tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69062414396814634272024-02-21T02:22:36.530-05:00Olive Shoots & Muddy BootsThomas Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05385997148235545558noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906241439681463427.post-49472524075930856142013-02-04T19:56:00.002-05:002013-02-04T19:56:37.158-05:00Some photo updates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These are the photos for our Christmas card this year. One year in on December 23rd and we are all finally feeling like a true family. Having a ton of fun.</div>
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Climbing on Daddy's 'new' old tractor ...</div>
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The lovely ladies .....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIaNK2rNoTsRpr6dO3KgeZrSINTiO1VXq9YdALS8bE_HB11gZthPTymUY0emmlq0jm77Xb27D14tkkEu7b2fyQE9UP7izweukZ2gxZ4F5WGHY-nn-g_DIrN_nbxaUa49KGOyLg1LjIsIc/s1600/IMG_4852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIaNK2rNoTsRpr6dO3KgeZrSINTiO1VXq9YdALS8bE_HB11gZthPTymUY0emmlq0jm77Xb27D14tkkEu7b2fyQE9UP7izweukZ2gxZ4F5WGHY-nn-g_DIrN_nbxaUa49KGOyLg1LjIsIc/s400/IMG_4852.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Christmas card pick. Stair steps are starting to stagger as the boys hit their growth spurts. <br />
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Blessing to everyone. Mama is back in her stride and hoping to write at least weekly starting .... NOW!</div>
<br />Thomas Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05385997148235545558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906241439681463427.post-23563787077231995632012-10-25T23:27:00.002-04:002012-10-25T23:30:00.143-04:00Love ...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wK5jX_Eg1LRjKlOA-4ynnWvjMRyuMpjnbaX0-LWkhxhZonu3DsaoNaaUp1Dy5_c-MUJy6C0wfHghlhcKeFNEtijrSka_bCEJi2QHq1hzvPBuFKuCEiA7coksK-ooX2NlV7J9KiBjt7G2/s1600/IMG_2737+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wK5jX_Eg1LRjKlOA-4ynnWvjMRyuMpjnbaX0-LWkhxhZonu3DsaoNaaUp1Dy5_c-MUJy6C0wfHghlhcKeFNEtijrSka_bCEJi2QHq1hzvPBuFKuCEiA7coksK-ooX2NlV7J9KiBjt7G2/s640/IMG_2737+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big sister love ....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little sister love ....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby love ...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtZh9KH4hSy8b4bCqK4YEYZoW5ziKGNRUZ-vTibrxhnBdcngx7B6TwRO2oOdk4bQkRc2MWrTP5xpMXlzQDxowh57Is4pn8DLly2gUz85ogw0SVzYyoE1HiFxG_YrS1MpTWJ6C6KAqoVDB/s1600/IMG_2721+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtZh9KH4hSy8b4bCqK4YEYZoW5ziKGNRUZ-vTibrxhnBdcngx7B6TwRO2oOdk4bQkRc2MWrTP5xpMXlzQDxowh57Is4pn8DLly2gUz85ogw0SVzYyoE1HiFxG_YrS1MpTWJ6C6KAqoVDB/s640/IMG_2721+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom's day off .... LOVE!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3s8bOe9pFHMGTp8SPDDOwABT_umb-6I6iuwkYjv67WvrtWlYHQAIDQA31Al590NJcwVz_UGBzD7-QjMlwBtPVRBD5DqHrZgTpmzM8D6KAE6kC_1GJaqVBlw9vAoxEVtuLNPUfENhg_iYv/s1600/_DSC2716+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3s8bOe9pFHMGTp8SPDDOwABT_umb-6I6iuwkYjv67WvrtWlYHQAIDQA31Al590NJcwVz_UGBzD7-QjMlwBtPVRBD5DqHrZgTpmzM8D6KAE6kC_1GJaqVBlw9vAoxEVtuLNPUfENhg_iYv/s640/_DSC2716+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brother love?</td></tr>
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Thomas Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05385997148235545558noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906241439681463427.post-57879406466667842702012-10-03T00:14:00.002-04:002012-10-03T00:19:19.459-04:00Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Having a week (or so ... !) of being challenged by my own stinking attitude when it comes to kids and being overwhelmed by attachment issues, complaining, lack of gratitude, you name it. It has been long enough, <strong>I</strong> think, that these behaviors should be starting to subside a little. My "look-the-other-way, cut-you-a-LOT-of-slack, make-excuses-for-you" mode has, well, ended. Almost one year has passed and what I realize about me is that I am patient, but not really extra-patient. I'm done. Over it. Ready for everyone (<strong>everyone!</strong>) to pull up the boot straps and fall in line. Done with the lazy approach to learning, done with acting as though you're on a long vacation and it's the job of some in this family to serve your every whim and complaint. Done, done, done. I know you can do better than that. I expect you to do better than that. You owe it to your birth mom to do better than that.</div>
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Which lead me to feeling utterly justified in catering to my flesh and my desire to unload "with both barrels" (as my mom used to say). Not a good place from which to start - tired, irritated, filled with some not-so-nice thoughts as to your behavior and just what I'd like to do if I hear it one more time. Nope.</div>
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And then, when I was knee-deep in my feeling justified and forming the words for the very next opportunity that arose, I came across this ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8S3CzlP-CIxarX8m8Xpn1HyF6hn1vrc5VsPjY_e9N-7rzDZQGYuamoUJhFz55yy0YMzNGLL9qZizBHeGw1WhwBIJFetFA7t19xP90Sm8kSKhkbllcccJlzLE-AV5dKYHBYPF68ZMHR8q/s1600/IMG_2651-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8S3CzlP-CIxarX8m8Xpn1HyF6hn1vrc5VsPjY_e9N-7rzDZQGYuamoUJhFz55yy0YMzNGLL9qZizBHeGw1WhwBIJFetFA7t19xP90Sm8kSKhkbllcccJlzLE-AV5dKYHBYPF68ZMHR8q/s640/IMG_2651-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Took the wind right out from under my attitude. Ugh. Slowed down my beating drum of anger and 'doneness' and made me think. I really, really felt justified in my sin abounding. Wanted to not only live in it, but get right down and wallow in it. And, to be honest, there have been days when I did just that. It felt pretty good for a minute or three. And then, it didn't. It felt a lot like NOT walking in newness of life. It felt a lot like death. Death of relationship, death of a happy home, death of safety to speak up, death of my heart when I see the look of pain that comes from me acting on the conversation in my mind, and death of a child's heart and trust when a not-so-happy-mama unloads "with both barrels".<br />
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Sometimes God uses a seven-year-old little boy to do his bidding. So thankful He does.Thomas Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05385997148235545558noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906241439681463427.post-19492578427296212152012-09-29T22:00:00.000-04:002012-09-29T22:01:50.965-04:00If My People Will Humble Themselves<table border="0" bordercolor="#111111" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 650px;">
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<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><b>President Abraham
Lincoln's Proclamation:<br /><br />A Day Of National Humiliation, Fasting, and
Prayer </b></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;">in the The United States Of
America on April 30, 1863</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><b>WHEREAS, the senate of the United
States, devoutly recognizing the Supreme Authority and Just Government of
Almighty God, in all the affairs of men and of nations, has by a resolution,
required the President to designate and set apart a day for National prayer and
humiliation:</b></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: navy;"></span></strong> </div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><b>And whereas, it is the duty of nations
as as well as of men, to owe their dependence upon the overruling power of God,
to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured
hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the
sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that
those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord:</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><b></b></span><br />
<span style="color: navy;"><b>And, in so much as we know that, by His
divine law, nations, like individuals, are subjected to punishments and
chastisements in this world, may we not justly fear that the awful calamity of
civil war, which now desolates the land, may be but a punishment inflicted upon
us for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as
a whole People? We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven.
We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown
in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have
forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace,
and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in
the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some
superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we
have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and
preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us! It behooves us,
then to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national
sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: navy;">Now, therefore, in compliance with
the request , and fully concurring in the views of the Senate, I do, by this
proclamation, designate and set apart Thursday, the 30th day of April, 1863, as
a day of national humiliation, fasting, and prayer. And I do hereby request all
the People to abstain on that day from their ordinary secular pursuits, and to
unite, at their several places of public worship and their respective homes, in
keeping the day holy to the Lord, and devoted to the humble discharge of the
religious duties proper to that solemn occasion.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: navy;">All this being done, in sincerity and
truth, let us then rest humbly in the hope authorized by the Divine teachings,
that the united cry of the Nation will be heard on high, and answered with
blessings, no less than the pardon of our national sins, and the restoration of
our now divided and suffering country, to its former happy condition of unity
and peace.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: navy;"></span></b> </div>
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<b><span style="color: navy;">In witness whereof, I have here unto set
my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: navy;">Done at the city of Washington this
thirtieth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the
eighty-seventy.</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><b></b></span> </div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><b>By the
President:</b></span></div>
<span style="color: navy;"><b></b></span></i><div align="justify">
<span style="color: navy;"><b>ABRAHAM
LINCOLN</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><b>William H. Seward, <i>Secretary of
State</i></b></span></div>
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Thomas Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05385997148235545558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906241439681463427.post-60862836274957210422012-09-10T09:01:00.002-04:002012-09-10T09:11:03.006-04:00Cornbread Muffin Goodness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With autumn making her appearance here in the Midwest (love the cooler mornings and looking forward to sweatshirt weather!) I'm sharing one of our favorites. Serve these with a big bowl of chili or bean soup and enjoy. These also make a great after school snack.</div>
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<strong>Corn Bread Muffins (with some 'extra' yumminess mixed in):</strong></div>
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Corn Bread "Base"</div>
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1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour</div>
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3/4 cup corn meal</div>
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1/4 cup sugar</div>
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2 tsp. baking powder</div>
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1/2 tsp. salt (optional)</div>
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1 cup milk</div>
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1/4 cup vegetable oil</div>
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1 egg</div>
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease (or use cooking spray) muffin or mini-muffin pan. Combine dry ingredients. Stir in milk, oil and egg, mixing just until dry ingredients are moistened. </div>
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Here's where we ramp it up ....</div>
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Get 1/2 lb. to 1 lb. of bacon. This is your call. How much do you love bacon? Do I really need to ask that?! I fry bacon in the oven - MUCH less mess and faster - but you can also do this in a skillet if you prefer. </div>
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Line a cookie sheet with foil (make sure the cookie sheet has sides!) and lay bacon slices on it side by side. Place in 400 degree oven and cook for about 20 minutes. Check after the first ten minutes. There is no need to turn the bacon but I usually rotate the pan at least once. Easy!</div>
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While the bacon cooks, grab a large onion and dice it up. Heat a skillet on medium high with a small amount of oil (about a tablespoon or so) and add onions. Throw in a pinch of salt, pepper and a little bigger pinch of sugar. Stir and allow the onions to caramelize. This will take about 5 minutes.</div>
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When the bacon is cooked, take it out of the pan and blot it on paper towels to get rid of excess grease. Then, crumble it up ...</div>
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Grab those onions ....</div>
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... and stir both into your batter. To make these EVEN better, at this point you can also throw in about a cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. I didn't do it this time, but trust me, you should definitely try it. Diced jalapenos or a little crushed red pepper could also be added now for some 'heat'.<br />
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Spoon batter into muffin tins. I almost always use the mini-muffin pans and fill them to the top. This pan holds 24 minis ...</div>
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Bake muffins for about 12 minutes then check. If you use the mini pan, 12 - 14 minutes should be good. Larger muffins will obviously take a little longer (probably about 20 minutes). Just keep an eye on them and when they spring back from a finger poke and the edges are a little golden, you're good to go.</div>
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Do I even need to tell you what comes next? Eat them warm with butter. Butter is necessary, required, a must.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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<br />Thomas Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05385997148235545558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906241439681463427.post-39168080282403288902012-07-11T00:02:00.001-04:002012-07-11T00:07:43.592-04:00Thirteen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have been so negligent with the blog these past few weeks! So much has happened - birthdays (5 of them!), swimming for the first time (an experience none of us will forget!), the first summer at the lake for all 13 of us, lots and lots of cooking, gardening and canning, and visits with friends new and old.</div>
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It's late and this mama is headed to bed, but I wanted to post SOMETHING to get me back in the swing of blogging.</div>
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Here are a few photos of Jesse on his 13th birthday. The boy loves his bicycle. He's growing up and growing into such a neat young man. He started basketball conditioning with Isaac this summer preparing for the long season coming up in October. He's been taking guitar lessons . . . more on that later . . . and really loves church. We were talking about tithing tonight and he said, "Mom! EVERY Sunday I want to take dollar to church. When I get there, I forget and then I almost cry." Sweet, sweet boy. </div>
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I have so many posts and photos to share. Some fun, some funny, some serious, some informative and hopefully helpful to someone. If there's anything you'd like to ask or know about large family life, homeschooling, and/or adoption of many and older children, please feel free to ask. I could use a few good prompts to get me writing again!</div>
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I'm knee deep in planning for the upcoming year with ELEVEN students! Feeling pretty good about what's to come and praying for a good year.</div>
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Adoption is beautiful, but also stretching in ways we could have never imagined. Just when we feel like we've figured something out, a new issue arises. No sleeping on the job around here!</div>
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Hope you're all surviving the heat!<br />
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</div>Thomas Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05385997148235545558noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906241439681463427.post-7796708514026800522012-05-09T13:31:00.003-04:002012-05-09T13:31:58.094-04:00Timeless lessons?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Thomas Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05385997148235545558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906241439681463427.post-64233023387664614952012-04-04T08:02:00.001-04:002012-04-04T08:02:41.698-04:00Dirty Opportunity<div style="text-align: center;">
<em style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><strong>"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."</strong></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><em> - Thomas Edison</em></span></div>
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Oh, I so love spring and the WORK of getting a garden ready. Soccer mom, me? Not on your life. Give me dirt and lots of it and a boat-load of kids and I am in my element. Shiny <strike>happy</strike> dirty faces all around and hearts full of HOPE for what is to come of their effort. If there is a better lesson or more life-giving task for kids than gardening, I am sure I can't think of one. Life and death, work and reward, sowing and reaping . . . tend to your life's soil and keep it fertile or neglect it and let it grow all full of rocks and weeds. Oh, the parallels I can draw during a day in the dirt! They listen . . . Some roll eyes, "MOM! Do you have a metaphor for EVERY single part of gardening???" Some laugh, "Does it really say THAT in the Bible???" Some are quiet and ponder the lesson. All take it in. I know this because I knelt in the dirt so many years ago with my mom and dad. Learned just about everything I've ever needed to know there.<br />
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This year, we are growing more than vegetables and fruit. And the work of it all is intense and good and who would have guessed that this gardening would also grow a family. Here, the new kids can show their stuff. For this is <em>their</em> element too - farming and living off the land. You can almost see the relief rise up in them. They <i>know</i> dirt. Love it too. This has helped them remember Africa and call back good memories of mother and father and a family that was. It has also helped them heal and create memories of a family that is to be. It has helped brother bond with brother and sister with sister. It has made small ones feel important and oh, so big. Truly, every single person has an important part to play. A level playing field here, and all bets are off as to who is M.V.P. Just might be the wee one picking up rocks. :-)<br />
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We are working swift and sure, growing and saving and storing away for winter. Building a farm that will hopefully build character and integrity and profit of many sorts.<br />
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Pulling up the overalls and preparing for the opportunity to come . . .
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<br />Thomas Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05385997148235545558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906241439681463427.post-91117248370557526382012-03-23T01:55:00.003-04:002012-03-23T14:22:12.917-04:00Poured Out, Worn Out and Filled Again3/22/12<br />
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Day begins with oldest daughter's alarm blaring. She is not at home this morning because she slept over at a friend's house last night. It is 7:24 a.m. Time for any respectable person to be out of bed and well on the way to beginning the day. But I am not. I am clawing for any extra minutes of sleep before day begins. Praying that the alarm in the room that also holds two little girls, does not wake them. Knowing that it would be a miracle for it not to. Jump out of bed and run to turn it off, realizing that there is no escaping the day at hand, yet ever-hopeful. Just 15 more minutes, Lord. Mercifully, they do not wake up. That, in itself, is a minor miracle (if there is such a thing).<br />
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Later, at the breakfast table, young daughter starts the day with complaining. Ever complaining. Never enough. Not the right kind of cereal, not the right shoes, not the right shirt, not the right snack. <br />
Breathe. And pray. And remember to smile. Will she get to me today? Not today . . . she will not.<br />
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<em>A gentle answer turns away wrath</em><br />
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Drop her off at school and head home to seven kids waiting. School calls. Math and grammar and Bible and writing. Laundry calls. Load upon load upon load. Younger daugher wet her bed last night. Again. More sheets and blankets to wash. I walk into my laundry room and I swear some days I hear laughing. Mocking from the machines standing at attention. "Did you <em>really</em> think you'd get caught up?" <br />
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My flesh wants to be mean to her. My flesh is TIRED of washing sheets, yet doesn't want to give in to Pull-Ups. Her eyes dance way too happy with the mention of wearing baby pants. Not going down that road with a little girl who is almost four. Not going backwards. So I paste on a smile and load the sheets into the machine.<br />
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<em>A gentle answer turns away wrath</em><br />
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Later in the day and it's time to pick up young daughter from school. Will she be happy? She hops in the car, all smiles and happy to see me and "Mama, today was a good day!" Thank you, Lord, for this. Home again and within minutes she is not happy. All full again of never enough. Sitting on chair, scowl on face, and yet showing incredible restraint. A few short weeks ago she would have been writhing on the floor, crying and making life miserable for any person within earshot. Thank you, Lord, for this.<br />
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Off the chair, happy again, out the door to play. Ah, sweet silence in the midst of this beautiful day. Five minutes pass, happy face fades to black. My flesh? It would love nothing more than to lash out. I have had <em>more</em> than enough. More than enough scowling. More than enough complaining. More than enough it's never enough. Oh, the thoughts that roll like thunder through my mind. <br />
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<em>And I confess, my answer is not gentle.</em> <br />
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New son, ever quiet and like pulling teeth to get him to talk. Drives.me.crazy. some days. Today though, he has decided to use that silence to rebel. Gets in a fight with younger son and refuses to talk to me. Refuses. I wonder for a brief second if the child has gone mute. Hmmmm . . . Dad is out of town for the week and I will admit I have taken a back seat to disciplining this son. Dad has been the bad guy here. Today though, there is no dad to deal with him so it's all me. One more chance, one more request and still silence. Later in the evening, he plays a game of Sorry with the younger boys. He is getting beat fair and square and is a sore loser so he takes his arm and swipes it hard across the game board. Pieces fly and game is over and he retreats in silence to his room. Younger boys crying and confused by this ten year old who acts more like seven. <br />
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When I return from soccer practice, the stories fly. I missed the game incident, but there are plenty of eye-witnesses to fill me in on the details. Said son is nowhere to be found. I call for him and he ambles out into the kitchen. A look of innocence and that blank stare I am growing tired of. He knows he is in trouble, but still he retreats behind those eyes. He is here and ever-present and yet he is not. He has learned to feign an inability to speak English when it will be to his benefit. I see in his eyes a flash of rebellion and I know what he is doing and I know what he has been doing all this time. And I am annoyed beyond words and my flesh wants to shake him and yell, "Talk to me and use English or suffer the consequences!"<br />
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<em>A gentle answer turns away wrath</em><br />
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And baby is sick. <em>Is</em> she a baby? She still is to me. Holding fast to these last baby days. Cheeks all chubby, golden ringlets and all full of "Mama, hold me". And yes, you'd better believe the answer is "Yes". I will hold her for as long as I can.<br />
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And I am worn out. I am. It is the wrestling of flesh. The dying to self in all of us. I am keenly aware that every single person in this house is on the floor, sleeves rolled up, pants ripped and rolled up and wrestling. Oh, the dying-to-my-way-right-this-minute, hurts. <em>Physically</em> hurts. I am reminded of Eustace in Voyage of the Dawn Treader when he has been turned into a dragon. And I can<em> feel</em> the skin and the scales being peeled off of him by Aslan. And I know, we <em>all</em> know, that we are in the midst of being peeled away at and it hurts. And oh, how we all want to lash out and run away and escape the pain. But we cannot and deep down, with each day that passes, we know that we must not. We are all beginning to see that under those scales there is new skin. And the getting to it hurts, but it is more beautiful than the old and the pain to get there is so totally worth it.<br />
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And I crawl into bed tonight. Eighteen hours later and yes, I am tired. But I am not defeated. And I am not without hope. Because even with all of the day's challenges, I can see beauty rising up in this house. And it is real. And it is not perfect. But the One who is sustains us is and He is writing a beautiful story inside these walls. He most certainly is.<br />
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<em>"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his GLORY, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." - John 1:14, 16</em>Thomas Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05385997148235545558noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906241439681463427.post-33603004120764090832012-03-16T00:19:00.002-04:002012-03-16T00:30:10.668-04:00Firsts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCq_E0sAX2ToTbWuo11j4FvAi_LDj8CjSY9A8C98ZjOMyzzcPi5gZIopOE9c9VSLmnRmHpelsITOZThkKYWZq41YwwXP5xgHHPnyjPdkXsHM8jlLd3g2JmKAH0pc3HK2Na785f_wnfQy7/s1600/IMG_1555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCq_E0sAX2ToTbWuo11j4FvAi_LDj8CjSY9A8C98ZjOMyzzcPi5gZIopOE9c9VSLmnRmHpelsITOZThkKYWZq41YwwXP5xgHHPnyjPdkXsHM8jlLd3g2JmKAH0pc3HK2Na785f_wnfQy7/s640/IMG_1555.JPG" width="425" /></a></div><br />
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This week we celebrated Ben's birthday. His first ever birthday cake, first ever birthday gifts, first ever LOUD and joyful rendition of "Happy Birthday". It was a very good day.<br />
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The weather was nice so we spent the afternoon outside taking photos and waiting on Dad to get home. <br />
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Susannah, trying her best to persuade me to slip her a cupcake before the party . . . hard to resist.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ava and Zane . . . waiting on the rest of the crew to show up for a group photo . . .</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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Georgia . . . just up from her nap and so.very.happy. that cake was in her near future! Love the wild bedhead. :-)<br />
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Olivia . . . it is such a joy to see her grow into a beautiful young woman. She's usually the one behind the camera, but I caught her off guard this day and captured a really great shot of who she is.<br />
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Phoebe . . . silly, exasperating, LOUD, energetic, full-of-life Phoebe. Proof of one of three things: God has a really interesting sense of humor . . . OR . . . He has way more confidence in my ability to parent than I do . . . OR . . . He's sent a special little girl to show me my weak spots. She will either be the death of me or help me become a much, MUCH more patient woman. Anyone want to make a wager?<br />
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And, the rest of the crew . . . Oh, my heart. I love each and every one of them so much. It has been an indescribable privilege to see them grow up, and now to see them stretch and grow and welcome each other as brothers and sisters. God is good.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The day was really great and Ben, well, the boy was beside himself with excitement in anticipation of opening all those gifts. In our family, all of the kids go on a shopping trip with me to pick out gifts for the birthday boy or girl. They each get a $5.00 budget and get to be as creative as possible with that money. Surprisingly, they pick out some really great stuff. This is when being in a big family REALLY pays off. You're guaranteed 10 sibling gifts AND gifts from Mom and Dad! Makes all those annoying siblings totally worth it. :-)</div><br />
Lovin' being in the birthday seat and wearing the hat . . .<br />
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This year, some of them decided to pool their money and buy something bigger. Ben LOVES soccer and will start his first ever soccer practice for his first ever team next week, so soccer gear was on his list. <em>(So was a motorcycle. The boy has expensive taste and isn't afraid to tell us. His dad replied with, "I have three letters for you pal . . . J - O - B!")</em> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First practice next week and he's dying to lace up the cleats and strap on the shin guards.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And the best gift of all? His first ever bicycle. Oh, to be able to hold the memory of his face when he laid eyes on this. Not sure there's ever been a happier boy.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzn-mLYfMPHdP5wmSfxtMs1_gHi01iNc3Iqk_aN8VVhhqzEssudJIdPNghQChMEnPsul_5tk-v8ZPCBq1nDYhiOpeVBOpbMl8hgj3fGmMZEdc6wjohnfqdOrZ2i9AMPH-Rv3Nc_IZdi0Y/s1600/IMG_1649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzn-mLYfMPHdP5wmSfxtMs1_gHi01iNc3Iqk_aN8VVhhqzEssudJIdPNghQChMEnPsul_5tk-v8ZPCBq1nDYhiOpeVBOpbMl8hgj3fGmMZEdc6wjohnfqdOrZ2i9AMPH-Rv3Nc_IZdi0Y/s640/IMG_1649.JPG" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Thomas Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05385997148235545558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906241439681463427.post-77650408106796112022012-03-08T00:31:00.001-05:002012-03-08T00:33:18.813-05:00There Was an Old (ish) Woman Who Lived . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today was a beautiful day and a first-time-ever celebration. More on that tomorrow, but thought I'd share our first candid photos of all the kids together. Wow! A lot of kids and oh, such fun. These aren't the greatest, but it's a LOT of work to get eleven to kids to look at the camera all at once. Smiles . . . well, almost everyone cooperated. A certain little boy was ticked off that he had to stand one step below a certain little girl. Up until today I'm pretty sure he was certain he was older. :-) </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYqiC5hyphenhyphenDPrIX_zWLYktF5I6nEJBy_6_ueCFf2xZgL6syjoHCoaqF15kXQwekORHmgowZFSo2eB2UXwzVeRPQClStgix1Rl9OVrwPB5YmLFE4NXO2LUejUNOSNwGb9WFxd58bYP_S0gEv/s1600/IMG_1601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYqiC5hyphenhyphenDPrIX_zWLYktF5I6nEJBy_6_ueCFf2xZgL6syjoHCoaqF15kXQwekORHmgowZFSo2eB2UXwzVeRPQClStgix1Rl9OVrwPB5YmLFE4NXO2LUejUNOSNwGb9WFxd58bYP_S0gEv/s640/IMG_1601.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Luckily, he doesn't hold a grudge for long. :-)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdkihR-M5H9v7QzFXXjx-I4grX9vXbpbgMr-3ymix45ioMAaYPhjMuqA-Dd8gsuhh9TzhrmMny86vCj2eWB6j4aIb7LgP-Vn-NVvKBBuv2QrVnM9ZLNMAsJbc9W0B4m2hlj4m_iZVaq9T/s1600/_DSC1681+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdkihR-M5H9v7QzFXXjx-I4grX9vXbpbgMr-3ymix45ioMAaYPhjMuqA-Dd8gsuhh9TzhrmMny86vCj2eWB6j4aIb7LgP-Vn-NVvKBBuv2QrVnM9ZLNMAsJbc9W0B4m2hlj4m_iZVaq9T/s640/_DSC1681+(2).JPG" width="428" /></a></div>Thomas Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05385997148235545558noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906241439681463427.post-37647147635163836072012-03-04T23:54:00.001-05:002012-03-05T00:08:42.952-05:00HairSince bringing our new kiddos home, we've been on a bit of a learning curve when it comes to hair. Thankfully, we have some really great AA friends who have shared their secrets for great hair and we're starting to get it down (I think!). Hair has become much more of a daily focus around here. No more quick brush-it-out, throw-it-in-a-ponytail-and-go. Now we have misting and moisturizing and sometimes puffs. Can't just brush and go with the new girls. <br />
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The girlie side of me loves having all these new products to try out and two sweet little girls to practice on. Luckily, they're game for it. Hoping by practicing now, they'll be used to sitting still when their hair grows out and is ready for more complicated styling. And now, our 'normal'-haired girl, Georgia Boo, wants mama to put a little of that shea butter in her hair! Jealous, jealous, jealous!<br />
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I came across this video on fellow adoptive mom's blog when I was looking for more hair ideas. It is so funny, but also really clever and leads right to the best place of all. Gotta love that . . .<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gPhuYG2_gQk" width="560"></iframe>Thomas Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05385997148235545558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906241439681463427.post-20947417126888490622012-03-01T22:27:00.001-05:002012-03-01T22:29:51.693-05:00Brothers and Sisters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The three littles havin' some fun . . . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCg5HeYmb7YkWY74rjDphBniViMx_Sbq9pgLdGn_y2cqOpkZqKFX_416_M9Cn09Doxzz_lbSiAMy36J_DGShq7uSrBVwpDDQOQJ9btYDkOV3Ho9YEXquudeIxOGIuXs_nruvIY3Oc6TZ9/s1600/IMG_1434+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCg5HeYmb7YkWY74rjDphBniViMx_Sbq9pgLdGn_y2cqOpkZqKFX_416_M9Cn09Doxzz_lbSiAMy36J_DGShq7uSrBVwpDDQOQJ9btYDkOV3Ho9YEXquudeIxOGIuXs_nruvIY3Oc6TZ9/s400/IMG_1434+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sisters . . .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT47rlQt-NBFsiogVhDKtGgneZ4E-yXDGls9wmcLywm_C-DHRaGB3JEjvgvGKp2vo5rEqSZv5aCkkZzCXBZDio8NWdqlLhJv1KVRjmOgCvHuLzfU3Lrg-upnAIP-HKxYvRVK8duu-DBEA2/s1600/IMG_1377+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT47rlQt-NBFsiogVhDKtGgneZ4E-yXDGls9wmcLywm_C-DHRaGB3JEjvgvGKp2vo5rEqSZv5aCkkZzCXBZDio8NWdqlLhJv1KVRjmOgCvHuLzfU3Lrg-upnAIP-HKxYvRVK8duu-DBEA2/s400/IMG_1377+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And this guy . . . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="http://fashionbombdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/50-Cent-Du-Rag.png" /></div><br />
. . . he's got nothing on her!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhKYG7Umsp0iEiUldYBTrkQeoSZ87B93UTGv8qjlq_zRYcOG8VLFRXS99OMamubxAdkhGAfqz0jvm8iSlM89Qv3dyEUA8JmpoHp-1F6BDt-zdYpKMKGvzRItu5y-Es-5uDJ9E0mZoKGyV/s1600/IMG_1452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhKYG7Umsp0iEiUldYBTrkQeoSZ87B93UTGv8qjlq_zRYcOG8VLFRXS99OMamubxAdkhGAfqz0jvm8iSlM89Qv3dyEUA8JmpoHp-1F6BDt-zdYpKMKGvzRItu5y-Es-5uDJ9E0mZoKGyV/s400/IMG_1452.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Life is a crazy kind of fun right now . . .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope you all have a great weekend!</div>Thomas Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05385997148235545558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906241439681463427.post-40733311091795937122012-02-16T18:00:00.000-05:002012-02-16T21:47:29.881-05:00Comfort Food for a Winter DayMy dear friend Jeannine made this soup for us last year. At first, I admit, "French Carrot Soup" did not sound all that great to me. I was skeptical that it could really be as good as she claimed. Boy, was I wrong!<br />
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So, here's the recipe with a few add-ins. The original recipe is more like a first-course soup. I tweaked it just a little to make it more of a meal for our family. Add a loaf of good bread, salad and you've got a great winter meal.<br />
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First, wash and peel 12-14 medium carrots . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qd0bFEzEclXEzEkbchzQKpviLTpistwYgNUI_yi6Go_y13t-zIph1i3p6V9nji_Y94BiW07cBUxEHDBcOyluZf1jWrE5-STZwLWzzlUcrdnlZHx-FcPBwLs3MqIM9czydPI_ciQadKGf/s1600/IMG_0882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qd0bFEzEclXEzEkbchzQKpviLTpistwYgNUI_yi6Go_y13t-zIph1i3p6V9nji_Y94BiW07cBUxEHDBcOyluZf1jWrE5-STZwLWzzlUcrdnlZHx-FcPBwLs3MqIM9czydPI_ciQadKGf/s400/IMG_0882.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, clean 2 leeks. You will use the white part only (trim off the roots). Slice the leeks lengthwise, separate well and rinse. Sand and dirt may be trapped between the layers so it's important to wash well . . .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1ac420YLeF7RGc2ZHFrKE64eNIYkuyjVXVkelhhnF3zCUrAbfes9bcgTbm1xzFYkl0aiwqsRQ9X93CP7tSGpKGNhkNwda-R0-b9stfeAn-R6EzR8lfTOZPNpP7I2xs-KZZlqD0aCFQrw/s1600/IMG_0884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1ac420YLeF7RGc2ZHFrKE64eNIYkuyjVXVkelhhnF3zCUrAbfes9bcgTbm1xzFYkl0aiwqsRQ9X93CP7tSGpKGNhkNwda-R0-b9stfeAn-R6EzR8lfTOZPNpP7I2xs-KZZlqD0aCFQrw/s400/IMG_0884.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, peel the skin off a large onion and thinly slice, slice peeled and cleaned carrots and thinly slice the leeks . . .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YHyjxqUQG4uFE7aA-k-Zcwdd0LB9A4CiApNdZeF7ewZ25_ORc8Y8otOXEs4yM66ghc-U8a81K7jq4EG5uBJ60mO1NNY716ZcEjbtKxXnTwrq1iffjNt_bKWnJ8jNWSCdpDzZPMA8FlDe/s1600/IMG_9533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YHyjxqUQG4uFE7aA-k-Zcwdd0LB9A4CiApNdZeF7ewZ25_ORc8Y8otOXEs4yM66ghc-U8a81K7jq4EG5uBJ60mO1NNY716ZcEjbtKxXnTwrq1iffjNt_bKWnJ8jNWSCdpDzZPMA8FlDe/s400/IMG_9533.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Place 4 tablespoons of butter in a large stock pot and heat to melt . . . (This is 8 tablespoons. Gotta double the recipe for this family!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1LgKE9IEEprw4dbSCj7VAq6ULbIaz4N7tSaB2CdZcf2B_sZe8AG3GS_D_mY8rLn-O0wXlKBbLSVjxpJ8chVUL7a-3KVPJIebUTD4H1Xf-_rLINUS2jorO4n_a4nHe5CGxJus37th_6lI/s1600/IMG_9531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1LgKE9IEEprw4dbSCj7VAq6ULbIaz4N7tSaB2CdZcf2B_sZe8AG3GS_D_mY8rLn-O0wXlKBbLSVjxpJ8chVUL7a-3KVPJIebUTD4H1Xf-_rLINUS2jorO4n_a4nHe5CGxJus37th_6lI/s400/IMG_9531.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Add carrots, onions and leeks. Saute over medium heat until soft, about 10-15 minutes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXJpMuQAJkjermWaElQt8899QJMgvR_zAjDflM36Lc8Mus1wqIurYCiqzDuDfkFAr-JkVrloaWk6hT6P6IW77tfQh8hQTa-1AOGDVHXns7Rc4gF3kJXWVT1PDKb1G8JOe2iwpAQsRwu2t/s1600/carrots+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXJpMuQAJkjermWaElQt8899QJMgvR_zAjDflM36Lc8Mus1wqIurYCiqzDuDfkFAr-JkVrloaWk6hT6P6IW77tfQh8hQTa-1AOGDVHXns7Rc4gF3kJXWVT1PDKb1G8JOe2iwpAQsRwu2t/s400/carrots+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Add chicken broth . . .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTICjJXBZswLtV9jXcIbyDU3N1yQGmrC-G1HQqBk0ktC5aIzsOMCju4ZZNewtbgDtXdxeCi9sotobcQPBz4Dh3rgQjCGb4Py63TxYnZghXxxa7HQ9Aaui2GFqjtl-6rrqLIqrYcQzxRV9/s1600/this+one+too.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTICjJXBZswLtV9jXcIbyDU3N1yQGmrC-G1HQqBk0ktC5aIzsOMCju4ZZNewtbgDtXdxeCi9sotobcQPBz4Dh3rgQjCGb4Py63TxYnZghXxxa7HQ9Aaui2GFqjtl-6rrqLIqrYcQzxRV9/s400/this+one+too.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">. . . bacon (uncooked), sugar and seasonings. Bring to a boil; cover and simmer slowly for 20 to 25 minutes (longer is fine) or until carrots are tender . . .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVrMVDY3Nq04lOnCWVm07BIpUU9PxFOM7nfstFeSkq_cbca8EC4vcW5XI7b8toX5lvlsQV9hM_6cxb1hY7dy-wBW5D5hjcNOM6bjax64e__jBFQ1IXcb_Gv9SVaXW3qdTe8VzeQL3_8NB/s1600/bacon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVrMVDY3Nq04lOnCWVm07BIpUU9PxFOM7nfstFeSkq_cbca8EC4vcW5XI7b8toX5lvlsQV9hM_6cxb1hY7dy-wBW5D5hjcNOM6bjax64e__jBFQ1IXcb_Gv9SVaXW3qdTe8VzeQL3_8NB/s400/bacon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Add rice; cook an additional 20 minutes or until rice is cooked.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2l5GuuUo23pifjhdVaVOqj-_r0c2QtAMdpzfJuQn0ZEIE1c3YGkD2L4LbirFGyeentP5yM22KUt7QjFOHT59g_GynrZ2aoXnfLuimwKhURX83n0ESLXgArqrswpg8QmLhhtDblhJX8hR5/s1600/IMG_0919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2l5GuuUo23pifjhdVaVOqj-_r0c2QtAMdpzfJuQn0ZEIE1c3YGkD2L4LbirFGyeentP5yM22KUt7QjFOHT59g_GynrZ2aoXnfLuimwKhURX83n0ESLXgArqrswpg8QmLhhtDblhJX8hR5/s400/IMG_0919.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now . . . soup doesn't look all that great does it? Kind of runny. Weird with that raw bacon. Very weird. But . . . this is where it all comes together. That raw bacon, well, that is THE very best part of the soup. We have a saying in our house, "Bacon makes everything better!" and it is so true for this soup.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Take the soup and puree in SMALL batches in food processor or blender until smooth. It is critical to do this in small batches. If you load the blender too full, the steam will build up pressure and blow the lid off the blender. Messy and HOT (and dangerous if it explodes in your face).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7hyrZpYaXcMFrz194fKzEQu7iPhm-IcAAjumotM67oYOs8fbC_J4zKfQWff3z9ZDwmdl2H1hgqX_WWgyGRTHCqSVKeO5enOn63qy6kTlWT16FUPOi6qfDWZ-X_kZsAOr1Wc8X3KK_xic/s1600/use+this.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7hyrZpYaXcMFrz194fKzEQu7iPhm-IcAAjumotM67oYOs8fbC_J4zKfQWff3z9ZDwmdl2H1hgqX_WWgyGRTHCqSVKeO5enOn63qy6kTlWT16FUPOi6qfDWZ-X_kZsAOr1Wc8X3KK_xic/s400/use+this.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I usually ladle the batches into the blender, then pour pureed soup into another bowl until the whole pot is blended. Then, I pour it back into the stockpot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, add 2-3 cooked, shredded chicken breasts. I usually buy a rotisserie chicken (or two) and shred those up. Easy, fast and they add more flavor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNw6PeZ5Qpq3DJIomco9gxSAqpbf7rOl4zyPlw3g_faPdFjcXCI6_OcQxZHnKTitab5_DwnS8PoUjOl3g-KqJRtMqmaedRvUefDU_uErepjjVOR63bzIAshDjmF1BzCXEJieukucYmhPMQ/s1600/chicken2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNw6PeZ5Qpq3DJIomco9gxSAqpbf7rOl4zyPlw3g_faPdFjcXCI6_OcQxZHnKTitab5_DwnS8PoUjOl3g-KqJRtMqmaedRvUefDU_uErepjjVOR63bzIAshDjmF1BzCXEJieukucYmhPMQ/s400/chicken2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last, stir in the heavy cream and garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary. It is equally good with either. Toss a few croutons on top and serve with good French or a rustic whole grain bread.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know, it doesn't seem like it could be that good does it? Trust me. The bacon is the key and it is so yummy and the perfect comfort food for a cold day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bDl-uly37qiE7hEJ5bwE4LRPMIpgCPKdXDS-DTj_jU6BXfmYqTanUbNxQxpF-1LmHcobdIohjxDQ4CVUwWos8ARglUh_TPejLzROwbhb67EXEZEYnn7XPlPcrg7DUTvGbbqri8tI-xjG/s1600/soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bDl-uly37qiE7hEJ5bwE4LRPMIpgCPKdXDS-DTj_jU6BXfmYqTanUbNxQxpF-1LmHcobdIohjxDQ4CVUwWos8ARglUh_TPejLzROwbhb67EXEZEYnn7XPlPcrg7DUTvGbbqri8tI-xjG/s400/soup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's the recipe in full:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><em>French Carrot Soup</em></strong></div><strong></strong><em> </em><br />
<em>4 Tbsp butter</em><br />
<em>10-12 medium carrots, peeled, sliced</em><br />
<em>1 large onion, thinly sliced</em><br />
<em>2 leeks, white part only, carefully washed, thinly sliced</em><br />
<em>10 cups chicken broth</em><br />
<em>1/4 pound bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces (uncooked)</em><br />
<em>1 tsp. sugar</em><br />
<em>salt and pepper to taste</em><br />
<em>1/3 cup uncooked white rice</em><br />
<em>1 cup heavy whipping cream</em><br />
<em>2-3 cooked, shredded or cubed chicken breasts</em><br />
<em>croutons or toasted bread cubes</em><br />
<em>Fresh thyme or rosemary (your preference)</em><br />
<em> </em><br />
<em>In large saucepan or stockpot, melt butter. Add carrots, onion and leeks. Saute over medium heat until soft, about 10-15 minutes.</em><br />
<em> </em><br />
<em>Add broth, bacon (uncooked), sugar and seasonings. Bring to a boil; cover and simmer slowly for 20 to 25 minutes (or longer is fine) or until carrots are tender. Add rice; cook an additional 20 minutes or until rice is cooked.</em><br />
<em> </em><br />
<em>Puree in small batches in food processor or blender until smooth. Do this in SMALL batches!!! (The pressure builds up in the blender from the steam. If you get the blender too full, the lid will blow off. Messy and HOT!!) Add cream; heat just until thoroughly warm. Serve immediately.</em><br />
<em> </em><br />
<em>This can be made ahead and kept in Crockpot on warm for a party. Will hold on warm all day.</em><br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<span id="goog_1859163371"></span><span id="goog_1859163372"></span>Thomas Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05385997148235545558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906241439681463427.post-25335323417724095002012-01-30T21:22:00.004-05:002012-01-30T21:26:40.763-05:00A Clever Little Something to Think About . . .Scroll down and pause the playlist at the bottom . . . .<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MiAh3lYo6k4" width="560"></iframe>Thomas Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05385997148235545558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906241439681463427.post-72893959508722070062012-01-19T00:15:00.001-05:002012-01-19T00:35:47.892-05:00And Now For Some Humor!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYU9mJkgicMzLLZSzZfwTXBew7F4o9DIFMLh3YjC6cCjxponWRu7Y3bR5DJgq7yGaITC3edXpDD9KHgPaiN6DGif9KZIyc0QKwZoNb02PrXv6N_S3lKGG85b7_PWo7lp_sRZG6BLCtWVrw/s1600/IMG_1077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYU9mJkgicMzLLZSzZfwTXBew7F4o9DIFMLh3YjC6cCjxponWRu7Y3bR5DJgq7yGaITC3edXpDD9KHgPaiN6DGif9KZIyc0QKwZoNb02PrXv6N_S3lKGG85b7_PWo7lp_sRZG6BLCtWVrw/s400/IMG_1077.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As the days march on, we are settling well into a new routine. Different forever than the old one, but not bad. Just different. Luckily, we are finding humor in things that otherwise may just push us all over the edge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
Things about America that African children find amazing:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. Washers and dryers. Who knew? All of the kids are fascinated by the bizarre American custom of throwing dirty clothes into a deep, dark hole in a large metal machine and having them come out sometime later (after much churning and spinning) wet and clean. "MOM! What???"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The dryer . . . rates even higher however. Pulling warm clothes and towels out and holding them up to their faces just about did them in. How is this possible??? they seemed to ask with their expressions. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It has also become a game for them as dirty laundry goes in and then comes out sometime later - warm and dry and smelling like Downy - to see if they can identify the owner of each item. Phoebe especially, likes to stand right.up.in.the.dryer. when I'm trying to unload it and shout out with such excitement, "MOM!!! Phoebe!!!", "MOM!!! Eliza!", "MOM!!!! Olivia!!" (Which sounds like "O-Lee-Vee-Uh") This is cute for about the first two minutes. Then, after the first FIVE minutes or so and after about the tenth load . . . not so cute. I have to keep reminding myself that she is taking such joy in what is such a mundane task for me. It has actually helped me enjoy doing laundry. Such wonder and pleasure in such a simple thing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
For Ben, our most mechanically inclined, these two machines completely captivate him. When I'm in the kitchen, content knowing that the laundry is clipping along, my bliss is interrupted by the ringing of bells on the dryer. I tiptoe down the hall and see him open the dryer door, close it, push any and all buttons and re-start the dryer on all different settings. This little dance may happen five or six times in a five minute period. He is dead-set on figuring out how this thing can be responsible for such magic. Some days, I open the dryer and find his wet and muddy snowpants stuffed in with a load of clean and almost dry towels. OR . . . I open the washer and find a load of clothing - already washed - sharing space with wet, muddy jeans. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I started noticing that my go-to washer settings - Load size: Super, Temp: Hot, Task: Heavy Duty Wash - were mysteriously changed when I went to take a load out. The dials now read such ridiculous things as Load size: Small (this has NEVER happened), Temp: Cold (very rare) and Task: Rinse Only. The first few times I thought either I was losing it or the machine was malfunctioning. I'm slow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Utterly fascinated . . . but not yet comprehending the process! Ha! :-) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. Ice. Who knew? Two love it . . . two hate it. "Mom!!! (always with a LOUD volume and ended with an exclamation point!) Water! ICE!!!" . . . or . . . "Mom!! Water! NO ICE!!!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also included in this category is ice cream. I know this will sound so cruel, but I cannot tell you how utterly hilarious it is to witness someone's first popsicle headache. And even MORE hilarious to see it happening to FOUR people at the same time! :-) Sick, I know.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
3. Volume controls. Up. Down. Up. Down. "Um . . . Isaac . . . could you please go and see what exactly is going on in there?" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This fascination also applies to remote controls of any kind. Take the batteries in. Take the batteries out. Push all the buttons. Hold it up to the ear to see if it makes a sound. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
Week number two, Zane came marching up the stairs from the basement - Jesse and Ben left in his wake - shouting at full volume, "YOU ARE FORBIDDEN FROM EVER TOUCHING THE REMOTES AGAIN!!!!!" Followed by, "Mom!!! Do I have authority over them??? They are touching everything and now they have PERMANENTLY ruined the XBox!!!" Did I mention he is six? He has no fear and thinks it is his sole purpose in life to point out to Jesse and Ben all the ways they are NOT acting like normal Americans. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bWrdRlMudPJ8krCoii5qE8RVjQvdB8DFZ1MtBcD4Z7KBXihSAoG4MNO7AcBHU9zgddC_dDxD1_BLKGLw7c2h5N-GuUi1o-n3sz5EkDLQ60vrY54SJIlxWwV1aTSfTmQuyqMJfEPIQ8vF/s1600/girls3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bWrdRlMudPJ8krCoii5qE8RVjQvdB8DFZ1MtBcD4Z7KBXihSAoG4MNO7AcBHU9zgddC_dDxD1_BLKGLw7c2h5N-GuUi1o-n3sz5EkDLQ60vrY54SJIlxWwV1aTSfTmQuyqMJfEPIQ8vF/s400/girls3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The unforeseen gift in this is that all of the kids, while completely annoyed at many and different points throughout the day, have also found great humor in it. All 13 of us have had SUCH moments of side-splitting laughter over the silliest things. It has helped us see how things that seem normal to us are completely weird to the new kids and we all just LAUGH. And then we fall on the floor and laugh some more. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
And truly, laughter is THE best medicine for healing and growing.</div>Thomas Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05385997148235545558noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906241439681463427.post-4897556303680504422012-01-12T01:14:00.001-05:002012-01-12T01:17:20.921-05:00Cuteness and Fun on a Warm Day in . . . January?Yesterday was long but good and while still thinking through Part 2, I thought I'd post some photos of our day. Such a strange, glorious block of weather we've been having. I think it was almost 55 degrees. Midwest, middle of January, should be snowy and COLD. We are ALL really glad it's not! :-)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zu-tkB8xgppg4W-43zs-SrcwgRsKVoBpLle_J5MN3C0tu08jIvjfPYlb6iyu-D41xsRgrFoaPzEoqkLhHqQuIUbjAwtplk9crrAtR6weMzE1hKE_voTx-ORfWn_dDoT8Nt9o_j465DLd/s1600/kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zu-tkB8xgppg4W-43zs-SrcwgRsKVoBpLle_J5MN3C0tu08jIvjfPYlb6iyu-D41xsRgrFoaPzEoqkLhHqQuIUbjAwtplk9crrAtR6weMzE1hKE_voTx-ORfWn_dDoT8Nt9o_j465DLd/s400/kids.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGAXjg8N-1CGJW9Lv8rL7CmCyo6EWgl8GDLTSNzOsDOawAN5GXYmTO6ZF9OrQaFTxejCO5mAWP4Q854JBGGhU5zvhumzbiyUz9trYFvBwSCCIyRy7WJYwNs5-CxtRisiddU9zG3YyltIT/s1600/zane2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGAXjg8N-1CGJW9Lv8rL7CmCyo6EWgl8GDLTSNzOsDOawAN5GXYmTO6ZF9OrQaFTxejCO5mAWP4Q854JBGGhU5zvhumzbiyUz9trYFvBwSCCIyRy7WJYwNs5-CxtRisiddU9zG3YyltIT/s400/zane2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicO6J7ivjT-OAW8BHOqQ91rGXlmrX8d_2bIA5ohmoYVxJ_y1hb7-xL-1idJAA7ydUA6Ims192fzSi0t03bMKt0qD3bjw7GixImVTOIx-13Mhh9C7ThyphenhyphenBb6W8PjJE21oYprPNUx5RTRnQtg/s1600/IMG_1209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicO6J7ivjT-OAW8BHOqQ91rGXlmrX8d_2bIA5ohmoYVxJ_y1hb7-xL-1idJAA7ydUA6Ims192fzSi0t03bMKt0qD3bjw7GixImVTOIx-13Mhh9C7ThyphenhyphenBb6W8PjJE21oYprPNUx5RTRnQtg/s400/IMG_1209.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
Right hand woman. :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a great day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Thomas Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05385997148235545558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906241439681463427.post-60818668232316237352012-01-10T01:01:00.001-05:002012-01-10T09:07:59.573-05:00Words Are Difficult to FindIt has been too long since I've updated, and for all of you who have been following our story, praying for us and BLESSING us with food and so many other good things, I am so sorry!<br />
<br />
I have had profound thoughts swirling in my head since the very first day they arrived home, but then, as night comes and the last one is fast asleep (eleven kids makes for a serious bedtime routine!) I am so tired and also so deeply touched by the day and this crazy life and the ways God has been so real and right-here-with-us that I simply cannot find the words to do it justice.<br />
<br />
I'm going to try tonight because I think it is important for two reasons: one, because I don't ever want to forget these first days, and two, because I think it is really, REALLY important that you know the WHOLE picture thus far. I am realizing that so many adoption blogs paint a one-dimensional picture of what this experience is all about, and, as with most all of life, it is so much more than that.<br />
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The first couple of days were mostly a haze for all of us. Rob and the kids home from Africa were jet-lagged and probably completely overwhelmed with America, American Christmas, and snow! Once we got through Christmas morning (Gifts for eleven kids take a LONG time to open when certain people insist we go one-by-one. I won't mention who that certain person might be.) the reality began to set in for all of us that this is real. Forever. No take-backs, no do-overs, no pause and rewind. The first few days were a novelty. Everyone was on their best behavior, giddy over Christmas gifts, intrigued by all the gadgets that mark American lives, but by days three and four . . . well, the bio kids were getting slightly agitated with the noise level (it seems LOUD is a cultural norm in Ethiopia and I think especially when you've been one of so many kids trying to be first for food, first for the cute outfit, first for the nannies to fawn over) and frankly, sick of stepping aside and yielding to whatever wants and needs the new kids had. They were sick of finding their 'stuff' messed with, sick of having to answer questions and explain every last minute detail of everything. It was beyond difficult for them and they were clearly growing fatigued with the whole experience. The language barrier was beyond exhausting.<br />
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For Rob and I, well . . . most of those same feelings were haunting us. Add to that the immense pressure of making sure ALL of the kids were doing okay emotionally, ALL of the kids were getting some face time with Mom and Dad AND making sure we were setting down proper boundaries with the new kids. Add some unnamed, very loud, very demanding little girls to that mix . . . one loud, demanding little boy who up until now had rather<strong> liked</strong> being the loud, demanding one (but was now being handily outshouted, outdemanded, and outeverythinged) . . . and you get the picture. For about 90% of my waking hours I thought my head might.just.explode. Really. One of the days I'm pretty sure I was hitting myself in the head saying, "I CAN'T TAKE THIS ONE.MORE.MINUTE! CAN'T DO IT!" Pretty sure because after that and for about two days, my head hurt like nobody's business. Felt exactly like someone had hit me repeatedly. :-) <br />
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Those days were beyond difficult and I want to be so totally truthful about that. Fear and yes, even regret, began to creep in and I cannot tell you what that was doing to my heart and mind. I have never prayed so much, begged prayer from others so much, and felt so totally out of control. So totally aware that unless God reached down and gave us some sense that things were going to be okay, we might just have made the pivotal, worst mistake of our lives. Does that sound horrible? I know it does. But I want to let you in on the secret that most blogs won't . . . it is the down and dirty truth. Because when you decide to love and care for children that are abandoned and hurt, and bring them into your home forever, it is hard. And so very messy.<br />
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Here's the thing though. God. HE is faithful. HE is good. And He heard our cries and at some point in that first week, we both had some supernatural peace come over us. We down-shifted and moved into survival mode. Do only what's necessary, keep EVERYTHING simple, get some play breaks for the bio kids and SURVIVE. We stared at one another with glazed over eyes, asked one another, "Are you sorry?", and both knew way, way down deep that we were not.<br />
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Somewhere in all the craziness, God met us and we have all been given a measure of grace that is astounding. Because in all of the scary adoption BOOKS, they tell you to not expect life to look anything close to normal for six months to a year. I believed that totally the first week. (I was, however, sticking fast to the six month end of the spectrum. Rob . . . well, he leaned waaaay toward the year end. :-) ) The miraculous thing is that this week and most of last and every day that comes is growing exponentially better. Life is taking shape, the day-to-day routine is coming back and there is ORDER in this house of 13 people. The boys love school, love to help (who knew a vacuum cleaner could be so fun?), and LOVE to play. The bio kids are back to their homeschool tutelage and back doing school with me, Rob is back to work, and very most, most beautiful of all? ALL three of my little girls are napping AT THE SAME TIME!!! Praise God! :-) There has never been a more appreciated hour and a half (two if I'm lucky!) and most certainly never a more enjoyed cup of coffee (made only better by the HEAVY CREAM added to it. Let's get serious folks, the 2% milk just ain't gonna cut it!).<br />
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The weird and beautiful and wonderful thing is that over the past few days, there have been more moments of joy and awe at what God has done, and fewer and fewer moments of crazy. Bad crazy. There will never be a shortage of good crazy around here!<br />
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Stay tuned for part two . . .Thomas Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05385997148235545558noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906241439681463427.post-24534316861782547882011-12-30T23:12:00.002-05:002012-01-18T23:10:07.327-05:00The Hard and Beautiful Truth . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEWxdeWQui1fYH76RdlL0XY2lhvIsq7B8uZeNBflYQ87KTEEqMg3IzRUAOreCu0n2Z3Io-XgtCr2KOZBUG2_PiKC5AVuzSSeT2HovEB8hgyb7LfU9YIVWjiOL30rcsH1S5rTKI3nrJlkw/s1600/short.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEWxdeWQui1fYH76RdlL0XY2lhvIsq7B8uZeNBflYQ87KTEEqMg3IzRUAOreCu0n2Z3Io-XgtCr2KOZBUG2_PiKC5AVuzSSeT2HovEB8hgyb7LfU9YIVWjiOL30rcsH1S5rTKI3nrJlkw/s640/short.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Thomas Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05385997148235545558noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906241439681463427.post-45245591051496660192011-12-30T16:18:00.001-05:002011-12-30T16:26:26.042-05:00Quick UpdateI have so, so many thoughts and feelings swirling through my head and heart these past few days. Still trying to process and write them out in some coherent manner. As soon as I can find 5 minutes to do that, I will share with you here. Adoption before kids arrive is such a consuming experience of anticipation. After . . . well . . . after is where reality sets it. Raw, real, heartbreaking, heart-exploding-full-of-love reality. <br />
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For now, the kids really enjoyed the brief snow day. Woke up to a blanket of white exclaiming, "Beh REH doh, beh REH doh!!!" (Sounds like bear- REH-do with the 'r' rolling off the tongue like a Spanish 'r'.) We're pretty sure they've never actually seen or felt or tasted snow, but have heard about it and seen photos from traveling families who have visited the Transition Home. Pretty cool to see it their first week home.<br />
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Phoebe hamming it up for the camera. Loads of personality.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ben. This boy spent the ENTIRE day outside. When the snow got boring, he came in, put on shorts, went back out and rode a bike for about 3 hours straight. He and Jesse spent two full days - no breaks - teaching themselves to ride a bike. They'd never seen or ridden one, but for some reason their image of America included bikes and they couldn't wait to give it a try. After two days, lots of falls, and incredible tenacity, they both mastered it. :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVIhL_Ej8qoyYQ38H7wZOQSVK0tcnlqF31208hIpwlFoPTMY87z3F-iHm1QmMjroBuuJwF33RkpiifDhN8clByhNPV5Lb-cZy2CaPYvhq7FgyXWiAQtB61aj4b3a6_ltmD9sCMV7-1yYE/s1600/bensnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVIhL_Ej8qoyYQ38H7wZOQSVK0tcnlqF31208hIpwlFoPTMY87z3F-iHm1QmMjroBuuJwF33RkpiifDhN8clByhNPV5Lb-cZy2CaPYvhq7FgyXWiAQtB61aj4b3a6_ltmD9sCMV7-1yYE/s400/bensnow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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And then we have Georgia. Or Cindy Lou Who as we like to call her. Not amused with her sister pointing the camera at her endlessly. A twelve-year-old trapped in a two-year-old body.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAUBOowwoNEeSW0gKnIX6LWCS_DbQwrbvhfbZ9NZWsCEK2tW5Se3AWCPvOF8hrdZDXxkr7how7XNu3uyqeuIBd6QA-BVGeM-UxkpvPzF7LD6RE1b2fMXANbvnUVtoheyfHsf_XawK_8Dp/s1600/georgiasnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAUBOowwoNEeSW0gKnIX6LWCS_DbQwrbvhfbZ9NZWsCEK2tW5Se3AWCPvOF8hrdZDXxkr7how7XNu3uyqeuIBd6QA-BVGeM-UxkpvPzF7LD6RE1b2fMXANbvnUVtoheyfHsf_XawK_8Dp/s400/georgiasnow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Thomas Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05385997148235545558noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906241439681463427.post-24651600768255201712011-12-21T23:36:00.000-05:002011-12-21T23:36:38.514-05:00Yes<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DLpuIgDQ3Lw" width="560"></iframe>Thomas Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05385997148235545558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906241439681463427.post-53850473842239769332011-12-21T16:54:00.000-05:002011-12-21T16:54:09.689-05:00Oh Where, Oh Where is All Their Hair???Got some new photos today from Olivia. Girls looking good, hair is starting to grow out a little (can't wait to start playing with styles for them). Here is older daughter - she'll be turning 7 pretty soon . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUhrmqbURFNKpQlAkCsyKHoWjyJKAi6fmLdzXodcH53uF8kmW4gGKFTD-impT2rRh6fb9rte5A9DAVL9yLhZnUJlOiVIv-OTIC6V9MFz5534HFX2yc9sTVG6g4QyeL85sWn0f1hyclqyT/s1600/IMG_0626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUhrmqbURFNKpQlAkCsyKHoWjyJKAi6fmLdzXodcH53uF8kmW4gGKFTD-impT2rRh6fb9rte5A9DAVL9yLhZnUJlOiVIv-OTIC6V9MFz5534HFX2yc9sTVG6g4QyeL85sWn0f1hyclqyT/s400/IMG_0626.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pheobe Asrat - 6 1/2</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then . . . we have the boys. This photo was taken on our court trip . . . .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GCiXmiD3RLdD6a_nRvZwknqdSszAYTD1BfFezjL0bWtQabtwnB5AyblwVDNJYy4766R_FF6MJHz_7Cb3Cz4qm6obsMu2k2SsL4mFZumLgCsX706irZMGi9Jo5Njtgm45b9HFMbnh88gH/s1600/IMG_0712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GCiXmiD3RLdD6a_nRvZwknqdSszAYTD1BfFezjL0bWtQabtwnB5AyblwVDNJYy4766R_FF6MJHz_7Cb3Cz4qm6obsMu2k2SsL4mFZumLgCsX706irZMGi9Jo5Njtgm45b9HFMbnh88gH/s640/IMG_0712.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hair's a good length. Easy to wash, not too hot. A nice length.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are their photos from this week in Ethiopia. Seems the nannies line up the big boys and have a group haircut day . . .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGH6fcywBC8pc_i5dF9PVL-LMTyDHs_0tYVNbNXxQy4lghsO4779jA_ZWYpdajYNn_pdkbgINL03HrmgPBc9ZXpSYzSeVhH9DaRTN6eLtfjlgWxV6Z8NHq-qrzWKuDYnYQ4_kCfVjyHG7H/s1600/benjamin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGH6fcywBC8pc_i5dF9PVL-LMTyDHs_0tYVNbNXxQy4lghsO4779jA_ZWYpdajYNn_pdkbgINL03HrmgPBc9ZXpSYzSeVhH9DaRTN6eLtfjlgWxV6Z8NHq-qrzWKuDYnYQ4_kCfVjyHG7H/s320/benjamin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">Benjamin Abebe - 9 1/2</div><div align="center">(I think this hair cut makes him look much older!)</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jesse Fasikal - 12 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Told Rob this week that he got the scar from climbing a mountain. Fell and somehow on the way down, hit his nose/eye area. He said that God saved his eyesight, so it must have been a pretty nasty fall.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Thomas Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05385997148235545558noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906241439681463427.post-6731271320142863392011-12-21T00:15:00.001-05:002011-12-21T00:26:40.719-05:00Back to Ethiopia for Our Embassy Appointment!Rob and Olivia flew out Sunday morning at 5:50 a.m. to go get our kids! Our embassy appointment was today (Tuesday) at 1:00 p.m. Ethiopia time, and we PASSED! Rob was able to get a lot of good information on the kids' history, some medical questions answered and take the kids out to eat for lunch. This was their FIRST EVER time to eat in a restaurant and maybe their first time to use a fork! Crazy, but in Ethiopia the traditional meal is eaten with your hands and it is likely that's all they've ever eaten. They were pretty talented right off the bat and enjoyed showing off their fork skills for Dad. :-)<br />
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Tomorrow they'll get a chance to spend one last day with their friends and nannies, one last night sleeping in their beds at the Transition Home and then, on Thursday morning, they will be with Rob until they board the plane. I have to tell you all that the scene of them saying goodbye continually plays in my head. Shedding a lot of tears these past few days. This has been their home and family for the past year and while they are coming to a family that loves them, this will be one more time of losing people they love and of saying goodbye forever. So much wrenching heartache that braids itself throughout the joy. Such a complicated, beautiful, horrible reality adoption is.<br />
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We would be so thankful for prayers for them. This is surely all very exciting for them, but we also know that inside they have to be scared to death and so uncertain of what's to come. If eating in a restaurant and using utensils is new, can you imagine all they will have to acclimate to once in the U.S.? We are going to be very diligent about taking it slow with them and giving them time to adjust. We would really love specific prayers that they would learn English quickly and be able to communicate their feelings to us. <br />
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This is a forever home, but it will take some time to bond as a family, get used to America, and grieve. For the next couple of months we will be hanging out very close to home. Probably won't see us at church for a while, probably won't be seeing us much at all. This seems really severe, but all the good literature on adoption AND families who have gone before, advise that it is critical that we bond well at the outset to help with success long-term as a family. In the context of the rest of their lives, a few months seems not so long. We have appreciated so much - do appreciate - all the kindness shown to us by so many of you. We pray everyone will be understanding of our decision and patient with them as they graft into the Thomas family.<br />
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Our good friend Tracy has set up a meal schedule at <a href="http://www.takethemameal.com/">http://www.takethemameal.com/</a> . If you are interested in helping us out in this way, please email me and I will get you the login information. We don't expect this, but many people have asked if they could bless us this way, and the answer is yes! I have no idea what to expect in the next few weeks, but imagine it will be challenging and not having to plan meals and grocery shop will help this mama a ton.<br />
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I am hoping to post more photos soon. Olivia promises to put her photography skills to use today (at midnight our time, they are just going down to eat breakfast (8:00 a.m.) and preparing for their day.) The plan today is to stick close to the Transition Home, spend time with our kids and the kids still waiting on their forever families to come.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_9yfA-E-vQbMQYIVWpSs04JvB9atI4gMIFa7JLtnvNwRThKz8kJmikkgm4_18XWE6HiYDm7wtOaZ9x1ZBxNmJtHlplB9ESGV1Nlwli0kh9bs8EL-aE9Qk4L30I79ZtKT6qtFT7-1qwnz/s1600/IMG_0781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_9yfA-E-vQbMQYIVWpSs04JvB9atI4gMIFa7JLtnvNwRThKz8kJmikkgm4_18XWE6HiYDm7wtOaZ9x1ZBxNmJtHlplB9ESGV1Nlwli0kh9bs8EL-aE9Qk4L30I79ZtKT6qtFT7-1qwnz/s320/IMG_0781.JPG" width="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong>Susannah Konjit - 3 1/2 years</strong></div><br />
Hope you all take time today and the next few to focus on Christ and the true beauty of this season. Slow down, pray up and enjoy.<br />
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Love you all . . .Thomas Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05385997148235545558noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906241439681463427.post-44771936267351330692011-12-19T00:46:00.000-05:002011-12-19T00:46:20.380-05:00Advent Reading - Day 14<strong>Mark 1:1-11</strong><br />
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The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. <br />
As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:<br />
"BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY; THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, 'MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT.'"<br />
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John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.<br />
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And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.<br />
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John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, and his diet was lucusts and wild honey.<br />
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And he was preaching, and saying, "After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of His sandals.<br />
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"I baptize you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."<br />
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In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.<br />
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Immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him; and a voice came out of the heavens: "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased." (NASB)Thomas Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05385997148235545558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6906241439681463427.post-10152535293523402682011-12-19T00:38:00.000-05:002011-12-19T00:38:57.370-05:00Advent Reading - Day 13<strong>John 1:10-18</strong><br />
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He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God -- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.<br />
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The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.<br />
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John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'" From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.Thomas Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05385997148235545558noreply@blogger.com0