tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58788710628324564302024-02-29T02:26:56.151-05:00Daily Smiles A peek into the everyday life of a not so everyday life.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792117187001612101noreply@blogger.comBlogger1018125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878871062832456430.post-31742514205108777712016-05-07T23:55:00.002-04:002016-05-08T00:02:22.546-04:00A Letter to my kids on Mother's Day<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Sweets,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Tomorrow is Mother's Day. By far my most favorite day of the year. Not because I want a "day off", or gifts, or any of the usual things you would associate with Mother's Day. I love this day because of all of you. All I ever wanted to be when I was a little girl was a mom. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Liv, when I was pregnant with you I had such aspirations! I was going to be a perfect mother. I had a game plan, I read the books I knew what to do and I was ready! I was the mother, I would be in charge. I'd be in total control at all times. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The second you were born that plan went out the window. I held you forever. You slept in my bed, I never let you cry for more than 3 seconds, and we were inseparable, I trusted no one with you. You ruled the roost! For the first time in my life, I knew what it felt like to love someone so fiercely that I would die for them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I loved you so much I couldn't wait to have another baby. Two would only add to the fun, right? So 22 months later Sophia was born...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sophia! My goodness, Sophia, you took my breath away! Literally! You were a spitfire from birth! Always ready with a smile and so easy going. But my darling you were constantly going...and going and going! You threw yourself out of your crib before you could even stand up! You jumped not walked everywhere! Your raspy voice and cunning ways got everyone's attention.You're good at everything you do and as you grew you simply amazed me with your golden touch. And for the second time in my life my heart overflowed with love and again I would gladly give my life for you because there would be no way to survive without you. You are the reason I breathe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Two and a half years went by with laughter and joy. Then, on an unusually warm January night, Bella, you entered the world, in true Bella style! Barely making it to the hospital on time, you were born before I was even admitted. The nurses didn't believe me when I kept telling them we didn't have time for paperwork. You were in a rush to get life started. You were a funny baby, always making us laugh. You still are the funny one. Always making me laugh until I cry and usually at inappropriate times. You're a trouble maker and risk taker and I wish I had your arms! And for the third time in my life , I felt a love like no other and would walk through hell if need be, to protect you. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You three girls were an absolute delight ; watching you all play and grow were the best days of my life. Kinda still wished I had a son though...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2003 proved to be the year of the boy! Andrew, we called you the "golden boy", you even had beautiful golden hair! I couldn't believe you were a boy! I felt like a first time mother. Boys are just different little creatures. You were silly and the girls spoiled you rotten. You are empathetic like me. I can tell when you are worried about someone because you get restless. You are the peacekeeper and my gentle soul. You have amazing talents and will go far in life. I'm excited to see where your talents take you. Your sisters are lucky to have a brother like you to watch over them. And for the fourth time in my life, unconditional love knocked me over and my life was yours. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And because you were such a great brother I decided I wanted one more baby. Another boy and our family would be "perfect"....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Enter Emilia.. a girl.. and our family <b><i>was</i></b> perfect!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Em you were my most difficult pregnancy, my most difficult delivery and my most difficult recovery. You are defiant, and willful, and strong spirited. You carry the Divine Chromosome so you are also unstoppable and strong and determined. You complete me. You challenge me. You inspire me. You are an enchanted creature luring everyone in with that magical smile of yours. You've melted countless hearts. You will always emerge victorious as you conquer every mountain you encounter. And for the fifth time in my life, I lost my heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Loves, being your mother is the hardest thing I've ever done. It's also nothing like I thought it would be. When I become a mother I wasn't suddenly blessed with the knowledge I so desperately needed. I found myself in charge of a life. Another human being was completely dependent on me for everything. I wasn't quite sure what to do, except to just love you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've lived and learned along the way. Some days were great and I felt like freaking Wonder Woman and some days were just epic fails . Some days I had words of wisdom for you all and other days you just left me speechless. Each of you are so different, I really need to be five different mothers. Sometimes it's amusing , sometimes impossible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There have been days so good I wished they'd never end and some days that I prayed I would just live through. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I couldn't imagine my life without each of you. It's a privilege to be your mother, on the good days and the bad days. And on the bad days , when you're slamming doors and hating me, remember that I'm loving you. When I'm yelling at you and punishing you, remember that I'm also, still loving you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Remember that at all times and in all situations, I really do understand. I am forever your ally, protector and confidant. Your happiness is my priority. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, thank you Olivia, Sophia, Bella, Andrew, and Emilia for being the beautiful reasons I get to celebrate Mother's Day. Thank you for calling me mom, mama, mommy and sometimes Mother (Liv)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Forgive me when I fail, some days I'm killing it as Wonder Woman, but some days my human side gets the best of me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Love you more,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Mama</span><br />
<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792117187001612101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878871062832456430.post-4808334980029606202016-03-26T19:58:00.000-04:002016-03-26T21:05:05.956-04:00For, Mr. Tom Chea ..Because You Believed In Her At Her Worst, We All Can Marvel In Her At Her Best.<br />
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Someone pretty amazing in our lives did something wonderful. When thank you isn't enough, what do you do? Well, one of my favorite things are words. When someone takes the time to write me a sentiment in the form of a note, a card, a letter or even a text theses days, it means the world to me. So this is what I've decided to do for Tom. Simply, write..<br />
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Mr. Tom Chea is my Sophia, Andrew and Emilia's Taekwondo coach. We all met last summer. It was quite unplanned as we weren't looking to take TKD classes,but somehow that's where all three ended up. Andrew and Sophia took to it nicely and made it all look easy. Em on the other hand was going through a tough time. A new school for Kindergarten, followed by yet another new school for first grade left her confused and basically pretty pissed off. Her behavior showed this by her lashing out at children. She hit and grabbed and even tackled others to the ground. Unprovoked and almost always without warning. Mr. Chea had her start class with children her size. She was awful! She was all over them. I was devastated for my Em and apologetic to the parents of the kids she mauled. I thanked Mr. Chea for the class, apologized for her behavior and promised never to take Em back. What he said to me that day, still makes me cry. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. His exact words were, " No, take her back next class, she has to learn." <br />
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She has to learn... And was he volunteering to teach her? Did he actually think she was going to listen to him? She was horrendous! Yet, he wasn't phased by it, and still wanted her back in class. I was worried about the other parents being mad,<b> he wasn't.</b> I was worried about her behavior, <b>he wasn't</b>. I was worried the other children would be upset, <b>he wasn't</b>. I was worried she wouldn't listen, <b>he wasn't</b><br />
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I seriously could not believe the faith he had in my girl. I left that day, and just cried, and cried and freaking cried. I was overwhelmed that someone we had just recently met would take such a chance with my Em.<br />
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So, classes continued for Em. And Mr. Chea was right, she did learn. Her behavior improved. She still has moments when she hits but the kids are great. They've learned, because Mr. Chea has taught them, that they need to watch her, (and running away quickly helps). They understand, because Mr. Chea explained to them, that she really doesn't mean to hurt them when she hits. They are patient with her because Mr. Chea shows patience with her. It's beautiful to watch.<br />
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Mr. Chea and Em soon developed a very special relationship. It's amazing to watch them together. I will go as far to say he knows her as well as I do. She says his name about 1000 times a day, and so do I... as motivation to get Em to listen to me! The threat of not seeing Mr. Chea is too much for her to bear.<br />
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Yesterday, I was given the most beautiful surprise. Tom created the most unbelievable video of Em. I had no idea he was doing this and when I saw it, well, you all know I cried. It's one of the most beautiful gestures anyone has ever offered.<br />
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Tom, I can never, ever convey my feelings adequately to you for this video. You see, it's not just a video of Em's amazing progress in class. In a world that shuns special needs and where most babies diagnosed with down syndrome are aborted ,this video is a voice not just for Em, but for all people who are differently abled. This video shows everyone that it doesn't matter, nothing matters. No diagnosis or special need has to stop you from doing what you want. Tom, when I found out Em would be born with Down syndrome I was pissed. I couldn't understand why God would wait till child number 5 to do this. In my mind it would have been better if she was born first. I couldn't see how I could take care of her and still have enough time for the other 4. I decided that this little bundle would just have to keep up with us. We were not going to slow down for her. We always treated her like she was our 5th child, not like she was our 5th child with a disability. And you do that too. Thank you for expecting the same from her that you expect from all your other students. It makes her strong and independent and confident. Thank you for being an advocate and a voice in Em's life. Thank you for loving her. She is limitless.<br />
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Because you believed in her at her worst, we all can marvel in her at her best.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Pqp0dCfTNi4" width="560"></iframe>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792117187001612101noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878871062832456430.post-86069238509217309042015-10-31T17:41:00.000-04:002016-03-26T20:16:29.758-04:00Something Better Than Halloween for Me<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've never been a big fan of Halloween. Even as a child I never got into it. I went trick or treating and when I had my kids I dressed them up and took them out. We decorate and carve pumpkins but I seriously could do without it all. Now, thanks to Em October 31st has a whole new meaning....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When Em was born on Oct 22nd she was fine. Healthy and pink and good to go, but something happened a few hours after she was born. She was born at exactly 5 o'clock pm. Number 5 at 5 . Yeah, I was watching the clock while in labor! Anyway, at 11pm I sent her back to the nursery so I could sleep a bit. She was feed and swaddled and content. At 2 am a nurse came in to tell me as gently as she could that Em was taken to the PICU. She wasn't breathing properly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> S</span><span style="font-size: large;">he had no more info and I couldn't go down until 4 or 5am . I can't remember the exact time, but I remember I had to wait quite a while not knowing what the hell was going on. There was no sense calling home as everyone was sleeping and there was nothing Peter could do. I figured it would be better to let him sleep than to be up worrying and not be able to come to see Em.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I sat in my room, watching each minute go by, I remember being extremely calm. I was waiting for the panic to overwhelm me but it never did. I just calmly waited thinking all the time that after everything we'd been through there's no way we could possibly lose her now. And if it was(God forbid ) a life threatening situation they would never leave me sitting here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Finally, I was allowed to see her. Let me tell you, walking into the PICU was one of the hardest things I've ever done. It takes your breath away to see babies in such extreme medical conditions. The lowdown on my Em was that she basically needed to take a deep breath to open up her lungs. She wasn't taking in enough oxygen on her own thus most likely causing her to turn a pretty shade of blue in the nursery and alerting the nurses that she had an issue. Compared to the other sweet babes in the PICU she was fine!! It was just going to be a matter of time until she figured out this breathing thing on her own and once she did she would be free to go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, she rested comfortably with the help of O2 and then a feeding tube was put in because she decided to boycott eating. That didn't last very long, maybe a day or two and then she realized the bottle was a lot better than the tube.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The hardest part was leaving her there after I was discharged. Leaving the hospital empty handed was painful, even though I knew she was ok. Riding home with an empty car seat, and sleeping at night with an empty crib was very difficult.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately, I didn't have the option of staying with her. I had 4 other little ones at home who needed me. Peter and I split shifts at the hospital sitting and holding and loving on Em while the others held down the fort at home. I got used to the bells and whistles that were constantly going off on monitors, but I will never get the image of a baby coding out of my mind. The rush of doctors and nurses, the orders being shouted, the absolute synchronized way the entire team flows together around the tiniest of humans all working together to bring him back. There were days when I walked in and saw the empty bed, that just the night before held a baby no bigger than my two hands. My heart breaking for the parents left without their baby .I actually felt guilty for having such a healthy baby. That sounds stupid but if you sit there and see what people are going through, hear the conversations between doctors and parents, and hear their cries, you'll understand. I remember, one day searching the PICU for a certain baby. I wanted so desperately to see that they just moved him to a different bay. But he was gone. I sat there holding Em trying so hard not to cry. Meanwhile ,friends cooked and helped out at home with the kids. I could never have done it without them. We are so blessed with friends that have become our family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nine days later she was breathing and eating like a trooper. It was Halloween.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">They wrapped her up , and I was finally able to dress her in her going home outfit, the nurses gave Em an orange and black hat and off we went.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She's never looked back. Em was extremely lucky to be born with very mild health issues that cleared up on their own. She had a small hole in her heart which has since closed. And a right bundle blockage which basically has dumbfounded the doctors. It's an irregular heartbeat that can't be treated but has no repercussions. People usually get them when there has been some trauma to the heart like a heart attack or surgery. Em being born with it is odd, but hey, Down syndrome is known for throwing curve balls. Her doctor had a great way of explaining it me. He compared it to an electrical problem in your home. All the light bulbs in your house work when you flip the switch except the one in your closet. That one takes a second to come on. You probably won't even notice the delay. So her little heart is good and so is the rest of her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have a wonderful night tonight! I hope you get tons of candy, enjoy your parties and win best costume contests! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will be with my littlest love, remembering how lucky we were 7 years ago tonight to be able to bring her home, healthy and happy. </span><br />
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792117187001612101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878871062832456430.post-15419837206224381662015-10-24T21:35:00.001-04:002015-10-25T11:23:45.259-04:007 Years of Love, Laughs and Challenges: Thank You Emilia<br />
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Seven years ago my world was rocked by a 6lb 14 oz bundle of pinkness.<br />
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But before that, my world was rocked by a diagnosis of Down syndrome. I don't want this post to be about that as I've written about it many times. But I do need to state that, I let that diagnosis almost destroy me. That was stupid. I was scared, I shouldn't have been. If you are dealing with a Ds diagnosis seek other mothers and families who have a child with Ds for support. If I had done that the last five months of my pregnancy would have been a joy instead of a nightmare. That said , on to what I really want to write about....<br />
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My Emilia!!!<br />
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On October 22nd my baby turned 7!<br />
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I blinked, that's all it took for seven years to go by. I started this blog when she was 6 months old. I was so amazed by her that I needed to share her with whoever wanted to read about our day to day lives, and loving to write, a blog made perfect sense. We'd get up early, me with my coffee, her with a bottle and I'd write. One day when I'm gone the kids will have this. It's good to write things down. What the mind forgets, words will bring back to life. <br />
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So, my Sweet Em, here are a few things I want to say to you. One day you will be able to read them all by yourself.<br />
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First, my Sweet, thank you!!! Thank you for taking my fear and making me fearless! You have given me so much more than I can ever give you. Every day you are a constant reminder that I can do more. I don't settle any more, I insist on pushing myself out of my comfort zone. You are faced with challenges every single day. Most people don't realize how hard you have to work at so many things. I remember when you were learning to climb stairs. Your PT and you battled it out. You wanted to do it your way, and she insisted you alternate your legs, the correct way. Oh my God you were so stubborn! Finally one day she took the gate off (that blocked the stairs), looked at me and said get rid of this. My first instinct was to ask her if she was insane, but I listened. She put you at the top of the stairs, stood in front of you and down you went, all alone. I believe we celebrated with cake!<br />
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Thank you for teaching me that the "perfect" family isn't about anything I thought it was. Perfection is a messy home, a loud house, running children, insane schedules, constant noise. It's laughter and crying and even fighting.<br />
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It's falling into bed and being asleep before your head touches the pillow, and getting up before the sun. It's taking a head count every few hours and hoping you come up with the same number; and if not, trying to remember who's missing and where the hell they are. It's chaos at all times and it's "perfect".<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">a very rare photo of all 6 kids together.</span></td></tr>
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The first time you said Mama, was the greatest moment of all. I waited years longer than most moms to hear that word. It still brings me to tears to think about it. That sweet little voice of yours finally called out for me. My heart melted. That was a good day!<br />
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There was the day you learned to climb the rock wall at the playground. One day, that's how long that took. You were so happy with your accomplishment!<br />
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And now you are learning TKD. I know right? So cool. Your axe kick is freaking amazing! It's your happiest place to be.<br />
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You literally start shaking when you see the building. You're treated like a princess there and sometimes I have to walk away because I feel like I may cry. It makes me so happy to see how much joy a simple class (when taught by the right person/persons which we are blessed to have) can bring you. You are doing such a a good job at learning to be gentle with the other kids... We're all so proud of you.<br />
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You continue to teach us, guide us and make us stronger. Oh , there are days that you push us to our <b>limits! </b>You have mastered how to be the annoying little sister, and you definitely know what drives your mother insane. My stress level is higher, my alcohol consumption is up, and my social life is nearly dead but I wouldn't change a thing. You are magnificent Emila Faith and its and honor to be your mother.<br />
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<b><i>You are loved Em, You are loved Fiercely </i></b><br />
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792117187001612101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878871062832456430.post-90416485758053694262015-07-28T07:07:00.002-04:002015-10-25T08:31:03.299-04:00Sweet 16!<br />
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I'm so behind in posting !!! Summer always has a way of grabbing me and leading me in other directions.<br />
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I'm easily lured to the outdoors. The warmth of the sun is to enticing!<br />
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One moment I cannot let go by this summer without writing about is my Sophia's birthday.<br />
On July 6th she turned 16!<br />
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How and when all that growing up happened ; I cannot tell you. All I know is, she is suddenly a beautiful young woman.<br />
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The world is yours for the taking Sophia! There are so many different directions you can go.<br />
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Life can be difficult and stressful but there is so much beauty in every day. Don't miss the good things! Sometimes you have to look for them and sometimes they are right in front of you. Be careful to not overlook them.<br />
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You are beautiful and I am so proud of everything you have done and are doing!<br />
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You have no idea how loved and treasured you are. You won't realize it until you have your own children, but you fill my heart with joy! (and other things , but that's all part of growing up, lol)<br />
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You are amazing! Tell yourself that everyday! You can do whatever you put your mind to... add that daily. And never forget that all of heaven is rooting for you! That , you can tell yourself 100 times a day!!!<br />
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Love you more,<br />
Mama<br />
<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792117187001612101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878871062832456430.post-27113844641811814302015-04-28T19:07:00.002-04:002015-10-25T08:34:02.624-04:00"The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life". Richard Bach<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hellos are so much fun, goodbyes are impossible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last September our family grew by one . One remarkable young man. Olivia met Jorge at Festival Ballet Providence during their Summer Intensive Program in July and he was offered a contract as a Trainee in the Company. He was 18 and adorable and needed a place to stay as he is originally from Philadelphia. He and Liv were already inseparable and , well she can usually persuade me into just about anything, so Jorge became our Plus1 (as we affectionately referred to him).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I remember meeting him for the first time after the Summer performance and praying that when he met Emmie he wouldn't back away, or feel uncomfortable. I know that sounds silly for most but if you have a child with Down syndrome or any disability, you know what I mean.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, he melted my heart when he immediately reached out to her, addressing her as "boo".. Dear God he called her boo! I loved him from that moment on. And so did she!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">He blended perfectly and effortlessly into our home and our lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jorge brought so much into our lives. I mean, I thought we were the ones helping him out but in all reality we benefited so much more from having him with us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some of the perks of having an amazingly talented dancer/choreographer/all around super person living with you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Your daughter will have an amazing piece choreographed for her for Grand Prix. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Your little one will be taught how to properly twerk. That was a questionable perk at first but after watching the two of them during a "lesson" I was sold. Twerk away!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. We are all better trained in how to defend ourselves. One quick, clean shot to the throat should give you enough time to run away should you be attacked. Thank you Jorge, Emmie is the best at this but better not take it to school!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. We were turned on to new "quality " TV shows like Love &and Hip Hop. One day when everyone was out I sneaked a peek. Morbid curiosity got the best of me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. When the girls stress me to the point of not being able to breath, Jorge is the one to walk me through the chest pains. "Breathe Mama, breathe" ...he would say.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">6. I knew he would watch out for the girls. I always wished they had a big brother.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">7.Andrew finally had another boy in the house! Being the only brother with 4 sisters at home is beyond difficult.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">8. Bella my "punk" finally had a soul mate. They were the same person, I swear! And he even made Sophie laugh.. no easy feat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">9.His laughter was contagious! Anyone who has heard the boy laugh knows exactly what I mean. What a freaking laugh!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">10. You got Happy Birthday sung to you in Spanish. Jorge, Sophia's birthday is next!! You better call her and sing to her!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">11. He made us happy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The best times were just hanging out at night on those rare occasions when everyone was under one roof at the same time. No idea why, but it always led to dancing..</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqUcB77DZOOnxmUeOGdXUSCZhF8tBg8d6-onwUSRKAhrDHaqZ_WoK0MKJMM8ieJm658RrDGdHvtRV5NYAl4Vem443LXHpFUaj9FWTGvZ2kpLtcTD7zXFWNGj5sASai_EIyJH3J6ovu_eQ/s1600/20150217_205818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqUcB77DZOOnxmUeOGdXUSCZhF8tBg8d6-onwUSRKAhrDHaqZ_WoK0MKJMM8ieJm658RrDGdHvtRV5NYAl4Vem443LXHpFUaj9FWTGvZ2kpLtcTD7zXFWNGj5sASai_EIyJH3J6ovu_eQ/s1600/20150217_205818.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sweet boy, you will always have a family and a home in Rhode Island. I know your talents will take you far. So much awaits you. There is no doubt in my mind you will find success in what you love to do. I can't wait to see where life takes you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">See you soon,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Love , Mama</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>To read more about Jorge the dancer you can go this <a href="http://settingthebarreblog.com/2015/04/27/new-kid-on-the-block/">blog</a>,Setting the Barre, Kirsten is also a dancer at Festival and wrote a beautiful post about Jorge from the dancer perspective. Kirsten also has a link to the piece he choreographed for Olivia.</i></span><br />
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792117187001612101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878871062832456430.post-18533893215866473082015-04-17T12:11:00.001-04:002015-04-17T12:11:47.205-04:00One Enchanted Evening..<br />
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Cinderella didn't dance as much at the ball as Emilia Faith did at her very first Father /Daughter dance.<br />
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The night was <i><b>MAGICAL!!</b></i><br />
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I found the puffiest dress in the word. A pale blue. She took my breath away.<br />
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Her shoes, unlike Cinderella's, fit her perfectly and were so comfortable that she was able to dance the night away in them and still make it home with both of them.<br />
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She was a little reluctant to sit for a photo shoot before the dance,and it showed...<br />
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But when her Prince Charming entered the scene her attitude quickly changed<br />
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And just like that , they were off.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRp3k6q2cyWkgOAujPqKCTKOzZOXyfEOIYPAsEmNRUh2iRxSEZ14AKlthxwpvUu5smy5PKPE5tHgq761q8fptKkP_OqR7PZYu4ifBRgM34qLC7dUDhjqWQUa-y8z76JDvgxIyMrR6q_lr/s1600/20150410_174601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRp3k6q2cyWkgOAujPqKCTKOzZOXyfEOIYPAsEmNRUh2iRxSEZ14AKlthxwpvUu5smy5PKPE5tHgq761q8fptKkP_OqR7PZYu4ifBRgM34qLC7dUDhjqWQUa-y8z76JDvgxIyMrR6q_lr/s1600/20150410_174601.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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And it's a good thing there were no spells involved with this fairy tale because Princess Emilia was out waaaay past her curfew. She arrived home sleepy, and still smiling.<br />
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As I put her to bed,the dreams were already forming in that beautiful little head of hers, of <b> <i>The One Enchanted Evening</i> </b>she had with her Daddy.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792117187001612101noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878871062832456430.post-10977064958647732632015-04-13T09:33:00.003-04:002015-04-13T09:33:51.232-04:0019 Years And Counting<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">19 years ago I married a guy who really had no idea what he was getting into. Thank you Peter for not running away when you realized your Princess was really the Evil Queen. (but with a good heart)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnJ2YGfz7ox3s8YVTpAV55eh3n7O5Bk2Ean588AcZYPYmTpfsYUh4iv6-TOsRVD204cKZA6q7qgpbA6uUvsUt-eGAVPULtBoA3zXtOz_kCSTT1iuw5t4rGeOrh59FufLRdt-B_8Yh5j0d/s1600/i-m-not-a-princess-i-m-the-evil-queen+(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnJ2YGfz7ox3s8YVTpAV55eh3n7O5Bk2Ean588AcZYPYmTpfsYUh4iv6-TOsRVD204cKZA6q7qgpbA6uUvsUt-eGAVPULtBoA3zXtOz_kCSTT1iuw5t4rGeOrh59FufLRdt-B_8Yh5j0d/s1600/i-m-not-a-princess-i-m-the-evil-queen+(1).png" height="400" width="342" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's been a hell of a ride. We have been through things I never imagined could even happen. Highest of highs and extreme lows.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We've had dreams come true and we've watch dreams shatter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We've picked up the pieces and moved forward so many times...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Marriage is HARD. It's frustrating and leaves you frazzled!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfTI0xsJpNj3iRHyPVb5bs-1eAy7P0iEb6rhCLpJ9bEOIbvMMvORpE9oaqSvBnoebCacJJZxE3jGDo9iJ3esk1UJQnikf_I1lgr5YY-O7PhjwDOnbhAf7BzVxzE0MwL0wB2kDhu0kKfjf/s1600/Toy-Story-Fighting-Couple-Coloring-Page-290x290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfTI0xsJpNj3iRHyPVb5bs-1eAy7P0iEb6rhCLpJ9bEOIbvMMvORpE9oaqSvBnoebCacJJZxE3jGDo9iJ3esk1UJQnikf_I1lgr5YY-O7PhjwDOnbhAf7BzVxzE0MwL0wB2kDhu0kKfjf/s1600/Toy-Story-Fighting-Couple-Coloring-Page-290x290.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But, it's worth it. Because I would never want to go through this life flying solo. When good things happen it's you I want to celebrate with,and when the shit hits the fan it's you I run to. You're my friend, my lover ,my confidant, my punching bag and all around much needed guy in my life.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">You tolerate my weirdness with saint like patience.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">19 years and counting.. there's no one else I'd rather tuck and roll through life with!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Anniversary Peter! </span><br />
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792117187001612101noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878871062832456430.post-76073524950657657362015-04-03T09:42:00.000-04:002015-04-28T21:16:11.399-04:00A Month of Wondering.. Is Today Her Birthday<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">April. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">What it means to most people is Spring! April is always a much anticipated month, especially after this Winter. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It means Easter. And a Holiday, school vacation and new life shooting up from a thawing ground. I was married in April. My anniversary used to be the most significant event the month of April brought with it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But now, April fills me with a hidden sadness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Little Love was born this month.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPjqa28FB8CnUqrv8SQ2dXIcqm104jsO7cWDiYMPMdLUXREYX7_GqGQR5W8jYUJF8lpspz6xTxRwG16BU_l6P09KwcFLztmqXG90_IiCBe90TU3kkey_XT4GwRfAFfI1dhzIluW5jCULl/s1600/531793_10150655958438473_698038472_9542834_567500032_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPjqa28FB8CnUqrv8SQ2dXIcqm104jsO7cWDiYMPMdLUXREYX7_GqGQR5W8jYUJF8lpspz6xTxRwG16BU_l6P09KwcFLztmqXG90_IiCBe90TU3kkey_XT4GwRfAFfI1dhzIluW5jCULl/s1600/531793_10150655958438473_698038472_9542834_567500032_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Carina is in Russia. An orphan. Forgotten by all. Trapped there by a useless ban on Adoptions.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">She was born in April. I don't know the day. So everyday, I wish her a Happy Birthday. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I know no one will celebrate her. There will be no cake, no gifts or even an extra hug. I doubt that whoever cares for her even knows when she was born or cares to know.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But there are two woman in this world who will be thinking about Carina on the same day this month.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Me and her birth mother. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I cannot imagine that she has forgotten the day her daughter was born. I have no idea the circumstances surrounding Carina's birth. Her mother was probably young and scared. Most likely she was advised by doctors that her child, born with Down syndrome, would be better off in an orphanage. Children like this don't "belong" in society as they will amount to nothing. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Maybe she longed to keep her... maybe she never looked back. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But she let her go. And I took Carina into my heart.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And there she will stay.. I've claimed her as mine. A spiritual adoption. One Putin has no say over. One I don't need the State to declare me fit for. No one wanted her but me, so I took her and she lives in my heart. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This Christmas I was gifted with a new photo of my girl.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8a5hhaJGftNtJnln5VGWkO8x4Q5ApihNENAjsR3JEKN9qEzVHoXmfR1wysXRE5yvGUg7U5bUT_vgU4FuBhFNllAwnmsiEMwZMZVMOuAw5wtxkbqJ_sSzZRqqzndRswuNq1uyII-gJ44JT/s1600/15Carina2008+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8a5hhaJGftNtJnln5VGWkO8x4Q5ApihNENAjsR3JEKN9qEzVHoXmfR1wysXRE5yvGUg7U5bUT_vgU4FuBhFNllAwnmsiEMwZMZVMOuAw5wtxkbqJ_sSzZRqqzndRswuNq1uyII-gJ44JT/s1600/15Carina2008+(1).jpg" height="340" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She turns 7 this month. Four long years of longing for this baby girl. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">April will never be the same for me. To most people, the ban on adoptions is all but a distant memory. Life goes on. New stories take precedence. The children get lost. Even more lost than they already were. But to those who love them, it's like it happened yesterday. We will never be able to forget. One day Russia <b>will</b> reopen, and they <b>will</b> come home. I believe that with my whole heart. But until then April will be t</span><span style="font-size: large;">hirty days of wondering.. <i><b>is today her birthday? </b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Happy Birthday Baby Girl</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Mama loves you more...</b></i></span><br />
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792117187001612101noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878871062832456430.post-49709618650045983482015-03-07T10:01:00.000-05:002015-03-07T10:01:51.479-05:00An Update From the Frozen Tundra<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YK-AS3DJXLntPMqL0XsbOtinExgRKXw8lSmIVDBznkjVj5Zv2OD6rXOvSpEIdv_nfBdaB01abh3hdSA1x2NhZ8k5lTlsgZIDtklJ2mJU7drWmeTMxzCPU0Vgdj5_XnT5bdT9_ZPlWizq/s1600/download+(6).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YK-AS3DJXLntPMqL0XsbOtinExgRKXw8lSmIVDBznkjVj5Zv2OD6rXOvSpEIdv_nfBdaB01abh3hdSA1x2NhZ8k5lTlsgZIDtklJ2mJU7drWmeTMxzCPU0Vgdj5_XnT5bdT9_ZPlWizq/s1600/download+(6).jpg" height="245" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I guess I don't have to explain the title of this post, if you are even somewhat coherent you know the type of winter we have been having. It has snowed and snowed and snowed...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The calming effect snow usually has on me wore off sometime after the first 100 inches softly fell over us. That feeling soon changed to panic! How could the local grocery stores possibly be able to keep enough bread, milk and eggs on the shelves!! Rage has now replaced panic as my current state of mind as each impending snow storm is putting my sanity to the test.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Meanwhile:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Robins flew in.. and I thought , there is hope! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That was a few storms back. Have not seen or heard them since. I fear the worst.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieUbRsgsCVG2KU6iV4P-Z7bRYmRkONxAL8_LQ2ZY1Jkez0K7DbqQgiPFLykiskrvJvb3VaMKRMQXIZ0x8MGQ_w_a6hdXDzUtzGkqapeGjBZh-dsXqu64wrd5mZ4F6boPb8cMix-_uEilu5/s1600/tumblr_nj9zheTA6F1qcfm5vo8_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieUbRsgsCVG2KU6iV4P-Z7bRYmRkONxAL8_LQ2ZY1Jkez0K7DbqQgiPFLykiskrvJvb3VaMKRMQXIZ0x8MGQ_w_a6hdXDzUtzGkqapeGjBZh-dsXqu64wrd5mZ4F6boPb8cMix-_uEilu5/s1600/tumblr_nj9zheTA6F1qcfm5vo8_500.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Also we lost our Fancy Bear Gerbil ,Gus Gus. And because he chose to kick the bucket when there was no less than 4 feet of snow on the ground he "Laid in State" for a few days as we tried to figure out what the hell to do with him. He was too big too flush and too good for the garbage. We decided to pack him on ice til the ground is visible (maybe by June) and give him a proper burial. So Gus Gus is wrapped in a beautiful glass jar in the snow on the deck til he can join the cat and various fish pets we have buried around the yard.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsY3dHjPtGpvogF6wGsSbj7zM2IS4ijnjIGB30G_v4TNK3Z67WSyEsDivsO2hBkxXOgx15ulFFD5Ei0Q1JoTY5x7F3ePfcvVat7iZl9b0pzfbeYfBHVIS2G294FeNel5Oqyz_YzR7ZE5Wl/s1600/10994064_10204590898116047_9187846662146921913_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsY3dHjPtGpvogF6wGsSbj7zM2IS4ijnjIGB30G_v4TNK3Z67WSyEsDivsO2hBkxXOgx15ulFFD5Ei0Q1JoTY5x7F3ePfcvVat7iZl9b0pzfbeYfBHVIS2G294FeNel5Oqyz_YzR7ZE5Wl/s1600/10994064_10204590898116047_9187846662146921913_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On to the humans</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">They're all fine and driving me crazy.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQA9h6fXI6hX6muJ5CMPgkyX7IFPOVSTu6f57GUE3nbkhIMBZjO-u-o7i622d8hWSd0GlPtbbNglAuAzFPLPJlT196LVNYVzPGVex-k6S0Nxq8UrB39sDzSXcwvttgt6zUkQChU0Dmdcrg/s1600/IMG_1896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQA9h6fXI6hX6muJ5CMPgkyX7IFPOVSTu6f57GUE3nbkhIMBZjO-u-o7i622d8hWSd0GlPtbbNglAuAzFPLPJlT196LVNYVzPGVex-k6S0Nxq8UrB39sDzSXcwvttgt6zUkQChU0Dmdcrg/s1600/IMG_1896.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The girls are dancing, Bella is flipping and Andrew is still disgusted that we had only one boy.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqb_uhSUaPXjbqx2vYXaHfn5XMW9_io1a5ErgGkcXZdBThAoiEa_jvaRsuJZhJnf5n4aLb90i-cB-BQ1VxWD4wYKf0kXwMW5S3xTaAKgRzw04IkVsZX9m-fYfWdIVWRZP822WwYW8iY9bk/s1600/IMG_1993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqb_uhSUaPXjbqx2vYXaHfn5XMW9_io1a5ErgGkcXZdBThAoiEa_jvaRsuJZhJnf5n4aLb90i-cB-BQ1VxWD4wYKf0kXwMW5S3xTaAKgRzw04IkVsZX9m-fYfWdIVWRZP822WwYW8iY9bk/s1600/IMG_1993.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We've been playing host family to Liv's friend Jorge, an up and coming dancer/choreographer from Philly, who will soon take the world by storm. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQqGX596WhU-LaN0aGp31bYQ7jryWpt6g33Qr3pg1w3nKe5_PeEMNgSztRy7vMf7yBSOq5ncqZmCnVrGA-SO84wN_8b0LJWsl8sVlTchtByVKk1EA9iEgrXEan8Ur496p1KftksVyH75d/s1600/20140725_173345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQqGX596WhU-LaN0aGp31bYQ7jryWpt6g33Qr3pg1w3nKe5_PeEMNgSztRy7vMf7yBSOq5ncqZmCnVrGA-SO84wN_8b0LJWsl8sVlTchtByVKk1EA9iEgrXEan8Ur496p1KftksVyH75d/s1600/20140725_173345.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We love him and are trying to figure out how to keep him forever. Of course his real family might have a problem with that ;) He's a blessing and a joy who came to us at a time when we really needed a breath of fresh air. He really deserves his own post. I think he is expecting it, Soon... Soon Jorge!!! I promise!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And the star of the show,Emilia Faith... is still running things around here. Her boundless energy keeps us all exhausted, her beauty astonishes us, her appetite to learn is ferocious! She dances and sings and is living the life! She's also very naughty and spends a lot of time in time out...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbnuSjJ-ZjKm5ICDbWVfRNC0rwn1SsCtwOxC8owYeAH9IYBAmw719b1bFvwAb3DckcPhMLB78IAvKOdDH6jkqH80WC-07HBW1-eJ7u4SzzZDTcU1HtKTNIv0KbQfUsUmb08DbhmX0HdYA/s1600/IMG_0782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbnuSjJ-ZjKm5ICDbWVfRNC0rwn1SsCtwOxC8owYeAH9IYBAmw719b1bFvwAb3DckcPhMLB78IAvKOdDH6jkqH80WC-07HBW1-eJ7u4SzzZDTcU1HtKTNIv0KbQfUsUmb08DbhmX0HdYA/s1600/IMG_0782.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She is loving school and working diligently on potty training both at school and home. We are trying the tag team method. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She is the Princess of Lippitt Elementary School. Loved by all. And patiently tolerated by the ones she chooses to bully... But, she is improving daily on her inappropriate contact with friends.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAXFDq72XzoYscu_kx26h4NmlXGjgngD3NVgYOZywKxk1PBB4uuft2zsKpoXJPykWyi_XAzAkmeK2hZgFIK-Jjm4OE9iu28AkKdcHHYchmJjnsjs6v1080YXA3YUGcJ5R88L1fogN8AkX/s1600/10968394_10204462635549563_8805663436809560515_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAXFDq72XzoYscu_kx26h4NmlXGjgngD3NVgYOZywKxk1PBB4uuft2zsKpoXJPykWyi_XAzAkmeK2hZgFIK-Jjm4OE9iu28AkKdcHHYchmJjnsjs6v1080YXA3YUGcJ5R88L1fogN8AkX/s1600/10968394_10204462635549563_8805663436809560515_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This has been a long and stressful winter. We have gotten through on faith, humor and Jorge..(we really love the boy)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Looking forward to spring, things that are green and warmer temps. </span><br />
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792117187001612101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878871062832456430.post-76971416607998371452014-12-19T14:22:00.000-05:002014-12-19T14:22:35.019-05:00We Will Never Forget Our Russian Orphans: Happy Birthday Natasha. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are fast approaching the two year anniversary of a day I do not want remember but cannot forget. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">On Dec 26th 2013 Putin closed Russia to Americans adopting. With a stroke of his pen he broke hearts, shattered families, took hope away from orphans, and to many Russian orphans handed over a death sentence.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of my friends Katrina Morriss can never forget that day either. Her daughter Natasha is one of those countless orphans now stuck in Russia. Here in America she has a family who desperately longs for her. The future is unknown, unsettling and scary. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Katrina has never rested since Putin wrote into law the dismal future of all Russian orphans. She has fought for awareness and to keep the children of Russia in the spotlight. She refuses to let them slip into the darkness where they will be forgotten by everyone. Out of sight out of mind works for Putin but not for Katrina!</span><br />
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Below is a plea from Katrina. I can only ask that if you are reading this you please think about the beauties that had families, met their families and were anticipating their lives in America. And then because of one selfish, cold hearted leader, lost their dreams. Think about the moms and dads that held their sons and daughters promising to be back soon, only to be locked out forever. Please like Katrina's Facebook page. And for the love of all, remember the children. They are still there, families are still fighting for them. Please don't let them be forgotten.</div>
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Katrina's Plea:</div>
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In honor of Natasha's 9th birthday <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">and</span> <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">the</span> 2 year anniversary of <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">the</span> <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">adoption</span> <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">ban</span> please join together with us to get 10,000 likes <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">on</span> <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">the</span> Parents United for <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">Russian</span>Orphans FB page by <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">the</span> end of <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">the</span> year.</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/parentsunitedforrussianorphans" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">https://www.facebook.com/parentsunitedforrussianorphans</a></div>
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Our goal is for people around <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">the</span> world to come together to help <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">the </span>children stuck in <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">Russian</span> orphanages by providing information <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">and </span>supporting groups that help <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">the</span> children have better lives. We are begging <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">the</span> <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">Russian</span> government to bring about change for <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">the</span> better <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">and</span> continue to ask them to work with our government to allow <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">the </span>remaining pipeline children to come home. If this is not possible, we pray <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">the</span> children will speedily find loving homes in Russia <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">and</span> that <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">the </span>government will provide <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">the</span> necessary support system for them.</div>
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Natasha was only 6 years old when a loving family met her <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">and</span> agreed to adopt her. She has spent an extra 2 1/2 years in an orphanage because of <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">the</span> <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">adoption</span> <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">ban</span> <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">and</span> most likely will spend <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">the</span> rest of her life without ever knowing <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">the</span> love of a family if changes are not made.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGySfXjnIBXJXOPgSPU7uCrLFeRKn6HS814Xt3nzPdCUJ6V2HSgU7mmgUmJJP-YtaapS6hsVZvIm6G01V2bHyzU7FmFErmTclE7Bpx1Ff9C5lkaKjQiVpYknV5c5hm6sbwEvKccitYuf-w/s1600/10620446_10204919458042440_948052629005185825_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGySfXjnIBXJXOPgSPU7uCrLFeRKn6HS814Xt3nzPdCUJ6V2HSgU7mmgUmJJP-YtaapS6hsVZvIm6G01V2bHyzU7FmFErmTclE7Bpx1Ff9C5lkaKjQiVpYknV5c5hm6sbwEvKccitYuf-w/s1600/10620446_10204919458042440_948052629005185825_o.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natasha</td></tr>
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<span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">The</span> link to our blog(Katrina Morriss) <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">and</span> this beautifully written article by <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">Russian</span>journalist <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">and</span> volunteer for Downside Up Julia Kolesnickenko . that has links to our documentary that will be shown in Russia <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">on</span> December 13th.</div>
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<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fparentsunitedforrussianorphans.blogspot.com%2F&h=4AQGWukQ0&enc=AZMUs-rUZcMMbfRNSWjxapngmvBQgbVhiYr2xgPTXq3ZiLkTOgHEyVoEUESNg1TIPDXQP_V995of3GmZyK6ZtDMaougyi-rvrz0iIIRUuIXouBnDc_vqKnJSiZg5LUhzrqJrslZmckwmzcMV63iVjTBsaBN2i-BS_zEwNqJLt909pg&s=1" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://parentsunitedforrussianorphans.blogspot.com/</a></div>
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<span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">T</span><span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">he</span><span style="background-color: white;"> link to </span><span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; padding: 0px 1px;">the</span><span style="background-color: white;"> documentary FB page. </span><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/childrenofthestate" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">https://www.facebook.com/childrenofthestate</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792117187001612101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878871062832456430.post-78941247096854994622014-10-11T16:04:00.000-04:002014-10-11T19:07:51.644-04:00Down Syndrome Awareness, Day 11: Sometimes The Facts Are Not Enough <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I thought about posting some facts about Down syndrome , but you can google them in a second and have them all sorted out on the computer screen for you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Facts and stats about health issues and life expectancy, delays and characteristics. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But you may have a hard time finding some other facts. Facts that aren't as widely known as the medical facts and all that other stuff that scares the crap out of people. I don't think it's fair that when you are expecting a child with Ds that you instantly feel fear and if you don't people think you are crazy. I was beyond scared for the last five months of my pregnancy. It was all unnecessary. I wish I had known some fun facts then. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not all the facts are scary. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Down syndrome Fun Facts :</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. You are having a baby! Surprise! It's still a beautiful baby you are carrying!!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. This baby will cry, and keep you up at night!!! YAY!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. This little one will grab your heart so tight you will physically feel it in your chest! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanFsCXt6hDDWbIggV7vuIK-2laFGPdQ_tiSUjNFDTDF2a4GPU9Sdejoz1Vgvv5MpSfhyphenhyphen8EYZAry31gehO5F0rVQlXq7HlQEpJXNa1srjo0Rb-brgpuG88sU5E6otamNF9j7HRI8AXHhpT/s1600/EmieEyes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanFsCXt6hDDWbIggV7vuIK-2laFGPdQ_tiSUjNFDTDF2a4GPU9Sdejoz1Vgvv5MpSfhyphenhyphen8EYZAry31gehO5F0rVQlXq7HlQEpJXNa1srjo0Rb-brgpuG88sU5E6otamNF9j7HRI8AXHhpT/s1600/EmieEyes.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. You will laugh like you have never laughed before. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. You are about to become a better person. You won't even know it's happening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">6. Your strength now rivals Wonder Woman's, in fact you could easily kick her ass (if you had too) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">7. You will find yourself uttering one liners that have never been heard by other human beings before, such as.. "Emmie do not kiss the gerbils butt!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">8. Nothing will ever phase you again. No longer will you gasp at children who are ill behaved in public. You now walk by smugly, knowing your kid could top that kids tantrum with one leg tied behind her back .</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iRdjj_aWV5s9JBPQOkA3eHbFYcjMU4QXrevdRfvVDFbfF-B_nbAS8k8TB4hEOXNttWf-lyiN0UJjt2jbituXwdmXbAYOq_CSRWb_0c4s6PagAdJ2CS6LdSdaqYmlfX_GGd4xDKNakbxZ/s1600/20140205_163635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iRdjj_aWV5s9JBPQOkA3eHbFYcjMU4QXrevdRfvVDFbfF-B_nbAS8k8TB4hEOXNttWf-lyiN0UJjt2jbituXwdmXbAYOq_CSRWb_0c4s6PagAdJ2CS6LdSdaqYmlfX_GGd4xDKNakbxZ/s1600/20140205_163635.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">9. Popsicle's will be an acceptable food for breakfast because you know you will NEVER leave the house if she doesn't get one!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">10. A piece of heaven has been offered to you. Take it! Love and enjoy this gift every day of your life!! Not everyone is given a gift this precious. This child will open your eyes , and show you things hidden from the rest of the word. I kid you not!!!!</span><br />
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792117187001612101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878871062832456430.post-11653901834222343092014-10-07T18:33:00.000-04:002014-10-07T18:33:54.916-04:00Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Day 4,5,6 and 7: Tony, Tony Tony!!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Holy Cow! What a week! So busy! Not a spare second to sit and write! I've got a minute now so I will catch up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">How about a story about Em and her new school?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She is in all day Kindergarten. Fully included. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She is ruling the roost and having a freaking ball. She is testing the waters of a new school, new kids and new teachers. She is not using her best behavior like in her old school. They are practicing "nice hands" with her. Apparently she is taking swings at her new little classmates and her teachers..</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And knowing Em she's doing with a giggle and a twinkle in her eye. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When she's not hitting , she can be found throwing things and running like the wind around the classroom. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">With my blessing she now has a designated "time out " spot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Gotta love her!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She also has a special friend named Tony.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">You know the saying opposites attract? Well, apparently free spirits can become bosom buddies also. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She calls his name constantly and if you ask her if she likes Tony, she literally gushes and gets all silly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She is smitten!!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She has to sit near him in school and they are using him to motivate her to be good! HA! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday her teachers were very concerned because Em would not eat. Not at snack , not at lunch and not at the second snack time. She wouldn't play outside and she was very clingy. She also wanted to sit with the weighted blanket and just tap her fingers on it. Poor Em they thought, she must be getting sick.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Or....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Could this have something to do with the fact that Tony left school early?????</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yeah, she was sick alright! LOVE SICK!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2MpSHTAFnDkpZQQAe2cR8RY7QwsEWHwZ5D34vH4U4iTXmcZNUqNaygRykPGuxVa1TFxvH1_B02plQpmQnboD8mTVlHQKG1_AonYcNGANH1FG_VGOB5P64_DLs4QTZDZACNbo6T1XIlOG/s1600/mnb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2MpSHTAFnDkpZQQAe2cR8RY7QwsEWHwZ5D34vH4U4iTXmcZNUqNaygRykPGuxVa1TFxvH1_B02plQpmQnboD8mTVlHQKG1_AonYcNGANH1FG_VGOB5P64_DLs4QTZDZACNbo6T1XIlOG/s1600/mnb.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ate like a horse when she got home and played all night. And of course talked about TONY!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Her first crush! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I type this she is looking through her school papers , talking up a storm. And of course the only words I can understand are Ooooh, Tony! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, at least we have mastered the "T" sound !</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792117187001612101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878871062832456430.post-4077525835691551882014-10-03T20:47:00.004-04:002014-10-03T20:49:38.834-04:00Down Syndrome Awareness Month , Day 3: Persistence<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Calling today a cheat day. I've been running like a nut since this morning, so putting something original together right now is not humanly possible for me or my tired brain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love looking back on older posts. So, this is one of my favorites. It makes me smile and yes, cry just a bit. But not sad tears. Do you have a sunflower in your life? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">From October 21st 2010</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Persistence.</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUmpcZp6p1zB6HHqKAgiVwoXNtN7_WZsTTcUkDLMN4RlQVjyFxTDjuoDWbRrPcLkpumL7vr95e2ge6cAPwkepJfF7dce5kEZnCBhZlz6cRqLRGEIX8g1seMQU92SXJggDNMOZMCshakeH/s1600/DSC03429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUmpcZp6p1zB6HHqKAgiVwoXNtN7_WZsTTcUkDLMN4RlQVjyFxTDjuoDWbRrPcLkpumL7vr95e2ge6cAPwkepJfF7dce5kEZnCBhZlz6cRqLRGEIX8g1seMQU92SXJggDNMOZMCshakeH/s1600/DSC03429.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #121212; font-family: Cousine; line-height: 31.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">Persistent. That just about sums up what this sunflower is. It's October 21st, well past blooming time.Sunflower season is over. The leaves are changing, the temperature is dropping and the garden is readying itself for a long winters nap. But this sunflower bloomed today. Stuck it's pretty face into the sun for the very first time. The epitome of a late bloomer. You see this sunflower had a tough beginning. It started out in the usual way, as a tiny seed, gently planted into the earth in early spring. It was tended to and watered, and in time it became a tiny shoot, with tiny little leaves. Well, it met up with a wayward lawn mower and it all but disappeared. I feared it was gone. But everyday I checked on it, I knew it's roots were still embedded in the earth, and in time it grew again. Still early enough in the summer, it would have plenty of time to grow tall. Then some nasty bugs ate all the leaves and my sunflower disappeared again. I feared the worst, but once again it proved me wrong and started to grow. Just a little slower and smaller this time. It was already halfway through the summer, but still enough warm days left I thought, for it to grow tall and strong. One more attack of bugs took it from my sight. It was late summer now and even if it came back again I feared the cold would put an absolute end to my sunflower. But, again it persevered and started to grow. This time I felt bad for my sunflower. All this effort to grow and stand tall, so many times starting over and over again, just to be frozen by the dropping temps. Why does it bother? Why doesn't it just give up? </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #121212; font-family: Cousine; line-height: 31.2000007629395px; text-align: center;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #121212; font-family: Cousine; line-height: 31.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">I guess because, that's all it knows. Maybe this sunflower longs to feel the sun on it's petals even if it's just for a day. Because even a life that doesn't seem worth it is very well worth it if it's yours. Maybe it's not the quantity of days but the quality. Maybe it just enjoys a good challenge! </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #121212; font-family: Cousine; line-height: 31.2000007629395px; text-align: center;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #121212; font-family: Cousine; line-height: 31.2000007629395px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBYstwZTlUxFw9L7wvOdKwgFmeWQ_smfJtS4iKv8ws7lwIN8NWhyphenhyphenkJhWuKaJI_nd57JV7u3Wly6OwqC0VJjNZNmOArJXAwcMWbD_MUHa2UpP_mR_TgrKP3CzW2WFTfIaNX0x9KRs88rp9/s1600/DSC03428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #666666; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBYstwZTlUxFw9L7wvOdKwgFmeWQ_smfJtS4iKv8ws7lwIN8NWhyphenhyphenkJhWuKaJI_nd57JV7u3Wly6OwqC0VJjNZNmOArJXAwcMWbD_MUHa2UpP_mR_TgrKP3CzW2WFTfIaNX0x9KRs88rp9/s400/DSC03428.JPG" height="300" style="border: 1px solid rgb(102, 102, 102); padding: 4px;" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #121212; font-family: Cousine; line-height: 31.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">Regardless of the reason, my summer sunflower is here and blooming right next to the fall mums. Her stem is crooked and her flower is small but her face is in the sun. And I think my sunflower is beautiful, just as she is.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #121212; font-family: Cousine; line-height: 31.2000007629395px; text-align: center;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #121212; font-family: Cousine; line-height: 31.2000007629395px; text-align: center;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #121212; font-family: Cousine; line-height: 31.2000007629395px; text-align: center;">I think I'll call my sunflower Emilia...</span></span><br />
<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792117187001612101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878871062832456430.post-4286748731201161412014-10-02T12:13:00.002-04:002014-10-02T12:13:29.369-04:00Down syndrome Awareness Month Day 2 : Our Hearts Are Full <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A diagnosis of Down syndrome may initially cause you to spin wildly out of control. But when the dust settles remember these words</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>IT'S ALL GOOD!</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jvm8SIQE9j8CX12sk7om-BIW7hl6OrR_3SbVqgIdY6irLYeQdbHPSwGNkKyjI5eU3yy-DXDB6T_K7cp5xWTTNLxvzgpeUMTYpmtwvF9-o42Sz4LACi-F4OhkTeome0AmWpegng0sdKU0/s1600/IMG_5444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jvm8SIQE9j8CX12sk7om-BIW7hl6OrR_3SbVqgIdY6irLYeQdbHPSwGNkKyjI5eU3yy-DXDB6T_K7cp5xWTTNLxvzgpeUMTYpmtwvF9-o42Sz4LACi-F4OhkTeome0AmWpegng0sdKU0/s1600/IMG_5444.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's all good except if you're a gerbil and travel in a ball. Then you might have a problem</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Throw the fears out the door and lock that sucker up tight. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Your life is going to get <b>better</b>, your heart,<b>bigger</b>, your voice, <b>louder.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There will be days when you are frazzled, exhausted and need to give yourself a time out. ( </span>kinda sounds like a day in the life of a mom , doesn't it?)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>But !</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>EVERYDAY</b> will be a blessing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>EVERYDAY</b> will leave you with a full heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>EVERYDAY</b> will have you wondering what you did without this Dumpling, who just turned your upside down world into absolute <b><i>perfection!</i></b></span><br />
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792117187001612101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878871062832456430.post-90621848917453232262014-10-01T17:57:00.000-04:002014-10-01T18:03:28.688-04:00It's October Already??? You Know What That Means.. Down Syndrome Awareness Month Begins!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Okay,okay I've been MIA for months!!! Summer came and went and I seriously did not write one post. This old blog needs a dusting off! October is here, so time for some fall cleaning! I'll be posting as much as I possibly can to spread Down syndrome Awareness this month. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I guess today is as good a day as any to fill you in on what Miss E has been up to for the last three months. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After preschool graduation in June she basically just hung out with me all summer. She enjoyed her time in her little pool. And just running wild.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoyT8brvslGJmc5OG1qHtPz5GbCxQZYVgP0op84OiWMNHrCTKJljQ5wAuKfNkGpDtLJjaF-FKGU2MqCTkfWHlUH613BnyOBUHJ9JcVFxkdiXoetuwbv2RoEOvOv2rIS5aoz5fhmmoZaa0o/s1600/20140621_120410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoyT8brvslGJmc5OG1qHtPz5GbCxQZYVgP0op84OiWMNHrCTKJljQ5wAuKfNkGpDtLJjaF-FKGU2MqCTkfWHlUH613BnyOBUHJ9JcVFxkdiXoetuwbv2RoEOvOv2rIS5aoz5fhmmoZaa0o/s1600/20140621_120410.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNm4v88e1eTuJcuHasXWCG53lY687S4u80WfhZgBypfzdfms_oUeCTXKaZe3WEKpJCBVZUig2W-nnBWUv64QOROnUMLE3-b249VCVvgko-Lz_cKe8i-eXgFeg7X520zFJ82_u4IgZcVVj-/s1600/20140711_152350%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNm4v88e1eTuJcuHasXWCG53lY687S4u80WfhZgBypfzdfms_oUeCTXKaZe3WEKpJCBVZUig2W-nnBWUv64QOROnUMLE3-b249VCVvgko-Lz_cKe8i-eXgFeg7X520zFJ82_u4IgZcVVj-/s1600/20140711_152350%5B1%5D.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And we learned that Em is one hell of a strawberry picker! She can pick and eat her weight!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ujtu8RW8vzoVbK5zTYT4f5BBZkLkKzNNyF1vZIMF0gV90yWE0z9hp6naxg-ElUJ2V7NOuOZ0EPaXIZDet50VjzLpLX5ESeZsNp9FX9NVlj0fguP69cBbsqbrPTVyMhsssYFN8phgKJ3q/s1600/20140702_103850%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ujtu8RW8vzoVbK5zTYT4f5BBZkLkKzNNyF1vZIMF0gV90yWE0z9hp6naxg-ElUJ2V7NOuOZ0EPaXIZDet50VjzLpLX5ESeZsNp9FX9NVlj0fguP69cBbsqbrPTVyMhsssYFN8phgKJ3q/s1600/20140702_103850%5B1%5D.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I, on the other hand lamented all summer over the looming dark cloud called Kindergarten. I had mounting anxiety. Mostly about the school. It was not my favorite. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">ANYHOO... fast forward to present day and I will be the first to scream .. <b>"I was wrong"!!!!!!!!!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She is having a blast , I love her teacher and her teachers aid is </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">AH MA ZING! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Emmie is taking her place as the bad girl in town by hitting all her friends ( we are making progress).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And she even as a special friend named Tony. When Em hears his name she freaking glows and gets all silly. I kid you not. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I met Tony this morning and I immediately understood my girls weak knees. He is adorable! Big brown eyes and lashes that hit his eyebrows. And that smile!!!! Simply irresistible!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So all is well with Kindergarten. Whew!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">First day photo!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujLKImdTRvp-GvaeMJf9xEmwAdAxcfd6-fjJAfh1Fdi404TGIdEQVSV2jteOhjN2X2gzd5d-zDiu7wRKyvqGuzvXqac14VGtD6m9xp8g7SrwWAEJwdeZFI6Mju4sP8d7R58WAdwRyj3Yu/s1600/20140827_080907%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujLKImdTRvp-GvaeMJf9xEmwAdAxcfd6-fjJAfh1Fdi404TGIdEQVSV2jteOhjN2X2gzd5d-zDiu7wRKyvqGuzvXqac14VGtD6m9xp8g7SrwWAEJwdeZFI6Mju4sP8d7R58WAdwRyj3Yu/s1600/20140827_080907%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Keep checking back! If not for the writing abilities of the resident blogger, than for the sole reason of seeing some Emmie for the month of October! And maybe learning a bit about Down syndrome so you too can be an advocate!</span>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792117187001612101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878871062832456430.post-18220101018668575162014-07-06T10:32:00.001-04:002014-07-06T10:32:09.206-04:00My Firecracker Turns 15!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">July 4th 1999, I was having contractions that felt like firecrackers going off inside me. I was confident that our second child would be a 4th of July baby. But Miss Sophia had a different idea. She wasn't about to share her birthday , she wanted her own day. So two days later on the 6th she made her debut. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1ZbftJaU3VOWojHjqYYRE-5g_pV3K-KkwtiWEriNxl5pQ0sOW36x7ojY_WEbICgl2InQtgg8AH6APIp7LErp9CWPvFdXE1Om_sko-MUuiCROXHmTu7rQivFHTEkhDu7RK8_lE17Ag8AX/s1600/DSC00013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1ZbftJaU3VOWojHjqYYRE-5g_pV3K-KkwtiWEriNxl5pQ0sOW36x7ojY_WEbICgl2InQtgg8AH6APIp7LErp9CWPvFdXE1Om_sko-MUuiCROXHmTu7rQivFHTEkhDu7RK8_lE17Ag8AX/s1600/DSC00013.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She was full of vim and vigor from the moment I held her and has been ever since.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She is unpredictable and at times exasperating. She has the ability to drive you to the edge of insanity and then leave you hanging there... </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But, she can also make you laugh til you think your stomach will burst. Her sense of humor is definitely a gift from God. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She is a classic beauty and I find myself staring at her, simply in awe of her face. Her heart is good. And she is brilliant. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoX6tGvMwWfxcxdMEoMw-ubRL8Or7JI-kuyNtOVxDIDTn4pniy0pJkJHD_SR4ChhIU4tQ-svrNTUeFfRKaveSGQqxoXoA3A1Uh8yMe_TQYKe-RckMMaN1N5UHUVi18D9v2GNxnF3qCfr_B/s1600/20140505_202156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoX6tGvMwWfxcxdMEoMw-ubRL8Or7JI-kuyNtOVxDIDTn4pniy0pJkJHD_SR4ChhIU4tQ-svrNTUeFfRKaveSGQqxoXoA3A1Uh8yMe_TQYKe-RckMMaN1N5UHUVi18D9v2GNxnF3qCfr_B/s1600/20140505_202156.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You are growing into an amazing young woman, Sophie. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0-Zlw4yQvQ4Uh3UmVPEfCi2OGPMrM7IODWmZbpSIG9ivSFdKOW8gU9IIyK7vAOuqgmRm_hBR6P2mRsQyiFQ6xscXJxQ-xfPr1_na7aw3FyNphP-YWuZIE3hFe4obNqFfvDgM5KE634-c/s1600/20140227_150047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0-Zlw4yQvQ4Uh3UmVPEfCi2OGPMrM7IODWmZbpSIG9ivSFdKOW8gU9IIyK7vAOuqgmRm_hBR6P2mRsQyiFQ6xscXJxQ-xfPr1_na7aw3FyNphP-YWuZIE3hFe4obNqFfvDgM5KE634-c/s1600/20140227_150047.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy the ride you are on. Don't take things too seriously. Treat every experience whether it be good or bad as a chance to learn something and to grow stronger and wiser, (remember , your name means wisdom)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Your life is an empty canvas! Use every color in the rainbow to paint your future!!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And above all, remember that you are loved more than you can EVER imagine!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Love you more, </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Mama </i></b></span>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792117187001612101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878871062832456430.post-90489051402649529222014-06-19T08:13:00.000-04:002014-06-19T08:13:12.702-04:00Sometimes Being Sad is Okay.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's "our" last day of preschool..</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today is going to suck... just sayin.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJbeaUGwXhhOiKJX9DtrTMoXElak4DzCoHRd1FfAuBCr6NHo9693arnJFxpycBAthce9ggzk4RFhldSTxz3vZ5-2-yuRGRp2JElGU2lb0ncAr_9SrndpKUqo6W41as0J2daI5917RUCBX/s1600/2014-01-21+11.14.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJbeaUGwXhhOiKJX9DtrTMoXElak4DzCoHRd1FfAuBCr6NHo9693arnJFxpycBAthce9ggzk4RFhldSTxz3vZ5-2-yuRGRp2JElGU2lb0ncAr_9SrndpKUqo6W41as0J2daI5917RUCBX/s1600/2014-01-21+11.14.45.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've been trying to make the best of today. Counting our blessings and what not. But you know what? Today is just going to be sad. I am happy for the amazing three years Em had with her beyond amazing team at Drum Rock, but my heart hurts to think today will be the last time she interacts with them. The last time I drop her off and see Libby's beautiful smile waiting to take Em inside. The last time Ms. Lisa will have Em in her class and the last time I will sit in line as #25 waiting to pick up Em, and the last time she is with all her friends . </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've decided to just be sad today. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't have the energy to suck it up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes being sad is okay.</span><br />
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792117187001612101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878871062832456430.post-7098683401282185282014-06-15T15:36:00.001-04:002014-06-15T15:36:27.517-04:00Time To Say Thanks..<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Alarm buzzing at the crack of dawn.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Day beginning , coffee brewing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Kids still sleeping, that won't due, too much happening.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's Culmination Day!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Costumes, pointe shoes, Sophia your Character shoes!!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Seriously no toothpaste? Dads up he can run!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Nothing for lunches, they have a long day, pick up something on the way.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Leaving late, mom is stressed, kids are fine, no concept of time.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Warm up class has begun, two ballerinas just five minutes late.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Back on the road to the bakery I go.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Strawberry cheesecake for a dear old dad.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Back at home, not looking too good.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Vacuum and dust let the gerbil out.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Bathroom is clean laundry is switched.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Baby is bathed and mama is too!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">All before noon... </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">First show is over, wonder how my girls did.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A short rest for them then show number two.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Tickets are bought, and flowers to buy. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Will tonight ever come!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sharing his day, he mows the lawn.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Never complaining, he carries on.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our joys are his, he cares for us first.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He seems to go unnoticed. His just gets thing done </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'll be the first to admit.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That sometimes we forget all that he did.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I know it's not easy, taking care of us all.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">At times we're demanding and not fun at all.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But today is your day, so I say to you.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Father's Day, Peter.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you, for all that you do.</span><br />
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792117187001612101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878871062832456430.post-2306398134424293562014-06-13T18:59:00.001-04:002014-06-13T19:00:32.531-04:00My 1000th Post! A Full Moon, Friday The 13th, And My Baby Graduated Preschool!<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">WHAT A DAY!!!! I've been out here in Blog Land for just over five years now. I love it! This blog is my heart. I write about my family , my passions, and my sunshine. I've made friends that I may never meet in person but have joined souls with. I love you and I love your children... you all know who you are.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I laughed with you and cried with you and vented with you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, how befitting that my 1000th post would fall on today. One of the biggest days of my five years here!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowj1p9o_TK03VOV9ZFThAt01hVYzzgkFs3zlraROnCaGJd3ukxitLMzR-NIviImnuV8FpVm_XDktbvdPoua9yKgI_wtRORUpR4pjuYA45y5qlKxZOmySyQYOqRJmBt77NlQpjb-PNQxqb/s1600/20140613_142004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowj1p9o_TK03VOV9ZFThAt01hVYzzgkFs3zlraROnCaGJd3ukxitLMzR-NIviImnuV8FpVm_XDktbvdPoua9yKgI_wtRORUpR4pjuYA45y5qlKxZOmySyQYOqRJmBt77NlQpjb-PNQxqb/s1600/20140613_142004.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Emilia Faith has graduated from Preschool! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilx__18BZjfEAs9QXn6kVTBD_3Yp0g4tEcQREQrGobffstLfOvFnWePzoA95Is0CWDBdLwYhasgyYiYsQgygNiGf-EnycjYjF2W-Cqq3MtcQTmN4LoaZSKSNiDdf15N7Vteglj2qU3pe5G/s1600/20140613_135827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilx__18BZjfEAs9QXn6kVTBD_3Yp0g4tEcQREQrGobffstLfOvFnWePzoA95Is0CWDBdLwYhasgyYiYsQgygNiGf-EnycjYjF2W-Cqq3MtcQTmN4LoaZSKSNiDdf15N7Vteglj2qU3pe5G/s1600/20140613_135827.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She wore her cap (her way) tassel in the middle. She wore her prettiest dress. And brand new sandals.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mfhAL9epKwAj0Gv3USxN0Ko62R_JMZpakyyzLxrJYeX_qeVpFJeyqsgtKaGGDOJeGuAKz_oAp6KzHBtysOjD20yReZcW-v2h66ftobqFGOVF1LUI75iRsC8zpbOIrZpFOzHMW-UlH8c5/s1600/20140613_140446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mfhAL9epKwAj0Gv3USxN0Ko62R_JMZpakyyzLxrJYeX_qeVpFJeyqsgtKaGGDOJeGuAKz_oAp6KzHBtysOjD20yReZcW-v2h66ftobqFGOVF1LUI75iRsC8zpbOIrZpFOzHMW-UlH8c5/s1600/20140613_140446.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She sang all the songs and danced along. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1BN-gwezOoHa920b7wEYMtvpc6trysq_TM84VTsGoaLc5ehb4IaW8VqlA3lzIfi5gUoD07EQ748xkrowoGPtkTYBR1kX15lzSOYaCyCt_1Y5eASbLHiZ5EHew7wP8pEY8cpIkur6sKdBf/s1600/20140613_142539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1BN-gwezOoHa920b7wEYMtvpc6trysq_TM84VTsGoaLc5ehb4IaW8VqlA3lzIfi5gUoD07EQ748xkrowoGPtkTYBR1kX15lzSOYaCyCt_1Y5eASbLHiZ5EHew7wP8pEY8cpIkur6sKdBf/s1600/20140613_142539.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After there was Italian ice!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsJ04sRvEOoB_jvrjsnvFGJUx1kuVUa7Py2s7PF9bBB0Isyrp8QYqkv5QJZww1yXbIrsCTW6JWbVeQP2yb8Nk_QCSr9KOZHWpeK_-EnLgxGxZjjJ8khLsCOIDHTip1ZaZzNGulO7eEMxz/s1600/20140613_141809%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsJ04sRvEOoB_jvrjsnvFGJUx1kuVUa7Py2s7PF9bBB0Isyrp8QYqkv5QJZww1yXbIrsCTW6JWbVeQP2yb8Nk_QCSr9KOZHWpeK_-EnLgxGxZjjJ8khLsCOIDHTip1ZaZzNGulO7eEMxz/s1600/20140613_141809%25280%2529.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is her warning look. She has absolutely no intentions on sharing her treat.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsA2m9pJV8ewH-Scx_lUqT_SZliS4Il2X6V7HED83hg-Qae1at2TcjHy809vyz8OLXkqLCLJf8j_UeQkQ_S5uWfzEGy2RGabbyDEqs0zhTYeyQoTn4yYxH2tAIFt7NK9-8ga8IedCx4Kt/s1600/20140613_141843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsA2m9pJV8ewH-Scx_lUqT_SZliS4Il2X6V7HED83hg-Qae1at2TcjHy809vyz8OLXkqLCLJf8j_UeQkQ_S5uWfzEGy2RGabbyDEqs0zhTYeyQoTn4yYxH2tAIFt7NK9-8ga8IedCx4Kt/s1600/20140613_141843.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And if you get too close , she will go for the throat! (Sigh) Yeah we're working on that choke hold.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHg8fTKEbXcJdZDBA6evERuoaJ8B8yTv_lNs-Qf_2ybVextwIbvP1SsiNk9OCVgRAkEXI0hasA0bdX7Sddx98mdXyTdt5unavLcFYEZQyh87zY71Rg3v_kS7t5TwvXkJZknK8P-kdwfZZ/s1600/20140613_143913%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHg8fTKEbXcJdZDBA6evERuoaJ8B8yTv_lNs-Qf_2ybVextwIbvP1SsiNk9OCVgRAkEXI0hasA0bdX7Sddx98mdXyTdt5unavLcFYEZQyh87zY71Rg3v_kS7t5TwvXkJZknK8P-kdwfZZ/s1600/20140613_143913%25280%2529.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She received her diploma from the best teacher EVER! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbjmZsOYePFyT3vdG1nh8INbG00kkkeXDcMUMBcq6m5fVUpxYahc98u6O2sGdp4RjbYCNsyJgnTowtOeqUhqLHMjkkxi91GMHwjFWQdBTdHfWM63r-tB9KZqprEBHIHeGOk_tpoLW-zYz/s1600/20140613_144145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbjmZsOYePFyT3vdG1nh8INbG00kkkeXDcMUMBcq6m5fVUpxYahc98u6O2sGdp4RjbYCNsyJgnTowtOeqUhqLHMjkkxi91GMHwjFWQdBTdHfWM63r-tB9KZqprEBHIHeGOk_tpoLW-zYz/s1600/20140613_144145.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And we are so thankful for Anastasia. The best friend EVER! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tonight we will eat cake. This was definitely a cake worthy accomplishment!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lGiR6GxT1JDPepLrgR9DBXN9Bx2pZrO6nFNBTaYd9piUd4hfzcJVV-TkHkOwgV7nsTuOZq7cJfcNTbJ1E14wO3wo_IMoRd0eMq-iTXvoYCBYkohH_ydlQN73nYxxZYrwfxmWoKe_jenB/s1600/20140613_183340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lGiR6GxT1JDPepLrgR9DBXN9Bx2pZrO6nFNBTaYd9piUd4hfzcJVV-TkHkOwgV7nsTuOZq7cJfcNTbJ1E14wO3wo_IMoRd0eMq-iTXvoYCBYkohH_ydlQN73nYxxZYrwfxmWoKe_jenB/s1600/20140613_183340.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Love you all who continue to follow my blog and love my girl. So glad I have you all to share this with. You understand how huge this day is! </span></div>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792117187001612101noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878871062832456430.post-37007108499077308272014-06-12T15:00:00.000-04:002014-06-12T15:00:11.350-04:00Can You Do TBT On A Blog?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't know if it's a "bloggy" thing or not. But this is Andrew exactly 5 years ago. My last preschool graduate. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqoAETLNYZWgW3mE0fF6lrQZZuuF32tAQyHIkbx1Bc1n3H2J-YwXu_qXL37MxBUKcs5rzRPYZ_-IWDokaJUuK0OsB2XjG6ACOF-cZIR4wYm8c5cwA1yI4Uyq-oniTWIukmUN0qL-4IQv-/s1600/DSC06662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqoAETLNYZWgW3mE0fF6lrQZZuuF32tAQyHIkbx1Bc1n3H2J-YwXu_qXL37MxBUKcs5rzRPYZ_-IWDokaJUuK0OsB2XjG6ACOF-cZIR4wYm8c5cwA1yI4Uyq-oniTWIukmUN0qL-4IQv-/s1600/DSC06662.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">How cute is he!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tomorrow is Miss Em's turn! And yes, this is will be a cake eating celebration.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We just went out an bought her new sandals to wear tomorrow. She was so bad in the store we out in about 3 minutes flat. She does not enjoy shopping. That was the fastest shoe purchase in history!!</span></div>
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792117187001612101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878871062832456430.post-57894417960207211922014-06-12T10:17:00.000-04:002014-06-12T11:02:10.697-04:00When Busy Gets The Best Of You<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This time of year brings with it the sweet sounds of summer, the longing for the beach, the smell of the grill, <b>and anxiety and stress that can kill a horse!</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjnshvWs8X7FZpjb4RhQ7W8VH2QK-6Dcv2YwGafxBdH_mTpHXPGRhjrRqFC9tIWzyS94Az789EYITyMM-vTSg_wRVFTWh5gyNMaJffYZdva4mOQZmKkz0zbaFQIRcLSYJP6m0ZkJ3GeT0/s1600/!BbJnrsQ!Wk~$(KGrHqMH-C8Equz5C7kPBKun383k3w~~_35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjnshvWs8X7FZpjb4RhQ7W8VH2QK-6Dcv2YwGafxBdH_mTpHXPGRhjrRqFC9tIWzyS94Az789EYITyMM-vTSg_wRVFTWh5gyNMaJffYZdva4mOQZmKkz0zbaFQIRcLSYJP6m0ZkJ3GeT0/s1600/!BbJnrsQ!Wk~$(KGrHqMH-C8Equz5C7kPBKun383k3w~~_35.JPG" height="320" width="237" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I long for quiet days in my garden. I enjoy pulling weeds and getting dirty, washing my feet with the hose and cooling off with a cold iced tea. I love nights on the deck watching the sun set and listening to the birds settling in for the night.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOkEZL8yqd26pdU1v3UOPtSwyCShp5dHXiycgR-zOc5x1pvvMhb7Q5UJUCn-BAcLm4bztfI6C234td_IKzLJlqpsTfzlp5n5xLacV2sY1Sn7nVwVxg0BcqAbjAB1L3JHQeILQ3hmd7C8c/s1600/Summer-Day-free-summer-wallpaper3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOkEZL8yqd26pdU1v3UOPtSwyCShp5dHXiycgR-zOc5x1pvvMhb7Q5UJUCn-BAcLm4bztfI6C234td_IKzLJlqpsTfzlp5n5xLacV2sY1Sn7nVwVxg0BcqAbjAB1L3JHQeILQ3hmd7C8c/s1600/Summer-Day-free-summer-wallpaper3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But for the next two weeks that won't be happening. We all have our times where we are too busy to even think straight and this is mine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Right now I have a pain on the side of my head caused by the Miss Teen RI Pageant. On the other side of my head is an extreme throbbing brought on by endless hours of rehearsals my girls are going through for their ballet culmination. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Driving and cleaning and cooking and filling out forms that can't be filled out because we don't have the proper things needed, fund raising and deadlines and costumes and toe tape and don't forget the freaking false eyelashes! Exams and projects and field trips, teacher gifts!!! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnR_aY8tdR_81W-D5LcgW0WHh6pkMiXPDjcVvkuU1fGW7UnQcVDo5uppUZqWnQE2MMtNOBM9iW-k1NSUYIlB-FbeqHGwp88WPXBdjMFOSRZ8mBCzEUgN3c763C1ejMhMNcMuh7GGg4cft/s1600/th+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnR_aY8tdR_81W-D5LcgW0WHh6pkMiXPDjcVvkuU1fGW7UnQcVDo5uppUZqWnQE2MMtNOBM9iW-k1NSUYIlB-FbeqHGwp88WPXBdjMFOSRZ8mBCzEUgN3c763C1ejMhMNcMuh7GGg4cft/s1600/th+(2).jpg" height="400" width="288" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My front lawn is knee high and the back is covered in clover. I cringe when I pull up to my house because this is not how it should look. But unless we mow the lawn at midnight it will have to wait a few more days.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42M4FrFFG9I9D8fEyAKDrG_0HRvgEQaAvIa734j0J2Une3n64hsokVJqOG3ST75vgUdFe4joHlBOQ5yIsKoEGl8zC_qUaxzQJhqKLILZQUfEgewUJWmepmV2ysipLJU0Vy20Lz5XA8jd7/s1600/th+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42M4FrFFG9I9D8fEyAKDrG_0HRvgEQaAvIa734j0J2Une3n64hsokVJqOG3ST75vgUdFe4joHlBOQ5yIsKoEGl8zC_qUaxzQJhqKLILZQUfEgewUJWmepmV2ysipLJU0Vy20Lz5XA8jd7/s1600/th+(3).jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love the summer and the slower pace, but the hoops we need to jump through to get to that blessed time may kill me this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Busy has overwhelmed me and I feel inadequate and hostile! My mood is ... Sybil like. Let's just say you never know which personality will come shining through. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIY2OxYD3_6vStQke1v4npGQ03cOXX4trLFR5tgkPRpLpM1Qhw7UvoAfbTUU55MOuwmJldSDBoIZeeQWPcPHKtUysKWFBhWshhEUoTGbRYXanW_0iGknm5lq9y2Vdy4ZketPVqmEBz2BUw/s1600/th+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIY2OxYD3_6vStQke1v4npGQ03cOXX4trLFR5tgkPRpLpM1Qhw7UvoAfbTUU55MOuwmJldSDBoIZeeQWPcPHKtUysKWFBhWshhEUoTGbRYXanW_0iGknm5lq9y2Vdy4ZketPVqmEBz2BUw/s1600/th+(1).jpg" height="295" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am feeling the need to take a time out. I'm beyond deep breathing, or simple relaxation tricks to help me. I think I need to pull out the big guns. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8S-OV44fBTQ9RDXULEyVW3z4s5v-VT9U17Oczj96PsZd1vc5BxbIQOFIoNZ5ZTYvLaP2HE8sBUdKfqFTBNSn2qngfsndGRz5DMnKb_q18aYtlX_wFOfS7H4mEeE6iVh6BtywZpxpGy4d/s1600/a62e231bc5256736fb098914282bd8cd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8S-OV44fBTQ9RDXULEyVW3z4s5v-VT9U17Oczj96PsZd1vc5BxbIQOFIoNZ5ZTYvLaP2HE8sBUdKfqFTBNSn2qngfsndGRz5DMnKb_q18aYtlX_wFOfS7H4mEeE6iVh6BtywZpxpGy4d/s1600/a62e231bc5256736fb098914282bd8cd.jpg" height="400" width="284" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fingers crossed I don't go postal before June 20th because on June 21st you will find me happy and content, knee deep in my garden. </span><br />
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792117187001612101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878871062832456430.post-73502458422031427252014-06-11T08:59:00.002-04:002014-06-11T09:16:25.627-04:00A Bittersweet Accomplishment<span style="font-size: large;">For the past five years I've been plugging away at this blog in the efforts to relay a message. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A message of hope to anyone who may stumble upon us and be drifting in the same boat we were in when we found out Em would be born with Down syndrome. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A message of encouragement. You and your family will be okay.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A message of Community. You are not alone. There are more of us out here who went through the same feelings and emotions that you are going through. Reach out to us! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've shared all of Emilia's accomplishments here. Everything from sitting up, to walking, to her first words.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today I share one that seemed so far away when she was born I thought it would never get here. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On Friday my "baby" will be graduating preschool. In the blink of an eye it's over. A huge part of her life is ending and another adventure with Em is on the horizon... KINDERGARTEN!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtte0dmS0ozlXLWsSOz5UBzlhd2mJvRY_TGPmuil9Khx-BH0y2RfH_f0GY-8jbqaG_5JYu5vCaNHWkehVOuF7KdIWwVqI9zc_gR-2EScNLTIUsYLFsBIm4chWh8qaVvwJx8jBD9zemzfw/s1600/205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtte0dmS0ozlXLWsSOz5UBzlhd2mJvRY_TGPmuil9Khx-BH0y2RfH_f0GY-8jbqaG_5JYu5vCaNHWkehVOuF7KdIWwVqI9zc_gR-2EScNLTIUsYLFsBIm4chWh8qaVvwJx8jBD9zemzfw/s1600/205.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My girl did it! And did it well!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She learned to count, and definitely knows the letter "E" . She can sing and climb and paint and read me stories. She can draw. She has made friends and touched the lives of everyone she has come in contact with at her AMAZING school. No one there will ever forget who Emmie was, and we will never forget them. They loved her like she was theirs and for that I am eternally thankful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tears are flowing now as I type this and on Friday I'll be an ugly mess,but my heart is bursting for my girl! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">How I wish the world could see our kids for what they are, and what they bring with them. They are treasures and miracles. Many words describe my Em, but burden is not and never will be one of them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She is the joy we didn't realize was missing from our lives.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlOmzCVcIESRCs_K8jfZ_yu3-dyFiPNyMlj13RcMJ7ozDNC0Li0TRrcT3VwBzca3qjGfjF1yWV1kdW0rhnwbm-Kwk8_lmUgWcbe_dOdUAkL7nHitAfdVmsIG5KljbpWe9VVLAoaW5K2ZW/s1600/749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlOmzCVcIESRCs_K8jfZ_yu3-dyFiPNyMlj13RcMJ7ozDNC0Li0TRrcT3VwBzca3qjGfjF1yWV1kdW0rhnwbm-Kwk8_lmUgWcbe_dOdUAkL7nHitAfdVmsIG5KljbpWe9VVLAoaW5K2ZW/s1600/749.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Be back on Friday with pictures of the Emmie's graduation!</span>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792117187001612101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878871062832456430.post-26209466669954768262014-05-14T09:09:00.002-04:002014-05-14T09:09:33.578-04:00Foot Photo Bomb<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">No idea how that foot is Emmie's but it is. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">#simplyamused</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">#thoughtiwouldsharetheweirdness</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpn4B_Y3CCsVI8i0Z0g95lnwg4MAkofzvH6FmEnb0wxOXgwEiBHwcU6TMGspS6iiVNHltxD02k4bAZp1q9g6yRWWqR0QRX4GRWiwI-xjH06Xr5g9gHZO5oJeHsUzmmvmS4CZbkYIvEb0sm/s1600/1396738908652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpn4B_Y3CCsVI8i0Z0g95lnwg4MAkofzvH6FmEnb0wxOXgwEiBHwcU6TMGspS6iiVNHltxD02k4bAZp1q9g6yRWWqR0QRX4GRWiwI-xjH06Xr5g9gHZO5oJeHsUzmmvmS4CZbkYIvEb0sm/s1600/1396738908652.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792117187001612101noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5878871062832456430.post-64448272006282173982014-05-13T09:45:00.000-04:002014-05-13T09:51:44.296-04:00So How Did That Spring Clean Up Go? And What Else Are We Up To?<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A quick and to the point spring cleaning update. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The yard is clean...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebVb6Y4znCOR3cKz_YEPkgRbpnr717EC4-Gwta9ze9Z7CDHWcUisIh_ZyaqCQyAPIqMhkgRuyj0BJvOPL_jZEl0XI_0gYj7qphTVSI72k1DfHdC4hJss2Emg6cSseE0SZLCLu8iFMxuXM/s1600/20140503_142053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebVb6Y4znCOR3cKz_YEPkgRbpnr717EC4-Gwta9ze9Z7CDHWcUisIh_ZyaqCQyAPIqMhkgRuyj0BJvOPL_jZEl0XI_0gYj7qphTVSI72k1DfHdC4hJss2Emg6cSseE0SZLCLu8iFMxuXM/s1600/20140503_142053.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> the squirrel is still floating belly up in the pool!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeuPTBl92X5kYc6B76dfPRBPVWBiz2BigD9pXpIoUlqi4ziJqzLmO9HlnDhnfbAE5KSC-pdVM8FbwQyuimewayf6EdaXK2pL4hZI-yD-mtAyhP4IsUBUo-juUbN4rS_YvZ_BE_aCNWPAb/s1600/imagessqu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeuPTBl92X5kYc6B76dfPRBPVWBiz2BigD9pXpIoUlqi4ziJqzLmO9HlnDhnfbAE5KSC-pdVM8FbwQyuimewayf6EdaXK2pL4hZI-yD-mtAyhP4IsUBUo-juUbN4rS_YvZ_BE_aCNWPAb/s1600/imagessqu.jpg" height="259" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And some more little creatures have decided to we're safe to live with. We have a turtle dove family set up shop in my window box. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0CltXDK1Jf9fSb3sKekWGv-aXYh8VlSrR0rRliHCYFcS46OYYDy1WDVHfWtJw9rkIXV_pJfL3Az6-0iBGcuF6wtUzs_T75rc1R2zI7lQ7Jg4ZAP14e5rVqmGgVd1CKYwEU26soVczV_Y/s1600/20140512_105157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0CltXDK1Jf9fSb3sKekWGv-aXYh8VlSrR0rRliHCYFcS46OYYDy1WDVHfWtJw9rkIXV_pJfL3Az6-0iBGcuF6wtUzs_T75rc1R2zI7lQ7Jg4ZAP14e5rVqmGgVd1CKYwEU26soVczV_Y/s1600/20140512_105157.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQZEN0Tyumt_qg145MdkzMGIal1iaBjCysqTmIvGyG4Xy-zcU7C1Ud3ySNS_3IsqghCCeZO_ZH9kTtUIutzpoKbEj3rLT-QsabKvJ5KbWkei6yNdzacTe5DIaBsCR_zr06APByxphOXmw/s1600/20140511_092345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQZEN0Tyumt_qg145MdkzMGIal1iaBjCysqTmIvGyG4Xy-zcU7C1Ud3ySNS_3IsqghCCeZO_ZH9kTtUIutzpoKbEj3rLT-QsabKvJ5KbWkei6yNdzacTe5DIaBsCR_zr06APByxphOXmw/s1600/20140511_092345.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> So cute! Except this is my sons bedroom window and soon the temp in his room will reach about 685 degrees. This is the window that the AC goes in. So my feathered friends may have to relocate so my son has a chance of making it through the summer heat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We celebrated Easter and my mom's 80th birthday!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6EentnCgC_gOFY80V7pJX4pnglBd9XAVIJfYsnDCSN2O6YCmZwkpSlr3J1KQP4EtOp01WEOZDQ3e-YHr0SRuKnPTUd5GGuh1JZC9tOdZU8-v25z05l6Q0Vg0fpL9nRPRHEfPzBBZeCS-/s1600/20140420_125615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6EentnCgC_gOFY80V7pJX4pnglBd9XAVIJfYsnDCSN2O6YCmZwkpSlr3J1KQP4EtOp01WEOZDQ3e-YHr0SRuKnPTUd5GGuh1JZC9tOdZU8-v25z05l6Q0Vg0fpL9nRPRHEfPzBBZeCS-/s1600/20140420_125615.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> That awesome family photo where no one (except Bella) is paying any attention to the guy taking the picture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2g2w8XIZndqdYbnOZvnvVvePc4EHE2iPOJuV469q6fD0pbvv2sYsLF6iioxNY7bwp1wIuX2OFEyqewzzTwtkUdn3PAwfQv-sOwN5y-Y4uGSu3NtJ13MRYUA38XQDPZVQYZl04gTQcqBk/s1600/20140420_142237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2g2w8XIZndqdYbnOZvnvVvePc4EHE2iPOJuV469q6fD0pbvv2sYsLF6iioxNY7bwp1wIuX2OFEyqewzzTwtkUdn3PAwfQv-sOwN5y-Y4uGSu3NtJ13MRYUA38XQDPZVQYZl04gTQcqBk/s1600/20140420_142237.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Mother Daughter brunch held each each by St Peter School was a beautiful day as usual. One of our favorites.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9q0SMeCt9KHAUM_IYkkrg1lJrFjmfvTpYXH59F-C_yUGOGTBZzsvqgEskjqX5xmIFaek8ynqeRJHdMCkVOLVyh3qFXDGeiAzYxNVBlViiDZCTRm6CQOLr9ZPNwnbfHDac1S6q0BSIrj9/s1600/20140427_132654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9q0SMeCt9KHAUM_IYkkrg1lJrFjmfvTpYXH59F-C_yUGOGTBZzsvqgEskjqX5xmIFaek8ynqeRJHdMCkVOLVyh3qFXDGeiAzYxNVBlViiDZCTRm6CQOLr9ZPNwnbfHDac1S6q0BSIrj9/s1600/20140427_132654.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There was a Prom! Olivia's Junior Prom! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkeera_uLcfgpybwRW_ewGVux2KSCjOZdrCTnWzh3XKGO6Oe_GcSzjT63DHWMgdbrXn6rX9r0XsdX3pL-_YdHL5MzUVAAoL3tCBkoXED6tzN7IlTUcfcjL9x61ZEJf4HzqTItuyhYNLYX/s1600/20140509_174239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkeera_uLcfgpybwRW_ewGVux2KSCjOZdrCTnWzh3XKGO6Oe_GcSzjT63DHWMgdbrXn6rX9r0XsdX3pL-_YdHL5MzUVAAoL3tCBkoXED6tzN7IlTUcfcjL9x61ZEJf4HzqTItuyhYNLYX/s1600/20140509_174239.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> What a gorgeous bunch of fabulous girls they are!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4VN-LfzCE40XAt5c8RAj31I2tPzpVRhi3ClsHwRZL2KF7Bba0YZzTAs3Dr7eskiB17sV5ebAmyD0f0pzuxXoaoN1uj02T0jglvXu6bzZLlDWap0LCMN7rFDOireV-m68dtogCEoesj5P/s1600/20140509_173740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4VN-LfzCE40XAt5c8RAj31I2tPzpVRhi3ClsHwRZL2KF7Bba0YZzTAs3Dr7eskiB17sV5ebAmyD0f0pzuxXoaoN1uj02T0jglvXu6bzZLlDWap0LCMN7rFDOireV-m68dtogCEoesj5P/s1600/20140509_173740.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGk1WnEyt6z-ucH12Y2lWoRE9O4D6EzX-b5ptvs2_-lm3Ku7TBU2nmb6CdF-YYLOwRyrYgEG_MrHJSApWn5FxqwgsnT8ZcbSIbH-INznSNpHc-JjojqrZIPc4RY-Vt1BQyKcBqwpbkT7yD/s1600/20140509_174323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGk1WnEyt6z-ucH12Y2lWoRE9O4D6EzX-b5ptvs2_-lm3Ku7TBU2nmb6CdF-YYLOwRyrYgEG_MrHJSApWn5FxqwgsnT8ZcbSIbH-INznSNpHc-JjojqrZIPc4RY-Vt1BQyKcBqwpbkT7yD/s1600/20140509_174323.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Emilia has been enjoying the outdoors. After being cooped up all winter this wild fairy is ready to run and jump and chase, and demolish whatever she can . She is adorable but for some reason whenever I see her, "I came in like a wreaking ball" starts playing in my head.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPS-WjyTpZ8iWXOPeq_t1o_sNJSK9H4VR98DO70bD6to3Gn7Iu5u52OgxGBZw3sY6RuIgCpAWJPu0scBc4XR9mJwDk8JzqZ6n6vmjRhQOdkkyglc04FFM4H26ZT-cpLtMKD7NuAD11pTKI/s1600/20140503_173334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPS-WjyTpZ8iWXOPeq_t1o_sNJSK9H4VR98DO70bD6to3Gn7Iu5u52OgxGBZw3sY6RuIgCpAWJPu0scBc4XR9mJwDk8JzqZ6n6vmjRhQOdkkyglc04FFM4H26ZT-cpLtMKD7NuAD11pTKI/s1600/20140503_173334.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I admit I did not ask the important questions, like where the handcuffs came from or why my baby girl was in them. Sometimes it best not knowing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUTU-DWcoUqRhtzkDaCiErQDNjX8v9vzy2_3v19P9ZEHxg1zQeqXz8Nu5iG8AvkZtSZyzGwbgxGzNhBShmVAZhQ7Uk9H75lDmzGmXO7dAfN3mQ9IQzzRx7WBBfBzDjU3hutD6ugaJ6QNG/s1600/20140503_191459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUTU-DWcoUqRhtzkDaCiErQDNjX8v9vzy2_3v19P9ZEHxg1zQeqXz8Nu5iG8AvkZtSZyzGwbgxGzNhBShmVAZhQ7Uk9H75lDmzGmXO7dAfN3mQ9IQzzRx7WBBfBzDjU3hutD6ugaJ6QNG/s1600/20140503_191459.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mother's day was lovely. My kids and husband really put some effort into making my day special. And the cat is out of the bag... I think they love me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiej9RxigqCN6JYep1_p2n81AEmcbM7vcQwYq4moqkOIAZJBRZKz7Ui2Gw7vS8GGGK4MKBBtAoc5QYRYSKmoBqVnQ2-wHIs-VChyAUUsOShi_zhyXo0-4DN2bs2SvyHjLXYVgwY07RwjSZU/s1600/20140511_163357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiej9RxigqCN6JYep1_p2n81AEmcbM7vcQwYq4moqkOIAZJBRZKz7Ui2Gw7vS8GGGK4MKBBtAoc5QYRYSKmoBqVnQ2-wHIs-VChyAUUsOShi_zhyXo0-4DN2bs2SvyHjLXYVgwY07RwjSZU/s1600/20140511_163357.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-eTkC_4Ei9psNC6e_oJ05Dq_8ee2br7cPQussGzQiWOy6zb-jnbIuIM2kZ4yLPtkjZuw5tQ-Keow4cGe4SRZ7TbzIQmR-ASpkosZ4SeBD6aaK7SFucOg4-a2-HBz2BCHLx3chwHXt7jYl/s1600/20140511_163418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-eTkC_4Ei9psNC6e_oJ05Dq_8ee2br7cPQussGzQiWOy6zb-jnbIuIM2kZ4yLPtkjZuw5tQ-Keow4cGe4SRZ7TbzIQmR-ASpkosZ4SeBD6aaK7SFucOg4-a2-HBz2BCHLx3chwHXt7jYl/s1600/20140511_163418.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUzCdH5vlx7YjIxAIT6eJC7BvW14cAFW_ZM3HBU_qmil7VJlKA8i_6GkWVazIEd9-dcEu5vbjyiaEKqpKe-73sQuk7zcSj47rSHp11yWdvvWW8gMLCX3katVXtSe1VHd5T30eL5yFQZVu/s1600/20140511_164130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUzCdH5vlx7YjIxAIT6eJC7BvW14cAFW_ZM3HBU_qmil7VJlKA8i_6GkWVazIEd9-dcEu5vbjyiaEKqpKe-73sQuk7zcSj47rSHp11yWdvvWW8gMLCX3katVXtSe1VHd5T30eL5yFQZVu/s1600/20140511_164130.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So there you have it. If you have been intrigued by the squirrel in the pool story, stay tuned. I'd like to have the pool ready to go this weekend.. Squirrel removal 101, should be good for a laugh or two.</span><br />
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792117187001612101noreply@blogger.com1