tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45298047211064211232024-03-12T21:40:28.085-05:00Leaning, Loving, and Learning my way through LifeLeaning on God, Loving this moment, and Learning every day.Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240735493995388624noreply@blogger.comBlogger553125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529804721106421123.post-55800579281117502602017-10-05T12:51:00.000-05:002017-10-05T12:51:09.115-05:00Knowing When It's Time To Ask For Help<div style="text-align: center;">
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I didn't realize how broken I was until God opened my eyes in his loving-kindness way. </div>
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I began a new study by Ann Voskamp called The Broken Way. <br />
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Like most studies that catch me off guard, I didn't really think I had much need for the topic. </div>
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I have discovered, however, I was like Bruce Willis' character in Sixth Sense, totally broken but completely unaware. </div>
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Two years ago God called me to homeschool Maddie.</div>
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It's had its challenges, but overall I know it's been a good thing.</div>
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The struggle for me has been caring for my special needs daughter 24/7 for the past two years with no reprieve. <br />
I really thought I was handling things OK.<br />
I knew I wasn't knocking it out of the park, but I thought I was holding all the pieces together fairly well.<br />
My first inclination that things weren't quite right with me appeared a few months ago.<br />
My Mommy anger was in high gear and full force, rearing its ugly head and erupting like Mount Vesuvius.<br />
It wasn't the bad day or the anger that concerned me though.<br />
What really gave me pause was the out-of-control feeling.<br />
I had prayed for God to help me.<br />
That usually did the trick. <br />
But not this day.<br />
I found myself yelling at Maddie when I really didn't even <b>want</b> to yell, but it was like an unmanageable tornado that once unleashed, had to spin itself out of energy.<br />
THAT was my first wake up call. <br />
I used to think that yelling wasn't all that bad, and although unpleasant, a <i>necessary </i>tool for parenting.<br />
I've since been convicted otherwise.<br />
In the moment it feels right and justified and absolutely necessary, but fast forward a few months and on one particular day the carnage of its wake became more important to me than justifying my actions.<br />
I had a real-life, What's Eating Gilbert Grape bathroom moment with Maddie. <br />
She needed a shower, it was a long day, I just wanted to get it done and over with and instead of cooperation, I was met with opposition and defiance and, although I never physically hit her like in the movie, I did force her to take a shower. <br />
There were tears, confusion, and spirits were broken. <br />
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And then I knew, at that moment, <i>I</i> was broken.<br />
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A broken Mom, passing on her brokenness to an impressionable child.<br />
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It's the human experience that happens to all of us at some point and in some form, but what do we do with it?<br />
I knew I needed help.<br />
I happen to have a group of ladies I've been sharing life with every Tuesday morning for the last 8 years. <br />
They are my bible study mentors, my prayer warriors, and I know they will always have me covered in prayer. <br />
As soon as I asked for help, that's exactly what they did.<br />
They gathered around, hands on shoulders, and lifted me up when my spirit was too downcast to do so myself.<br />
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Through some sort of supernatural intervention, I have not had to deal with that same level of Mommy anger since then.<br />
Praise God, He transformed me!<br />
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I still get upset and express that frustration, but the difference now is that out-of-control feeling is GONE. <br />
And I can tell Maddie that even though Mommy gets mad and upset with her, I will always, ALWAYS love her, even in the mad moments. <br />
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And Maddie can now talk about feelings and I think she really does understand on a different level the give and take of relationships.<br />
Once we have resolved our conflicts, she will confirm, "Mommy happy now?"<br />
I smile, nod my head, give her a hug and say, "yes, Mommy is indeed happy now."<br />
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I see that this beautiful soul God has entrusted in my care has the most amazing capacity to forgive, and she gives it out freely and untethered with joy in her heart.<br />
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And I think I can feel the broken pieces inside me slowly healing.<br />
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Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240735493995388624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529804721106421123.post-77934316132656203182017-06-14T13:56:00.000-05:002017-06-14T13:56:38.714-05:00Two Life-Changing Truths Homeschooling Has Taught Me<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been reflecting on our homeschool journey lately.<br />
There's always lessons to learn.<br />
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We tried public school.</div>
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After a year, it became evident to both Kyle and I public school would not be the best fit for Maddie. </div>
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Our next option was private school. </div>
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We enrolled Maddie at Antioch Christian Preschool. </div>
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This was post 2013 tornado and although she had the most amazing teachers any parent could ever hope to dream for their child, unfortunately, there were far too many issues that made the classroom environment too stressful for her. </div>
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I felt God calling me to homeschool during this time. </div>
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Did I listen?</div>
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NO.</div>
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I enrolled Maddie again for another year at ACP with the same teachers.</div>
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Even with my degree in Child Development, the thought of being solely responsible for her education scared me to death!</div>
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The call was quite clear, however, so I tried bargaining with God.</div>
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How about if I enroll her part time in private preschool and teach her at home the other days?</div>
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This...was a disaster. </div>
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At the time, I thought I was very clever, but looking back at it with a good dose of honesty, I know better.</div>
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I'm barely organized enough with a clear schedule to mange the week, but add in a different schedule every day with lots of distractions and it's a train wreck waiting to happen.</div>
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Maddie continued to digress.</div>
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We were seeing, on a regular basis, our Speech Therapist, our Occupational Therapist, a Cranial Sacral specialist (to address her extreme teeth-grinding issues), and then we threw in a Child Psychologist for good measure when she began exhibiting signs of PTSD.</div>
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Her happy-go-lucky three year old self was long gone, replaced with some sort of inner prison we couldn't seem to break her out of, or reach her.</div>
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It was heavy.</div>
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The motivation to homeschool suddenly switched from "viable option" to "life-saving, rescue-mission."</div>
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Here's the life-changing lesson I've learned about <b>delayed</b> obedience to God. </div>
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God absolutely has the power to redeem all of our bad choices, and He is faithful to do so, </div>
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however,</div>
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I wonder if we still have to suffer some consequences.</div>
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Not because he wants to punish, but because it's how the spiritual laws of nature work.</div>
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What would have happened if I would have obediently began homeschooling as soon as I knew it was what God was asking of me?<br />
Would Maddie have had to slip away into that strange, unreachable place in her mind?<br />
On the other hand, maybe I'm considering myself too important in this equation!<br />
Perhaps things would have worked out just as they did regardless. (thoughts to ponder...) ðŸ’</div>
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Regardless, thank you Lord for mercy and grace! </div>
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It took 2 years to finally walk in obedience, but by this time I was fully committed, all in, and still scared to death!!</div>
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I knew for this journey to succeed it had to be a partnership between God and I.</div>
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It's so interesting how God always seems to use our uttermost weaknesses to accomplish His best work.</div>
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My weakness qualifications:</div>
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-sticking to a schedule: HORRIFYING</div>
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-structure: BORING!</div>
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-organization: Do piles of clutter count?</div>
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-self-discipline: SELF-WHAT?</div>
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-technique: NOPE</div>
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My strategy to ensure I truly relied on God and not myself or others was to put blinders on to maintain laser focus.</div>
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It's funny, the first thing anyone ever asks when they learn we homeschool is, "are you involved in a co-op?"</div>
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I knew myself well enough to know, if I got involved in a co-op, I would track down every rabbit trail of every seemingly good idea and end up walking circles, accomplishing nothing.</div>
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No, I knew I had to feel my way through the dark to find the right path for us.</div>
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And that's exactly what I did.</div>
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Seasons of solitude can be a good thing as long as they are only seasons.</div>
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Here's the second life-changing truth I have recently learned in this journey.</div>
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God has intricately designed us to need each other.</div>
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We are never meant to walk alone.</div>
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There's a team of us that work to ensure Maddie is getting the best education and opportunities in life. Myself, Kyle, Maddie's grandparents, aunts, her therapists, tutors, the Down Syndrome organization, and friends.</div>
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We all play our part in putting her needs at the top of the list and figuring out this crazy, complex puzzle of Maddie's education.</div>
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After two years of homeschooling, the transformative work of redemption God has done not only in Maddie but in me is astounding!</div>
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The best verses that summarize these past two years is Psalm 37:23-24 </div>
<div class="poet1-vnn-sp" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 8px; margin-top: 12px; text-align: center;">
<span class="reftext" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><b style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/37-23.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;">23</a></b></span>The L<span class="smallcaps" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px; text-transform: uppercase;">ORD</span> directs the steps of the godly.</div>
<div class="poet2" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 55px; text-align: center;">
He delights in every detail of their lives.</div>
<div class="poet1-vnn" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 8px; text-align: center;">
<span class="reftext" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/37-24.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>24</b></a></span>Though they stumble, they will never fall,</div>
<div class="poet2" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 55px; text-align: center;">
for the L<span class="smallcaps" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px; text-transform: uppercase;">ORD</span> holds them by the hand.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We certainly stumbled, but we never fell.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCPh3foCCJpppJ4AVLU1DxoCOafn9C-LVPzPUjlE5DZ3RqlTaPCA2EVElFZbtTTywRMzEBKCIU46UJvvYP4vdSpzp6jnfNOp1bcwmac4RJrN-mZxveJ27aL-H-sVXi0l2_75Eg9ksyVE/s1600/20170124-5DM35860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCPh3foCCJpppJ4AVLU1DxoCOafn9C-LVPzPUjlE5DZ3RqlTaPCA2EVElFZbtTTywRMzEBKCIU46UJvvYP4vdSpzp6jnfNOp1bcwmac4RJrN-mZxveJ27aL-H-sVXi0l2_75Eg9ksyVE/s640/20170124-5DM35860.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Maddie now exhibits enough self-confidence to not only audition for a role in an upcoming play this summer, but to bask in it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">She can now attend birthday parties and science museums without any meltdowns from the noise or sensory stimulation!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Her attention span is such that we can sit for 45 minutes at a time reading books together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">(actually, that's about all my <i>voice</i> can handle)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">She sleeps soundly through the night!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Every morning she completes a series of chores before starting the day, which include making the bed and feeding/watering the dog!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJegGU1jJxATLNffjOZXKJajKY0C5aDt_uliCUvxWUzXHj2i0O2ijFYnVrxAKu3E32UXQF0IdX1YuHURDx2MmcW3E1Psn2t_7UMf7AZZr2sjO8-lVgVK60sN0Ptt6pCJtaVYYIqm2JXRY/s1600/20170213-5DM36094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJegGU1jJxATLNffjOZXKJajKY0C5aDt_uliCUvxWUzXHj2i0O2ijFYnVrxAKu3E32UXQF0IdX1YuHURDx2MmcW3E1Psn2t_7UMf7AZZr2sjO8-lVgVK60sN0Ptt6pCJtaVYYIqm2JXRY/s640/20170213-5DM36094.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">As for me,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I can sit much more comfortably in a set schedule without <i>too</i> much sabotage!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I actually crave organization! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have learned self-discipline is more about grace than grit, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> it's best if I don't have all the answers, and</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">the burden of homeschool was never meant to be carried alone.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSltGmwxSyKSyEqqInNuj9u9K4RNUTEN6BYv7zELjgRvbVr3AJTIig9ZtufBUCjrEsIxEKuNaBiRtWRf3VizBXeqtsNHLTsmF2VnSJRDLwf5KGhYlCmJX3a0ZMTraUSX5eQAKSUruX1IU/s1600/20120225-IMG_1483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSltGmwxSyKSyEqqInNuj9u9K4RNUTEN6BYv7zELjgRvbVr3AJTIig9ZtufBUCjrEsIxEKuNaBiRtWRf3VizBXeqtsNHLTsmF2VnSJRDLwf5KGhYlCmJX3a0ZMTraUSX5eQAKSUruX1IU/s640/20120225-IMG_1483.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I thought I was supposed to be the teacher in this homeschooling journey.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have, in fact, become the pupil. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Learning more about life, each other, and myself than I ever thought possible.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I would summarize the decision to homeschool with one word:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Gratitude.</span><br />
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Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240735493995388624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529804721106421123.post-11256427716365453472017-04-13T10:12:00.000-05:002017-04-13T10:12:06.811-05:00Hope Rekindled<div style="text-align: center;">
Yesterday was a bad day.</div>
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Maddie and I have been struggling lately with what seems to be some setbacks with her learning.</div>
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Several potty accidents for days in a row, a near meltdown at speech therapy, and facing the reality that maybe...just maybe...she may not have the ability to learn to read.</div>
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Amidst the struggle one night I was talking to Kyle about it and frustrated, I said, </div>
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"It's not her fault, but it's like her brain just isn't working right, and I don't have the right key to unlock it."</div>
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Maddie was listening and she pipes up and innocently asks, </div>
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"My brain broken?"</div>
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Sweet girl.</div>
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Tensions eased and we kind of laughed,</div>
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"Well, yeah, in a way your brain is a little broken."</div>
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I cannot express how frustrating it is to witness so many glimpses for potential to learn, but find a roadblock that you just can't seem to get passed!</div>
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This is a brilliant mind in many ways.</div>
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She has memorized the movie Trolls.</div>
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If you play the song, she will begin acting out every single move to every lyric with amazing precision!</div>
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This mind has discovered ways to compensate for her "broken brain."</div>
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When visual stimulation gets to be too much, she's resourceful in finding something that covers half the screen on her iPad.</div>
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When the auditory stimulation gets to be too much, she's learned to hum or (more devastatingly) grind her teeth to block out the noise! </div>
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This is a very smart brain, it's just a little broken in areas.</div>
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Yesterday afternoon I was studying neurodevelopment and neuroplasticity and wondering if hope could be found. </div>
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I decided maybe it was time that I let go of some of my dreams I have been gripping so tightly for Maddie.</div>
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I needed to resolve that if she never learns to read, it would be OK.</div>
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Re-organizing expectations would certainly alleviate some of the pain of seeing them unmet. </div>
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But then the most amazing thing happened. </div>
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As we were all winding down the day and getting ready for bed, Kyle asked Maddie if she knew what Easter is all about. </div>
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She proceeded to tell him with amazing articulation that it's all about Jesus.</div>
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"He died on cross, but He's Alive!"</div>
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I don't exactly know what it was about that conversation, but it was exactly what I needed to rekindle hope.</div>
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She exhibited comprehension, organized thought patterns, and recollection...all pre-cursers for learning to read.</div>
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I was shocked!</div>
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We have so much work ahead of us, but the best things in life are always worth fighting for.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsmIrIkpAO0SO-LdD-SpzwqT11v2cVmGeLQxcTOhM3n9Ebo8g2lsfIuil80Hx5gYjF7m2TQdWbpHcRsl8NgIJA9Re1A2fG-Bcv7MRklI4JJZw2_pGoARoRrEXUpRILL2gQjef7OUO-Fk/s1600/20170406-5DM36254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsmIrIkpAO0SO-LdD-SpzwqT11v2cVmGeLQxcTOhM3n9Ebo8g2lsfIuil80Hx5gYjF7m2TQdWbpHcRsl8NgIJA9Re1A2fG-Bcv7MRklI4JJZw2_pGoARoRrEXUpRILL2gQjef7OUO-Fk/s400/20170406-5DM36254.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In the words of for King and Country, </div>
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"To everyone who's hit their limit</div>
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It's not over yet</div>
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It's not over yet</div>
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And even when you think your finished</div>
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It's not over yet</div>
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It's not over yet</div>
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<b>Keep on fighting</b> </div>
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Out of the dark</div>
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Into the light</div>
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It's not over</div>
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<b>Hope is rising</b></div>
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Never give in </div>
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Never give up</div>
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It's not over </div>
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Until the kingdom comes </div>
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Until the race is won</div>
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<b>Don't you ever give up</b></div>
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No no never give up</div>
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Until the kingdom comes</div>
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<b>Run 'til the race is won</b></div>
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Don't you ever give up</div>
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We will never give up"</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maSQ3cgvta0">Lyrics from It's Not Over Yet</a></div>
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(this just so happened to be my anthem while training for the marathon!)</div>
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And now we are running a different marathon of sorts.</div>
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Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240735493995388624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529804721106421123.post-3979950601481329812017-03-30T09:49:00.000-05:002017-03-30T09:49:29.892-05:00Living for the Ones We Love<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope I outlive my daughter. </div>
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That's probably not what most parents hope and dream.</div>
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Nothing is typical when you raise a child with special needs, including your hopes and dreams. </div>
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The life expectancy for an individual with Down Syndrome is 60 years old. </div>
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That means I need to live to be 90 to be around for her entire life. </div>
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Kyle and I have a will and know that if something happens to us, we have family that will take great care of her, but for her sake, I want to be there for her every step of the way.</div>
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It's my life's mission, and once it complete, then I'll be ready.</div>
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She and I, we're in this thing together...for life.</div>
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I understand what Paul meant when he wrote, "For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account." Philippians 1:21-24</div>
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I had a near death experience when I was 20 and at the time I didn't realize what I was trading in, I just knew I didn't want to die. God honored that fight within me and saved me. But now, almost 20 years later I do have a better idea of what I'm asking and, like Paul, I am torn between the two.</div>
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I want Maddie to be able to be independent and live on her own, but in the reality of her situation, she will always need someone looking out for her.</div>
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Not only do I need to live in my 90's but I need to be capable of taking care of myself and another person! I know it's a big dream, but I also know <i>nothing</i> is impossible with God.</div>
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Besides, I think this is a God-planted dream in my heart.</div>
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So, how in the world do I prepare myself now for a life that's long and healthy? </div>
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I have to make good choices, every day.</div>
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I have to take care of myself in every way possible.</div>
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I realize there are so many factors of health outside my control, and I give those over to God.</div>
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But there are so many things that I do have control over and I have a responsibility to live my best.</div>
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The first thing I've decided to address is diet. </div>
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This sugar addiction is REAL!</div>
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I'm on Day 17 of a 21 day sugar detox, and I honestly don't know which is harder:</div>
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fighting sugar cravings or running a marathon. (<i>seriously!)</i></div>
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Wow! Was I unprepared for this!</div>
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Before starting this, I knew it was a good idea to do a sugar detox, but if you asked me if I had a sugar addiction I would have said no.</div>
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I was wrong.</div>
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The first week was AWFUL.</div>
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And it didn't help that I happened to begin March 13th, which meant the 2ND day of my 21 day detox was Pi day and my husband kindly requests pie for pi day. </div>
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I ask him what kind he wanted and he said "just pick whichever one looks really good"</div>
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"You're killing me, Smalls!"</div>
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Then I had to look at it for the next week as he ate one piece at a time each night.</div>
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The neat thing about our bodies is even though I had put myself in a bad place with my health, it didn't take long to see major improvements.</div>
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After 10 days the cravings really decreased and I had way more energy, less brain fog, and no more headaches.</div>
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I feel SO much better. </div>
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So far I've lost 3 inches off my waist. </div>
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But more importantly, I've lost my afternoon energy slumps and the overall yucky, heavy feeling!</div>
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Can I live a productive life into my 90's?</div>
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I don't know, but according to <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2400216/Meet-super-agers-80-90-yr-olds-unlock-mystery-ageing.html">this article about super-agers</a>, a lot has to do with your attitude, and a good dose of genetics helps too.</div>
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It just so happens, longevity runs in my family.</div>
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My Great Grandpa lived to be 103, and my Granny is 95 and still going strong!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhJP6EacDdbK8cGgeoHodbwKpZgZAk1i2ZCArx4bhOoBZfp_xMA_7tSvBDDTRd6QdTSt_C2G92xHLNUbeGwcDE_GFX8EwKpLbDXu_KBxOLenMaQqrmEwDnvWJV61lVHMn7MmaFzjNLuI/s1600/20111231-IMG_9414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhJP6EacDdbK8cGgeoHodbwKpZgZAk1i2ZCArx4bhOoBZfp_xMA_7tSvBDDTRd6QdTSt_C2G92xHLNUbeGwcDE_GFX8EwKpLbDXu_KBxOLenMaQqrmEwDnvWJV61lVHMn7MmaFzjNLuI/s640/20111231-IMG_9414.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love you Granny!</td></tr>
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So for now, I can stay away from sugar and keep a positive attitude</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAmQLvJePhyphenhyphen5GjCTb_D3uaMfgYWaln8pASxctcmpjfE3tKinuVjwcVYrdJ9ktPUgVxmRGRICY16WkUMn4qJTKbVb6FTx3To6eH7QKGFt1eimqhPzphKJ2GzflqJal_xBH20_Mp0QfLuw/s1600/2013+Disney+Trip+2861+%252820130507%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAmQLvJePhyphenhyphen5GjCTb_D3uaMfgYWaln8pASxctcmpjfE3tKinuVjwcVYrdJ9ktPUgVxmRGRICY16WkUMn4qJTKbVb6FTx3To6eH7QKGFt1eimqhPzphKJ2GzflqJal_xBH20_Mp0QfLuw/s320/2013+Disney+Trip+2861+%252820130507%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Maddie Schasteen</td></tr>
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and in doing so, I'll be loving my girl the best I know how!</div>
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Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240735493995388624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529804721106421123.post-37009925369499793892017-03-10T08:26:00.000-06:002017-03-10T08:26:30.405-06:00Funny Things Maddie Says<div style="text-align: center;">
Finally!!</div>
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At 8 years old, I finally get to document some of the funny/cute/interesting things Maddie says that reflect who she is.</div>
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It's been a long time coming, and I'm loving this new milestone!!!</div>
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Maddie has always been able to communicate whether through facial expressions, signs, or body language, but now she's actually sharing her own, personal thoughts and expressions unprompted.</div>
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I never realized how intricate the art of conversation was until a few years ago in speech therapy an assessment broke down the various levels of communication. </div>
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At that time, Maddie was far better at receptive language than expressive, meaning she understood more than she could speak.</div>
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In fact, her expressive language was mostly non-existent. </div>
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Language is so complex!</div>
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It's remarkable how a brain that struggles to process visual, auditory, and oral inputs can make heads or tails of anything in this world, but Maddie is doing it!</div>
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She's a warrior, super hero!</div>
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And now, we are enjoying all that she has to offer this world.</div>
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Here's a few things that have made me smile recently:</div>
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A few night's ago she wanted to bring a book to bed. It was a Mickey Mouse clubhouse book and not the small, pocket version either; a big, hardback, cumbersome book that she wants to sleep with. </div>
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I told her yes, but immediately regretted the decision when the corner of the book gouged me in the arm.</div>
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As she prepared to go to sleep I hear in a sweet, tiny voice, </div>
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"a-night Cickey, a-night Minnie, a-night Donald, a-night Goopy, a-night Donald...no...uh...a-night Tuto, a-night Daisy"</div>
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Aww.</div>
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Another time we were driving on I-40 passing downtown and she says, "Look Mommy it's Max, it's Max!"</div>
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It took me a while, but I finally realized she was talking about Max from the movie Secret Life of Pets. The movie is set in a big city and the high rise buildings reminded her of Max. 😊</div>
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Sometimes she still gets things a little wrong but it's so cute.</div>
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Like when she repeats back her morning chores. </div>
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First thing in the morning she has to go potty and feed and water Belle.</div>
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She'll say, "Ok mommy, I go potty, eat Belle, water Belle."</div>
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"I did it!"</div>
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Or when she's counting to twenty and she says, </div>
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"ten, eleben, two-teen, turteen, fourteen, fiveteen..."</div>
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It makes sense!</div>
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And sometimes figuring out what's she's saying is still a puzzle.</div>
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Like when she's hugging Belle and and she says, </div>
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"Aw, she wubs me." (Translation, "she loves me")</div>
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Or "Whoo, I'm surssy!" (Translation, "I'm thirsty")</div>
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These kinds of things we have just memorized are her versions of words.</div>
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Once you have taken the mental journey to figure the puzzle out, you don't soon forget!!</div>
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And of course the other side of Maddie is her Sassy side.</div>
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Maybe it does border on disrespect, but I secretly love her sassy side, (<b>most</b> of the time!)</div>
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When I tell her to do something she doesn't want to do, but she finally gives in she says, </div>
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"OK, bine, I'll do it!" With brows furrowed, of course!</div>
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Sometimes I find myself just gazing at her, in awe.</div>
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I'm so proud of how she approaches life, undaunted by her challenges. </div>
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She's learning more and more each day and growing into her own, unique person. </div>
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I now have a new appreciation for what is usually simple things I know I have taken for granted like the ability to speak what's on your mind!</div>
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Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240735493995388624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529804721106421123.post-60563232699404480662017-02-16T13:23:00.000-06:002017-02-16T13:23:09.165-06:00Valentine's Day 2017<div style="text-align: center;">
We kept things really simple for Valentine's Day this year.</div>
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It was simple but special.</div>
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For us, it was just dinner and a movie at home.</div>
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We had filet mignon with horseradish cream sauce, cheesy-herbed mashed potatoes, spinach strawberry salad, and chocolate covered strawberries for dessert.</div>
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To make things a little special, we had sparkling cider, flowers, and balloons!</div>
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Maddie made her Valentine's for Daddy.</div>
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She's' been working really hard on writing her "M's"!</div>
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She helped clean house before Daddy got home!</div>
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And she was in charge of making the chocolate-covered strawberries for dessert!</div>
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She had to taste the chocolate for quality control, of course!</div>
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Maddie's Valentine's gift was the Trolls movie and she was SO excited! </div>
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We finished up our evening watching the movie in our pajamas!</div>
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Hope you guys had a great Valentine's Day too!</div>
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Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240735493995388624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529804721106421123.post-17255041995711501112017-02-01T13:34:00.001-06:002017-02-14T09:26:38.018-06:00Unintended Consequences Change Brings On!<div style="text-align: center;">
Restructuring our homeschool schedule and curriculum has had so many ups and downs!<br />
Each day I'm learning more about myself, Maddie, and the two of us together. <br />
Maddie has discovered the THING that just gets under my skin and uses it what feels like 75% of the day!!<br />
Whoo, this is not for the faint of heart...the <i>power</i> struggle is real! 😣<br />
I think the overall decision to change to more structure has been extremely beneficial, but at the same time, it's totally cramping her style!<br />
No more hours droning on and on endlessly with electronics!<br />
No more making up a third option when given two choices!<br />
You expect me to put my own shoes on now...<i>by myself</i>?!<br />
Yep, and we call those life skills!<br />
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We are working on a consistent schedule with the same things happening in the same order each day.</div>
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They don't necessarily happen at the same TIME every day, but I do try and at least make sure they are in the same order.</div>
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We begin the day with Maddie's chores.</div>
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Right now that is feeding and watering Belle, and going potty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlcWAeJwna5U1mn9Lefo5QcFwgboc1qs5Dn2tGTT3O3OPqUxYsThFqErMewQfWcoLuIy_Xr1OqB2QFtZWHE-SeHY6L7IcAQMCfyoqKeXoBDmJAnwFPUug8XSvt0SFJ41QrNvMk9geUdc/s1600/20170202-5DM36052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlcWAeJwna5U1mn9Lefo5QcFwgboc1qs5Dn2tGTT3O3OPqUxYsThFqErMewQfWcoLuIy_Xr1OqB2QFtZWHE-SeHY6L7IcAQMCfyoqKeXoBDmJAnwFPUug8XSvt0SFJ41QrNvMk9geUdc/s640/20170202-5DM36052.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She was extra generous this particular day! :)</td></tr>
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Then she gets a few minutes with her iPad while Mommy has quiet time to read.<br />
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Then, we have breakfast.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDIXC5rCwPQicaw3QirNcz1KQcXNJP5Vz8vD9bm6vaW1J4BlCZXHMBCtdQBPYI0ghbNzBBcqN-TxE82logTetImUdqHeLD38cHyPc_z7dpG54_teUWULdCg3rEaDAay7If7UNgGejOBY/s1600/20170125-5DM35870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDIXC5rCwPQicaw3QirNcz1KQcXNJP5Vz8vD9bm6vaW1J4BlCZXHMBCtdQBPYI0ghbNzBBcqN-TxE82logTetImUdqHeLD38cHyPc_z7dpG54_teUWULdCg3rEaDAay7If7UNgGejOBY/s640/20170125-5DM35870.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our attempt at Mickey pancakes!</td></tr>
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After breakfast it's baths and getting ready for the day.<br />
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Next, we take Belle on a walk and work on obedience training with her.<br />
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Then, we take a few minutes to play with Belle outside.</div>
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After all this we head to the homeschool room and begin the curriculum's lessons for the day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFmqAwizyp7BVmtsYBC53rUw7xtjJCqcR8_puO9_6vNGmykQxcGqPRxM168he_We9FEVoI66KEun0lQuarPFWCaYgWnsYflMzAqOLhOozIshp3vSYPLNMaAaazVOw-9nPyIt_IJVwNDg/s1600/20170213-5DM36085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFmqAwizyp7BVmtsYBC53rUw7xtjJCqcR8_puO9_6vNGmykQxcGqPRxM168he_We9FEVoI66KEun0lQuarPFWCaYgWnsYflMzAqOLhOozIshp3vSYPLNMaAaazVOw-9nPyIt_IJVwNDg/s640/20170213-5DM36085.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our visual schedule. Definitely one of the best changes we have made. Maddie LOVES it. And when she's in a particularly feisty mood, she wants to be in control of the order of things! That's a battle I can concede as long as we get everything done!</td></tr>
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After work in the homeschool room, it's time for snuggles on the couch with books (my favorite part of the day!)<br />
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We are generally finished up around noon, give or take an hour.</div>
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On Wednesdays and Fridays we go to speech or occupational therapy.<br />
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Then, the afternoons are more relaxed with games, outside play, art, etc.<br />
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<span id="goog_1548008014"></span><span id="goog_1548008015"></span><br />
I found myself struggling against the curriculum, <a href="http://www.mfwbooks.com/wps/portal/c/homeschool/!ut/p/a1/hc_LDoIwEAXQb3HBtp0WbMBdjaTKQ2UldmOAIGCAEkD4fcG4MfExu0nOzZ3BEodY1tFQZFFfqDoq512yC-WWLahJHbHfrIEfDEEC39CFwSZwngB8GQ7_8icsn8T2rGDrCgLi6FPYOcJmhLsEgLzAjwoHyyKu0JhUCBAxgDJmmoRZujWfx-tYNzMs2_SatmmL7u30Vt73TbfSQINxHFGmVFamKFGVBp8iuep6HL5L3FQh3Jbl4PHF4gFNF2Nt/">My Father's World- Kindergarten</a>. There's so much I really like about it, but there's enough that I felt the need to adjust down to her level that I found it was causing unnecessary stress.<br />
I ordered the preschool level from the same company and I think that will be the perfect fit for us right now.<br />
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We both are experiencing some growing pains, but I know it's all for the best.<br />
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Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240735493995388624noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529804721106421123.post-67031389458558935262017-01-30T11:09:00.000-06:002017-01-30T11:09:44.285-06:00Dissapointment<div style="text-align: center;">
Raising a child with special needs has its disappointments.<br />
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A visit to the cardiologist reveals the hole in her heart is still there and could cause strokes later in life.<br />
Disappointment.<br />
A visit to the endocrinologist means more blood needs to be drawn, which causes extreme anxiety and trauma.<br />
Disappointment.<br />
A visit to the eye doctor and you discover her eyes are getting worse and a new set of lenses is needed.<br />
Disappointment.<br />
You're cleaning up your 8-year-old's third potty accident of the day.<br />
Disappointment.<br />
Birthday parties and social gatherings are a struggle because of sensory overload.<br />
Disappointment.<br />
There's the occasional mean kid at the playground who sniffs out vulnerability and takes it out on your kid.<br />
Disappointment.<br />
A new skill is learned only to discover a week later, it's mysteriously vanished.<br />
Disappointment.<br />
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Yesterday's sermon was about disappointment.</div>
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The point was made when disappointments come in our lives, it's to serve one of the two outcomes for Christ's mission: to glorify God and/or make disciples.<br />
Beth Moore says things happen 1) for God's glory or 2)your destiny.</div>
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The question to ask is not why, but rather "how will this glorify God or make disciples."<br />
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How does an extra chromosome glorify God?<br />
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Call it a Mom's bias, but I can't look at Maddie and NOT see God's glory.<br />
I don't think you can look at the disappointments and not also see the blessings.<br />
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Yes, her heart has a hole, but she uses that heart to love passionately.<br />
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Sure the trauma of getting a needle stuck in her arm is extremely unpleasant, but she learns that she's strong and capable.<br />
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Maybe she is nearsighted and requires stronger lenses, but she sees things in people that I can't see with my 20/20 vision.<br />
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Yes, we are 8 and are still struggling with potty training...ok, honestly I'm having a hard time seeing the blessing in this one! (just kidding, at least all of our digestive systems are working properly, right?)<br />
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Social gatherings and sensory overload is complicated and difficult, but we are learning what it takes to be kind to our bodies and meet our needs (which in turn teaches us compassion for others).<br />
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Bullies happen to be a part of life occasionally, but what an amazing opportunity to extend grace and mercy.<br />
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Skills come and go, but although they may go, the next time around they come back a little easier than before.<br />
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Maybe I'm wrong but I believe this is a disciple in the making!<br />
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Disappointments are hard and they feel gross, but I hope in your disappointments you may see the glory of God and the work it takes to make all of us a little more Christ-like.<br />
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Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240735493995388624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529804721106421123.post-51744972610037988302017-01-26T13:20:00.002-06:002017-01-26T13:20:41.663-06:00How to Adjust Homeschool Curriculum to Fit Special Needs<div style="text-align: center;">
We are just about to finish up week 2 of our newly restructured homeschool.<br />
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The most important change is our schedule.<br />
We are working hard to do the same things in the same order every day.</div>
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We are using <a href="http://www.mfwbooks.com/products/5/Kindergarten-God-s-Creation-from-A-to-Z/#Overview">My Father's World- Kingergarten</a> for curriculum.</div>
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I decided to take 6 weeks and follow it exactly as written, or at least the best we can before we evaluate and make changes. <br />
<br />
Two weeks in, and I already know I'm going to have to tweak some things for Maddie's learning style.<br />
We actually tried this curriculum a couple of years ago and I know now why I tossed it aside.<br />
The pace of it all is a bit too overwhelming for Maddie.<br />
For example, the activity to trace the letter in the salt (great idea!) is only set up to do two days of the week.<br />
We followed that model, and by the second day Maddie was actually successful in writing the letter "s."<br />
But this week, we were already moving on to the next letter and when I asked her to review the letter "s", that skill was gone.<br />
It was like starting back over.<br />
Maddie needs a lot more repetition than that.<br />
<br />
I really like the themes and fun activities to go along with it, but I'm thinking a lot of it is a bit too advanced for her still.<br />
For example, the first week is all about the sun.<br />
The fact that the sun is 92 million miles away, is made of helium and hydrogen, and is big enough to fit a million earths inside is all lost on her.<br />
We had to simplify to just learn that:<br />
1. God made the sun.<br />
2. The sun gives us light.<br />
3. It hurts our eyes to look directly as the sun.<br />
4. The sun is really hot.<br />
<br />
They also have a spiritual component that correlates to the theme.<br />
For the sun, it's Jesus is the light of the world.<br />
We talked about it, but I felt like it was too abstract for her to understand.<br />
I will stick with it, but now I know adjustments are going to have to be made. <br />
I don't think two years ago I knew enough about Maddie's needs and learning style to do that.<br />
I definitely think we can do that now.<br />
<br />
Here's a tour of our homeschool room!<br />
Maddie and I both love it.<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uKo5Qk81u7Q/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uKo5Qk81u7Q?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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Here's some photos of our activities from week one:</div>
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Reviewing the seasons. </div>
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She says our current season is "snowball fights!"</div>
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Oh boy, scissors! </div>
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I'm glad this is part of the weekly curriculum. </div>
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We'll need the practice.</div>
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She counts the numbers each day. <br />
Most of the time she can make it to twelve without any help.<br />
Some days she may forget 10 and call it 8, but my favorite thing is when she calls twelve "two-teen!"<br />
So cute!<br />
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She loved the salt tray!<br />
What a great way to learn letter formations.<br />
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She was so proud of herself when she did it all by herself!<br />
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These envelopes are for her letter box.<br />
Each week she cuts out pictures that begin with the letter of the week and we put them in the letter envelope. <br />
Next week, there's a fun game we do with the two different letters.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jMICKhu11NqJkf9cpfHQPKiIMKXwYWj_fmd4ThxhtB3WtxPTtk1KOLg_dWigX6XaHyioTtlXqo29CFeuB8X3lJWzfSX41wIW2yaCQAcj4rge8Eylh87EKICDAqfN_El8xPhfb3utyyg/s1600/20170117-5DM35777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jMICKhu11NqJkf9cpfHQPKiIMKXwYWj_fmd4ThxhtB3WtxPTtk1KOLg_dWigX6XaHyioTtlXqo29CFeuB8X3lJWzfSX41wIW2yaCQAcj4rge8Eylh87EKICDAqfN_El8xPhfb3utyyg/s640/20170117-5DM35777.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We read several books about the sun...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsZUe5aFCHyLzoLH8BaJGm1ZybhG5reAsoSv9pV22_l7KTnKs_bem_QHN71UWHxGvnM9zsOPAkK94Wla5AGC-Fdn8-MO2izuHB3_FDKqyyYMPHS241-l5EQnWzS7i16JoDh9qF-eOWX8/s1600/20170118-5DM35795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsZUe5aFCHyLzoLH8BaJGm1ZybhG5reAsoSv9pV22_l7KTnKs_bem_QHN71UWHxGvnM9zsOPAkK94Wla5AGC-Fdn8-MO2izuHB3_FDKqyyYMPHS241-l5EQnWzS7i16JoDh9qF-eOWX8/s640/20170118-5DM35795.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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After reading <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Moonbears-Shadow-Frank-Asch/dp/1442494263/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1485457152&sr=1-1&keywords=moonbear%27s+shadow">Moonbear's Shadow</a>, we went outside and measured her shadow each hour.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wuuLo5cq4InUm8mwdb4R6IyxLHvVd_uJ0_HdpdMP37NRBZOMm6kpuHVPqYpnV2Q81vheB9x9ZM6_DkJ24xlX1J4qbf6Dg3K-TfTk23ZuOQ_M8j181xbkGbQ7c_IO3INIEyGXET-njhg/s1600/20170117-5DM35750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wuuLo5cq4InUm8mwdb4R6IyxLHvVd_uJ0_HdpdMP37NRBZOMm6kpuHVPqYpnV2Q81vheB9x9ZM6_DkJ24xlX1J4qbf6Dg3K-TfTk23ZuOQ_M8j181xbkGbQ7c_IO3INIEyGXET-njhg/s640/20170117-5DM35750.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTviosayNOOCIwX3GZHeUp-lfXNiprkdBhE7pSDWCdIO2x3xW0Zg93xm4vO_lBG6etZ-45zqaHnjZ4t01svBeyngVob1pwzoieIpXagHiIn9pTe33k1saSOUoEcSzNsx08GniC0sAVWbw/s1600/20170117-5DM35753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTviosayNOOCIwX3GZHeUp-lfXNiprkdBhE7pSDWCdIO2x3xW0Zg93xm4vO_lBG6etZ-45zqaHnjZ4t01svBeyngVob1pwzoieIpXagHiIn9pTe33k1saSOUoEcSzNsx08GniC0sAVWbw/s640/20170117-5DM35753.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPAc-XbyzsLftWQzSAVVdKibyVeryN79LGX_pG4TL50v3Xv2yw3DuWatWp1Jj7Xrwic3i3DYwVr-_ZG1UzKhg_pfmJwzrgc1W45BlKjsJf8qogDLBOAkgC1WhX9_DaaPhaYLufjRX874/s1600/20170117-5DM35781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPAc-XbyzsLftWQzSAVVdKibyVeryN79LGX_pG4TL50v3Xv2yw3DuWatWp1Jj7Xrwic3i3DYwVr-_ZG1UzKhg_pfmJwzrgc1W45BlKjsJf8qogDLBOAkgC1WhX9_DaaPhaYLufjRX874/s640/20170117-5DM35781.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And had some fun with chalk...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBEaseEPFyxD3zkuURoTHzADLn-sCg_SmVf-3QuR67zNjiammYLXZeq8OdehkPDCvJmSez3uwptTeBaYVja0r9hKpfNnfhyphenhyphenH9xIiaGWdW4ED7uLQFHuB1KHvi1wBxipuBFw1Hn_sDHME/s1600/20170117-5DM35761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBEaseEPFyxD3zkuURoTHzADLn-sCg_SmVf-3QuR67zNjiammYLXZeq8OdehkPDCvJmSez3uwptTeBaYVja0r9hKpfNnfhyphenhyphenH9xIiaGWdW4ED7uLQFHuB1KHvi1wBxipuBFw1Hn_sDHME/s640/20170117-5DM35761.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another project was making raisins.<br />
We were supposed to put the grapes out in the sun and chart them each day to see how they change.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWc1eSzo_IymNcsaM-fLcE_g2ojRY8lD21UAlcaH2XjTurtDN6wi32V-0A7Jl4ewUmKrVUFtPD40QzSQk6dzqb75p1lO1Y-GHTolnbsrlDOm26oN1dKIspRUnC7dm7x-jO5SLMkQxHj8A/s1600/20170117-5DM35778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWc1eSzo_IymNcsaM-fLcE_g2ojRY8lD21UAlcaH2XjTurtDN6wi32V-0A7Jl4ewUmKrVUFtPD40QzSQk6dzqb75p1lO1Y-GHTolnbsrlDOm26oN1dKIspRUnC7dm7x-jO5SLMkQxHj8A/s640/20170117-5DM35778.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This was one activity that I felt was a little too much for her attention span, so we just talked about the fact that raisins came from grapes and then we had a tasty snack!<br />
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I just wanted to say thank you to all who have been praying for us and wishing us well on this homeschool journey of ours. <br />
I seems like we are at least heading in the right direction!<br />
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Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240735493995388624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529804721106421123.post-12270547930032884062017-01-23T07:37:00.002-06:002017-01-23T07:37:57.044-06:00Maddie + Belle= Best Buddies<div style="text-align: center;">
This budding, new friendship is such a joy to sit back and watch.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYBHmbX18rYaiXZYhoPQMbNE-V1U5irUJ9uxgo3Ors3vIvYVXqjB41T0uTn8iSo7c1GYfgu-eASyJQTllxZMI9wykwOM4T0rV23-sFMEG7HnDMblTiXNzDJcvduvDqzMZ3MBRzuY-A08/s1600/20170117-5DM35743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYBHmbX18rYaiXZYhoPQMbNE-V1U5irUJ9uxgo3Ors3vIvYVXqjB41T0uTn8iSo7c1GYfgu-eASyJQTllxZMI9wykwOM4T0rV23-sFMEG7HnDMblTiXNzDJcvduvDqzMZ3MBRzuY-A08/s640/20170117-5DM35743.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Since the beginning, we have always had intentions of training Belle to be a service or therapy dog for Maddie. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfk0yVjYcFY7YMBF8oeTtMVCFdpekI7SV0eVv-RykrulGr-cgS-Pwpnux-IWgQkxEMQl046tJFCeRBrdUsWW5JIDYad_lKuWFjfuRDIiBiCK1O2_Ylcz8S02dakLOHT2mDtqj2UQNkb_Q/s1600/20170106-5DM35547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfk0yVjYcFY7YMBF8oeTtMVCFdpekI7SV0eVv-RykrulGr-cgS-Pwpnux-IWgQkxEMQl046tJFCeRBrdUsWW5JIDYad_lKuWFjfuRDIiBiCK1O2_Ylcz8S02dakLOHT2mDtqj2UQNkb_Q/s640/20170106-5DM35547.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For the first few months I found myself a wee bit overwhelmed working to potty train both dog and child, and as a result, much of the obedience training took a back seat.</div>
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With things going better in the potty training areas for both dependents, we are now able to focus on obedience training for Belle, step one of therapy training.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_AIc9KsqCkXeiU7Eo1zy8lgCkQOL1BF6Zs3_p8TmoG0EXIvtrVuOoF3MNhcHU0yidAAQtwPUrGYEO1HlIdKIYvKGnu3RYKvHYz9bDQm70teVQwiQfCNOe95ZUJ-DBcJneMnp6bb1cBI/s1600/20170106-5DM35609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_AIc9KsqCkXeiU7Eo1zy8lgCkQOL1BF6Zs3_p8TmoG0EXIvtrVuOoF3MNhcHU0yidAAQtwPUrGYEO1HlIdKIYvKGnu3RYKvHYz9bDQm70teVQwiQfCNOe95ZUJ-DBcJneMnp6bb1cBI/s640/20170106-5DM35609.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have been really surprised however, how innately things have come to Belle.</div>
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Several weeks ago Maddie fell asleep on the couch. </div>
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We went to bed and left her to sleep on the couch. </div>
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At some point in the night, she began coughing with allergies and drainage.</div>
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I heard Belle in her kennel whimpering.</div>
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She only does that when she's sick and needs to go outside.</div>
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"Oh no, I wonder what she ate this time."</div>
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I got up to let her outside, thinking she would bolt for the door. </div>
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Instead she came out of her kennel and headed straight for the couch.</div>
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With her tail straight out, she leaned over and smelled Maddie. </div>
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I said, "See Belle, she's ok."</div>
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Satisfied, Belle went back into her kennel for the rest of the night.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxY_EqXGejH7AMAirurjQ838xGOqRUaUJrBkAAMMMVwgk_9MzvR-t_yBOco0slVf6ORo9GqP4VmOvXDAk8XVuBGFRi7sR2O6ebTsGJvQscJbxeQorA9uGMoVCPQ5JOd8UHJwjWc6Mgq8/s1600/20170106-5DM35640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxY_EqXGejH7AMAirurjQ838xGOqRUaUJrBkAAMMMVwgk_9MzvR-t_yBOco0slVf6ORo9GqP4VmOvXDAk8XVuBGFRi7sR2O6ebTsGJvQscJbxeQorA9uGMoVCPQ5JOd8UHJwjWc6Mgq8/s640/20170106-5DM35640.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Then, few weeks ago Maddie wanted Belle to sleep with her in her bedroom.<br />
Maddie still needs one of us to be in there with her when she falls asleep, so it was the three of us on her little twin size mattress. <br />
It worked out OK, since Belle stayed at the foot of the bed.<br />
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<br />
Maddie was particularly restless that night, rolling and tossing and turning.<br />
She couldn't keep her legs still, and Belle went over and just laid right on top of her. <br />
Before long, Maddie settled down and fell asleep.<br />
It's like Belle was her weighted blanket for the night!<br />
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<br />
When Maddie talks about Belle she says they are best friends.<br />
And she often says, "aw look Mom, she loves me!"<br />
And I say, "yes she does. She loves you very much."<br />
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<br />
Her only vice, so far, is the trash can! <br />
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<br />
She's a goofy little opportunist waiting for a tasty treat!<br />
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<br />
We really need to get a trash can with a lid. 😜<br />
<br />
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Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240735493995388624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529804721106421123.post-44512125759895920762017-01-21T08:16:00.001-06:002017-01-21T08:16:40.652-06:00How's Maddie Doing?<div style="text-align: center;">
A simple question.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not so simple to answer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How <i>is</i> she doing?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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I don't know if all mothers evaluate this question around this time of year, or if it's a homeschooling thing, or a special needs thing, but it seems like January always begins the reflection of what the year has held and begs the question, how is Maddie?<br />
<br />
In December we received a devastating reality check with the results of an assessment performed for Occupational Therapy. <br />
I knew Maddie wasn't functioning at her chronological age in most areas, but I had no idea how far behind she was in fine motor skills.<br />
It's true what they say, ignorance is bliss.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been trying to step outside our status quo and see ourselves from a fresh perspective.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been studying personality types and learning styles, and specifically how they affect homeschooling.<br />
At 38, I can pretty well peg my personality type and learning style.<br />
It's much more difficult to pinpoint Maddie's.<br />
Sometimes it's hard to decipher if she does things as a compensation for her sensory processing disorder, or if that is her true self. <br />
If I were the only figure in the equation of homeschooling, I can envision the most amazing homeschool, and it would more than likely resemble project based learning, or life learning, or "unschooling."<br />
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<br />
Of course, the trouble is this homeschooling thing is not really about me or for me, is it?<br />
So, what's best for Maddie?<br />
<br />
After careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion what's best for her is exactly opposite of the natural way I'm wired. <br />
<i>"Isn't God so funny?"</i><br />
<i>"Hilarious", she answered sarcastically.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
It's hard to know for certain what's best for Maddie, but I won't ever know if I don't experiment and see what works. <br />
I feel like the last year and a half I've been trying to do it my way and now we've ended up with devastating results on an Occupational Therapy assessment.<br />
Time for a new strategy.<br />
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<br />
A mentor once told me when trying new approaches, give it 6 weeks or 9 weeks or whatever period of time, and really commit to it. At the end of the time period, evaluate and see what's working and what needs tweaking.<br />
<br />
So, I'm going to take that advice and step outside what feels natural in the attempt to enter into Maddie's world and how she sees things.<br />
My hunch is she likes order, structure, the same things every day, knowing what to expect and when to expect them.<br />
For me, I kind of get a little excited with <i>some</i> chaos, doing the same things over and over is absolute torture, and I feel dead inside when there is no spontaneity. <br />
(I also tend to be a bit dramatic.)<br />
I'm a romantic idealist.<br />
However, I'm excited about these next 6 weeks.<br />
If structure and routine and order are the keys that unlock her potential, sign me up!<br />
I'll do whatever it takes.<br />
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<br />
And you know what?<br />
I have a feeling God was not being sadistic when pairing two opposite personalities together for this journey.<br />
There are so many things we can learn from each other.<br />
It's really a grace-filled act of love to be given the opportunity to stretch and grow and appreciate each other for the unique ways God has created us.<br />
<br />
See, I told you, romantic idealist through and through!<br />
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Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240735493995388624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529804721106421123.post-81173235809925682762016-12-14T09:57:00.000-06:002016-12-14T09:57:09.280-06:00My Greatest Privilege and Biggest Challenge<div style="text-align: center;">
Do you guys have that one issue that you think you've dealt with, but at of nowhere, it rises up and you find yourself back to square one?<br />
The monkey on my back is insecurities with homeschool.<br />
It's not that I doubt Maddie's capabilities.<br />
Quite the opposite, actually.<br />
<br />
I doubt mine.<br />
<br />
Am I really cut out for this?<br />
Am I doing her a disservice?<br />
Should I be doing it differently?<br />
Is she reaching her full potential?<br />
<br />
These are the questions that get me up at 5:00 am for a run, as if the answers are hidden around the next curve.<br />
In the quiet of the day, or while driving alone with my thoughts; most of the time, this is what I'm thinking about.<br />
<br />
The crazy thing is, I've never doubted that homeschooling is what we should be doing. <br />
I felt God call me into it, and believe me, I resisted at first.<br />
But once I confirmed the call, I've never once doubted IF we should be homeschooling.<br />
<br />
Now, ask me HOW we should go about homeschooling and my mind is riddled with doubts!<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: small;">The trigger for the insecurities this time was an assessment from the Occupational Therapist.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: small;">The therapist began using the correct chronological age category for the assessment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: small;">A couple of pages into it, and it was obvious this was way too advanced for Maddie.</span></div>
She began again with what was intended for 3-5 year olds.<br />
I know these things really don't matter, and the most important thing is that Maddie keeps improving on her own timetable, but this is always hard to hear.<br />
<br />
And as a Mom with homeschool insecurities, it's like throwing fuel on the fire!<br />
I've been through this cycle many times now, and my first instinct was to just try harder.<br />
That only lead to a frustrated kiddo and an overwhelmed Mommy.<br />
<br />
My second thought was to re-evaluate our curriculum. Maybe the answers are in the shiny, new box over there! We have stacks and stacks of homeschooling materials and, of course, that wasn't the answer either.<br />
<br />
I really don't know the answer to this one, except to pray for wisdom, keep on keeping on, and focus on raising a child with a kind heart and loving intentions.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, we celebrate the small things...<br />
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<br />
like when she showed an interest in cutting after I began wrapping presents!<br />
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<br />
And we proceed with patience on the harder things.<br />
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<br />
I thought this would be a fun, easy activity for Maddie to work her fine motor skills.<br />
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<br />
It turned out to be extremely challenging!!<br />
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<br />
We had to break it down, step by step; practicing pincer grasp, holding the ornament in one hand with pincer grasp, taking the tree limb in the other had also using pincer grasp and then simultaneously hooking the ornament onto the branch.<br />
What seemed like a simple activity, with skills that come easily to most children, are really quite complicated when you break it down!<br />
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<br />
We did have some success, but a couple of ornaments and she was done!<br />
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<br />
Play dough was easier and way more fun!<br />
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<br />
I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be able to homeschool Maddie.<br />
I consider it my greatest privilege in life.<br />
At the same time, it's the one issue I just don't have all the answers, and my biggest challenge.<br />
<br />
These years are passing so quickly, I don't want to look back on this time and remember angst and stress.<br />
I want to remember the quality time we shared together mixed in with a lot of fun.<br />
I want Maddie to look back and treasure this time with lots of good memories!<br />
<br />
Is it a big challenge?<br />
Yes.<br />
Challenge accepted?<br />
Absolutely.<br />
<br />
Let's do this, and do this well!<br />
<br /></div>
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</style>Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240735493995388624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529804721106421123.post-39721712291674799692016-11-22T15:58:00.000-06:002016-11-22T15:58:30.192-06:00Create Dreams That Scare You a Little<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been writing this blog post in my head for weeks now. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To start at the beginning takes me back to summer. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I led a bible study group through the book <i>The Circle Maker</i> by Mark Batterson.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He talks about dreaming big dreams. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dreams that are so big they require supernatural intervention to achieve.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have always admired marathon runners and have often thought they must possess some sort of mind-over matter-true-grit-magic that few of us ever experience.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnwZs_crL0lwra3QNAbXHf15qSrErJkWFZW1dENSuh2VQCLmvoImBCqo8P58cmJF1HA8nv1-E7qGK8KuXU28_793qkWgX57d6HCwC1J3VztU9vLppN8tTBI2aCuFf3xSVZ5ospucINf4/s1600/20161120-5DM34437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnwZs_crL0lwra3QNAbXHf15qSrErJkWFZW1dENSuh2VQCLmvoImBCqo8P58cmJF1HA8nv1-E7qGK8KuXU28_793qkWgX57d6HCwC1J3VztU9vLppN8tTBI2aCuFf3xSVZ5ospucINf4/s640/20161120-5DM34437.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That would be a big dream.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've always loved running, in fact, you may be interested to know that in my dreams, I'm like super-duper, crazy fast! I'm always running and no one can ever catch me. I've even jumped over buildings once! In my dreams I'm super awesome. <i>Just sayin'. (</i>perhaps I should explore <i>why</i> someone is always chasing me in my dreams. 😆) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BUT, coming back to reality, the problem is, I haven't ran in years...actually...decades to be exact.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZ55pgoufInGsGXYfKUjTjre6t3MimFB2jeu_Kevh4QW8XbX9MW_mOowXoYf_9zipoZ68cZz_s6sqWtWLh-GsVhNxkqjVlTFC4R2ibMaFQsU0jAYODTrfertGu5e_mUiHjW9iD_2qTPA/s1600/20161120-5DM34456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZ55pgoufInGsGXYfKUjTjre6t3MimFB2jeu_Kevh4QW8XbX9MW_mOowXoYf_9zipoZ68cZz_s6sqWtWLh-GsVhNxkqjVlTFC4R2ibMaFQsU0jAYODTrfertGu5e_mUiHjW9iD_2qTPA/s640/20161120-5DM34456.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, I thought I would ease into it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Take 10 months to train for the Memorial Marathon. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That should do it, I thought.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Actually, I have to back up in the timeline a bit to tell the full story. (Get comfortable, this story's a long one!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I began in September 2015 going to the gym to get in shape. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After a month or so of going to classes 2-3 times per week, I found myself on the Stairmaster one minute, and on the ground the next!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I almost passed out, and made a big enough scene to alert the medical team at the YMCA.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Turns out nothing at all was wrong with me except the fact that I was so out of shape, 10 minutes on the Stairmaster was enough to do me in!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Umm, can you say <i>embarrassing</i>!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTbdWTsklhjG8ePQ361dKxRQCc2Revjok8twBx4ePI68aT8GlUowPLERKrXsNx2OX8BtohAxbBgrTGfrs6XivnlrWIFBeOKAYu__RdNl9HKjqldDXpqTe7YE4-eL9L3z4l5j_68R-ELo/s1600/20161120-5DM34545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTbdWTsklhjG8ePQ361dKxRQCc2Revjok8twBx4ePI68aT8GlUowPLERKrXsNx2OX8BtohAxbBgrTGfrs6XivnlrWIFBeOKAYu__RdNl9HKjqldDXpqTe7YE4-eL9L3z4l5j_68R-ELo/s640/20161120-5DM34545.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So now, fast forward July of 2016. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm actually considering running a marathon.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of course it will be 10 months away, a lot of training can take place in 10 months.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But then, I had a good friend who encouraged me to sign up for the Route 66 marathon, less than 5 months out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll do the half, I thought. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Get my feet wet, and then run the full in the Memorial Marathon.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Good, solid plan!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3Un-7AMZby0AMjTcPe3nkyILSZFolulEpjTVh5w3PKSs1ytoG1pFw44l4bGoNIpl0oavkrRtUAf1GXcMOCP7FbHA12SaXtg2BV3nf_5I4NGsvXUzwqGSK5DVbDYbZLymA_hYS6ftFJU/s1600/20161120-5DM34564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3Un-7AMZby0AMjTcPe3nkyILSZFolulEpjTVh5w3PKSs1ytoG1pFw44l4bGoNIpl0oavkrRtUAf1GXcMOCP7FbHA12SaXtg2BV3nf_5I4NGsvXUzwqGSK5DVbDYbZLymA_hYS6ftFJU/s640/20161120-5DM34564.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But for some crazy reason, I began training with Oklahoma Landrunners and started out with the full marathoners running 8 miles in August.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After that run, I was encouraged to forget the half and go for the full. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Run the full, they said. It will be fun, they said! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not <i>that</i> was a dream that scared me a little.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXloMVPcPe32iwwWMzvIhvsHFbKaY5xhRN27HuckVubzPdXMoG8SomGuerhc95oTFa7ISEpkVT7r8PfCrGQRgoG1lcExl1Nd3umpSstOkI7xAOqPWNaXJ2HUvetXuRiIALDctZsjvQ2k/s1600/20161120-5DM34567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXloMVPcPe32iwwWMzvIhvsHFbKaY5xhRN27HuckVubzPdXMoG8SomGuerhc95oTFa7ISEpkVT7r8PfCrGQRgoG1lcExl1Nd3umpSstOkI7xAOqPWNaXJ2HUvetXuRiIALDctZsjvQ2k/s640/20161120-5DM34567.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
10 months ago I couldn't even handle 10 minutes of Stairmaster.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now, I'm going to sign up to run 26.2 miles?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes! Mark Batterson would approve.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was the perfect dream!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A dream so big it was beyond my own reach.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A dream that would require supernatural intervention.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was excited for the spiritual journey ahead!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUo0kjTjQ44XHSH57rR19fo4nf7T1lu9oIIzo3h_RHW7jPOS8AxKdzZWcIwY1W3n_rMEklmzZh0JwerD6pu5FFhnV5el9rvAWT4W1cUh921H_KKS7KJmvTIGaLLJO3UADWLMWZuxsB-4/s1600/20161120-5DM34576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUo0kjTjQ44XHSH57rR19fo4nf7T1lu9oIIzo3h_RHW7jPOS8AxKdzZWcIwY1W3n_rMEklmzZh0JwerD6pu5FFhnV5el9rvAWT4W1cUh921H_KKS7KJmvTIGaLLJO3UADWLMWZuxsB-4/s640/20161120-5DM34576.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I had no idea what kind of hard was ahead.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I expected there to be some obstacles, because anytime you set out to get closer to God, there will always be fiery arrows thrown.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Still, I wasn't prepared for the hardship.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had some health issues come up.</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXvYdb4SvDCbKXhWBE6wF_FD6jpdg13cYa1nc2PTEKHAT6EnPtIWE5wnQLLlzwVj0iKxgxGidp2XrZYZ0Bh9WsW3MQnfzuyHSYFyh2uCinJRwWoNV_L1cxli8a0GmMjKyjPfdRaJVA_w/s1600/20161120-5DM34577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXvYdb4SvDCbKXhWBE6wF_FD6jpdg13cYa1nc2PTEKHAT6EnPtIWE5wnQLLlzwVj0iKxgxGidp2XrZYZ0Bh9WsW3MQnfzuyHSYFyh2uCinJRwWoNV_L1cxli8a0GmMjKyjPfdRaJVA_w/s640/20161120-5DM34577.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It turns out your body does weird things when you ask it to go above and beyond.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's like a rebellious teenager that flat out says, "NO" right to your face!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I visited my doctor and everything serious was ruled out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I guess I'm just weird (yeah, the story of my life!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With the OK from the doc to continue training and a prescription in hand, I struggled on.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And this is where the story gets interesting...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Why, oh why, do we as humans insist on trying to fix things all by ourselves?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Things weren't going my way, and so I pouted.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had to stop my training for a while.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I worried and stewed and wondered if <i>I</i> could do this.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I researched.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Perhaps I just needed the right goop, or energy drink, or gear.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Why couldn't <i>I</i> do this, I wondered?</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_Ykvpucw6C37S0f3JO5Ufyl9usmx4gN9seckGunIZ-EBFrgZD5pJ3c3MeBp2UddZX2bahyphenhyphenoFPjnnhssJBGDsGKRZfOttIjMVjPIZYsYPHIinlxypmGmXiEQNv9fWhShbwLENsDW3-P0/s1600/20161120-5DM34584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_Ykvpucw6C37S0f3JO5Ufyl9usmx4gN9seckGunIZ-EBFrgZD5pJ3c3MeBp2UddZX2bahyphenhyphenoFPjnnhssJBGDsGKRZfOttIjMVjPIZYsYPHIinlxypmGmXiEQNv9fWhShbwLENsDW3-P0/s640/20161120-5DM34584.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And then one night, it's like Jesus finally hit me upside the head and said, FOCUS!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remember your why.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Is this about <i>your</i> glory or Mine?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From that night on, my prayers changed. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No longer did I pray to take away the affliction, but instead work through it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had to believe that He had the power not just to take away the ailments, but to provide supernatural strength <i>despite</i> them. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had to trust Him, rely on His strength and not my own, stupid weakness.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Fjg1fqeijLHgIbz90aZW1pqPnHYdI6wdYbMcyFBnNgZelb3PoRqjRLIqohdSBoXp4O5-QklqYb-CrtGzgnaVdMa0usLvZaXvpCfupyUetwQatgeHiFU_DbZbaCAPP4tHiOZeRW-agWo/s1600/20161120-5DM34586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Fjg1fqeijLHgIbz90aZW1pqPnHYdI6wdYbMcyFBnNgZelb3PoRqjRLIqohdSBoXp4O5-QklqYb-CrtGzgnaVdMa0usLvZaXvpCfupyUetwQatgeHiFU_DbZbaCAPP4tHiOZeRW-agWo/s640/20161120-5DM34586.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Everything changed from that moment on.</div>
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I ran with a lightness in my feet. </div>
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I felt strong and able.</div>
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It was still difficult, but I also felt Him with me each step of the way.</div>
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I began listening to the Bible App.</div>
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I started in Galatians and listened through Revelation.</div>
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Then, I listened to Matthew.</div>
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Next, I went to the Old Testament and listened to Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, and Isaiah.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsiuG8ftTb33WlCwQsKSRrFDHYmpmdF7t9a4A8Ofrkb_gtWxdv6ys_ix8vbwcBfSMoBSrcZzYlFIfwiLNMHA7dwhR0KpO_HZNMfwJnylhnr5H_uLNlJq8uswj5p1LbkTxBVluzzXKz6U/s1600/20161120-5DM34590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsiuG8ftTb33WlCwQsKSRrFDHYmpmdF7t9a4A8Ofrkb_gtWxdv6ys_ix8vbwcBfSMoBSrcZzYlFIfwiLNMHA7dwhR0KpO_HZNMfwJnylhnr5H_uLNlJq8uswj5p1LbkTxBVluzzXKz6U/s640/20161120-5DM34590.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The Words came alive.</div>
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Running early in the morning before the sun came up, listening to scripture for hours on end, was like a super-concentrated cleaner where a little goes a long way.</div>
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These scriptures stayed with me throughout the week and brought new, vivid colors into tired, old, everyday scenes!</div>
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I can't say I've ever experienced anything like it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSLxAQKxYeRc3NFNgjfk8h-PFbo6Y-VlcXmP5na0O4JazyALN2oS0msC-bV7jbOKa0AFkPA31FOeVw7CHe-D-W2lbdGqIIvhvo9CaFUBbPzAYDcz-DEsme_1ksHfWbAeK1lWHnzvwpKQ/s1600/20161120-5DM34616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSLxAQKxYeRc3NFNgjfk8h-PFbo6Y-VlcXmP5na0O4JazyALN2oS0msC-bV7jbOKa0AFkPA31FOeVw7CHe-D-W2lbdGqIIvhvo9CaFUBbPzAYDcz-DEsme_1ksHfWbAeK1lWHnzvwpKQ/s640/20161120-5DM34616.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I discovered verses that really helped me carry on like: </div>
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Ecclesiastes 7:8 "Finishing is better than starting, Patience is better than pride."</div>
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And verses I had known, but found a new meaning like:</div>
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Isaiah 40:3 "but to those who hope in the Lord, they will soar on the wings of eagles. They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint."</div>
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Hebrews 12:1 "Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us."</div>
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1 Corinthians 9:27 <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified."</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHoixP-GGcaBYIhgzaYKsPKC5z9hSHqwLbuZCWck-qQ9-IwxS8aiCEpxaY4_vlbDN64_L0R1_Cg5kYTqtoYg0-rkV2PhLFmZOxd2x5fH8CUrHs-v7NcBUWZXjx3qGLfi8b7TZ7w0iMVk/s1600/20161120-5DM34627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHoixP-GGcaBYIhgzaYKsPKC5z9hSHqwLbuZCWck-qQ9-IwxS8aiCEpxaY4_vlbDN64_L0R1_Cg5kYTqtoYg0-rkV2PhLFmZOxd2x5fH8CUrHs-v7NcBUWZXjx3qGLfi8b7TZ7w0iMVk/s640/20161120-5DM34627.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Run a marathon and you'll find out what you're made of.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I found I'm not worth much without my Best Friend, my True North, my Savior.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">You want to know what gives marathon runners that </span></span>mind-over matter-true-grit-kind-of-magic?</div>
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In my experience?</div>
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It's Jesus. 😊</div>
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Want to experience it for yourself? </div>
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Create a dream that scares you a little and see what happens!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7zqPxNAT_IzFk1aQZkKs7ycrJgtUKfr5vDnmb96T9cVVXILHC72WM27QSAqBPk7f6xGtDm-tUow-qs9hZiMecFBevYfCPyJhwE6iuxQ96L-exYa_MyK781uW4itzhyo6RsN5c5tCclA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-11-22+at+3.25.11+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7zqPxNAT_IzFk1aQZkKs7ycrJgtUKfr5vDnmb96T9cVVXILHC72WM27QSAqBPk7f6xGtDm-tUow-qs9hZiMecFBevYfCPyJhwE6iuxQ96L-exYa_MyK781uW4itzhyo6RsN5c5tCclA/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-11-22+at+3.25.11+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4g1AlIZPVIC1l3ot72xtkOCstCvb-_0XYlgbbJlV-O7pO3WDVCJSsqkEmEmksisxKWaTq4TlEVq32pkc4OvYsQViFCBP620v0YGR6CVj7BplPBQKEBkRR6XHiJyvltlnJu3mKg9ELrW4/s1600/20161120-5DM34640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4g1AlIZPVIC1l3ot72xtkOCstCvb-_0XYlgbbJlV-O7pO3WDVCJSsqkEmEmksisxKWaTq4TlEVq32pkc4OvYsQViFCBP620v0YGR6CVj7BplPBQKEBkRR6XHiJyvltlnJu3mKg9ELrW4/s640/20161120-5DM34640.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">aw man, blisters are the worst!</td></tr>
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Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240735493995388624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529804721106421123.post-82215281361688311232016-10-26T15:36:00.000-05:002016-10-26T15:36:18.245-05:00Feeling Nostalgic <div style="text-align: center;">
I was feeling nostalgic about motherhood this morning and decided to look through pictures.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnq6meMmZZwHX1-YGZA4rVR3pT6bkc4wL8MoPhJcXByLc_EwTFsr04aRE2BxGrFUBVXVV0yLFzQVHTuvoJrYbdBHMkna08PO4pDFVEs6vENxNZ4_RBuGGggfmYm8ibCY2mTSYFKAWRRo/s1600/IMG_2600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnq6meMmZZwHX1-YGZA4rVR3pT6bkc4wL8MoPhJcXByLc_EwTFsr04aRE2BxGrFUBVXVV0yLFzQVHTuvoJrYbdBHMkna08PO4pDFVEs6vENxNZ4_RBuGGggfmYm8ibCY2mTSYFKAWRRo/s640/IMG_2600.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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One of the biggest life lessons this journey has taught me is this:</div>
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Having someone believe in you, even when you don't believe in yourself, is more powerful than you can dare to imagine.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVmJSS2ZcIT7mR3lklaXK0Jb4qApbSceqeF_gqWOu7PDYAFSGMjIqjnawyEtnY7EK0ispmYVUIlgt9FrfYNirB-GjJeSp9TreFqxrzz_b-Rq0_YBO-hC4FtdOlAQnGUtRc3n6vvzY5yM/s1600/IMG_4206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVmJSS2ZcIT7mR3lklaXK0Jb4qApbSceqeF_gqWOu7PDYAFSGMjIqjnawyEtnY7EK0ispmYVUIlgt9FrfYNirB-GjJeSp9TreFqxrzz_b-Rq0_YBO-hC4FtdOlAQnGUtRc3n6vvzY5yM/s640/IMG_4206.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I was a little girl growing up, I don't remember pretending to be a Mommy with my dolls.</div>
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I was more into the fashion accessories for my Barbies...all those cute bits and pieces, so fun!</div>
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I honestly didn't think I would make a good Mom. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IZ5p6PAgCU3LI7NTM4KjdCQj8r5F5iRmFPwYXr2lHjtrer_FKw-q84CgErIJjbQRKvvC09huSccaTTkpzX0vjgs-vEvgbORspgwr6pWrednGD9BDPRQTalrW0K0tj_O6t58P3Qjckco/s1600/IMG_4360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IZ5p6PAgCU3LI7NTM4KjdCQj8r5F5iRmFPwYXr2lHjtrer_FKw-q84CgErIJjbQRKvvC09huSccaTTkpzX0vjgs-vEvgbORspgwr6pWrednGD9BDPRQTalrW0K0tj_O6t58P3Qjckco/s640/IMG_4360.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As the baby of the family, I was far too self-absorbed and selfish to make a good Mom.</div>
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I needed my entire family taking care of me, how could I ever be in charge of taking care of someone else?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9aqBoW0F4bUkrr9g9UZGoBxlQGqYRTefIjlvhTUwNc0rmSFKqRBXIU_4fuvwRPLYJvUNaJXFaur6Po9nHnGXpk9G6SVBuCtThuaCsNm66qVTQhKOt3wcEAHfk0NNaNZtyaW80Op92Bg/s1600/IMG_4397_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9aqBoW0F4bUkrr9g9UZGoBxlQGqYRTefIjlvhTUwNc0rmSFKqRBXIU_4fuvwRPLYJvUNaJXFaur6Po9nHnGXpk9G6SVBuCtThuaCsNm66qVTQhKOt3wcEAHfk0NNaNZtyaW80Op92Bg/s640/IMG_4397_edited-1.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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At 25 years old, when the doctor verified I would never be able to get pregnant, I knew it was for the best. </div>
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I just wasn't mommy material, and this was God's way of confirming what I knew was true.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjee7__mgayXSQYWOL8cWgKS6l5Kl8U_TH4fYGdLwleCdbN2BeTbs71iSnUAMFJNBMhUJ6HuyXzkW_W4hdpf8yxlpk-UoSOExasAnzBGwLvZV62hjHLkLG3wBtVka4LdbDk_sVVLc-En4Y/s1600/IMG_4837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjee7__mgayXSQYWOL8cWgKS6l5Kl8U_TH4fYGdLwleCdbN2BeTbs71iSnUAMFJNBMhUJ6HuyXzkW_W4hdpf8yxlpk-UoSOExasAnzBGwLvZV62hjHLkLG3wBtVka4LdbDk_sVVLc-En4Y/s640/IMG_4837.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Ironically, I had majored in Child Development because I read this verse in the Bible that said, "unless you are like these little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."</div>
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I needed to know what these "little children" were like, so I majored in Child Development.</div>
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Purely selfish motives. </div>
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I discovered I really enjoyed kids, they were fascinating!</div>
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I loved being an Aunt, one of the greatest joys in life, but you can imagine my surprise when, at 30 years old, I found out I was pregnant.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jgh6LyXgMHAyufattD3aPRnO_wNZHORGTOmBZJlMaApiugTwsGCXvSuQZRZLApGkTk6ANtTREdCK8ugv0SAuk9yeBxbiJgvAx5T2rn4w_XEGelNjAiXgMTYM1zVpOmIir6O300qZwCU/s1600/IMG_2856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jgh6LyXgMHAyufattD3aPRnO_wNZHORGTOmBZJlMaApiugTwsGCXvSuQZRZLApGkTk6ANtTREdCK8ugv0SAuk9yeBxbiJgvAx5T2rn4w_XEGelNjAiXgMTYM1zVpOmIir6O300qZwCU/s640/IMG_2856.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My first emotions were joy and awe.</div>
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How was this possible?</div>
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Suddenly I was regretting wasting my pretend play days on Barbie's fashion accessories. </div>
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Then I panicked, went to the library, and checked out every book on parenting I could get my hands on.</div>
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From 20 weeks on, the pregnancy was tumultuous but by the grace of God, I had this unbelievable peace that everything was going to be all right. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Looking back, it's astonishing what life threw at us but my belief never wavered and I can't really explain why.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's just a God-thing, I guess.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfA0VSPhTh353FhSZMk29tJ3gqXToyEARICOUixtv4Z-0rUTKMuHLU-pJBlcvJAlvMncZ21raIWfog00kuNKGqhfjnMkWpdzLWKzV_jMiZfQls_7QfFVvJU-23to0XBQk_6YGqV61WNA/s1600/20121125-_MG_4697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfA0VSPhTh353FhSZMk29tJ3gqXToyEARICOUixtv4Z-0rUTKMuHLU-pJBlcvJAlvMncZ21raIWfog00kuNKGqhfjnMkWpdzLWKzV_jMiZfQls_7QfFVvJU-23to0XBQk_6YGqV61WNA/s640/20121125-_MG_4697.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But then, when Maddie had to be taken via emergency C-section, and the Dr. came in and told me she was 90% certain Maddie had Down Syndrome, I felt this amazing love wash over me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was as if God was telling me, "See, <i>I </i>believe in you. You <i>are</i> Mommy material because I have shaped and formed you into my Likeness. This is my gift and my confirmation to you." </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think I even smiled when I heard the news.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNa56x0EBsJIYGxrIIqIKYTehQ-EmlvXr2Q6SxQPzM9xtafCfIl0LBLOLq1Pb3FP28aXzp_iRpNcDEPHbKb-KoTXedXHyQtmKURWL_0YhgXPuTA6_QHyqS9RGG_P4fRb_Zv4xkHvsQYLs/s1600/2013+Disney+Trip+2401+%252820130506%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNa56x0EBsJIYGxrIIqIKYTehQ-EmlvXr2Q6SxQPzM9xtafCfIl0LBLOLq1Pb3FP28aXzp_iRpNcDEPHbKb-KoTXedXHyQtmKURWL_0YhgXPuTA6_QHyqS9RGG_P4fRb_Zv4xkHvsQYLs/s640/2013+Disney+Trip+2401+%252820130506%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The power of believing, it's life-changing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've made lots of mistakes in my 8 years of motherhood. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Many moments I wish I could take back, but just like with my pregnancy, I haven't wavered in the belief that this journey was meant to be. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikI_yE1QsEos-dFQ92Xm4JtFhbXgMpFFErqRtg543Syp0B64Mtrs-d6jP7UkWugsAjKobjO19d09f6n1bcauvJwclFZEsS896t0WFGIbov87EYzl5pp5n9WmGTqo4FkxTc6axNPIm_QVg/s1600/2013+Disney+Trip+2993+%252820130508%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikI_yE1QsEos-dFQ92Xm4JtFhbXgMpFFErqRtg543Syp0B64Mtrs-d6jP7UkWugsAjKobjO19d09f6n1bcauvJwclFZEsS896t0WFGIbov87EYzl5pp5n9WmGTqo4FkxTc6axNPIm_QVg/s640/2013+Disney+Trip+2993+%252820130508%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I'm dreaming big dreams these days.</div>
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Dreams that, for me, require strength of character, perseverance, fortitude, and belief. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Belief that I sometimes have to borrow from others around me because I doubt.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQIiSTo7Bpsj1gpGJfcECgQHinevMchvEwxaVlvvYkKNG6_-nNUS3iVoTxJ15fySf0wDPCA1BaaiM_RCo1csDROSvuj1Ie7dAFpQF7uduyY3OOAGTDU7Wdl17BTUzDDDFJ1lUcwLG3XM/s1600/20140514-5DM37771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQIiSTo7Bpsj1gpGJfcECgQHinevMchvEwxaVlvvYkKNG6_-nNUS3iVoTxJ15fySf0wDPCA1BaaiM_RCo1csDROSvuj1Ie7dAFpQF7uduyY3OOAGTDU7Wdl17BTUzDDDFJ1lUcwLG3XM/s640/20140514-5DM37771.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Find someone to believe in today.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tell them you believe in them and speak life over them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It truly has the power to change lives. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQldQNYDLMIB5Z2XAgsBHK_GVPoFIW277oMVfPicpOtOnOea7rmcXJsirIu37UklveLyPiPPy5P-Bu2Cb1keqao-pN1K2kKPZgBcFpf1_2zmJfhLk8jXqCzC-QMcRUhMXB8OSngNaHtWk/s1600/20141217-5DM31573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQldQNYDLMIB5Z2XAgsBHK_GVPoFIW277oMVfPicpOtOnOea7rmcXJsirIu37UklveLyPiPPy5P-Bu2Cb1keqao-pN1K2kKPZgBcFpf1_2zmJfhLk8jXqCzC-QMcRUhMXB8OSngNaHtWk/s640/20141217-5DM31573.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you are the one doubting, focus on the people who believe in you.</div>
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You never know, it could make all the difference in the world. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3mmJdPGh0oL0wy5DCXz9_EoAt3jKPRez-lDCvCqN2OTKPrJwCuL2bChp4gQRo4STC56Yby0khvNtCn6VuA9eOhctS-6WgJhmh9cGW6-YeliQ2GMRPwYRPBvZBZDf96clWiUcN6KHhhA/s1600/20141217-5DM31331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3mmJdPGh0oL0wy5DCXz9_EoAt3jKPRez-lDCvCqN2OTKPrJwCuL2bChp4gQRo4STC56Yby0khvNtCn6VuA9eOhctS-6WgJhmh9cGW6-YeliQ2GMRPwYRPBvZBZDf96clWiUcN6KHhhA/s640/20141217-5DM31331.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Aj3Oi0WcvbN3_n3ILg177hw0twFxTFV7Gx623YhyphenhyphenD5lrYvUbVTufsKb8q_1jzv2vVSJn5h3xLWlugCBUINY8IO7VmeIKesdy6p_5nhLKwBeYz_FL55knHCa5J_spe77ambfDJf3_odI/s1600/20150625-5DM30654-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Aj3Oi0WcvbN3_n3ILg177hw0twFxTFV7Gx623YhyphenhyphenD5lrYvUbVTufsKb8q_1jzv2vVSJn5h3xLWlugCBUINY8IO7VmeIKesdy6p_5nhLKwBeYz_FL55knHCa5J_spe77ambfDJf3_odI/s640/20150625-5DM30654-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcr9xCGHy4UBe4uMsd-zx45ISEfHIVZ8S4eh2MOKtMwtHrQNP0JQDiOKTtvx4TnDCVnQxqIKDPHQRECboBzXO4tvxNQJT6TtPiXn3CCE0baPmXsbKZqtDAeLW9zjKoC5PlN54uCk12d6c/s1600/20141018-5DM37842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcr9xCGHy4UBe4uMsd-zx45ISEfHIVZ8S4eh2MOKtMwtHrQNP0JQDiOKTtvx4TnDCVnQxqIKDPHQRECboBzXO4tvxNQJT6TtPiXn3CCE0baPmXsbKZqtDAeLW9zjKoC5PlN54uCk12d6c/s640/20141018-5DM37842.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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While I'm at it, just one more piece of advice... </div>
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Take lots and lots of pictures! </div>
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You will thank yourself on those days when you want to look back and be nostalgic!</div>
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Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240735493995388624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529804721106421123.post-79981581779289896292016-09-15T09:57:00.000-05:002016-09-15T10:05:26.243-05:00A Girl and Her Dog<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5G2GhswOzGtPCYSGb_h5yN685JZE-0e3m70ierr5SK80WTdM7hTjYNBMGEcvSQxXztr5YEPtTkeeLQmhVwSL9offPl2qw9JdBXL2q72QANB1sisSv7hLqm4EspHpZrlG7_Hr6uwV0dOU/s1600/20160913-5DM33470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5G2GhswOzGtPCYSGb_h5yN685JZE-0e3m70ierr5SK80WTdM7hTjYNBMGEcvSQxXztr5YEPtTkeeLQmhVwSL9offPl2qw9JdBXL2q72QANB1sisSv7hLqm4EspHpZrlG7_Hr6uwV0dOU/s640/20160913-5DM33470.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">These two are starting to build a really special relationship. The first couple of weeks we had Belle, her occasional barking would send Maddie screaming and crying, slamming doors behind her and leaving Kyle and I looking at each other like, "what just happened here?" We sent Belle off to boarding school to get trained and now that Belle's been back from training, things are very different. Maddie doesn't feel so out of control and Belle is learning her place in Maddie's world. The other day I had to get on to Maddie for something and through her tears she said she needed Belle. Belle came over and Maddie hugged her and felt better. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Maddie always brings a "friend" along for homeschool each day.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7D38uloxn85UabjD91iBrXlnV9ET8peQ7fT6zMRJtiYrN2p2Jo1_HEYkTMAVQIZUvtOGYbz6Jn6-THBaThcpvJ00t4ng51a-PZK0gjS_o52gF53gi3biTlIAx4q6J8IJTDNZ8vMzxUE/s1600/IMG_3900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7D38uloxn85UabjD91iBrXlnV9ET8peQ7fT6zMRJtiYrN2p2Jo1_HEYkTMAVQIZUvtOGYbz6Jn6-THBaThcpvJ00t4ng51a-PZK0gjS_o52gF53gi3biTlIAx4q6J8IJTDNZ8vMzxUE/s320/IMG_3900.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">On this particular day, she chose Belle to have alongside her.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluw-SoxT6z2Cwp9_zTN534-JVCSKr8nBTqusC-2cSqxmNuD-av4tVlNg8RqU667rFMcN0WXD5318DUwvti5Ed0Wna7ba3a5mNkihmSlOlZEBvevbxN6HxzYqDtHkH4eMzErNoj4rikoo/s1600/IMG_3994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluw-SoxT6z2Cwp9_zTN534-JVCSKr8nBTqusC-2cSqxmNuD-av4tVlNg8RqU667rFMcN0WXD5318DUwvti5Ed0Wna7ba3a5mNkihmSlOlZEBvevbxN6HxzYqDtHkH4eMzErNoj4rikoo/s320/IMG_3994.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We've also seen improvements in Maddie's speech and confidence levels since Belle's been back.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4b4f56; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">As simple as it sounds, repeating words back, like with a memory verse, is something that Maddie has struggled with for a long time. As part of Sensory Processing Disorder, Maddie has the added complication of <a href="http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/central-auditory.html#">Central Auditory Processing Dysfunction</a> where she has a difficult time recalling what's been said and discriminating between different sounds.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4b4f56; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">But you can see in this video, she strokes Belle with each word and is able to repeat back the entire verse! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4b4f56;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The big yawn at the end proves it was hard work for her, but she did it!</span></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzobJuot18SXF_YExFT26DVsmZ-QjZRly8LaabeCcjGsXPqAytulFnATrSQQhUsf1DZ-bOpbVaTwQXNvWBrRw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="color: #4b4f56;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm so excited to see how this new friendship will continue to affect Maddie's life!</span></div>
Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240735493995388624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529804721106421123.post-88970976149719859792016-08-16T08:02:00.001-05:002016-08-16T17:49:22.630-05:00 Immeasurably More<div style="text-align: center;">
We are now very happy dog owners of the most perfect fit for Maddie. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRQOjuK3dT1GABEdr46IJ__6bSEotj5yjug6xz0vwgHppaTpwriZSm8jj-T3wwQj42AaaiUTkqyumCUWPAxdxlUy9dOSNh9flI3VcPq2zKa-DHt7WoJkrUSS-M1HvpJFxGybzTf_flWA/s1600/20160815-5DM32512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRQOjuK3dT1GABEdr46IJ__6bSEotj5yjug6xz0vwgHppaTpwriZSm8jj-T3wwQj42AaaiUTkqyumCUWPAxdxlUy9dOSNh9flI3VcPq2zKa-DHt7WoJkrUSS-M1HvpJFxGybzTf_flWA/s640/20160815-5DM32512.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady Belle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I grew up in the country and for most of my childhood, we always had a family dog, and at least one stray dog that would come and go.</div>
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One year, someone even had the audacity to dump an entire litter of puppies in our backyard. </div>
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Luckily, it was my 16th birthday and so for party favors, we just passed out puppies! </div>
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I don't remember our decisions to get dogs being any big deal, but the fact they became family was a big deal. </div>
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During my elementary school years, we had a cocker spaniel named Britches Wayne. </div>
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He was a great dog, and was supposed to be my responsibility. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As an 8 year old kid, I didn't realize the weight of that responsibility until one day my mom realized I had forgotten to feed him. She asked me how I would feel if she forgot to feed me one day, and from that day on, I resolved to never eat breakfast until after I had fed Britches Wayne. </div>
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That was wonderful until we left town for vacation and I didn't know if/when he was fed. </div>
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Mom was really confused when I refused to eat breakfast. Ha.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJJUhBm6a2UELfdjq6Hw3lmy5o2fvpy5e8M80g3UFnFGqtgld7TYMavbXNvTwIiuygHv5YLBSViGvx9Yw4jUBzxgegYZEvAusJCqlzYRPCHuas1yGa0zwypcxMOL7bZnSyQEZ_uetbkY/s1600/20160815-5DM32558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJJUhBm6a2UELfdjq6Hw3lmy5o2fvpy5e8M80g3UFnFGqtgld7TYMavbXNvTwIiuygHv5YLBSViGvx9Yw4jUBzxgegYZEvAusJCqlzYRPCHuas1yGa0zwypcxMOL7bZnSyQEZ_uetbkY/s640/20160815-5DM32558.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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This decision to get a dog for Maddie has been over a year in the making.</div>
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In comparison to growing up and always having a family dog, that's a big deal!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlBPfFIe3CKvHK755hwURRPsO6USrkhJzaKqWzmRGy1RF2GUj5PweDq9CHWjTM3j1XRqkkdJH3F6tYehLyceftYP3WE6Bf3BOpw3ncAvA2isw1oTIYN-Oyw8p952vG1xxR1OTa-VP6oM/s1600/20160815-5DM32576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlBPfFIe3CKvHK755hwURRPsO6USrkhJzaKqWzmRGy1RF2GUj5PweDq9CHWjTM3j1XRqkkdJH3F6tYehLyceftYP3WE6Bf3BOpw3ncAvA2isw1oTIYN-Oyw8p952vG1xxR1OTa-VP6oM/s640/20160815-5DM32576.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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About a year ago, I was REALLY wanting to get a dog. </div>
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We had a pug before Maddie was born and in 2013 when Maddie was 4 years old, she got cancer and we had to put her down. </div>
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Still one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. </div>
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We weren't ready for another dog for quite awhile, but last year I was finally ready.</div>
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Kyle, on the other hand, was definitely NOT. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKeYxu-maN00zBHQ8jRN8joI05ZOHHdih28cVBZdVofH_VmMbsATN5Pa6ANMXRah7s2lWCOhXHERgmd9JTlhIYl0ffpY3ncVfTyV5IdEDju4vdjLq7ufKsRLgGVkA2U0DxGiS67FvngY/s1600/20160815-5DM32585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKeYxu-maN00zBHQ8jRN8joI05ZOHHdih28cVBZdVofH_VmMbsATN5Pa6ANMXRah7s2lWCOhXHERgmd9JTlhIYl0ffpY3ncVfTyV5IdEDju4vdjLq7ufKsRLgGVkA2U0DxGiS67FvngY/s640/20160815-5DM32585.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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It just so happens I was reading <i>Walking With God</i> by John Eldridge. </div>
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In his book he talks about prayer being a two way communication.</div>
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He said to pray simple prayers, and you should expect to hear a response. </div>
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It was new territory for me, and Eldridge suggests starting with something small until you can tune your heart to hear the response of God. </div>
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I decided to pray about the dog. </div>
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I just simply asked if this was the right time to get a dog. </div>
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I heard an audible, "No." </div>
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It wasn't a voice outside myself, but it was distinct and my spirit knew it was God.</div>
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I was so heartbroken!</div>
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After pouting a bit, I asked, "how will I know when the time is right?"</div>
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And I heard, "You'll know. Trust Me, you'll know." </div>
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With that, I was confident we would someday get a dog, so I shifted my prayers to pray for the right dog for Maddie. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7huxShMVtBKqiTSwek5rLtQSEMgf8NI6JBZjE6TAda5o4eDVFUVR6ym773EQmWOSNL0NXubm_ZWQG1_blj-xgjrz0FSu3CcgxebSu1DF5XklOk9AsC2N6TwW2fmhgA9UD8jF2zkNhGM/s1600/20160815-5DM32654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7huxShMVtBKqiTSwek5rLtQSEMgf8NI6JBZjE6TAda5o4eDVFUVR6ym773EQmWOSNL0NXubm_ZWQG1_blj-xgjrz0FSu3CcgxebSu1DF5XklOk9AsC2N6TwW2fmhgA9UD8jF2zkNhGM/s640/20160815-5DM32654.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Fast forward a couple of weeks ago.</div>
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It seems like we've been enjoying a season of self-regulation when it comes to Maddie's sensory processing disorder. </div>
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That was until a couple of weeks ago, when things started falling apart. </div>
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We are now in an out-of-sync season. </div>
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Things are starting to bubble up and it's making life difficult again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vbxSOM9ZhZt8hmu0yOAgdI8TjLnTK78NCWFtw7t5WO9bj3O806GMUopm8V7cLOA7vAFreZHHb42sigmbvL3eLt5g6BsrtRDytZSx9k9NdD9JRfjsT5oOnfvAij-y6x1dBTgycRTI_M4/s1600/20160815-5DM32698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vbxSOM9ZhZt8hmu0yOAgdI8TjLnTK78NCWFtw7t5WO9bj3O806GMUopm8V7cLOA7vAFreZHHb42sigmbvL3eLt5g6BsrtRDytZSx9k9NdD9JRfjsT5oOnfvAij-y6x1dBTgycRTI_M4/s640/20160815-5DM32698.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWssz8B0ebKkfe2euuGE0v1bbvHwQ4zaplKYxp9QoHHUSW2cwpeYklUFJ_3hDpTDNkV1v6zRdDAmgEpoflc_hlCdx17kZdd_wG6NE0BQIrslm9zAdOyFZKQStMFAyKMe-oJIoBB-xHAuc/s1600/20160815-5DM32699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWssz8B0ebKkfe2euuGE0v1bbvHwQ4zaplKYxp9QoHHUSW2cwpeYklUFJ_3hDpTDNkV1v6zRdDAmgEpoflc_hlCdx17kZdd_wG6NE0BQIrslm9zAdOyFZKQStMFAyKMe-oJIoBB-xHAuc/s640/20160815-5DM32699.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maddie's way of "playing ball" with Belle!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I started wondering if a dog could help.</div>
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There's tons of research out there on how families are using therapy dogs to help autistic children, which a lot of sensory processing symptoms mimic.</div>
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All this time, I've been ready to get a dog, but Kyle hasn't. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrkJFIES4xPdee_GlvN2he2uBiOSajWpkSa2I2QpZy0OJQvo-6tbT9x6ZN9kmWpZ78uBw5oF_kCxO9JBRoWT5z6Ss8Cb7R8kIflO1IxUM5WieCvTCmI2ZVWnkGZOpKf5K7407mu6wyBw/s1600/20160815-5DM32714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrkJFIES4xPdee_GlvN2he2uBiOSajWpkSa2I2QpZy0OJQvo-6tbT9x6ZN9kmWpZ78uBw5oF_kCxO9JBRoWT5z6Ss8Cb7R8kIflO1IxUM5WieCvTCmI2ZVWnkGZOpKf5K7407mu6wyBw/s640/20160815-5DM32714.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then one day he surprises us with an email he sent from work with the subject line, for Maddie's birthday. It was a link to goldendoodle puppies and he writes, "pick one."</div>
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That particular breeder was 4 hours away, so I began to search for someone closer. </div>
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I called one breeder only 45 minutes away, but her puppies wouldn't be ready to take home until early December. </div>
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Then, a friend noticed goldendoodle puppies for sale on Facebook. </div>
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She sent me contact info and Maddie and I went to meet the puppies. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyQDaZGJSIHGTOSvNOYxVyOHgW_T4sBVGnWItYSRWloTSYZ0GvjFsLSf8IUBU68RwvC7quC8Foo6ZRUcokSX2lf8JWZ8PNeolu56VXvzhmQOUT6rS18xKw43F9WXZxa8TXEnpm6Yuv4M/s1600/20160815-5DM32735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyQDaZGJSIHGTOSvNOYxVyOHgW_T4sBVGnWItYSRWloTSYZ0GvjFsLSf8IUBU68RwvC7quC8Foo6ZRUcokSX2lf8JWZ8PNeolu56VXvzhmQOUT6rS18xKw43F9WXZxa8TXEnpm6Yuv4M/s640/20160815-5DM32735.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Right away I knew I liked her!</div>
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We stayed for who knows how long, I just had a ton of questions and she was so honest and pleasant to talk to, and of course we fell in love with the puppies.</div>
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When Kyle thought we might have until December to get ready for a puppy, I think the thought of getting one RIGHT NOW seemed a little sudden. </div>
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He needed time to think about it.</div>
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That was a Thursday.</div>
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Friday night he said he needed one more night to think about it. </div>
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It's a lot of money to spend, and a decision that will affect many years into the future. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlTd-8E1vYcHNwyqe8UycTKJ3f5bkRx3NVTT4929kbDS9vlJlvRjwW9nNbESOfXTwTDBSe3jqOVoLG4DFSkKLDfxIYl_MOId5uMJhAn74rjpUSkaPxLZjjRHvs-DO0ejt595EdvMhHds/s1600/20160815-5DM32744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlTd-8E1vYcHNwyqe8UycTKJ3f5bkRx3NVTT4929kbDS9vlJlvRjwW9nNbESOfXTwTDBSe3jqOVoLG4DFSkKLDfxIYl_MOId5uMJhAn74rjpUSkaPxLZjjRHvs-DO0ejt595EdvMhHds/s640/20160815-5DM32744.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Saturday morning I left the house early to go for a run.</div>
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During my run, I get a call from the breeder. </div>
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I just knew she's calling as a courtesy to let me know the dog we liked had sold. </div>
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I anxiously finished my run and called her back. </div>
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She asked if we had found a puppy yet, and I told her no, bracing myself for the bad news to come.</div>
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And then she said, "You are going to think I'm crazy, but last night I was praying for you and praying you would find the right puppy for Maddie. Whether it's one of mine or not, I just prayed you would find what you are looking for. Then, I felt led to give you the dog you were looking at, so if you want her, she's yours!" </div>
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Instant tears.</div>
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I couldn't believe it!</div>
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My mind immediately went back to, "You'll know. Trust Me, you'll know." </div>
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I really thought a stray dog would just show up on our lawn some day and that's how we would know. </div>
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Never in a million years, could I have dared to dream He would give us one of the most premium, sought after, and incredibly desired breeds of our time.</div>
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Ephesians 3:20-21</div>
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"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen!" </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVU2Yt6Cr__xvi8_B78tyyQ2v_zh6RPFDvaxG0sNwjuAkcRr8ExPc6aHm568MHbjZsyN9GzyXgmKBYN-NJqAcljeGtw5-YgX2_Bm-LK6prs6NpnLza_i3EZKVlhjoL8sYr41uNuXK2wII/s1600/20160815-5DM32749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVU2Yt6Cr__xvi8_B78tyyQ2v_zh6RPFDvaxG0sNwjuAkcRr8ExPc6aHm568MHbjZsyN9GzyXgmKBYN-NJqAcljeGtw5-YgX2_Bm-LK6prs6NpnLza_i3EZKVlhjoL8sYr41uNuXK2wII/s640/20160815-5DM32749.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We plan on training Belle to be a therapy dog and then take it a step further to train her to work with Maddie specifically to help with some of her struggles. </div>
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It would be nice if Belle could intervene when Maddie begins her pacing back and forth.</div>
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Or, somehow cause a distraction when she grinds her teeth, obsessively stacks various groups of things around the house. or chews her thumbs with nonsensical vocalizations. </div>
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But our main task for Belle will be to provide the comfort Maddie needs to fall asleep, along with the courage to sleep in her own room. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjFPFRHfqIvviiv3GOur1EuMwfXnhMIiLHa-cGK9nVAFLibUOhmKLO24ZqqgoJsdn46BF62wIpa9Hb8JTGs6tbNwiqFWB-lW82gPQBEnW5mCUW8tzpveTAf43MQ63fkg1nPNndCgcweQ/s1600/20160815-5DM32775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjFPFRHfqIvviiv3GOur1EuMwfXnhMIiLHa-cGK9nVAFLibUOhmKLO24ZqqgoJsdn46BF62wIpa9Hb8JTGs6tbNwiqFWB-lW82gPQBEnW5mCUW8tzpveTAf43MQ63fkg1nPNndCgcweQ/s640/20160815-5DM32775.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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She's got her work cut out for her, but I'm confident we have found the right girl for the task!</div>
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A very special thanks to my new friend and sister in Christ who was faithful in prayer and gave with a servant's heart and a huge smile on her face. May God bless you <i>immeasurably more!</i></div>
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Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240735493995388624noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529804721106421123.post-57717340932248665462016-05-26T09:51:00.000-05:002016-05-26T09:51:32.098-05:00Adventure is out there! Highlights from our trip to Disney!<div style="text-align: center;">
We are HUGE Disney fans!</div>
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For us it truly is the happiest place on earth.</div>
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We love it.</div>
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One of the reasons I love it so much is the way Maddie lights up. </div>
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A few years ago, when we were struggling so much with sensory processing issues, it's like something magical happened when we were at Disney. </div>
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She was more her true self there; happy, complacent, engaged.</div>
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She spent a lot of her every day life in her own head and there were days I felt like I just couldn't reach her.</div>
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But then we would go to Disney and she would come alive and there was connection and joy and happiness. </div>
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She's been doing so much better this last year, but Disney will always hold a special place in my heart for that time. </div>
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We've been back a couple of weeks now and I've had a chance to sort through some of my favorite photos. I only took a little over 4,000 this trip!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbZtSmWfCd7wkmHgbxcfrL_HYzRKao8zWA8KQfbxBTPGc6znv5YjqLhp_ubaWelzq3VOL9teOU3ixYAl5DJgAm2nkxRyqY2AVtEy2XJ0PTBH0z5n_aecPNI2FoBwYfZuE_DIP4iWb538/s1600/20160505-5DM38731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbZtSmWfCd7wkmHgbxcfrL_HYzRKao8zWA8KQfbxBTPGc6znv5YjqLhp_ubaWelzq3VOL9teOU3ixYAl5DJgAm2nkxRyqY2AVtEy2XJ0PTBH0z5n_aecPNI2FoBwYfZuE_DIP4iWb538/s640/20160505-5DM38731.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Our first night we went to Disney Springs for dinner.</div>
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One of the things Maddie was most excited about were the dance parties.</div>
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As soon as she heard the music, she hopped out of the stroller and started dancing!</div>
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She's got some moves, I'm telling ya!</div>
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We stayed at Port Orleans Riverside. </div>
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I loved this resort. </div>
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One of the things I was most excited about was the resort day we had planned. They have cane pole fishing, surrey bikes, two different swimming pools, carriage rides, so much!</div>
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Unfortunately, on our resort day, Maddie had caught some sort of stomach virus and was so sick! </div>
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Poor thing, she never gets sick, and this was the sickest I've ever seen her. </div>
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Luckily, it was just a 24 hour thing.</div>
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She woke up the next morning and declared, "I'm all better!" </div>
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The thing about Disney vacationing is you never feel like you get to do it all, hence the need to come back again!</div>
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It's tradition for us to always visit Magic Kingdom the first day of our trip. </div>
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We got up super early to see the Welcome show.</div>
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Maddie dressed up as Minnie this day.</div>
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Maddie's first request was to ride the teacups! </div>
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She LOVES thrill rides.</div>
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This trip she was finally tall enough to ride some of the bigger rides like Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, and Mount Everest at Animal Kingdom.</div>
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Her favorite was Splash Mountain!</div>
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We rode it three times!</div>
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Magic Kingdom is my favorite park. It's so beautiful!</div>
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We found an awesome spot to watch the Festival of Fantasy parade!</div>
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Our next day was at Animal Kingdom.</div>
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Maddie dressed up as a Wilderness Explorer like Russell in the movie Up.</div>
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She met Mickey and the gang at character breakfast, which thrilled her to no end.</div>
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It's hard to pinpoint a favorite memory, but this ranks high up on the list!</div>
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She was so excited to see Russell and Dug.</div>
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They gushed over her, and we definitely felt the love.</div>
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It was awesome.</div>
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Maddie's communication skills have improved exponentially in the last year, and she was able to interact on her own with several cast members.</div>
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She really touched a lot of hearts!</div>
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This is Yee Haw Bob, and he is also a contender for one of my favorite memories!</div>
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He plays at the River Roost 3 nights a week at Port Orleans Riverside and he was SO MUCH FUN!</div>
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Before he began, he came to each table and met everyone. </div>
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He got down on Maddie's level and said, "I'm going to sing and play music and have lots of fun, and I love you!"</div>
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I don't know how he does it, but he has this special way of taking a song like B-I-N-G-O and making it extraordinarily fun!</div>
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The next day was Mother's Day and for a special treat we had brunch at the California Grill in the Contemporary Resort.</div>
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It exceeded all of my expectations and was super special!</div>
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Maddie dressed up as Mary Poppins this day.</div>
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(Can you tell how much she loves to play dress up?!)</div>
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I love this picture!</div>
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We were at Epcot in the Japanese store. </div>
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She loves the movie My Neighbor Totoro, and we found this book. </div>
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She sat right down and looked through every page!</div>
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Of course, it had to come home with us.</div>
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Later that evening at dinner, she was so tired she nearly fell asleep resting on the ledge.</div>
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The next day we were back at Epcot again and first on the to-do list was meet Joy and Sadness from the movie Inside Out!</div>
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This was so cool! </div>
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They spent a lot of time with Maddie and Joy took Maddie over and personally showed her the memory balls. </div>
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The best part of going to Disney this time of year is the Flower and Garden festival at Epcot. </div>
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It's so breathtaking, I love it.</div>
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Maddie wanted to get her face painted.</div>
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She specifically asked for Donald Duck, and the painter was so talented it was no problem!</div>
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Aw, one of my favorite photos!</div>
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Our last day was back at Magic Kingdom.</div>
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Maddie dressed up like Jessie this day and we met her first thing!</div>
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Later that day, she got to dance with her during the Move It! Shake It! Dance party!</div>
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So cool!</div>
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As much as she loves the thrill rides, she can never get enough of the classics like Dumbo!</div>
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Every year we get a silhouette.</div>
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To me, this is by far the best souvenir you can come home with.</div>
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These guys are super talented!</div>
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We left Magic Kingdom and headed to Fort Wilderness Campgrounds for dinner.</div>
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While we were waiting, Maddie took her first-ever pony ride!</div>
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His name was Nemo.</div>
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It just so happened Magic Kingdom was open until 1:00 AM so after dinner we headed back to park hoping to stay as long as we could!</div>
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This was Maddie at 1:30 AM, still going strong!</div>
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It was a great way to end an incredible vacation.</div>
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I'm sad to be back home, but so grateful for such amazing memories! </div>
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Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240735493995388624noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529804721106421123.post-85488627712635053592016-04-07T14:00:00.000-05:002016-04-07T14:00:23.620-05:00Easter 2016<div style="text-align: center;">
This year was the first year we did not go to my parents for Easter. </div>
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Instead, we went to my sister's near Quartz Mountain.</div>
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It's really beautiful there. </div>
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My family has discovered <a href="https://www.gagacenter.com/nyc/about/what-is-gaga/">gaga ball</a>.</div>
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It's similar to dodgeball, except you can only hit legs/feet, and you cannot catch the ball.</div>
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Plus, you are also enclosed in a cage.</div>
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I'm terrible at it, but it's SO FUN!</div>
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Kyle had some moves!</div>
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But we're not as young as we once were!</div>
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It was such a gorgeous weekend. </div>
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The weather was perfect, the food was amazing, and spending time with my family is always rejuvenating!</div>
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I snuck a few pictures of my beautiful Mom against her wishes!</div>
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She is amazing. </div>
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Her love is pure, true, an unconditional!</div>
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I'm a lucky, lucky girl.</div>
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And this happens a lot around my mom...lots of laughter and fun.</div>
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We did a glow-in-the-dark Easter egg hunt this year!</div>
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Lots of fun, I highly recommend it.</div>
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(See how <a href="http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2014/02/glow-in-dark-easter-egg-hunt.html">here</a>)</div>
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I loved her Easter dress this year! </div>
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You can't see it very well here, but it's Minnie Mouse!</div>
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She loved it.</div>
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Easter baskets were a joy, and served double duty as hats. </div>
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We did one more, traditional Easter egg hunt.</div>
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So fun, at any age!</div>
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Yay! </div>
Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240735493995388624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529804721106421123.post-75009299188919925512016-04-02T17:21:00.001-05:002016-04-02T22:37:44.664-05:00Homeschool Haven<div style="text-align: center;">
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I have to admit, I was really hesitant to begin homeschooling back in September.</div>
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I'm not the most structured person, and for some reason I have this crazy desire to sabotage routines no matter how beneficial they may be.</div>
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I figured this would not fit in well with the homeschool world. </div>
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But, the wonderful thing about homeschooling is it can be a bit unstructured, and nobody says you have to do the same things every day! </div>
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I am SO glad Maddie and I have taken on this adventure together. </div>
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We are both better for it, and (thanks to Maddie) I have even seen the beauty of routines.</div>
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I did hit a few rough patches along the way though.</div>
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Trying to find our rhythm and our curriculum has been challenging.</div>
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I invested in a few different options only to be extremely disappointed when they haven't really worked for us.</div>
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A few weeks ago my sister and I drove to Fort Worth, TX for the Homeschool Convention.<br />
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I didn't want to make the same mistake and invest in more curriculum that wouldn't work for us, so I wrote out goals for Maddie that I wanted her to learn.<br />
I wrote several goals for her in the areas of Language, Math, Character, Personal Care, Bible, Science, Fine Motor, and Gross Motor.<br />
I prayed over all of these and set out to find curriculum that would fit these categories and Maddie's specific goals. <br />
I was getting discouraged until I came upon the Homegrown Preschooler's booth (<a href="http://www.thehomegrownpreschooler.com/">http://www.thehomegrownpreschooler.com/</a>.)<br />
I was drawn to it right away, but actually dismissed it because it seemed "too good to be true."<br />
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I went back and visited with the authors (Kathy Lee and Lesli Richards) and they seemed like good friends!<br />
But when I read through the curriculum, I noticed one of the activities was teaching them to brush their teeth independently.<br />
This was one of Maddie's <i>specific </i>goals I had written down!<br />
As I looked through, it was as if they had taken Maddie's learning style and had handwritten it just for us.<br />
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I purchased the curriculum, and we did our first activity today, which was preparing a spot for Maddie's very own garden!<br />
Now come on, doesn't that sound like too much fun to be homeschool?<br />
We dug in the dirt and found a grub.<br />
She learned a new vocabulary word and I talked to her about how some things like to live underground.<br />
Then we found a worm.<br />
She wasn't at all impressed,<br />
until she began finding all kinds of "treasures" (sticks, rocks, snail shells, etc.)<br />
We got an empty egg carton to contain the treasures.<br />
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She was so proud of her treasures!<br />
As she would sift through the dirt, she would say, "I found something!"<br />
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As part of the curriculum, they make these homemade, sewn books. <br />
We got out our first book to remember all of our wonderful treasures.<br />
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Aren't these the cutest things ever?!<br />
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Maddie got to work documenting everything.<br />
We've covered nature/science, language, and now handwriting. <br />
She happened to collect three snail shells, so we counted them and worked in some math.<br />
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She's awfully proud of herself. :)<br />
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She's making it her own!<br />
Call me crazy, but doesn't it look like she's trying to write "leaf?"<br />
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I love seeing her so engrossed and concentrating so hard.<br />
Really, I could guess all the things she was learning through this simple, playful activity but there's no way to know all that was happening in that brain of hers. <br />
All I know is, <b>this</b> is what learning looks like!<br />
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She struggled with the scotch tape (our method for attaching all of her treasures in her book), but she wanted to give it another go.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9V3OU_Du5LPFGOtpXOI7eAjgOSa-EE_-MCGEvaDC1TzFoDh5EaCCBQwrw5nlqZNKyMlRUMNkTRCnEgimvHkFDEFQQhh96V2U9KfQf8VKnbZgZ5jJrV1BCXqEzTYsln5_m92kyJ8nt1a8/s1600/20160402-5DM37805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9V3OU_Du5LPFGOtpXOI7eAjgOSa-EE_-MCGEvaDC1TzFoDh5EaCCBQwrw5nlqZNKyMlRUMNkTRCnEgimvHkFDEFQQhh96V2U9KfQf8VKnbZgZ5jJrV1BCXqEzTYsln5_m92kyJ8nt1a8/s640/20160402-5DM37805.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And the thing with tape,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIfHFvBPUOPBVCBh1jGFmMJy2WQ6sAP_LIKsWwScxlydk5US6KjZfDqqQmHB5TZEqXOmNkzzJ7tThKb2H7Qi-aaPYHqTmhBZdjb_OJdxts8TPlpKzaA32-5HpZHw-8_XWzvS3rgixGKs/s1600/20160402-5DM37808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIfHFvBPUOPBVCBh1jGFmMJy2WQ6sAP_LIKsWwScxlydk5US6KjZfDqqQmHB5TZEqXOmNkzzJ7tThKb2H7Qi-aaPYHqTmhBZdjb_OJdxts8TPlpKzaA32-5HpZHw-8_XWzvS3rgixGKs/s640/20160402-5DM37808.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
is it's just so darn sticky...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1vt9QC4Y8BNdbVABjFXrDgsrQN-rq_W007dTcRqOFP6wBoBwqbW7K_uKEKhRhyIvE8Ppbnwt84ErY1Q-iN5Ug8GvsiWgyvfvSE9hRGRJUIW72xIltAu3d0h_p0lvWjAS7d4lwhmXGsw/s1600/20160402-5DM37809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1vt9QC4Y8BNdbVABjFXrDgsrQN-rq_W007dTcRqOFP6wBoBwqbW7K_uKEKhRhyIvE8Ppbnwt84ErY1Q-iN5Ug8GvsiWgyvfvSE9hRGRJUIW72xIltAu3d0h_p0lvWjAS7d4lwhmXGsw/s640/20160402-5DM37809.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
and frustrating!<br />
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But, finally, she got it!<br />
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I am so excited to have found what seems like the perfect curriculum for us.<br />
I had already decided to do school year-round throughout the summer, and now I can hardly wait!<br />
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Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240735493995388624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529804721106421123.post-46207710198745885502016-03-15T15:58:00.001-05:002016-03-15T15:58:54.629-05:00Beautiful Moments<div style="text-align: center;">
Every once in a great while, we may discover ourselves in the midst of a beautiful moment.</div>
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These rare, precious realizations are what make life worth living. </div>
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Yesterday, life honored me with such a moment.</div>
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I was getting dinner ready in the kitchen, and I looked over at Maddie sitting at the table with her coloring book. </div>
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The late afternoon/early evening light was gentle and soft. </div>
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I was struck by how peaceful she looked, so content.</div>
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My heart warmed and I stood still, soaking it all in. </div>
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And then of course I grabbed my camera.</div>
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I've been playing around with what photography industry calls "documentary family photojournalism."</div>
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It's a storytelling style that reflects the ethical codes of true photojournalists that do not interfere with the moment, they simply capture it. </div>
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In portrait photography, all of those things in the foreground are considered distractions that interfere with the main subject.</div>
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In family photojournalism, they simply add to the telling of the story. </div>
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What some call clutter, others call details! ;)</div>
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Documentary photography is extremely challenging, but I think I prefer it to portrait work. </div>
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I like that one photo can tell a story. </div>
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In this story, she has her green smoothie, nearly finished sitting beside her. </div>
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It's not unusual for her to drink 3 per day, and she usually finishes them in 2 minutes flat.</div>
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In front of her green smoothie is her crayon roll. </div>
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I made that for her 7th birthday party and I love that she loves it.</div>
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Next, she's not coloring.</div>
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When she gets her coloring books out, she flips through every page one at a time like a book before she ever picks up a crayon.</div>
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I also like how small she looks in the adult size dining room chair.</div>
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There was just enough separation from her hair and the chair with the highlights hitting her hair.</div>
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That makes for a more pleasing image.</div>
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She finally picks up her crayon and starts to color.</div>
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The detail I love in this photo is the bubbles sitting to her left. </div>
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Earlier in the day we had gone outside to blow bubbles. </div>
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Maddie has some success blowing bubbles, but she will often get frustrated because her mouth muscles are not always strong enough to form the "O" shape to blow.</div>
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I was trying to teach her but at this particular moment she was really defeated and ready to give up.</div>
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Me: "I'm not going to let you give up, you can do this."</div>
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Maddie: "I can't do it"</div>
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Me: "Never say can't. It takes lots of practice and you have to open your mind to learn, but you can do it."</div>
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Maddie: (slowly opens door and creeps back inside, an inch at a time!) HA.HA.</div>
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That was her subtle way of telling me the lesson was over!</div>
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I especially love this image!</div>
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The story here is we have been working on pencil grasp for well over a year now.</div>
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She will show signs of progress one week, but the next she will revert back a palm grasp (as opposed to a tripod grasp.)</div>
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Just like her mouth muscles are not always strong enough, she also struggles with her fine motor muscles.</div>
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But this is perfect!</div>
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She's got a great grasp and she is able to control the movement while coloring the bow!!</div>
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That's amazing progress considering a week ago we were back to the palm grasp once again.</div>
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In homeschooling her I've learned her learning style is very fluid. </div>
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Give and take.</div>
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We learn, revert, learn again, revert, learn again.</div>
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But with each time we learn again I know: </div>
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1) She learned it once, she can learn it again</div>
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2) each new experience builds on the last and one day it will stick forever</div>
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Maybe this is the day the tripod pencil grasp sticks forever!</div>
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Even if it's not, I have a beautiful image that captures a beautiful moment that I will always cherish.</div>
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I wish for you to find yourselves in the midst of beautiful moments as well.</div>
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They really are what make life worth living!</div>
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<a href="http://www.godvine.com/bible/james/1-17" style="background-color: white; color: #0080cc; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;"><em style="font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">James 1:17</span></em></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; text-align: start;"> Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no fickleness, neither shadow of turning.</span></div>
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Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240735493995388624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529804721106421123.post-58306020597631092872016-02-19T12:51:00.000-06:002016-02-19T12:51:24.775-06:00What We've Been Up To<div style="text-align: center;">
I haven't had as much time to blog this year because Homeschooling takes up most of that time. </div>
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I had intentions of blogging about our homeschooling adventures, but I've discovered my focus can't be divided right now as we are still learning the ropes. </div>
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Hopefully as we get a little more seasoned, I'll be able to multi-task and share more. </div>
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I have missed it!</div>
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Maddie has been doing so well these last few months since we officially began homeschooling in August. </div>
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She's lost 4 teeth so far.</div>
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Of the 4, we've only recovered this last one. </div>
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My guess is she swallowed the rest?</div>
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We thought we were making great progress with potty training this fall, but as it turns out, I was really just training myself to manage her potty schedule (which was A LOT of work!)</div>
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I found a forum discussing potty training and Down Syndrome and most of the parents on that forum said their children were around 10 yrs before they were potty trained.</div>
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I decided to ease up and let nature take its course, and life got a whole lot easier. </div>
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She's still not sleeping through the night, but I would say it's much better than it used to be. </div>
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Another battle we were losing our minds to was the 'sleeping in your own bed battle.'</div>
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She now sleeps in our bed 100% of the time, and once again, life got a whole lot easier. </div>
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As far as her emotional well-being, she is definitely not as frustrated as she once was. </div>
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As her communication skills are improving, so is her confidence!</div>
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She's not as scared of the world as she used to be, which has been absolutely delightful.</div>
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Cognitively, I would say we're working, overall, at a 4 year old level and she's now 7. </div>
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I believe this one has so much potential!</div>
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It's like she's a little caterpillar in her cocoon, just taking things slow and steady, waiting for just the right time to emerge.</div>
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Parenting and homeschooling her has been so delightful and fulfilling! </div>
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We have had a lot of frustrations and learning curves to overcome, but all in all the highlights shine much brighter than the shadow of the low times.</div>
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Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240735493995388624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529804721106421123.post-15605462312245781972016-01-20T11:38:00.002-06:002016-01-20T11:38:47.785-06:00The Art of Compliments Project<div style="text-align: center;">
What if we <i>always</i> saw the good in <i>everybody</i>?</div>
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What if when we thought of others, we <i>only</i> remembered the good things?</div>
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I used to always make New Year Resolutions. They were just like everyone else's. </div>
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Keep a Tidy House. </div>
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Eat Healthy.</div>
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Exercise More.</div>
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Find Balance.</div>
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And just like everyone else's they were cast to the back of my mind by mid-February. </div>
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I didn't make any resolutions this year.</div>
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But I am embarking on a new project for 2016 that I am super-duper excited about!</div>
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I call it <b>Philippians 4:8; The Art of Compliments Project.</b></div>
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A few months back, I began studying the book of Philippians. </div>
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My goal was to read the entire book every day for a month. </div>
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This really helped see the cohesiveness of Paul's writing.</div>
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I noticed in chapter 1, Paul writes, "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you." (1:3, ESV)</div>
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Then, in chapter 4 is the verse a lot of us are familiar with, </div>
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"Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (4:8, ESV)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqnX3NYvFhWGT0jsalJZzrxQm4TOUx-d9jIr-o9CvTLU7wo2JjA04Dqw2K425AJVOYDm0ACJOBMBgHnEoUHetP9AjcURYlCDRf2u9kSmF2FSZd7gijtw9BXz6FKjkhQNA5WrxYD4pqi0/s1600/20130330-_MG_1822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqnX3NYvFhWGT0jsalJZzrxQm4TOUx-d9jIr-o9CvTLU7wo2JjA04Dqw2K425AJVOYDm0ACJOBMBgHnEoUHetP9AjcURYlCDRf2u9kSmF2FSZd7gijtw9BXz6FKjkhQNA5WrxYD4pqi0/s640/20130330-_MG_1822.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As I read these two verses together, I thought, 'What if Paul was talking about people in 4:8?' </div>
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I began a little experiment of my own, assigning these traits to the people I love. </div>
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I found with these 8 attributes, there was always something that fit, with each person I thought of. </div>
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So cool!!</div>
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Then something happened to me several weeks ago. </div>
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My first interaction with a lovely lady from church was her approaching me to tell me she thought I was beautiful.</div>
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<i>Say what?!</i></div>
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I don't think ANYONE has ever told me that! </div>
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How nice!</div>
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It's really what every woman wants to hear.</div>
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My initial reaction was the beauty she sees in me is not so much me, but Christ in me. </div>
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But she didn't know about my tumultuous past with body image issues.</div>
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She didn't know that I was noticing that somehow an extra 10 pounds had slowly crept up, all of a sudden!</div>
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When I wanted to berate myself when my pants wouldn't button, I remembered our conversation and it gave me just the right perspective to keep from treading down that dark path once again.</div>
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Seeing first hand how an honest, sincere compliment could save me, I knew it was time to pass it on.</div>
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Why is it we know the people in our lives are wonderful and worthy of our compliments, yet we keep it to ourselves?</div>
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So, 2016 is the initiation of <b>Philippians 4:8, The Art of Compliments Project.</b></div>
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I hope to compliment at least 100 people in my life during the next year.</div>
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If you receive something from me in the upcoming year, know you are very much loved and the compliment is long overdue!!</div>
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I cannot WAIT to get started :)</div>
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Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240735493995388624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529804721106421123.post-40513662496952781042015-12-10T13:00:00.000-06:002015-12-10T13:00:14.852-06:00I Am Restless...<div style="text-align: center;">
This feeling usually precedes some sort of spiritual awakening of some degree. </div>
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It feels like sandpaper on my soul.</div>
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The first time I felt it, I was working at a florist in 2006, making great use of my degree in Child Development. ;) </div>
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I loved that job. </div>
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I loved the people I worked for, I loved the creative outlet of designing floral arrangements. </div>
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I loved walking into the flower shop and smelling<i> beauty</i>.</div>
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I loved the sentiment of the gesture of sending flowers to someone. </div>
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But this annoying restless feeling wouldn't go away.</div>
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I felt God saying, "I've called you for more."</div>
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One Sunday morning, I was reading the announcements in the church bulletin and noticed they were needing a 2-yr-old teacher at the preschool.</div>
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I knew this was the source of the sandpaper. </div>
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I called the director, which happened to be a good friend, and the next day I interviewed and was hired. </div>
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I loved that job, too. </div>
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I worked there a year until I became pregnant with Maddie. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1WBPqz4-8d4nVKZqdfEMwZxoTsIeHU53pRzYCj7ZEhvVNcoedXEY2ZouEIIhVmuvb9_TJ8MBdl1PctSGSAMGiUE-MuIQ_vd0n7cCTzhUIxlwl5paRi17SruOaDzf4PKRfo4xvoIB-7U/s1600/IMG_6864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1WBPqz4-8d4nVKZqdfEMwZxoTsIeHU53pRzYCj7ZEhvVNcoedXEY2ZouEIIhVmuvb9_TJ8MBdl1PctSGSAMGiUE-MuIQ_vd0n7cCTzhUIxlwl5paRi17SruOaDzf4PKRfo4xvoIB-7U/s640/IMG_6864.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next time I felt this annoying feeling was in 2014. </div>
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The year before had been one of the worst years of my life. </div>
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My neighbor invited me to a writer's workshop for victims of the 2013 tornado. </div>
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I didn't realize I had unresolved issues, but was interested in attending.</div>
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I had no idea that would lead to one of the <a href="http://sam-leaninglearningloving.blogspot.com/2014/08/purpose-in-pain.html">most powerful spiritual lessons of my life.</a> </div>
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It's back again. </div>
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If history repeats itself, change is coming. </div>
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My go-to band when I get like this is Switchfoot. </div>
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I love their sound, their message of making the most of the time we have, their intensity. </div>
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It's good stuff.</div>
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I also like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qv3-TDdD1pM">Bethel's In Over My Head</a></div>
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In the lyrics of that song, </div>
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"Whether I sink, whether I swim, it makes no difference when I'm</div>
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beautifully in over my head."</div>
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Right now it feels like winter, </div>
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but I'm hoping spring is right around the corner. </div>
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Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240735493995388624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529804721106421123.post-40573604294065910382015-11-01T08:18:00.001-06:002015-11-01T08:18:45.683-06:00Happy Halloween!!<div style="text-align: center;">
Maddie LOVES Halloween!</div>
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Dress up is her most beloved activity so combine that with candy and it's heaven!!</div>
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She was Minnie Mouse!</div>
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This year she went up to the doors all by herself...</div>
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She did a great job saying, "Trick-or-treat" and "Thank-You", and then she would run back to us and say, "I did it!"</div>
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Halfway through the night, we taught her to say, "Happy Halloween!"</div>
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At this house, they had fun talking to her and when she ended with Happy Halloween, they laughed and said, "Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas!" </div>
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She then told the next few houses, Merry Christmas! LOL!</div>
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For those of us trick-or-treating ourselves, we left candy out in a bowl for trick-or-treaters to help themselves.</div>
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Daddy taught her which candies to select in a situation like this...chocolate trumps all others, of course!</div>
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We had a great time this year. </div>
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The weather was gorgeous and the neighborhood was bustling with activity!</div>
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Another year in the books!</div>
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"Happy Halloween, Merry Christmas!"</div>
Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240735493995388624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4529804721106421123.post-17276892097141942122015-09-30T08:48:00.002-05:002015-09-30T08:48:19.094-05:00"Don't Fix Me, Just Enjoy Me"<div style="text-align: center;">
A couple of years ago I had a conversation with another Down Syndrome Mommy with a few more years experience. </div>
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She had wise words for me. </div>
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I knew at the time this wasn't just another casual conversation at a birthday party.</div>
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Something inside me said, "Listen up, and listen well. You need to hear this!"</div>
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She humbly offered advice from her plate of perspective and experience with a side of "if I had to do it all over again."</div>
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The context was therapy.</div>
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At one point, we needed two hands to count all the the specialists in Maddie's life. </div>
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In all her wisdom she said, <b>"Don't forget to enjoy them."</b></div>
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I heard her words, and knew they were important, but it took a while for them to permeate. </div>
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We had a full schedule of appointments for Speech, Occupational Therapy, Cranial Sacral adjustments, etc. </div>
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It wasn't a walk in the park for any of us.</div>
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As a mom, we just do what we have to do and sacrifice what we need to for the sake of our children. </div>
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I thought this was what life with a special needs child was supposed to be like.</div>
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I didn't see it at the time, but Maddie was so frustrated. </div>
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I wonder if she could have articulated it, if she would have said,</div>
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"Don't fix me, just enjoy me."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIzu5tm-yOUUx79qkdwTpgua8p5UPoCmRajrC_FF2aUdRO1TkLuqkULe2vS8LF9lmEXtmDrTnGuSdZcbGEpWfYZnwy9VVAeR-kvq97dgFXHfwQE6DMe-bpjUQiXUGLv3IGgPMV45lI1w/s1600/20150704-5DM31914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIzu5tm-yOUUx79qkdwTpgua8p5UPoCmRajrC_FF2aUdRO1TkLuqkULe2vS8LF9lmEXtmDrTnGuSdZcbGEpWfYZnwy9VVAeR-kvq97dgFXHfwQE6DMe-bpjUQiXUGLv3IGgPMV45lI1w/s640/20150704-5DM31914.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hind sight is 20/20, right?</div>
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I can see now that we are in a good, healthy place how all that effort and energy and economic resources spent on helping her <i>may</i> not have been for the best. </div>
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I had a crisis of purpose, and God was whispering to my soul.</div>
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It began with a casual conversation at a birthday party.</div>
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Then, it was the thought, "why don't you homeschool?"</div>
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I opened my heart to the idea of homeschool, and it's like when I did, my eyes were then opened to see Maddie the way she was meant to be seen.</div>
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Nothing, thus far, has been as rewarding in my motherhood journey as homeschooling.</div>
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And it's really not so much about what she's learning (or not learning), it's much more about discovering what makes her tick.</div>
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It's noticing that her attention span is very limited from one day to the next and connecting cause and effect. </div>
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It's seeing that look in her eye and the joy she feels when she gets it.</div>
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<b>It's</b> <b>connection</b>.</div>
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And isn't that what life is all about?</div>
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I would venture to suggest this idea of trying to fix our children is universal. </div>
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It may rear its ugly head more easily in children whose needs are easily identified, but it could be true for any parent.</div>
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My friend's words were so wise, I believe they are worth repeating.</div>
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<b>"Don't forget to enjoy them!"</b></div>
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Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12240735493995388624noreply@blogger.com0