, language, food?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I won't lie and say that I can begin to wrap my mind around the incredible confusion, fear and hurt she's going to be feeling. I can only pray that she transitions and bonds to us in a quick and healthy manner to ease her pain. I pray that what she finds here at home is enough to heal her broken heart. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have been going through so many emotions and so many transitions over the last year. We've weathered many storms, we've survived things meant to tear us apart, and we've learned to walk together in this topsy turvy world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We've learned to enjoy and appreciate one another's victories, to celebrate life's little moments, and to praise Him through every circumstance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This journey to bring Lucy home has been a long one, longer yet in the making. Yet every minute has added and built, leading to this amazing crescendo that is even now within our sights! Together, Manny and I are anxiously anticipating the moment when we can see our girl face to face for the first time. We've talked and daydreamed about likely scenarios, and some not so likely ones. We've laughed knowing that the first time she lays eyes on us, Manny will be insecure of how to proceed and I will be a crying mess, and how Lucy will also remember her Baba and Mama as the loudest in the group on Gotcha Day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are so exited for this gorgeous girl to be present in our daily lives in more than just our thoughts. Sometimes, it's a little overwhelming how that desire can bring us (mostly me) to tears. How receiving an email with pictures and a video feels like winning the lotto, and can bring you to your knees in a heartbeat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last week was a productive week, we managed to get several steps crossed off our list, we received our Letter of Acceptance and an email with a video and some pictures. We were also selected to be a 555 Family with Reece's Rainbow, which helps 5 families close to traveling every month raise some money together. It's an amazing program, one that we have been sponsoring ourselves for months, we are so honored to be selected! If you are interested in helping through this program, your donation goes towards 5 families! That's a lot of good for a little donation! You can learn more about this through this link: <a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/555families">http://reecesrainbow.org/555families</a> In advance, thank you, on our behave and all the other families for this months and the ones that will benefit in the future! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Additionally, we picked up our daughter from college for a short visit, and she snapped a picture of the family for the 555 Families page. Then two quick pictures of Manny and myself, and one of Yudith, Alex and Becky. These pictures were not planned and we weren't "glamorously" prepared for a photo shoot, but if you know our family personally, you know that we all actually prefer it this way! I love how they all turned out and my heart is so full! Yudith did an amazing job of snapping a few pictures to completely capture the emotions we are living with! Lucy's family waiting, working and anticipating her arrival! Here are the pictures from that, and those we received of our beautiful girl! The video is a short one but, oh my gravy it is sooooooo cute!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlMlJkg4e88&feature=youtu.be">Sweet Lucy </a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ok, pause here for a moment!! Tell me you don't want to go back and watch that AGAIN!? It's ok, go ahead, I'll wait! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our 555 Family picture!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are over the moon in love with this Munchkin already! Don't anyone spill the beans that she can get anything she wants from each of us, we're already wrapped! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">AND NOW!!! LUCY!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As always, thank you all so very much for your prayers and support! We have always been, are now and will forever be, extremely appreciative! </span></div>
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busymommy3http://www.blogger.com/profile/12603874012480644624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656189586835402093.post-14877597302185706422016-09-05T04:33:00.000-07:002016-09-05T04:36:28.494-07:00<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
We are so close to traveling to bring Miss Lucy home. There have been so many emotions in the last week and I've spent a lot of time drawing closer to God. I'm not going to say I have a ton of answers, or even just a few. But I am feeling much more focused again. We had a person, a friend that has been following our journey closely, ask if I had considered if we heard God's call on our lives correctly, if I had considered maybe we weren't meant to adopt and that's why things were as they were. Well, I'll be honest, I was devastated that this was actually voiced, much less thought of. But I prayed, and cried, and prayed some more. And God directed me over and over and over to so many commands of taking care of orphans, so many examples in my days about adoption, so many people I met affected positively through adoption. And I KNOW that we heard Him loud and clear. I've never doubted that He called us to this path. Not only are we meant to adopt, we are meant to serve as advocates for adoption. One phrase kept coming up through the last week, at the hospital, at the grocery store, on the internet and over the phone I kept hearing it: God's plans for you are not affected or altered by the disbelief of others in your ability to carry them out. And I feel peace about that. If someone doesn't think we're capable of doing what God set us out to do, they aren't really doubting me, they are doubting His abilities to do what He clearly says in the Bible he's going to do. James 14:18 I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you. He sent us out for Lucy and we won't be derailed by doubt or disbelief. We will continue to push forward, to try anything and everything we can to bring her home. </div>
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We still have $14925 left to raise. I KNOW He's going to provide that. I KNOW we will be traveling and bringing home our sweet girl. She will never know fear of loneliness again. She will have her place in her own tribe and she will know that she is ADORED by her Father, and loved by her family. I KNOW that the hearts that she will touch will encourage others to move to adopt. I am not angry or upset at those that doubt. I believe those are the hearts that will be moved. God is working and we will be blown away with the end results. </div>
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I have gotten to the point where, honestly, it's a little embarrassing to keep asking for your support. I know so many people have given from their already stretched resources. So instead of asking you for money, again, I'm going to ask for your help in another way. I know everyone hates fundraising, hates asking for money. However, could I please ask you to partner with us on one huge project? </div>
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If we can get each of the 339 puzzle pieces that are left in our Puzzle Fundraiser "sponsored" we can have a huge portion of our remaining balance taken care of, their name goes on the back of a puzzle piece, and once completed, the puzzle will be mounted in a double sided frame and hung in Lucy's room so she can always see all the people that helped bring her home. Would you guys please personally contact 10 people and ask for a donation of at least $10 to sponsor one puzzle piece. They can do so through our FSP link with Reece's Rainbow so they can print a receipt to add to their tax donations. Or through my paypal account. </div>
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busymommy3http://www.blogger.com/profile/12603874012480644624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656189586835402093.post-20397314006536924362016-08-15T13:40:00.002-07:002016-08-15T15:03:14.685-07:00The Kid Is Grown... No Really, She IsEvery time I turn around I'm having to get used to a new transition.<br />
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I just signed a lease for an apartment for my first born. <br />
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And I purchased renter's insurance for her.<br />
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I can't even begin to describe the emotions running through me right now.<br />
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Sadness, joy, fear, hope, desire to cry, desire to be strong for her. I am in shock and denial, yet so ready to see what she accomplishes. <br />
I love her so much. And I'm not ready for the grown up phase. <br />
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I feel like I have lost total control of my emotions. Manny used to tease and say that the minute they turned 18 he would give them the boot, and I knew even then that I would be a wreck when the day came. (And I'm going to tell you all a secret, he missed her like crazy this summer and was counting down the days for her to return.... but you didn't hear that from me.) The summer semester at college was not as definitive somehow. Maybe because it was a dorm, maybe because I knew a few weeks later she would be packing up, we'd be picking her up and she would be back. But today, I'm processing completely different feelings. As I'm sitting with her and talking to the insurance agent, my voice is calm, my actions are calm, but my heart felt like it was going to blow up in my chest from beating so rapidly. There was a tightening in my chest, a queasiness in my stomach.<br />
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So I reacted the only way I know how, I bundled up all the kids in the van and drove them to get an ice cream. I told them we're celebrating the first day of school for Becky, Alex's first week of school being successful and Yudith's return to college classes next Monday. But in reality, momma just needed to watch them eat their ice creams and pretend that it was three little girls, with chubby baby cheeks, and sticky hands eating their ice creams. Momma needed the comfort of imagining that time had stood still for a quick second. When they were little, we always had an ice cream cone for a prize when they got a good great on a hard test, or to celebrate little events like the first day of school. It didn't quite work out that way today, but I gave it a shot.<br />
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And now I'm listening to her go over what she needs to take with her. Furniture. People, we are discussing FURNITURE. Decorating, cleaning, cooking. REALLY!? But she's only five. I'm pretty sure. I should know, I'm her mother.<br />
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And there in lies the transition that I'm having the hardest time with. How do you get used to your child not being under your roof? How do you get used to not knowing if she is safe, is she walking home at night from class, if she has enough cash on her for an emergency or even just a coffee? <br />
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She moves in this weekend, and I'm asking you all to please keep her covered in prayer. For protection, for safety, for health, for success, for focus, for her tender spirit and heart. And add a few for her momma, because driving away this weekend is going to be harder than driving away in the summer was. <br />
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Thank you friends. <br />
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busymommy3http://www.blogger.com/profile/12603874012480644624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656189586835402093.post-22741407241455947162016-07-27T05:42:00.002-07:002016-07-27T05:47:05.142-07:00A Special Need<span style="font-size: large;">I wrote this several months ago. I let it sit as a draft, praying and waiting for release to publish it. It's also been difficult to think that my heart will be out there, once again vulnerable. I know God values transparency, He's been working on that with me for years, and I 'thought' it was time to post, yet held back, because some people won't understand and it will create questions and comments that I'm not sure I can handle without more damage to my heart. I guess, in this subject, I started to build a wall. But how do we fix and work on the things God wants us to do if I hide, I ask Him to break my heart for what breaks His, so I have to have the guts to DO what He asks me to do with that heartbreak. I thank my friend Ryan, because his actions of late gave me my answer, and reminded me that the reason God gave me transparency is not for me to have the excuse to be bold, but so I could give testimony to the things He allows me to go through, so others can find Him in the midst of hurt. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"A well educated man does not have more to teach than my son, his knowledge is not more valuable"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I watched this video today that I happened to come across on a friend's page. It ripped me to shreds inside. It was so REAL, so poignant. It wasn't the most dramatic display, but it was raw and deep. It made me cry with sadness. It made me want to reach through the screen and hold him in his moment of pain. I felt such a connection to him because we have one thing in common. A child with Down Syndrome. Before we move on, please take a moment to watch the video, I'm sure most of you have watched it, but for those that haven't, you'll know where I'm coming from.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMsMPON4Sxo"><span style="font-size: large;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMsMPON4Sxo</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the most part, I've stood up for my daughter. And for the most part, the people around us have been God sent to provide love and support. But there have been moments of weakness. Moments in which I'm already tired and feeling crushed under the reality of the hardships my child faces when I've let the "retard" comments or jokes slide. I've been in a room with adults speaking as if they had mental delays, adults that know and love my daughter, and I didn't stop them. I couldn't. I felt completely overpowered with feelings of hopelessness. Hopelessness that there will ever be a world in which my daughter and every other child with any special need will be accepted for who they are, treated and valued the same as other "perfect, normal" children. Hopelessness that another safe place has now been violated by the practical joke at the expense of those less able than others. I harbor anger and hurt because they joked about people like my girl. People that read slower, or that have the inability to complete certain tasks. I've allowed ignorance to breed. I've harbored anger towards the other people in the room, which turned to look at me as I silently bowed my head, and they nervously giggle and encourage the practical joker's behavior. But in reality, it's my fault. Because I should have been stronger. Courageous. Like my daughter. Who faces day after day of limitations and doesn't give up, keeps her smile and determination. She lives each day to the fullest. I harbor the most anger and disappointment towards myself in those moments and every time I think of them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I pray these words, this video reaches those people in the world that need to learn compassion, acceptance and that they are able to make the changes in their behaviors to impact future generations in a positive manner. I pray that every parent that has a child with special needs, any special needs finds the support they need to raise a kiddo like ours. My daughter may never leave my care, have compassion and help build my endurance as a parent. Encourage the parents of special needs kids you know. You know that moment of fear and loneliness that most parents usually feel every now and again when their kids are in danger, really sick, or in a bad situation? We carry it every day. We don't need or want your pity. Our children are amazing! We are blessed beyond measure for their presence in our lives. What we would appreciate are your prayers, understanding and cooperation in erasing the stigmas attached to our children. And we share our kids with others in the hopes that they will attain those goals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm hoping those that haven't seen the video, might because someone shares it with them now. I'm hoping that if you know someone that makes ugly, hurtful "retard" jokes, that you share this video, maybe this small outpouring of my heart with them. Let's make a difference. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is my girl, Becky. I look at her and I don't see "retard", I don't see disability, I do see strength, courage, love, compassion, empathy, determination, grit, beauty, backbone, joy, light, ability, jokester, capable, curiosity. I see a little girl who's heart is so big, she loves everyone, her parents, her siblings, she loves that mail lady and leaves her notes and gifts in the mailbox, she loves the cashiers at the grocery store, she loves her teachers. This girl inspires more people to love, and it's been an amazing thing to watch her impact total strangers. </span><br />
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<br />busymommy3http://www.blogger.com/profile/12603874012480644624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656189586835402093.post-24845610029282688932016-07-22T13:39:00.003-07:002016-07-22T13:39:41.086-07:00The last few weeks have been brutal!!!<br />
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We shipped Alex off to New York for the summer to visit her father and siblings. We took Yudith to the university to start during the summer semester. Becky went to Miami for a week to vista grandma, grandpa, her aunt, uncle and cousins. And Manny and I took a deep breath, did absolutely NOTHING for several days. <br />
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With all the transitions in our lives right now, I have had a difficult time keeping my emotions in check. I am still crying for everything. But I feel so much PEACE! <br />
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I'm so proud of my girls, the maturity and responsibility they are showing. They strength they exhibit, the tenderness and compassion they have to others. <br />
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What more can a mom ask for? My heart is so full.<br />
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And yet, in a slightly selfish manner, I am still yearning for more. I want my Lucy girl home! That would make everything complete right now. <br />
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We have in the last month and a half, received I800A approval, mailed all our documents to the agency, went DTC, and just today I received an email that we were LID yesterday! That's a mouthful!!!!<br />
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Every time I hear from the agency, I feel refreshed and my energy to keep plodding along with the fundraisers and yard sales is renewed. <br />
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God is so good, all the time! He fills my cup every day, to overflowing, and every morning He renews my spirit. I hope that in all the back and forth, in all the paperwork, leg work, sales and interactions with people, I can somehow manage to convey the importance of finding homes for these precious children. I pray every night that one more child finds their forever family. <br />
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As for Manny and myself, we have talked and talked and talked until we are blue in the face about what our role in the adoption community will be after Lucy is home. We don't have the exact answers from God yet, but count on us becoming more involved with the advocacy side of things. <br />
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If you have any questions, please let me know. I don't have many answers being new to the scene, but I've met some amazing women with a huge wealth of information and even huger (that's a word, right?!) hearts for Jesus and adoption! I can put you in touch with someone that can guide you! <br />
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If God is speaking adoption into your heart, please, please, please, don't hold back for fear that you won't qualify, or that you can't afford adoption! We started this process without a penny put away for adoption... God grows our dollars every month, He has provided through fundraisers, gifts, and donations of stuff for yard sales. Yes, I've had to do some things I didn't enjoy (like selling heirlooms that were special to me, manning endless yard sales in this Florida heat, scrubbing some toilets, and learning to ask for donations, giving up little luxuries that made my life easier or better). But, what wouldn't you do for your child? If your child was taken and put in an orphanage right now, what would you be willing to do to get her or him back? That's how I feel right now. She was knit in her biological mother's womb just for me, and I will move mountains for her. <br />
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<br />busymommy3http://www.blogger.com/profile/12603874012480644624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656189586835402093.post-17135234378284516092016-05-11T20:43:00.004-07:002016-05-11T20:49:46.012-07:00I Could Choose <br />
I've known I was meant to adopt before I even learned to discern God's will for my life. Years I waited. For years I told people around me I was going to have another child. At one point in my life, I actually thought maybe it would be another biological child (a little difficult to do when you've had your tubes tied). Everyone, family and friends, all looked at me with pity and disbelief, shaking their heads and silently saying a prayer for my sanity. But I was convinced God was going to move a mountain in my life. <br />
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And He did. Me. He removed the obstacle that I was for myself. Not because I lacked faith. I have the faith in God. I lacked the faith in myself. <br />
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The Josh Wilson song I Refuse came on in the car tonight on my way home. I've sang it before, but honestly never really felt it touch me. But tonight, as I was driving through the country roads, I was thinking about how amazing that we're on this sometimes frustrating, sometimes awe inspiring journey. We're a little closer to our Lucy every day. I was really thinking about His blessings. And then the song came on. Becky started singing it. I began singing at the top of my lungs with her as we acted a little silly. And it hit me. This is why! This is why everything is finally rolling!<br />
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I refused to continue to sit around and wait for someone else to to what God has called me to do myself. I stopped second guessing my worth, my ability, and began to TRUST He knew what He was doing by setting my heart afire for adoption. <br />
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Tears. Ugly, snot running, pull the van over to the side of the road and sob crying.... Becky thought I had lost my mind. But I just felt such an awesome, overwhelming sense of comfort. I know that doesn't make sense, I just felt like He was looking down and smiling and thinking "She finally got it!" How I do when the girls realize a truth I know about them. <br />
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The fact of the matter is, it all began long before the adoption process began. For years He has been molding and shaping me to be the woman He created me to be. I've matured (stop that laughing, it's true!) and grown spiritually. I've learned to have confidence in myself, to accept that I was given the same measure of the Holy Spirit as everyone else that accepts Jesus as their Savior and is baptized. I've learned that its' not all about me, it's not about my family, it's not about anything other than giving God the glory for EVERYTHING that happens in our lives. All these years I've watched and supported my friends through their adoptions. And now I finally had the opportunity to step out and DO myself. I could say we're doing it together, Manny and I, however, the reality is that there is so much he hasn't been able to do because of his work schedule. It has been mostly on my shoulders. And that's ok, because God has called me not only to adoption, but He's called me to be the feet of this particular journey, same as Manny has been the vehicle of other journeys we've been on. Manny is fulfilling his role in the process. Obviously, there is more He needed me to learn through this ride, and I'm ready. <br />
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So, those are my thoughts tonight. I'm posting the link to the song below, because I figured you all might like to listen and see how it touches you. <br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6B1Lv8k5pEc">I REFUSE by Josh Wilson</a><br />
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If you'd like to donate to our adoption and help bring Lucy home, please follow the link below! All donations are tax deductible. Thank you!! <br />
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/103759/sponsorfleites">Lucy</a>busymommy3http://www.blogger.com/profile/12603874012480644624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656189586835402093.post-29540600271290367432016-04-15T09:40:00.001-07:002016-07-07T10:10:51.791-07:00Next Phase!<div class="MsoNormal">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">Since September our family has
been on this incredible journey to bring home Lucy. There have been
moments of disappointment, moments of loneliness and exhaustion. It's not
because we haven't had a good support system, quite the contrary really.
Lots of family and friends have stepped up in huge ways to pray for and
support us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think the loneliness and
exhaustion is a combination of the constant go, go, go to fund raise, organize,
run and pull off each fundraiser, deliver sold or won items, pick up donations,
complete paperwork, search for all the documentation required, and simply from
the overwhelming amount of mental/physical/emotional energy that is expelled.
And you know, life doesn't stop happening for a family in the midst of
adoption. Washer and dryers stop working, AC's stop cooling, garage door
openers decide to quit, unexpected bills come up, a kid decides to go to
college, fundraisers for the three kids at school, team fees, field trips,
work, school for momma, new job for poppa, etc. Oh and I found out the
hard way, I still have to feed them every night or I am likely to have a revolt
on my hands... fair warning to any parents considering adopting, little people
get hangry, too.</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">However, as stressful as all
that sounds, let me tell you what. This momma has had PEACE through out
the whole process. I know, that I know that I know that God has called us
to adopt Lucy, I know that I know that I know that He has made a way, I know
that I know that I know that He is going to be glorified through the works of
this process. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 16.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">Ephesians 2:10 "For we
are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God
prepared in advance for us to do."</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 16.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">That's amazing to me!
That He saw fit these two sinners, a man and woman who are both divorced,
lived in sin, made mistakes, and He decided we were worthy not only of being
SAVED, of REDEMPTION through His Son, Jesus. But He thought we were
worthy and through Him, capable of bringing another child into our home to love
on. He gave us Rebeka, with all her special needs and I believe now in
hindsight that He gave her to us because He knew we would love her in spite of
all the medical concerns, she is our daughter. But I see now that it was
part of a larger plan, His plan for us to not fear the unknown that
special needs brings, a plan to break down our preconceived notions about
people with disabilities, a plan to help us to see the child behind the
diagnosis. Why?</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">Because, how could we live
James 1:27 with the child He knit together in her biological mother's womb for
us if we could not put aside the fear, the stigma, the diagnosis?</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 16.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">James 1:27 "Religion that
God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look
after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from
being polluted by the world."<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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To say that I am overwhelmed
with feelings of awe that He would think us worthy of such a task is just not
descriptive enough. To say that I feel humbled that He would
choose us for Lucy out of the billions of people of this planet, that He would
move so clearly and mightily in our lives, just leaves me speechless and
without breath. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">And now, the most amazing part
of this story so far. And yes, I'm crying right now. From the first
day I have been saying it, this is so much bigger than our little adoption.
There is nothing special about us in comparison to other families
going through the process. Nothing. We are ordinary, every day
people. We struggle with finances, we struggle with parenting,
we struggle with relationships. So it just blows my mind that
we get to SEE what Ephesians 2:10 was talking about, we get to see what
part of the work that God prepared for us to do actually is! </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">My amazing friend and sister
in Christ, Gina, has a beautiful ministry, Worship At The Waves. She
began it after the Lord pressed on her that she was to travel from one beach
location to another, and minister to the lost through music. Let me tell
you, when the sun is going down, the gorgeous colors of the sunset and
the wondrous endlessness of the ocean are before you as you're lifting up
your voices and arms to our Heavenly Father, you will understand and feel
worship! </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">Gina came to me the other day
and over a cup of coffee God revealed to us both the next phase for Worship At
The Waves and the Fleites Family Adoption. He clearly presented the
location and the plan. We both got very excited (as did Yudith who was
home early) and did our praying separately. Gina went to the location God
presented and asked if they would allow a "Worship At The Garden"
event to benefit Lucy's adoption. The owner agreed immediately!
And she's donating the venue! </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 16.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">Praise God!!! </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 16.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">An opportunity to
reach hundreds of people through worship! The perfect setting
for ministering to the lost and reminding them that they are loved!
The perfect setting to introduce them to our daughter, so far away that
doesn't know she is so very loved! By a family and most importantly, by
God, who sees her as precious a child as He sees us. I can't wait to
spend an evening just reveling in that knowledge with all our loved ones!</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">So here is the big reveal!!!</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">WORSHIP AT THE garden: </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">YOU ARE LOVED BENEFIT FOR LUCY</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">JUNE 16, 2016</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">6:30 PM TO 9:30 PM</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">LIVE BAND</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">SILENT AUCTION</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">DINNER </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">FAMILY FUN</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">INFORMATION BOOTH ON
ADOPTION </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">More details to follow!!! We
have the date and times confirmed, but we're still working on the catering.
I'll update as we receive confirmation from vendors! If you
would like to be added to our event invitation page, please click on the
following link:</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Loved Benefit for Lucy </span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 16.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/995694003852193/"><span style="color: #fcfcff; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #FCFCFF; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "satm=200000 tint=3000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themetint: 7;">Event
Invitation Page</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">Please be in prayer for our
adoption, for our event, and for the lives that will be touched that night!</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">Thank you to the Shabby Chic
Barn for the amazing donation to help our adoption! Please check out
their website and consider them for your next event! Let them know Gina
at Worship At The Waves is how you heard about them!</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "avenir black oblique"; font-size: 14.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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busymommy3http://www.blogger.com/profile/12603874012480644624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656189586835402093.post-88503475469730363332016-04-07T08:54:00.004-07:002016-04-07T08:54:56.507-07:00So Much Fun Stuff Happening! <span style="font-size: large;">The paperwork is moving, we're getting closer to bringing our girl home!!</span><div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">We have several friends stepping up to help in various forms!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you're local, a friend is holding a one week summer camp for kids ages 6-12. Ask me for details!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">My daughters have pooled their money together and purchased some cute items to raffle. More to come on that later!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">And a friend has purchased a Kantha Quilt, worth $65, for us to raffle! You can see pictures in my previous post. </span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">These quilts are handmade in India, they go for $65 each. I am selling tickets at $5 for one ticket, 2 tickets for $9, or 3 tickets for $12. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Mother's Day is around the corner, this would be a lovely gift for that special mommy! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">All the proceeds to go fund our adoption and bring Lucy home! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Please send your raffle money to our paypal account (adlin26@yahoo.com) or to our FSP account with Reece's Rainbow. You will have to let me know in the comments when you send the money how many tickets you would like. It's easier for me to keep track that way!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you! </span></div>
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busymommy3http://www.blogger.com/profile/12603874012480644624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656189586835402093.post-38552406985365418002016-03-07T18:40:00.002-08:002016-03-07T18:51:25.229-08:00Kantha QuiltsWe have received notice from Homeland Security that they have our paperwork! I'm so excited and nervous and anxious! LOL!<br />
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Ladies and Gentlemen, it is becoming so REALLLLLLL!!! <br />
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Last week we received Lucy's measurements. She's wearing a 4t and a size 10 in shoes. She has 18 teeth!! 18 teeth, y'all! I didn't even think of that before, but I now KNOW my little girl has 18 teeth! My heart just wouldn't stop pounding as I was reading the paper. Such intimate knowledge of our girl! (Yes, I did pick up an outfit and some underwear for Lucy when I went grocery shopping!) It was so difficult to restrain myself from buying her a whole new wardrobe, the only thing that kept me was knowing we're still $25,500 away from being fully funded. <br />
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On that note, GUYS!! $25,500!!! God has delivered $10,500 in 5 months!!!! Talk about incredible!! It's an amazing feeling to know that He is watching over us and pouring His blessings so directly into our lives. It really is an awe inspiring thing to witness. He has pulled for us so many times, and we have been abundantly blessed over and over, but this time He has blown me away. I've prayed and petitioned Him for this child, and He has granted my heart's desires! And He has faithfully navigated every step. <br />
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So, back to the business of getting Lucy home! We have a fundraiser that we began to look at a few months ago, and we advertised it. However, the timing just seemed off. So I put it on the back burner and kept praying about it. It is now time!<br />
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We are doing a Kantha Quilt fundraiser. They are twin size, hand sewn in India. Not only do you receive a beautiful quilt to adorn a room, or pass down as an heirloom, you help bring Lucy home, and help a group of ladies in India provide for their families. <br />
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It's a win-win! <br />
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Please check them out and let me know if you're interested in one. I will be placing our initial order next week. They do need to be prepaid, $50 (normally $65) a piece, through our paypal, or cash if you're local. My paypal address is adlin26@yahoo.com.<br />
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The shipping is separate and I'll let you know what that is once it's here and I can determine the best, most cost effective method to ship it to you. <br />
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As always, Thank you for all your help and for the prayers!! We appreciate every single one of you! <3<br />
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<br />busymommy3http://www.blogger.com/profile/12603874012480644624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656189586835402093.post-24148455013144013982016-02-26T14:10:00.001-08:002016-02-26T14:10:37.034-08:00One Vacation Coming Right Up! <span style="font-size: x-large;">Hero.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">What does that word mean to you? We've been called heroes several times since beginning this adoption process. But I have to be honest. We're uncomfortable with the title. We are not heroes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Disclosure, I'm going to be very real about my feelings, but please don't misunderstand my intent. I am overjoyed with the place God has brought us to. I am not looking for sympathy, well, honestly, because none is needed. Everyone goes through trials, and this is part of our journey. It's all good, and we know will help us to truly appreciate things more once we reach the end. However, people tend to romanticize adoption, and it's not romantic! It's hard and frustrating and the ones that complete the process deserve a vacation. If you're looking to gift anyone with a vacation, please contact me about my friends, Josh and Sara. They've adopted three times. Yeah. Rockstars! More on that later! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We're normal people, following God's prompting and stepping out in obedience. We're (a little bit) scared of the unknown and all the variables, and (a lot) overwhelmed. We're exhausted from all the added pressure and activity the adoption process has added to our already hectic schedules. I'm stretched so thin I'm afraid I'm going to shatter at any minute. I know it's only temporary and God is in full control. That gets me through! Somehow, we are getting each step accomplished, and I know that can only be Him! It certainly is not in our own strength. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm an emotional wreck and my pillow is stained from the tears every night. I cry because my oldest will be leaving to college and won't have time with Lucy. I cry because my two older girls will be visiting their biological father and the sibling they have from him for an extended while. Lucy will have no clue of what amazing big sisters she has and I'm going to be lost without them. I cry because I'm mourning all the things Lucy has done in 7 years with no mommy to make her feel accomplished, no daddy to hold her when she was scared. I cry because her 8th birthday is in two weeks and she has no idea that her family is celebrating her. I cry because I'm certain Lucy has been lonely on so many days and nights, a loneliness I know we will never be able to erase, that will always be a part of who she is. And I cry because I love her so much. A friend warned me about the "Adoption Hormones". Uh-huh.... I could have done without those.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">From the first day, I told Manny I felt that God was going to bless us with the money to bring Lucy home, and then some. Immediately he got the look that says "How many kids are you bringing home?" I don't know that God is giving us more than one child, I honestly believe that He is going to bless us so we can in turn bless other families with their adoptions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I have been feeling the pressing to share our story. Ask friends to share our story. Tell people about Reece's Rainbow, about kids with special needs. Everyone we are acquainted with knows we have a daughter with Down syndrome. Becky is 11 years old and the day she was born changed our lives completely. So many people have such a misconception about people with Downs. We have witnessed her breaking down walls and barriers in people's minds and hearts. She has been a catalyst for several people we know to disbelieve the stigmas associated with kids with special needs. I think God intends to use our adoption to further break down those stigmas. The more people learn about our adoption, the more people will have the seed planted to the idea of providing a home for a child with special needs. I know we're not the first to do it, we have friends that have adopted several kiddos with special needs. I just know what God is pressing on me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Enter the hero word. People will tell us what angels we are, what heroes we are to adopt a child with special needs. Well, as a mom of kids in several age groups and different abilities/disabilities, I can tell you that the set of difficulties we have with a kid with special needs is simply redistributed, not more. What do I mean? Well, Becky requires a lot of medical attention. Surgeries, extra doctors (seriously, how many specialists does a little body NEED?), and special shoes, special equipment. And she's starting to notice boys, what the what?! And she's going through "changes" which means drama and hormones and drama and crying and drama. She also requires a lot of therapies. She is in an amazing school which provides a lot of one on one attention to the students and incorporates therapies into every activity. We LOVE them! But I digress... it is a lot of work and I'm exhausted! My heart is full but I'm pooped! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">For our older children, there are after school activities, and boys, and drama, and college applications, and shopping, and drama, and work applications, and financial aid applications, and drama, and weekend testing dates in schools no where near our home (WHY does the school board DO that?), and rides to and from places, and volunteer hours, and learning to drive, and drama, and friends coming in and out every single weekend, and long drawn out projects and papers that rival a college student's research, and boys, and medical problems (WHAT?! A "normal" kid with medical concerns, unheard of), and then there's the inevitable clash of personalities among themselves and with mom and dad. So again, a lot of work and exhausting! My heart is full to bursting with them in my life, but I'm pooped! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">See my point? One is not more or less work than the other, the work is simply distributed differently! Don't be afraid to love a child with special needs! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The real heroes in these scenarios are the children, the ones waiting for families to bring them home, the ones that keep smiling and hoping. They are my heroes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Manny and I? </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">We're no heroes. We're not angels. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We're believing He's going to carry us through the adoption, and through raising Lucy, the same way He's getting us through raising our other children. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm also believing that there is a vacation in our very near future with no cooking or laundry or cleaning.... maybe? No? Too much? Oh, well! I tried! </span>busymommy3http://www.blogger.com/profile/12603874012480644624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656189586835402093.post-73356864952176523512016-02-25T14:46:00.001-08:002016-02-25T14:46:34.109-08:00Home Study: Complete!Our social worker R.O.C.K.S!!!!<br />
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She called me today to inform me that our home study is complete, reviewed and approved by the agency! YES!! Thank you, Sweet Baby Jesus!! She also said she had my documents ready to mail to me, or get this, she could meet with me anytime today or tomorrow! Who does that?! Seriously! Man, I love that woman!<br />
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So, now I can send out our paperwork for immigration (ready to mail out in the morning! EEEEKKKK!!!) and then we wait for the appointment from the FBI to go do our fingerprinting.<br />
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In the meantime, we have sent all our documents out to get the state seals and Chinese embassy seals. This step is necessary to compile our dossier, which then is sent to China. We can't complete this part until we have the papers back from immigration, but at least it will have been started. <br />
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Oh. My. goodness.... y'all I'm so excited I can't sit still!!! It all seems to have taken so long to get to this point, and all of a sudden it's beginning to snowball again! <br />
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We're so much closer to bringing our girl home! I want to cry! Ok, so I cry all the time anyways, but I want to cry some more now! <br />
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Just because I can't get enough of that face....<br />
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Here is what I need from all our family and friends: please, please, please continue to share our story! Share our links, share about our fundraisers. <br />
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We will be having another big yard sale on March 5th, we still have our puzzle fundraiser and we have a few raffles coming up! <br />
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Lucy's birthday is March 9th so our yard sale will double as a birthday celebration! We're decorating outside and will have cookies so everyone can celebrate with us! We're going to really enjoy this one guys! Come by and visit with us! <br />
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Please continue to pray for our journey! We ask asking for favor in a quick and efficient process time, for the funds to complete the dossier portion (approximately $6300), and for protection over Lucy and the family as we prepare, I ask for continual refreshment throughout the paper chase. <br />
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God is an awesome God! We are so blessed! <br />
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Here is the page to our FSP, where you can donate and print your tax deductible receipt! Thank you!<br />
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/103759/sponsorfleites">Lucy's Page on Reece's Rainbow </a>busymommy3http://www.blogger.com/profile/12603874012480644624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656189586835402093.post-63933637667439022016-02-18T15:12:00.003-08:002016-02-19T11:50:18.219-08:00Onwards! <span style="font-size: large;">Is it really mid February already?! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I feel like I haven't had a chance to do anything other than paperwork, fundraise, school, work. I think somewhere in there I feed the family. At least, I'm assuming I do because they're all still alive and thriving. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So much has happened in a short time. We finished our Home Study and it's in review with the agency. We have our paperwork for immigration ready and waiting to attach the final home study to and mail out. We attempted to prep for the dossier. Attempted. I ended up just about pulling all my hair out. I decided it was worth hiring a courier service to handle this portion. It's too important and I'm too overwhelmed to do it myself. Perspective is important here. So my new best friend is Laura from Assistant Stork. Yes, ma'am!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We received a video update of our girl! EEEEEEKKKKKK!!! SHE'S TOO STINKING CUTE!!! I think Youtube is going to be charging me royalties if I keep watching her. Seriously, though, how can I not watch it every day? Several times? Ok, I <i>MAY</i> be a little exaggerated. But I'd like to meet the person that's going to enforce a viewing limit on this momma. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ok, ok, you've twisted my arm.... I'll share! But first, I should watch it one more time just in case....</span></div>
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<br /><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkKGVkq_CvQ&feature=youtu.be">Latest Video Update on Lucy</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lucy's birthday is coming up and it's bringing some bittersweet feelings. I want to send her a cake and gift, but I'm so sad we won't be with her on her special day. I've been told to keep it cool, we'll have many birthdays later... I'm just not sure my heart can handle that right now even though my brain recognizes the truth in the words.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We've been busy with yard sales, auctions, and selling online. We also began a Puzzle Fundraiser. We took one of the pictures of Lucy and had it made into a 500 piece puzzle. Each piece represents a 'property'. You can purchase as many properties as you'd like, at $15 a piece. I write your name on each piece. Once it's complete we will mount it in a two sided frame so Lucy can always see the people that helped to bring her home! I can't wait until it's complete! Only 420 more properties to go! Yay!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgF_xyfXaKE3AR-IKhkDGl6P1vScU7TyTpiqdAeR2X5-noQX2l9gnu1GRf2bkMDe7esgx0VMELCdP7Zu5pgFSrc7Q9-Lh2wchjUYZoCM_F695_9-726IWk3BLO16_ScchVs8QZ4BD19qo/s1600/IMG_5925.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgF_xyfXaKE3AR-IKhkDGl6P1vScU7TyTpiqdAeR2X5-noQX2l9gnu1GRf2bkMDe7esgx0VMELCdP7Zu5pgFSrc7Q9-Lh2wchjUYZoCM_F695_9-726IWk3BLO16_ScchVs8QZ4BD19qo/s320/IMG_5925.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The other exciting development is that we now have several methods to collect donations! We have an FSP through Reece's Rainbow so you can print a tax deductible receipt for your donation. You can find that here. (BTW, browse around, maybe your son/daughter calls to you from the pages! This is where we 'found' our girl!)</span></div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/103759/sponsorfleites">Reece's Rainbow FSP </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We also have a youcaring.com account, which you can find here:</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.youcaring.com/adlin-fleites-503452">YouCaring Link</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Of course, there's always the paypal.com method. Our account is adlin26@yahoo.com</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can follow us on FB at </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/961119370628849/">Long Road Home</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Like always, I ask you to keep praying for our family! Keep praying for our sweet Lucy! Please share our story with your friends and family. Everything we have been able to do so far has been through the generosity of family, friends and strangers. We appreciate everyone of you! </span></div>
busymommy3http://www.blogger.com/profile/12603874012480644624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656189586835402093.post-11762377197052470842015-11-23T10:58:00.002-08:002016-02-18T14:48:24.534-08:00Our DaughterIt is incredible how much we have been "GOING" lately! We received pre approval for our girl, and before the joy set in we were already knee deep in paperwork! <br />
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Now, let me back track. In case you missed it. We received PreApproval for our girl!!!!! YAYAYAYAYAY!!! Praise God!</div>
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So, here introducing to you Lucy Ilisa Fleites!</div>
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We are so excited! I haven't stopped crying since! LOL! </div>
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I knew that I was going to be going through 'pregnancy feelings' during the adoption process. I spoke to adoption mommas, I researched in the University library, I searched online for credible, scholarly sources that would prepare me. I almost forgot my final paper to my class, because this was obviously more pertinent and fun! </div>
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I was not expecting to cry for everything. To forget almost everything. To misplace everything. </div>
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I was not expecting to feel loss.</div>
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That one took me by complete surprise. As I started preparing for Thanksgiving, I started thinking of all the years she has spent alone, without someone to make a special meal for her. Or bake her a special birthday cake. My heart broke over and over again. I found solace in the fact that God knows His children by name and loves them, I know she is covered by His love. </div>
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So, the last month has consisted of purchasing large, wholesale club sized tissue boxes, and paperwork! So much paperwork. Also, selling and fundraising and working overtime (Manny) so we can cover the costs of bringing our girl home! Here is Becky announcing our yard sale! She's a hard worker!</div>
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We started a FB page, called Long Road Home. You are all welcome to join us there to keep track of our adoption journey. It is so much easier for us to post to in a hurry or on the go. </div>
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In closing, I'll give you another peak at our daughter!</div>
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Please keep us in prayer as we work on bring Lucy home and for her protection!!!</div>
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busymommy3http://www.blogger.com/profile/12603874012480644624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656189586835402093.post-57896509933074140022015-10-08T17:50:00.002-07:002015-10-08T17:50:49.743-07:00Unexpected Turns on the Road<span style="font-size: large;">So, we fell in love with this adorable child and we were so excited. We raised the money, filled out the paperwork, and prayed and prayed. Then I wake up to an email that says she's disappeared from the shared list. We searched all day, my friend and I. Nothing. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Then I was told another family committed to her. So we mourned. We cried, we got angry. But we knew that God had placed that call on us, so we continued to look. And look. And Pray. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And we found her. Our Girl! Everyone was terrified of falling for her and losing her. But we each felt the pull to pursue her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We were granted one week to come up with a significant amount of money. I prayed and asked Him to guide me. If this is the path He was starting us on, I knew He wouldn't let us fail. I continued selling on virtual yard sales, and I ran a raffle for a $10 Target gift card. I asked for prayers and help. In one week's time to the day, we had the $1,700 that was asked of us. Praise God! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We overnighted all the papers and check, the pictures. And we've been waiting. I've never been a patient person. And this process is most definitely stretching me in that area. I've a perfectly clear mind as to how much my patience will be stretched over the next 9 to 12 months. I'm prepared to do anything we need to do, because she is worth it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So tonight, as we sit and watch TV, instead of focusing on the punchline, I'm focused on names for Our Girl, one that fits her sweet smile, her cheerful visage. I'm focused on researching the top of the line car seats, and the cutest clothes. I'm focused on finding her a matching bed to Becky's since they are sharing a room. I'm focused on learning basic words in Mandarin so our Precious Gift can understand her mommy and daddy when we go for her. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I can't wait to have permission to share her picture and name with everyone. I can't wait to shout to the world that I'm her momma! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are overjoyed, our hearts are full. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Now, to go work on that patience as I stare at the computer screen waiting for the email to pop up with word from China...</span>busymommy3http://www.blogger.com/profile/12603874012480644624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656189586835402093.post-36632765069732353272015-09-15T20:10:00.001-07:002015-09-15T20:12:03.449-07:00WE ARE HAVING A BABY!!!!!!!Ok, maybe not a baby... a child.<br />
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Ok, maybe we're not "having" a child... we're adopting.<br />
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BUT HELLO?! We're ADOPTING!!!!!<br />
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Manny and I, Yudith, Aly, Becky, Manny Jr. Fatima and Angie are adopting a new child into the family!!!<br />
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I can't describe to you all the feeling coursing through me at this moment. I haven't stopped crying, smiling, laughing in days. I have woken myself from sleep in tears.<br />
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I've felt such a strong feeling to adopt for so many years, and in recent months have had arguments with God. I got really mad and frustrated and reproached Him. "Why do you give me a burning desire to adopt but don't give the same feeling to my husband?"<br />
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I mean, come on! That's just mean, cruel even. I would show him pictures or talk to him about available children, and while we was never mean about it purposely, he would look and say something to the effect of "I hope his/her forever family show up soon."<br />
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Well, in conversation about something totally unrelated a few weeks ago, God gave me clarity. My friend commented about the differences in our husband's reactions from our own. How upset it made her. I was shaking my head, ready to Amen her comment and high five over this. Instead my mouth opened, but I'm not the one that answered. <br />
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"I'm a realist, but I still have a soft center. Paint me a picture and I'm sold. I'm all in or not at all. Manny balances me out. He remains stoic, he takes his time to make a decision. Usually, it's not the answer I want, but it's (almost) always the answer I need in the long run."<br />
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She curled her lip like I asked her to lick the floor. I wanted to slap myself, because REALLY?! How submissive did that sound?<br />
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However, the reality is that it's the truth. One hundred percent. Even if I'm loath to admit it.<br />
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Now, fast forward a few months after my meltdown with God. I changed my prayers. "Lord, if it's your will that we adopt, then please soften his heart. If not, take this desire in me and redirect it." Friday night, I'm casually checking my Facebook on the couch while he's watching TV. My friend posted a link to a site I've been on for years, Reece's Rainbow. They advocate adoptions of children with Down Syndrome. I passed it, then decided to go back and open it because I felt pulled to it. Just one more time, I told myself.<br />
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As soon as the link opened and I saw that adorable little face, those gorgeous eyes, and that smile! Oh, man! My breath caught in my throat and my tears started flowing. I felt that most complete love instantly. Exactly like the love that floods you when you look at your newborn for the first time. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My heart recognized </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">her as mine. </span></div>
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Manny was worried and asked what was going on. I turned the phone to him and showed him her picture. He took one look at her and his face transformed. He got the goofiest smile on his face. His eyes took on a soft, dreamy look. I finally got myself under control. I told him how I felt, I read her description to him. We briefly discussed attempting. He didn't commit to anything, and instead we decided to just pray on it. <br />
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The next day he went to work, I was doing homework... and researching agencies. And looking at her picture. And dreaming. And crying. And lying to my mom (she called and when she heard my voice she asked why I was crying, I couldn't say anything so I said I wasn't feeling well. Which I was, because I just lied to my mother.). And crying some more while looking at her picture. And asking my friend that has already adopted about the whole process in detail. <br />
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Manny came home from work, took one look at me and with the most amazing smile on his face said, "Let's bring my girl home!"<br />
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And cue more crying, and hugging, and kissing and crying and hugging.... you get the picture. <br />
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That was step one.<br />
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Then I sent emails to the agency, and so began the wait to see if the country she's in would even consider us. <br />
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Yesterday I called after work and spoke to a sweet lady that said based on our initial, preliminary answers, she didn't see any red flags for them to not consider us! <br />
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So I won't bore you with the details now, I'll do so later as everything unfolds, but I was about to come out of my skin!!!!!<br />
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Manny walked in the door from work and I just about tackled him! LOL! Seriously, I did!<br />
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So now we've informed the family... the kids all know, the parents know. The extended family knows. Our friends know. Fundraising efforts have begun. It's becoming more real. <br />
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And my excitement level just keeps escalating. I've made some of the dumbest mistakes in the last few days. Pregnancy brain without the pregnancy. Hee hee! But I'm so overjoyed that it's ok. <br />
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I know the path ahead of us is full of long nights, running around in sudden bursts of activity, long waits, and patience being tested. It going to be full of worry and working extra hard to earn the money to bring her home. But just like all the obstacles we faced with the other children, she is worth everything and anything that comes.<br />
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I would like to ask you all to join us in prayer. That the country accept our paperwork, that they match us to this precious angel, that no one else commit to her before we can get the funds for that step. Please keep us in prayer that we keep our calm, the peace He has filled us with, that the added stress of the adoption process bring us closer and not come between us. That all our children, those at home, and our angel abroad, are safe. That soon we can send word her way that her Forever Family has found her and is working hard to come get her!<br />
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Thank you! <br />
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If you'd like to donate to our adoption, please do so through my PayPal account! adlin26@yahoo.com<br />
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We appreciate it!<br />
<br />busymommy3http://www.blogger.com/profile/12603874012480644624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656189586835402093.post-64365717873514472282015-09-13T21:34:00.000-07:002015-09-13T21:42:02.617-07:00Beckyisms<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Becky has become way more verbal lately. She does a pretty good job of expressing herself. </span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Here are a few of the funnier things she has said to us in the last few weeks... Most of these I'm copying right from my FB feed, so if you follow me there, be warned! Some repetition is about to occur!</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">l</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoy!! We sure did!!!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I dropped off the gir</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">s to my sister's house and they were giving me kisses. Yudith says "be safe on the drive back". Becky adds, "yes, behave and don't die mommy". I call now to tell them I made it home and she says "good job not dying!!" I can't stop laughing! This kid!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You know, it works! We understand each other. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yudith fell the other day and hit her head, thank God she is ok now, but she did have a slight concussion. So this afternoon, I went grocery shopping with Becky. And it typical Lynn fashion, I tripped. Luckily, I didn't fall because I grabbed my cart, when I went to stand up straight, I touched my forehead (no reason, just did) and Becky says "oy, did you break your head, like Yudith?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Becky is watching The Nightmare Before Christmas. She comes laughing and says "Mommy, it's you! On TV!" I look to see what she's talking about and Jack Skelington is cuddled in bed with a stack of books! I said "I look like Jack?" And she says, "No, he read in bed lot of books, like you!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, she's not wrong!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Becky: (looking at Yudith, holding her mug in front of her mouth) so, how's math going?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yudith: it's good. I had a quiz yesterday and I got an A. I had a lot of math homework but I got it all done </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Becky: uh huh. It's going to get harder. You're good. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yudith: thanks. And you? How's your math? </span></div>
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Becky: math is good. My teacher helps me. I like math. </div>
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All the while she's sipping from her mug. I can't take this level of cuteness!!!! </div>
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Mom, my purse is empty. I need your money. Please.<br />
Yeah, kiddo. That's cute but no.<br />
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Becky has a stuffy nose and her head hurts. She climbed into bed with me early this morning and said, "Mommy, my head, it hurt. And my nose, it doing bad thing." I'm partially awake as I ask "what bad thing?" Her response "no let me breath. Hello, nose, I die!"<br />
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I don't think she was amused that I was cracking up while she was obviously in the throes of death!</div>
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busymommy3http://www.blogger.com/profile/12603874012480644624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656189586835402093.post-27670719573912969602015-09-13T20:57:00.000-07:002015-09-13T21:01:49.688-07:00What a ride!!!The last few months have been, what's a good word? Hectic, tumultuous, amazing!<br />
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First, we began the summer with a long car ride from Brooksville to New York, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C. Yudith was invited to the Future Physicians of America Congress in Lowell, MA. So we fund raised like crazy and got her there through the efforts of some very generous and amazing friends!<br />
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Aly didn't look like she was into it, but I promise you she was.... maybe! <br />
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Having spent several years of my youth in Ft. Bragg, we decided the mandatory bathroom break should happen here! <br />
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Since we were already traveling, and it's our last summer with a full house before kiddos start going college bound, we decided to make a family vacation out of it! Hence New York and D.C. We took two days to visit family and walk all through Manhattan. The girls were so giddy! I thought for sure Yudith was going to go ahead and sign a lease on a flat.... She did decide that John J was now in the running for her college choices. <br />
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For me, the best part was seeing my grandmother's sister and her husband! I've missed them so much! It had been at least eleven years since I last saw them. Crazy how the time flies. We were going to go out that day as well, but each of us was more than content to stay in with the two of them and enjoy them. We got good old fashioned cooking with a healthy dose of verbal recounting of family history! Just the way Grandma used to do it! I think that was the second time I cried through the vacation (the first being at the 9/11 Memorial). <br />
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Quite possibly the best piece of 'art' ever.... just saying! </div>
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Then we headed to Lowell, for her Yudith's Congress. She was STOKED! She came back to the room every evening rearing to go! She witnessed a surgery using robotics, got to speak with the top doctors in the nation in different specializations. She was in all her glory. And the journals she filled with notes and steps to attain her plans, priceless. It was worth every minute of the ride and fundraising to get her there.<br />
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And here she goes, for day two of the Congress, being a clown! Good to know the little girl is still in there!!<br />
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Although, the best part of the trip for the rest of us was spending time with our oldest son and second daughter and their families. Another time that really reminded us how fast time goes, seeing how much the kids have grown. They are GORGEOUS! And so grown... :( Holy cow, and so energetic!! LOL!<br />
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Exploring the little town of Lowell, MA! It's gorgeous! I loved the antique shops! <br />
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Off we went to Washington, D.C. We drove all night and arrived mid morning. We had a delicious breakfast our friends had ready for us, and off we went to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum! Again, the girls were giddy. I don't know how I managed it, but I birthed nerds, and I love it! Every single plane, every nut, bolt, engine they examined and photographed. And then, the highlight of the day.... yes, we got to see the Spaceship Discovery! I hope you're oohing awing and applauding because I totally am right now! Oh, wait, that's how I managed to birth nerds..... hee hee!! <br />
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The next day we walked all of the Capital Mall.... all 10 miles of it. Oh man, Becky was worn out and whinny and so over us.... then we went to Arlington Cemetery... she was ready to leave us when she saw we had to walk some more. But once she saw the Tomb of the Unmarked Soldier, she was enthralled. We arrived there just in time for the Changing of the Guard. The rest of the day she was marching and asking us all to keep silence. <br />
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Well. That was Phase 1 of our Summer! Whew! I'm exhausted, are you? <br />
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We came home, jumped into work the next day, and two days later had a house full of family to celebrate the Fourth of July. That's how we roll! Then the girls took off for two days in Orlando and a week in Miami with Grandma and Grandpa. <br />
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We decided that it was too quiet in the house, so we tore up the living room, took out the carpet, installed tiles and painted the living room, kitchen, dinette area, two hallways, and the girls' bathroom. Let me tell you, the most fun part of that was shopping for the stuff.... but my hubby did an awesome job of getting it all done before the girls came home. He worked the late shift that week, so he worked on it all from about 9 pm to close to midnight. Every single day. <br />
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Our Foreman, Grizzly!!<br />
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We settled into some routine daily activities. And then the bad news. There always has to be some of that mixed in. But bear with me, I promise it has a happy ending! My dad got sick. My sister took him to the hospital Friday night, and by Wednesday he was not improving. She sent me a message that freaked me out more than a little bit. I took off with the girls immediately that same day. Thank God my boss is a pretty cool guy and there was no hesitation in whether I should go or stay. <br />
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So, I'll spare everyone the gory details on that, and to protect his privacy, I'll just say that I thought my dad was going to be going home, but Praise Jesus! He was finally treated for the correct ailment and his recovery began in earnest. God is so, so good! I got a day to spend with my nieces, and off we went back en route to our little home. <br />
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That Monday, our adventure continued! Yes, there's more!!!<br />
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For the first time in 7 years, I did not have a homeschool child to teach on the first day of school! Becky was accepted into an amazing private school on a scholarship and she spends her day working on physical, occupational, and speech therapies while doing her school work! Again, can you say it with me? God is so, so good!! I didn't think I was ready for this step, and the first week was rough, for me not her! However, I couldn't be happier with her progress, her excitement, and her teachers! <br />
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Aly is in her first year of high school, Yudith is in her senior year. I am in my senior year of college. <br />
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We had Yudith's senior year photo shoot.... yes, I cried. We've begun a series of photo shoots for Aly's Quinces... again, yes, I cried. Today was Aly's actual 15th birthday. Her Quinceañera will be soon. Yudith will be 18 next month. I look at my girls and I can't believe these beautiful young ladies are the same babies I had in my womb. My heart is full of pride, love and tenderness for them. But its also breaking a little because my babies are not my babies anymore. That's another blog post however! <br />
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Manny finally made the move to a new job. Now, instead of driving nearly two hours to get to work, he is 30 minutes away. What a relief that is to both of us! He comes home every day at a more decent hour, with a smile on his face, and I get to take a deep breath because I have him home before the bone deep weariness sets in. I've been praying every day for months that he make it to work in the mornings and home in the evenings safely. That long drive was wearing him out! It's nice to have him around earlier, to actually catch up on our days the same day instead of cramming the important things in to one session at the end of the week. Date nights are on again! Woo hoo!<br />
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Time is progressing. We are all moving forward. And we are open and prepared for whatever God sends our way next! And it's big! Huge! Fantastical! You'll have to stay tuned to see what it is!!! <br />
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BTW!! If you are planning on purchasing Disney's Cinderella for your kiddos, please shop through this Amazon link! It will help us gather donations for The Big Surprise!!! Thanks! I promise it's a worthy cause! <a href="http://tinyurl.com/qj7wuxv">qj7wuxv</a>busymommy3http://www.blogger.com/profile/12603874012480644624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656189586835402093.post-58947324352238357262014-09-22T08:27:00.000-07:002014-09-22T08:27:39.924-07:00Catharsis<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Found this in a file, it's an old work, rough around the edges, written in a moment that was emotionally rocky. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">There are moments that won't end in the mind,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">you say it was an accident, falling to the routine,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Continuing "the cycle" "the only way I know" </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"the way I was raised"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Always a new excuse, never a real commitment.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">There are words that linger forever;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">they burrow in your soul and take root, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">poisoning every thought hence forth, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">words that associate with slow death.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">There are emotions that grow unrestrained, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">in response to loneliness,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">in the midst of pain.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">That hide behind the mask, but never lose their grip.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The bruises that don't come from hits.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">They last an eternity under the skin.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">No amount of soothing evaporates the dull ache,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The ache that lives inside, never abandoning.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The spirit-choking negativity</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">that forever spouts from your mouth.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Never a kindness, a soft encouragement.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Always harsh, always rude, always...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">You.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">You.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">You used to represent goodness.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Joy.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Love.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Now you bring despair,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Hurt.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Lost Hope.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">There is an End. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A catharsis. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A broken soul,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">fighting to break out and away.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A soul redeemed by the blood of a Savior.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A woman who, in spite of You, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">understands that she has </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Value.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Importance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Worth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A woman who carries scars,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">that has a strength merged from </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">the breaks meant to keep her down.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A woman that carries fire in her belly,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A raging desire to give her children</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">the Love and Grace that Christ showed her</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">not the dysfunction you created.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A woman that rises ready to fight for </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">the chance to live, to thrive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Who sees past the </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">self doubt you painted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">You will not win.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">You have lost.</span></div>
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busymommy3http://www.blogger.com/profile/12603874012480644624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656189586835402093.post-88834185144754202302014-09-19T11:45:00.001-07:002014-09-19T11:50:01.020-07:00New Roads<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">WHEW!! Life goes by fast! I haven't written in a while. Well, let me reiterate, I haven't written anything for fun in a while.... writing has been plentiful, but all academic! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let me begin by saying "Praise Jesus!" He has most definitely been the Pilot to all our new ventures! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This school year we decided to let Yudith and Aly give public school a go. There were several reasons for this and a lot of prayer was involved in the final decision. The first week of school was rocky for us all. The girls were nervous and feeling a little overwhelmed. But by day two, they were fine and I was beginning to settle my nerves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First day of school pictures... yes, Becky is wearing water shoes....in case we decided to homeschool from the fishing pier! ;) My girl is always prepared!! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LZ1lQPnOxGb9G98tpX5MYHAQD1PmgQQqyh-X9hiPHoIjppyEwaVmKvE8fwoAHkRKu_qiEZ5w4BDeyPYsCyKBfeVP_u8K4A-oV3KjwvMDS4Bl99ACmiF11RcJ2hRdXVOYmebAeauDZgLu/s1600/IMG_3111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LZ1lQPnOxGb9G98tpX5MYHAQD1PmgQQqyh-X9hiPHoIjppyEwaVmKvE8fwoAHkRKu_qiEZ5w4BDeyPYsCyKBfeVP_u8K4A-oV3KjwvMDS4Bl99ACmiF11RcJ2hRdXVOYmebAeauDZgLu/s1600/IMG_3111.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yEVRGoae0WBGevFQ_87Ya-p1emTAVhMP3pH7_d-IQE2w8VCLCmEFtK9SRzgdiDnu4xOp-AXN3ZyrbINkwHa92YD2cffSjzPpq_GZIivqK6k3YOADQMCJidFERlEE8ovEM2GOpXcQokI6/s1600/IMG_3115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yEVRGoae0WBGevFQ_87Ya-p1emTAVhMP3pH7_d-IQE2w8VCLCmEFtK9SRzgdiDnu4xOp-AXN3ZyrbINkwHa92YD2cffSjzPpq_GZIivqK6k3YOADQMCJidFERlEE8ovEM2GOpXcQokI6/s1600/IMG_3115.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Friday before school started was the High School's open house.... Yudith insisted she go alone. I was told that she NEEDED to do this on her own. Of course, my gut was screaming NOOOOOOOO!! You're my baby, I have to be there. Yet somehow, I managed to maintain a calm facade as I agreed to give her that space and the chance to do it alone. I dropped her off, while furtively sneaking pictures of her as she walked away, nervous but pretending to be confident. I drove off and cried though huge wracking sobs because my baby didn't need me there, I felt both proud of her for her courage and sad that I wasn't required. I got over it because, let's admit it, that's silly. Besides, Mommy's are always needed... right?! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Yudith making her way to open house</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Day one of school Manny was off from work, and we drove the girls to their respective schools in the morning together. However, once we arrived, I stayed in the car while Daddy escorted each one to the front door. I was so overwhelmed with emotion as I watched him deliver our girls with a silent and strong visual to everyone present that this beautiful girl is loved, cherished. I think the boys got the picture! Darn! We just had to make it hard on them to get their talons into our girls.... hehehe. I have never loved that man more than I did in those moments! What did I do, sitting in the car? Take more secretive pictures and cry.... DUH! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Manny and Yudith</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Manny and Aly</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now 5 weeks into the school year, I have received 2 calls from teachers exalting my Aly! They have both informed me that she is their favorite and they absolutely needed to let me know what a pleasure it is to have her in their class. One told me what a blessing she was and how he enjoyed having such a grounded, and respectful young lady in his class, how she carried herself with a quiet dignity and respect. Wow! I did what I do best, I started crying like a fool. LOL! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yudith joined ROTC, and within three days was the first to successfully learn and execute the maneuvers given so she was given a team. A few days later she was asked to join Color Guard. A few days after that she was asked to present colors at the first home game of the year. Her ROTC Colonel came over and introduced himself to Manny and myself before the game and couldn't speak highly enough of Yudith. How proud he is of her for the hard work she puts in, the way she carries herself in class. This time I managed to thank him for his kind words and exit the room before I burst into tears. Improvement. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Yudith holding the JROTC flag. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I can't begin to tell you all how proud I am of them both. I know it's early in the school year, but so far they have both put in a lot of effort. What blows me away the most is how when they come home, they each have several hours worth of stories to tell me, I'm given details to every person they come in contact with every day, and every conversation they have. I'm glad that they are loving their new experiences in high school, but I can never thank God and my hubby enough for the years that they allowed me to homeschool my girls. The bond that the time together forged between us is amazing, I love having a relationship to that level with my girls. It's been tested in the last few months (teens are no joke) but I'm confident it will withstand because it is grounded in Him! </span><br />
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<br />busymommy3http://www.blogger.com/profile/12603874012480644624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656189586835402093.post-40779613049091902222014-04-14T13:45:00.003-07:002014-04-14T13:45:32.330-07:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;">Someone asked me the other day "You and Manny have problems?" And it made me think, Seriously?! We are a blended family from two very different backgrounds, two different upbringings, two different lifestyles, there's an 18 year difference between us, there are 7 'kids" between the two of us, 7 grandkids and we have two teenaged daughters and a little girl with special needs in our home. We str</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; line-height: 18px;">uggle with the same economic situation as everyone else, have bills and overhead to pay for. He works almost two hours from home, works long hours and is hardly ever home. I school the three girls and go to school full time. No, we don't have any problems, none at all(read that sentence sarcastically).... but you know, hey, I'm a Christian so I have no cause to be overwhelmed or tired or grouchy or stressed.... I should always be happiness personified. Well, to quote my Aly the other day, "Who cares if people are happy or not, happiness fades. Joy, that's what we need. And joy comes from hard work and achievement, from overcoming struggle and adversity and doing it all with Christ as your center." I have one heck of a smart cookie on my hands. We need to have compassion for each other. I'm not saying my troubles are worse than anyone else's, thankfully I DO have Jesus to carry me, and that makes it easier. But I have troubles just the same. Before you open your mouth to judge or criticize another, consider that their lives don't consist of the twenty minutes you were in their presence. That's the tip of the iceberg, you saw nothing, know nothing about them... Instead of tearing them down, why don't you put that energy into making their day a little brighter. Just a thought....</span></span>busymommy3http://www.blogger.com/profile/12603874012480644624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656189586835402093.post-23364090462187180292014-04-14T13:44:00.001-07:002014-04-14T13:44:20.535-07:00<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;">Since the divorce word keeps coming up in conversation lately, I thought I would give my opinion, no judgements passed, remember I've been divorced, so I'm not pointing any fingers, just sharing my heart this morning... </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;">NO marriage is perfect and without issues. NO marriage lasts forever on the initial euphoric 'feelings' of love. Life happens, schedules fill, routines develop. With that come</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; line-height: 18px;">s boredom, disagreements and arguments. Age and experiences change our thoughts, personalities and bodies. Marriage is more than being in love, it is more than physical desires, it is more than perfection and smiles. It is hard work. It is giving of yourself even when you are exhausted emotionally, spiritually and physically; when your hands, feet, back and soul are weary. It is the realization that you do not always know how your spouse thinks or reacts to everything, because they are multi faceted and will react differently to each situation. It is the daily commitment and decision to stay with this imperfect person, to forgive them when they hurt you and praying that they will forgive your imperfect self when you hurt them. Knowing that you will hurt each other, but you CHOOSE to care enough to fix it. Knowing that love changes and matures, grows deeper and stronger. Giving your relationship to God and making the adjustments that He convicts you with, not just sitting back and expecting it to work out on its own. Marriage is a burden only when you stop recognizing it as the gift and blessing that it is and start thinking of greener pastures.</span></span>busymommy3http://www.blogger.com/profile/12603874012480644624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656189586835402093.post-31345897771001400532013-07-03T04:10:00.001-07:002013-07-03T04:10:10.643-07:00SimplifyThe last two years have been so hectic! I have barely had a moment to breath! <br />
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So in the attempt to ease my load, I purchased the Dave Ramsey recommended eMeals plan, because anything Dave says to do, I try to do! OMGravy! Do I love it?! It gives me my menu, and the grocery list for the store of my choice, based on the sales for the week (maximizing my savings, yay)! Now, let me take a moment to say, I am writing this solely for the intentions of sharing a quick, easy and inexpensive method of cutting down my stress level, I am not doing this because I was asked to market anything. I honestly am using the plan. Don't want you all doubting my sincerity! LOL!<br />
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Not only has this cut down on the amount of money I spend on groceries(which my financial advisor will be very proud of, hee hee), but it has cut the time I spend grocery shopping and meal planning. I had been hesitant to try the program because I was worried the menu would be too far removed from our regular eating habits, and they are! But so far, I have loved every meal. And of course, if one meal is something we simply do not like, I substitute with one of my go to meals, usually with Latin flavor, and voila! Everyone is happy!<br />
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The plans were super affordable and I have had a HUGE load taken off of my shoulders, so I thought I would share it with you all! Below are some pictures of one of the meals from this past week and Becky thoroughly enjoying hers! <br />
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If you are interested in purchasing the meal plan, here is a link! Let me know how you like it!! Don't forget to tell them I referred you! Adlin Fleites, Busymomma3 (cause they do have a referral program to help you save even more off of your subscription! I love this company!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.emeals.com/">http://www.emeals.com/</a> <br />
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busymommy3http://www.blogger.com/profile/12603874012480644624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656189586835402093.post-71862576166979446352013-05-29T22:18:00.000-07:002013-05-29T22:32:43.826-07:00Foreclose This House<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The last several years have been economically hard for most of our Nation. Our family has not been spared the hardships. We have been in pre-foreclosure, then managed to 'save' our home. We were then hit with an increase in the new mortgage rate (higher than our original payment, hello? Does that make any sense?) and now we have fallen back in the whole.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have run the gamut of emotions here. Sadness, depression, anger(lots of that), frustration, disbelief. I have cried, I have pleaded, bargained, screamed and laughed hysterically(ignore that visual). You name it, we've been there! Now, after a five year struggle with our bank, I had the pleasure of telling them what they could do with the house. Foreclose on it. Nothing they offer will actually help us, it will only dig us further into debt. The house is worth so much less than when we purchased it, and they are treating us like criminals. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have spent the last several days searching endlessly online, making calls, writing emails, visiting properties. We have decided to move on and leave our little home empty and ready for the bank. It's a heartbreaking decision to make. Every time we pass by it we will be sad. Every time I think about the memories we made here, the tears come. We've done a lot of raising here, a lot of partying here, we got married TWICE here, received news of new grand babies in this house, decided to make life choices from this place. The last time my grandma visited me was in this home, the news of my grandfather's passing I got in my kitchen. Manny and I separated and got back together in this house. Yudith, Aly and Manny all gave their lives to Christ in this house. I learned to tile the floors with my honey's direction in this home. I spilled paint on Yudith's carpet in my rush to paint her room for her to surprise her. I taught Aly to bake in my kitchen. I watched Becky take her first steps in my living room. Manny and I had to sit in our house, by our selves, and make the difficult choice between hanging on and letting go. We chose to hang on to our sanity. Hang on to the memories, let go of the burden.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There is a bright side here, the excitement of starting a new adventure, of setting out on the course of recovery for our family, and the opportunity to see God work in our finances puts a smile on my face. Although we do not have our official 'get out' date, we've decided to go anyways. The stress of having someone knock on my door to get out will be eliminated, the constant worry about where I will lay my girls down to sleep can disappear. I know we will be ok. I keep reminding myself that God is in control, that He knows the plans He has for us. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In think the toughest part of this journey has been learning to let go. Let go of the physical, material thing that was stressing us out so much. Let go of the emotions attached to the situations, the fears and anxieties, and learn to really, truly trust God. It feels like we have been on a spiritual journey that we could not finish until we actually trusted in Him with our actions and thoughts, not just our words. It's a difficult step to make, to let go of all illusion of control and allow Him to move. I am not sure we fully grasp the notion 100% but we sure are trying! There is still a little of the OCD in me that flares when I start thinking of all there is to do, the timing and actual transition from homeowner to bankrupt and renter. The fears begin to nudge me back into the dark place that yearns for control when I think about the long journey back to financial stability and home ownership. So I going to work hard over the next few weeks on relinquishing control of what I cannot change, finding guidance for what I can do and taking deep, cleansing breaths. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Time to set new goals! Time to start fresh! Time to move on!</span><br />
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<br />busymommy3http://www.blogger.com/profile/12603874012480644624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656189586835402093.post-1042733363126236012013-05-20T19:43:00.000-07:002013-05-20T19:55:36.198-07:00The Last Year in Brief Review<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello!! I'm back!</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What a very long year it has been! It has been exactly that time since I last blogged. I have a burning need to visit my blog friends! I have abandoned this realm for a while due to such an overwhelming load.I seem to have been sucked into a vortex of emotion and obstacles that left me reeling. I have lost my godmother, my cousin, my grandmother, my daughter's godfather. I am still in school,and we have become members of an awesome church, Crosspoint. We are so happy and in love with each of our church family members. We have been touched by so many there, many without their knowing. Friends we never thought would leave us have left, old friends we didn't have too many opportunities to share with have become solid support systems, others that were away have come close. Some are kind of in between and our household relationships have strengthened. God makes NO MISTAKES! I trusted in Him when the dynamics of our lives began to change and we have been abundantly blessed! </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And us? Well, Manny and I have been able to reignite a part of our relationship that was smothered. We have become best friends again. It was a long road, one with many, many ups and downs, but it happened. We are once again where we were in the beginning. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been blessed to watch Yudith, Aly and Manny give their lives to Jesus! The girls were baptized last year, my hubby this March. Praise Jesus!! He quit smoking after 30+ years. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yudith turned 15 and has given her talents back to God, singing on the youth band and in the church service. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Aly has developed her writing skills, and has surprised me with her material. Again, I have been able to watch her give her talent to God. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Becky is growing leaps and bounds! Her cognitive abilities have really grown. I can barely keep up with her! LOL!! She is very found of her Equestrian Therapy with TherHappy!</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I finished my first year back to University with a 4.0! I have been inducted into Golden Key International Honour Society and into Alpha Sigma Lambda. Yay me! I am exhausted every minute of every day, but I am happy with the course my life has taken.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Emotionally, this last few months have been the hardest. Losing my final grandparent has been so very rough. I am really working hard at getting past the hurt, but a part of me feels so lonely. My grandparents were such a huge part of my life that I feel like I have lost a limb. I find myself still speaking about her as if she were living, like my brain has not accepted the fact that she's gone. The day before Mother's Day was so very difficult. I had no grandma left to call and congratulate. I didn't have any stories to hear about all the calls, flowers and gestures she received. There was no laughter from her at the stories of my girls' antics. No grandma left to tell me she loved me, to give me the traditional 'bendiciones'. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few months ago, Crosspoint held a leadership conference called Momentum. My hubby, Yudith, Aly and I attended and we were blown away!!! The Spirit was moving and touching lives! We were given answers we were seeking, answers we didn't know we needed and encouragement to keep pushing forward and to boldly do His works!! One phrase that stuck out for me was "Great opportunities later require instant obedience now!" How many times have I felt something being laid on my heart and didn't jump right in because "I have too much on my plate right now". Well, maybe I need to take some things OFF my plate!! After all, He provided my plate, how can I not obey what He wants me to do? So I requested a brief break form school and canceled some appointments. Just for a few weeks, just enough to reevaluate, restructure and rest. I have returned now with a renewed spirit and new energy. My daughters and I have begun a new club for girls in our area, on purity, building positive self-image and a support system with others girls doing life together in Christ! We have only been an organization for a short time period and are already growing. I feel like I am finding my niche in my teenagers' lives. And they are inspiring me everyday!</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All in all, though a few uncomfortable moments have popped up, several painful days have visited our home, we have all drawn closer to God and to each other. For that reason I will count the last year as a blessed one. Even through anguish, God has blessed our home, our family. We have grown spiritually, have given Him our joy, fears and suffering. He returns our obedience with blessings we never would have asked imagined possible.</span> busymommy3http://www.blogger.com/profile/12603874012480644624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1656189586835402093.post-33437750772916662322012-06-02T09:47:00.001-07:002012-06-02T09:48:05.573-07:00Trusting God<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I haven't been blogging much, school and the girls have kept me pretty busy. This last week has been a very difficult one. First all three girls took turns being sick, I am stressed out over a research paper for school and I have not been getting any sleep.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Then, I get a call telling me that my godmother has had an aneurysm and she's in a coma. She lives in Spain, and I can't afford to go visit her. We're waiting to see what decision my cousins are going to make with her staying on life support or disconnecting her. There is no brain activity, and the chances are slim on her survival without the machines. I remember how vivacious she was, how much fun she always had. When she took me to get my ears pierced, forced me to eat cauliflower, and when she would let my cousin and I go to the beach by ourselves as teens. How she trusted me to do the right thing. It's so hard to imagine her laying in a bed, immobile. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The very next day, I get another phone call. My mother is in tears and I can't believe the words that are coming out of her mouth. They are just too ludicrous for my mind to wrap around. My cousin's 18 year old son has been found dead. I feel like I am trapped in a warp zone of some sort. I am so beyond comprehension on this one. A child with his whole life ahead of him. A good kid that loved his family and took care of them. Following his dreams. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A good friend reminded me that we are not meant to understand what the Father does, we are just meant to TRUST Him. This word keeps coming up in my devotionals lately, and I am trying to do so in every situation. I have to admit that in most things, I have found it easy enough to do. It's really easy to do so when everything is ok. Even when finances are tight, you adjust. Groceries are scarce, you get creative. When someone is gone, what? Every answer to that question that has been given to me this week seems inadequate or inappropriate. Except for Lauren's answer: Trust. It's all we have left to do. Trust that God took Alberto home for a reason. Trust that Alberto is in a better place. Trust that God will watch over Alberto's siblings, parents and grandparents, that they will feel our Father's comforting embrace. That they will find peace in the knowledge that Alberto is now HOME, that he feels no pain, anguish or discrimination in Heaven. That he is loved and cared for in glorious splendor as Heaven rejoices in his Homecoming Celebration. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This makes me smile, thinking of the Angels in party mode. I think he would enjoy that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">RIP Alberto "Macho" Vera</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You were a joy to all who encountered you in life, a blessing to your family, and you will never be forgotten.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We will see you soon in the Kingdom!</span><br />
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