tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42704368104332638752024-03-05T21:53:59.937-08:00Mom in TrainingAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00245830745363546923noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270436810433263875.post-69264672649388185262013-09-13T10:15:00.002-07:002013-09-13T10:15:53.843-07:00Family CampEvery Labor Day weekend, my family descends on Miracle Camp. This year was extra interesting because along with my parents, sisters, Josh and me, we had two adopted brothers with us. One of them is actually dating my sister, but the other one was unofficially adopted as my older brother. My dad absolutely <i>loved</i> having the extra testosterone for the weekend and for half of the weekend, the guys actually had the majority, which they took <b>full</b> advantage of....<br />
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Here's a few photos from our weekend:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZy75nso5EQsOoWcaHigRGGdBvCYmxSxKqRHQ5SUFC_VJEtHNDLAydG6yuSeLWf-24poBZnFU6bR21Wokx5kFXiKLYBDw-dfvXdlmvOxsjLXT8F6ThpcAMf_Fw7b61UCXurDkX4KFehQ/s1600/dad_mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZy75nso5EQsOoWcaHigRGGdBvCYmxSxKqRHQ5SUFC_VJEtHNDLAydG6yuSeLWf-24poBZnFU6bR21Wokx5kFXiKLYBDw-dfvXdlmvOxsjLXT8F6ThpcAMf_Fw7b61UCXurDkX4KFehQ/s640/dad_mom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlT6-F0V6shTCuI5-U8fV1ziIkC99BtSzwUz3VFvakrzVnMaqvpeY_OFU3TSz28fKQS40tTOgowNlJIi6v8UgMlYUmkm_QH4Kc3nWWWkm4ArgxUCz0-qHG3svSxc8JOyYEfF2hHOYvRw/s1600/guys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlT6-F0V6shTCuI5-U8fV1ziIkC99BtSzwUz3VFvakrzVnMaqvpeY_OFU3TSz28fKQS40tTOgowNlJIi6v8UgMlYUmkm_QH4Kc3nWWWkm4ArgxUCz0-qHG3svSxc8JOyYEfF2hHOYvRw/s640/guys.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sassy husband, Sister's Boyfriend - Ryan, Pops, New Brother - J Tan (or as everyone but Josh calls him - Jeremiah...)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-kJRysWXs9LSSxFTWCdluybieBFPcwCzXLD8U_qGhXxaEHghyphenhyphenPTDvxXgfFD8yNSZQ_GSaPZsL4eqn_AgOl4dLJy-SbP5KVD0SrT-6zYV6hZxDQ6gUgBxoSvkkFJTAY9cAkxHvlsPMxM/s1600/jackjack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-kJRysWXs9LSSxFTWCdluybieBFPcwCzXLD8U_qGhXxaEHghyphenhyphenPTDvxXgfFD8yNSZQ_GSaPZsL4eqn_AgOl4dLJy-SbP5KVD0SrT-6zYV6hZxDQ6gUgBxoSvkkFJTAY9cAkxHvlsPMxM/s640/jackjack.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friday, Jack Jack and I got to spend the whole day together. Since we were driving through Chicago anyway, we decided to stop in at Ikea. True to her personality, she made one purchase. It was a pillow.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_zSM9GhReR1RutxGN40VrXXPrIqvYe66NxN4wAjymgPsPfr7QITeuwPyZRbZpFGPz8vRhV8fvKrz4Ng0xJm-r26UwvNdzD3w7lpMJYkeGpWXem4sJOGOKNVd1agpp3TaPM_z3V-iucY/s1600/ladies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_zSM9GhReR1RutxGN40VrXXPrIqvYe66NxN4wAjymgPsPfr7QITeuwPyZRbZpFGPz8vRhV8fvKrz4Ng0xJm-r26UwvNdzD3w7lpMJYkeGpWXem4sJOGOKNVd1agpp3TaPM_z3V-iucY/s640/ladies.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're great at taking serious photos.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftRuuprDxJ659qJT6P7b98TZKDk8y89Xq9qLvyJUd6GuG53mwK3Amco-uFsdAYzfEIrqjjr30yo5X2GUJT_p6jzYuJOt65smlIyn78TXB2ygJAiCwDybGqkaUQOxrqMn6gTBpS4eqZDs/s1600/ladies_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftRuuprDxJ659qJT6P7b98TZKDk8y89Xq9qLvyJUd6GuG53mwK3Amco-uFsdAYzfEIrqjjr30yo5X2GUJT_p6jzYuJOt65smlIyn78TXB2ygJAiCwDybGqkaUQOxrqMn6gTBpS4eqZDs/s640/ladies_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After about 30 takes, we only ended up with one photo where we were all looking at the camera...but that one is boring and won't be shared.</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00245830745363546923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270436810433263875.post-19069422787249688512013-09-05T09:07:00.000-07:002013-09-05T09:07:38.624-07:00Family PhotosOther than our wedding photos, Josh and I don't have a ton of pictures together. This posed a pretty big problem when we went to start our adoption profile scrapbook. We decided that we needed some family photos, pronto. We asked our good friend, Britt, if she would be interested in doing these for us and she lovingly obliged.<br />
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Here are just a few of my favorites:<br />
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Thanks so much, Britt, for capturing such a sweet season of our life! We love these photos and we love you!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00245830745363546923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270436810433263875.post-24191051346690226322013-08-16T06:59:00.000-07:002013-08-16T06:59:26.452-07:00Twitterature: A Link Up With Modern Mrs. Darcy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey y'all!<br />
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As you may have noticed, I haven't been around much. Life has been busy and I've just chosen to spend my time doing things other than blogging.<br />
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However, I want to get back into the swing of things, and what better way to do that than with a fun link up? I'll break this up into two categories: Currently Reading & Just Finished. Maybe next month, I'll have more to say on the books that I'm currently reading this month.<br />
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<b><u>Currently Reading</u></b></h2>
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<a href="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1344263875l/6516450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1344263875l/6516450.jpg" width="395" /></a></div>
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<u style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6516450-what-the-dog-saw-and-other-adventures" target="_blank">What the Dog Saw: and other adventures</a>:</span></u> I've been trying to read books by economists so I can have interesting discussions with my economics loving husband. This is an easy starting book if, like me, you're trying to find a book to facilitate discussion. Also, good if you like eccentric people. #smartreads</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12171769-7" target="_blank">7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess</a>:</u> </span>Been looking for this one for a while. Finally broke down and bought it and haven't regretted it. Inspiring, funny, convicting. Definitely a must-read!</div>
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<a href="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1336502583l/7332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1336502583l/7332.jpg" width="488" /></a></div>
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<u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7332.The_Silmarillion" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">The Silmarillion</span></a>:</u> Read if you like getting a headache. But seriously, it's a good book, just incredibly detailed and difficult to get through at times. #passtheaspirin </div>
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<b><u>Just Finished</u></b></h2>
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<a href="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1328559506l/13335037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1328559506l/13335037.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13335037-divergent" target="_blank">Divergent</a>:</u> </span>It's like the Hunger Games, minus the love triangle, plus more descriptive make-out scenes. It's an interesting plot, but (as a conservative reader) don't know if I'll go for book two in the series. #toomuchkissing</div>
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<a href="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1342485529l/13206760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1342485529l/13206760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1342485529l/13206760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1342485529l/13206760.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<a href="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1317794278l/11235712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1317794278l/11235712.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1317794278l/11235712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br /><br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11235712-cinder" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Cinder</span></a></u> & <u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13206760-scarlet" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Scarlet</span></a>:</u> After reading these first two of the series, I can't decide if I like them enough to wait for the sequels. I find the characters flat and I don't really connect with the books. However, it's an interesting concept. I guess we'll see....</div>
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<u style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15820339-instant-mom" target="_blank">Instant Mom</a>:</span></u> As a prospective adoptive mother, I came to this book hoping to glean some knowledge about what my future could be like. This ended up being a name-dropping book with really good information sprinkled in. The book would have been better (and much shorter) had she left out the "then I had tea with the queen" stuff. Maybe read if you're planning on adopting out of the Foster Care system.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHupCYciDYay_PA_VlwQUenbA5lOqq3mXdxTzPJZSK9_ae2gZnSacnySv6Tla3WWDlEgQ8aJVMATbhI4itKMVOc9rAbL4iuddKS_6o51EKg57yli3oIvE66d4Fz1CSzh6f-5lOaJOCZI/s1600/skinny+jeans_arrow-sized.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHupCYciDYay_PA_VlwQUenbA5lOqq3mXdxTzPJZSK9_ae2gZnSacnySv6Tla3WWDlEgQ8aJVMATbhI4itKMVOc9rAbL4iuddKS_6o51EKg57yli3oIvE66d4Fz1CSzh6f-5lOaJOCZI/s200/skinny+jeans_arrow-sized.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00245830745363546923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270436810433263875.post-41451413651911821672013-07-31T10:41:00.000-07:002013-07-31T10:45:21.280-07:00Tiny Ones.Hello!<br />
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If you read <a href="http://training-mom.blogspot.com/2013/07/introducing.html" target="_blank">this</a> post earlier this week, you know that I've been working on a brand new product. I'm so pleased to announce that they have made their way into the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FayanKnits" target="_blank">shop</a> as of this morning and are now ready to be purchased!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgSNe74sIIOZnlk9mSBc69xSXlstrLBeMiRyQZpmEGf0XPugcE9wpqZrsYZOs84jjdG_Mck5mShq6fb5MroIPbL7mWkZzvxNSrMq5CK8e9u_bJjprYuKFw9bfE_4TZFlAiqvEA3TZgDs/s1600/fire_vert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgSNe74sIIOZnlk9mSBc69xSXlstrLBeMiRyQZpmEGf0XPugcE9wpqZrsYZOs84jjdG_Mck5mShq6fb5MroIPbL7mWkZzvxNSrMq5CK8e9u_bJjprYuKFw9bfE_4TZFlAiqvEA3TZgDs/s640/fire_vert.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ltub7bLQfLfbiipoDk-xx9dDmfJ1yGa9HNmjvPYs0x3Fv-rrePTrtkqD4Mc-QiGgB2ourPgLQPZqPE3Jm-yZtb58s4X5_D3NILtQjfp6eB9Mod1TJncajnMfm6sJNVC6JbCkIJKpXfI/s1600/ocean_vert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ltub7bLQfLfbiipoDk-xx9dDmfJ1yGa9HNmjvPYs0x3Fv-rrePTrtkqD4Mc-QiGgB2ourPgLQPZqPE3Jm-yZtb58s4X5_D3NILtQjfp6eB9Mod1TJncajnMfm6sJNVC6JbCkIJKpXfI/s640/ocean_vert.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFcLLQt_07ORAkZo2RQWZVphugLF777c_xK3VwseBcrEs_qPgkrb7slh24ZOGrlnZp0zVXF09Hhvhj6UsHnEiHhQwGzz71P0RtfF-goPqq8d7tkQwHP10O6dwgqVo__DYJKzNacr9nlw/s1600/woodlands_vert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFcLLQt_07ORAkZo2RQWZVphugLF777c_xK3VwseBcrEs_qPgkrb7slh24ZOGrlnZp0zVXF09Hhvhj6UsHnEiHhQwGzz71P0RtfF-goPqq8d7tkQwHP10O6dwgqVo__DYJKzNacr9nlw/s640/woodlands_vert.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Right now, we have three collections of colors that have been specially chosen and put together. However, there is an option to pick and choose which colors you want. I'm still working on picking out new colors and finding knew color combinations that I think look nice together, so if you don't see your favorite colors, please let me know! I would be so happy to work with you to find a collection that works with your little one's style.</div>
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I've decided that to properly kick off this product, there needs to be a sale of some kind. So, for one week only, when you buy one collection, you get a second for free! No joke. It's for real happening. All you have to do when you check out is leave a Note to Seller with your second collection choice, or three new color choices. So, for $10, you're getting 6 [[instead of the usual 3]] hand crafted hair bows! </div>
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Tell your neighbors! Tell your friends! Tell your family! Because, come 11:59 CST August 6th, I will no longer be offering this deal.</div>
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Happy Wednesday!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHupCYciDYay_PA_VlwQUenbA5lOqq3mXdxTzPJZSK9_ae2gZnSacnySv6Tla3WWDlEgQ8aJVMATbhI4itKMVOc9rAbL4iuddKS_6o51EKg57yli3oIvE66d4Fz1CSzh6f-5lOaJOCZI/s1600/skinny+jeans_arrow-sized.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHupCYciDYay_PA_VlwQUenbA5lOqq3mXdxTzPJZSK9_ae2gZnSacnySv6Tla3WWDlEgQ8aJVMATbhI4itKMVOc9rAbL4iuddKS_6o51EKg57yli3oIvE66d4Fz1CSzh6f-5lOaJOCZI/s200/skinny+jeans_arrow-sized.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00245830745363546923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270436810433263875.post-44165877541728464052013-07-29T07:50:00.002-07:002013-07-29T07:56:27.044-07:00Introducing...I've been working hard to come up with new products for the <a href="http://etsy.com/shop/FayanKnits" target="_blank">Fāyán Knits</a> family for a while. For me, it's difficult to think in terms of knitting when I step outside and it's a thousand degrees.<br />
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However, I am proud to introduce a new product that will be hitting the shop this week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSa22STOGAaLzn0LJbdPgnhmrJf6sNngneRfFfmm6ebdnEn6Z1XiV-094Gi1lKHM7JofLx1cxg-Gfg0jNT-ur-TnqnotovPKtHn3uq9BgC5vXSRaDi2UvdTszNFk573_FTcv3CTWttdn8/s1600/bows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSa22STOGAaLzn0LJbdPgnhmrJf6sNngneRfFfmm6ebdnEn6Z1XiV-094Gi1lKHM7JofLx1cxg-Gfg0jNT-ur-TnqnotovPKtHn3uq9BgC5vXSRaDi2UvdTszNFk573_FTcv3CTWttdn8/s640/bows.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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These adorable bows will come in a variety of colors and can be completely customized depending on your taste. Once these babies launch, I will be holding a sale, so be on the lookout for the coupon code! </div>
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Much love,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHupCYciDYay_PA_VlwQUenbA5lOqq3mXdxTzPJZSK9_ae2gZnSacnySv6Tla3WWDlEgQ8aJVMATbhI4itKMVOc9rAbL4iuddKS_6o51EKg57yli3oIvE66d4Fz1CSzh6f-5lOaJOCZI/s1600/skinny+jeans_arrow-sized.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHupCYciDYay_PA_VlwQUenbA5lOqq3mXdxTzPJZSK9_ae2gZnSacnySv6Tla3WWDlEgQ8aJVMATbhI4itKMVOc9rAbL4iuddKS_6o51EKg57yli3oIvE66d4Fz1CSzh6f-5lOaJOCZI/s200/skinny+jeans_arrow-sized.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00245830745363546923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270436810433263875.post-38042120470519491982013-07-17T09:01:00.000-07:002013-07-17T09:01:12.734-07:00Short Update + Some Exciting NewsLately, people have been asking me, "So, how long until you guys get a child?" This is a very valid question, but the answer can be quite complex. Right now, the pressure is on us because we still have paperwork to finish and a profile to complete. We're hoping that will be finished in the next month or so. However, once that is completed and handed in, we aren't really sure how long it will be before we go into circulation. After we are in circulation, we don't know how long it will be until we are chosen by the birth mother as viable parents for her child.<br />
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So, while I would like to tell people exactly when we can expect to have our little one, I can't. Imagine the excitement of finding out you're pregnant, you know that a baby is on the way, but you have absolutely no clue as to when baby will arrive. It could be tomorrow or it could be in a few years. There is honestly no way of knowing and in this place, we have to really lean into God and trust His timing. Adoption is definitely a waiting game, but God is working and preparing the way, it can just be difficult to see at times. We believe that God is busy orchestrating all of the right circumstances to lead our child to us, if only we're patient.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWPbA0-nnBmpwCnpDFaaTZ1NeXhtpgeDTVLTqilGhZ5IyoozY5BqImq8b2skm4smSHD4tgMLEY9WgM3lQ8cdNY_9bAT3lvaguuMdkPgI8dsD2B3AYcHSagXtkDL8Jll-QShbCnHlfI0c/s1600/adoption_plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWPbA0-nnBmpwCnpDFaaTZ1NeXhtpgeDTVLTqilGhZ5IyoozY5BqImq8b2skm4smSHD4tgMLEY9WgM3lQ8cdNY_9bAT3lvaguuMdkPgI8dsD2B3AYcHSagXtkDL8Jll-QShbCnHlfI0c/s640/adoption_plan.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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I would now like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have been praying for us and those of you who have chosen to help us out financially. We are now very happy to announce that we are fully funded for Phase 1! This means that we can go ahead and submit our paperwork to begin the finalization process.<br />
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We are feeling so blessed and in awe as we've seen God work. As the money continues to come in, we are constantly humbled at the kindness and the generosity of others. We see how much people want to see our adoption come to fruition and that they're willing to help us get there. We honestly couldn't have made it this far so quickly without everyone's help and we will be forever grateful.<br />
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We're still working hard to raise the rest of the money and we will have a few new opportunities in the coming months for ways you can give. As always, you can visit my <a href="http://etsy.com/shop/FayanKnits" target="_blank">shop</a>, donate via Paypal [[button in sidebar]], or shop through Pure Charity.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45YumuQ61qC7tECZx8o5pItfuae7wWkEinOcKSOUHRsMApWwh-hnfydqjL6VjHcFF2VH12B2d2bvfX1Z9TyXMXi6c8hWta-ScbFqfyWKTyFpelWYinny7TDOJHG6X4ZIQwo4lJas02-k/s1600/1samuel_127_wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45YumuQ61qC7tECZx8o5pItfuae7wWkEinOcKSOUHRsMApWwh-hnfydqjL6VjHcFF2VH12B2d2bvfX1Z9TyXMXi6c8hWta-ScbFqfyWKTyFpelWYinny7TDOJHG6X4ZIQwo4lJas02-k/s640/1samuel_127_wm.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Print available <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/155543889/1-samuel-127-print?" target="_blank">here</a>.</td></tr>
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<br />Much love,<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00245830745363546923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270436810433263875.post-54336802299025833682013-07-15T10:14:00.001-07:002013-07-15T10:17:43.461-07:00My Week as a Mama ( or Lessons of a Foster Mama: Part 2)We said that once we started the adoption process that we were finished with the foster care business. We told our agency not to call us unless they had an emergency.<br />
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Well, last Monday, they must have had an emergency because as I type this, I have a two month old sleeping on my chest. He is a tiny little thing who just wants cuddles [[which I am more than happy to provide!]] He is only with us for 8 days, so we're doing our best to pour as much love into the little guy as we can.<br />
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Here are some things that I've learned in my short time with him:<br />
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{1}<b> It is 100% okay [[and as it turns out very much expected]] to ask others for help!</b> I was afraid that admitting that I needed help was admitting defeat and pretty much saying that I'm too much of a wimp for motherhood. But the truth of the matter is that you need people to help you do things for the first few days [[Weeks? Months?]] It doesn't mean that you're weak, it means that you are very, very wise.<br />
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{2} <b>Let others hold the baby.</b> I think that I have developed carpal tunnel syndrome from too many snuggles!!<br />
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{3} <b>Once you get the "mama rock" down, you may, awkwardly, find yourself doing it even if you're not holding the baby. </b>Yesterday at church, I had passed Little Dude off to someone else and was talking to another friend when I noticed myself swaying/bouncing...I even had my arms crossed as though there was still a babe there...I hope this isn't a lasting effect...<br />
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{4} <b>You may also develop other strange habits. </b> I have recently started sleep walking. Josh was taking his nightly shift so I was in our bedroom getting in a good solid 4 hours. I don't know if I actually heard Little Dude crying or if it was in my dream, but I woke up in my closet...I remember being extremely confused as to why there were clothes in my kitchen and why I, for the life of me, couldn't find the bottles. Another night, I woke up to find myself frantically searching the bed covers because I couldn't find the baby and was afraid I had smothered him.[[He was fine + on the complete opposite end of the house...]]<br />
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{5} <b>It is awesome when babies smile at you, even if it's just from gas...</b>Although Little Dude smiled at me all morning and he didn't even have gas! So that was even <i>more</i> exciting!<br />
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I'm really looking forward to becoming a full time mama at some point, but until then, this has been a fantastic learning experience.<br />
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What are some things that you learned when you first became a mama? Did you develop any strange habits?<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00245830745363546923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270436810433263875.post-86067025955234275592013-07-02T22:00:00.000-07:002013-07-02T22:00:02.598-07:00Cripple Me - Elenowen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The other day, as I was doing dishes + listening to Pandora, this song came on. I had to pause and listen as the words really spoke to my heart. It is just such a beautiful song, I had to share it with y'all. So here it is, Cripple Me by Elenowen.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/C1mFtnyjJng?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span class="line line-s hover" id="line_1" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border: 0px; display: block; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span class="line line-s hover" id="line_1" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border: 0px; display: block; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;">I see you waiting, but I'm not ready</span></span><span class="line line-s hover" id="line_2" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border: 0px; display: block; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;">To take that first step towards home</span></span><span class="line line-s hover" id="line_2" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border: 0px; display: block; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;">So please be patient, God knows I'm trying</span></span><span class="line line-s hover" id="line_4" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border: 0px; display: block; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;">But these good intentions are not enough</span></span><span class="line line-s hover" id="line_4" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border: 0px; display: block; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="line line-s" id="line_5" style="border: 0px; display: block; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">You've pulled back your veil, laid it all on the line</span><span class="line line-s" id="line_6" style="border: 0px; display: block; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">But I've turned my back and covered my eyes</span><br />
<span class="line line-s" id="line_7" style="border: 0px; display: block; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_7" style="border: 0px; display: block; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">Please, please, please, please cripple me</span><span class="line line-s" id="line_7" style="border: 0px; display: block; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">So I cannot keep running away</span><span class="line line-s" id="line_10" style="border: 0px; display: block; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">Away from you</span><span class="line line-s" id="line_10" style="border: 0px; display: block; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="line line-s" id="line_11" style="border: 0px; display: block; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">I'm walking on a wire, but you're holding it steady</span><span class="line line-s" id="line_12" style="border: 0px; display: block; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">You're taking me higher, but I'm getting heavy</span><span class="line line-s" id="line_12" style="border: 0px; display: block; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="line line-s" id="line_13" style="border: 0px; display: block; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">Just give me some time, I am almost a man</span><span class="line line-s" id="line_14" style="border: 0px; display: block; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">Without you by my side, I don't know who I am</span><span class="line line-s" id="line_14" style="border: 0px; display: block; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="line line-s" id="line_15" style="border: 0px; display: block; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">Please, please, please, please cripple me</span><span class="line line-s" id="line_16" style="border: 0px; display: block; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">So I cannot keep running away</span><span class="line line-s" id="line_17" style="border: 0px; display: block; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 5px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">Away from you</span><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00245830745363546923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270436810433263875.post-269976477705381702013-07-01T20:47:00.000-07:002013-07-01T20:53:14.912-07:0025 Years Ago...25 years ago today, my parents said "I do." So, my sisters and I decided to celebrate their 25 years together by performing the song they first danced to. This is the fruit of our efforts....<br />
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So, Happy Anniversary to Papa D + Mahm! Here is to (at least) 25 more!!<br />
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With much love,<br />
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(+ Jami, Jacki, and Jodi.)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00245830745363546923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270436810433263875.post-1462743333937749122013-07-01T09:23:00.000-07:002013-07-01T09:39:48.785-07:00Snapshots: A WeddingThis past weekend, Josh and I added a new member to our family as his sister got married. It was a busy week as we all descended on Fort Wayne, IN to make the final wedding preparations. It's easier to tell the story through photos, so here you go!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00245830745363546923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270436810433263875.post-73394332214729681652013-06-14T17:00:00.000-07:002013-06-14T17:00:12.831-07:00Seeing God As we've started walking this road called "Adoption" there have been many times that I have tried to take everything into my own hands. <div>
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<b>If <i>I</i> just hand in all of this paperwork ASAP...</b></div>
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<b>If <i>I</i> return this email right this instant...</b></div>
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<b>If <i>I</i>....[[fill in the blank]]</b></div>
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But, adoption is a very humbling process. Everything but filling out the paperwork and having my home clean and ready for the home study, is out of my control. </div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">I</i> can't make a birth mom choose us.</div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">I </i>can't move our paperwork to top priority so that we get into the system faster.</div>
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There are just a lot of things that <i style="font-weight: bold;">I </i>can't do.</div>
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I have been witnessing God move over and over again and we're really only in the beginning phase of adoption. </div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">God</i> has provided the funds we need to cover expenses.</div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">God</i> found us an agency that would work with us when no one else would.</div>
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He has already done so much and used our family and friends to bless us, not just financially, but also through loving support and prayer. </div>
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Things are slowly but surely moving forward. We've (read I've) started making our adoption profiles. [[They're really just scrapbooks that the birth moms get to look through. I have to make 5 of them...]]</div>
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We've been putting off some of the paperwork for now simply because the questions are a little overwhelming...</div>
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"Where would you like your relationship with your child to be in 1 year? 5 years? 10 years? 20 years?"</div>
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How does one answer that question if one does not even know the gender of their child yet? Oh well...we <i>have</i> to answer it...as long as it's a "healthy" answer, I don't think they care what we say...</div>
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So, quick financial update:</div>
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<b>We are 23% of the way to our goal of $13,000! </b></div>
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I don't want to keep hounding people for money [[because that's not what we're about here...]] however, we would like to invite you to prayerfully consider partnering with us in our endeavor. Even if you don't feel called to give financially, we covet your prayers. </div>
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Here are some ways you can be praying with us:</div>
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{1} Pray for our future birth mother. She has been heavily on my heart lately. I don't even know who she is yet, but I am already feeling the burden of what she will have to go through in the future. Pray that God will continue preparing Josh and I to partner with this new family and be able to work together for the good of our child.</div>
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{2} Praise for God continuing to meet our needs financially. He is still blessing us through gifts and stories from our loved ones and we just can't say thank you enough!</div>
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One final announcement:</div>
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I would like to set a fundraising goal of 25% by the end of the weekend. And to help us reach that marker, I'm having a <b>BOGO</b> sale!! Everything in the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FayanKnits" target="_blank">shop</a> is <b>Buy One Get One</b>!! No joke...</div>
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Just use the code <b>FAYANBOGO</b> at check out to receive your discount. </div>
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Thanks for all of your love and support!!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00245830745363546923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270436810433263875.post-43353968604037272272013-05-30T16:50:00.000-07:002013-05-30T16:50:00.641-07:00Yet Another Adoption Update<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Y'all...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may or may not have noticed that I have been pretty absent from the Interwebs lately. There is just a lot going on in my life and trying to balance real life and blog//online life just made me a little nuts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know that my last few posts have just been updates about our adoption process, but that's what is going on in my life right now, so that's what I'm going to share. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here we go...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today was part 2 out of 3 of our Homestudy. Things went pretty well. We were sent home with another mountain of homework, which includes the start of our Profile/DVD making....so that will be interesting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have continued to receive generous support from friends and family and seriously feel so blessed! We don't know how we'll ever be able to thank everyone who has contributed through prayer or by giving financially. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speaking of fundraising, we have decided to open up another option for giving. If you or someone you know would like to make a tax deductible donation, you can check out our profile on <a href="http://purecharity.com/">PureCharity.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pure Charity allows people to raise money through ordinary online shopping or simply through donations. It works sort of like a cash rewards program, where you get to decide which cause your rewards money goes to. I invite you to check out their website for more information/a better explanation. Our personal profile link is: <a href="http://purecharity.com/spenceradoption">purecharity.com/spenceradoption</a></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prayer Requests:</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{1} Praise! We are now 22% of the way to being fully funded! Like I mentioned before, people have really stepped up and given so generously. We can truly see God's work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{2} Prayers as we continue navigating the "homework" from our agency. There are so many big decisions that we have to make regarding our profile and what kinds of children/birth mothers we want to open ourselves up to, [[race, disabilities, etc.]] that it can be overwhelming at times.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have any questions for us, please do not hesitate to ask! We love being able to share our story/experiences with others!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With much love,</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00245830745363546923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270436810433263875.post-46657330381254892842013-05-14T09:27:00.002-07:002013-05-14T09:27:42.657-07:00A Last Minute SaleHey friends!<br />
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God has been good in the last week and we have received so much support from our loved ones to help us reach our fundraising goal of $1,500 by Thursday. <br />
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However, we're still a bit short, so I've decided to have a last minute sale. From now through Thursday, you can get 15% off of everything in the shop by using the coupon code <strong>PHASEONE </strong>at checkout. We really appreciate your help to bring our child home to us!<br />
<strong></strong><br />
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Much love,<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00245830745363546923noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270436810433263875.post-37306765483052879592013-05-07T17:17:00.000-07:002013-05-08T10:59:34.462-07:00Fundraising UpdateAlright.<br />
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So, a few weeks ago, I posted to update y'all on our adoption plan. We expressed our need for fundraising and have seen some amazing generosity! We are currently ~2% to our final goal of $13,000.<br />
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Here is where we need to really ask your help. Next Thursday [[May 16th]] we have our first home study. We will owe $1,500 at this time. Please consider purchasing something from our <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FayanKnits" target="_blank">shop</a> or making a donation by clicking on the "Donate" button in the left-hand sidebar to help us reach this first milestone.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">UPDATE (5.8.13):</u> We are currently 11% of the way to reaching our first goal!<br />
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Thank you to all who have supported us financially and through prayer so far!<br />
Much love,<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00245830745363546923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270436810433263875.post-68717264276637264092013-04-25T22:00:00.000-07:002013-04-25T22:00:06.733-07:00What Not to Say <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those of you who aren't dealing with infertility, it can be difficult to know what to say to someone who is. How can you be encouraging to them? Let them know that you're there and that you care?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some things that, in my personal experience, have helped and some that haven't.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>{1} "My (fill in female friend or relative here) couldn't have kids for (x amount of years) and as soon as they stopped trying, BAM! Pregnant."</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We all know this story. It is truly a miracle when it happens. However, infertility is not something that is controlled by how much you try or don't try. I can't just turn it on and off. I know where this story is coming from, the sentiment is there, but ultimately, not helpful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>{2}</b> <b>People quoting scriptures about prayer + faith at me. [[popular example: Mark 11:24 </b></span><span style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><b>Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours</b>.<b>]]</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This person gives the impression that I'm not praying enough, or fasting enough, or trusting God enough, or believing enough. If I were better at praying and believing that God would give me the desires of my heart, then I would get pregnant. Again, this person believes that they are being encouraging, when in reality, they are doing exactly the opposite. They are unintentionally making me feel worse by telling me that my faith is not enough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>{3} "You're not alone!"</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me, this was one of the sweetest things I heard when I started this journey. Just hearing that there are other women, other families, like me, who have experienced this pain of loss, was a healing salve for my wounded heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>{4} Keep it simple.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just admit that you don't have an answer, and let me know that you're not here to "fix me."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, because so many people struggle with infertility and keep it private, here is a question not to ask couples who don't have children:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Why don't you have children yet? // When are you going to start a family? [[I really despise that phrasing because it implies that the couple isn't a complete "family" because they don't have children.]]</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This question has always bothered me simply because, you don't know what private struggles this family is going through. They may be having trouble getting pregnant or they may have even suffered a miscarriage. They'll most likely smile politely and give you a short answer, but on the inside they may want to scream and lash out. [[Okay, this may be just me...]]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know I can't speak for everyone, but these are just things that I have heard since I started sharing my struggle with others.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My last piece of advice is to just be sensitive to those around you. Don't just assume that everyone has "perfect working" bodies that can just pop out babies like Michelle Duggar. Sometimes it is the most flippant remark that cuts the deepest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00245830745363546923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270436810433263875.post-40645788514770276852013-04-23T22:00:00.000-07:002013-04-23T22:00:01.430-07:00Our Struggle, Our StoryI sit on the couch with my face in my hands.<br />
<br />
Another month, another negative test. More lies that bombard me, making me feel less than.<br />
<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I'm not a good enough wife, not a godly enough woman.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>If I were, I could get pregnant.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Josh should just go find someone else, someone better, who can give him children.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Maybe if I just prayed harder, believed more, then, just </i>maybe<i> it would happen. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Maybe I'll get pregnant.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
We had been trying for 6 months. We rode that roller coaster for 6 long, agonizing months. I had stopped having a monthly cycle, so each month, when it didn't come, I allowed myself to hope and crashed further each time I saw that solitary pink line.<br />
<br />
I knew within the first two months that something wasn't right. After 6 months, I accepted my fate.<br />
<br />
The doctor diagnosed me with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. She told me that the chances I would ever conceive were slim at best. I had already prepared myself for this possibility, but when I got to the car, I still sobbed, mourning the loss of my womanhood and the child who would never be.<br />
<br />
Further removed from that day, we have come to see it as further confirmation that we are supposed to walk the road to adoption. We knew that one day we would adopt, but this diagnosis sealed the deal.<br />
<br />
We have come to terms with the fact that we may never have biological children, but it doesn't make it any easier when people ask that one question. That one, innocent, but not harmless question:<br /><br />
<b>Are you only adopting because you can't have children of your own?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Friends, please never ask people that. You don't know how much pain can be brought forth with just those few words.<br />
<br />
<br />
If you are struggling with infertility, please know that you're not alone. It is such a painful experience that can be truly isolating, but just remember that there are others of us out there who are walking this painful path with you daily.<br />
<br />
Much love,<br />
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<i><br /></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00245830745363546923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270436810433263875.post-45746973679507281052013-04-22T07:11:00.000-07:002013-04-22T07:11:08.061-07:00National Infertility Awareness Week<begin html="">Today I'm welcoming Amanda from A Royal Daughter to my blog to speak with all of us about infertility. She has a beautiful heart for sharing her story with others, and I can't wait for you all to meet her!</begin><br />
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Hi there, have we met before? If not let me introduce myself:
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</begin><br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="429" src="http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee423/RoyalDaughterDesigns/BampWProfilePicwithwatermark_zpsdbe9707b.png" width="645" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am a country-living, ice tea drinking, good book reading, farming, ranching, Jesus-loving, curly-headed wife of a seminary professor. He's a teacher, I'm a writer. He's a thinker, I'm a creative. Together we make our home on a small farm in Texas.</div>
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I'm so thankful that Jessi is allowing me to share my heart with you today. Jessi and I have a common passion for adoption, and for living <em>clean, green, and healthy</em> lives! Although she has a one up on me, I haven't taken the time to make my own laundry soap yet!</div>
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<br /></div>
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I'm here today for a very specific purpose: to help spread the word about infertility. April 21-27 is <a href="http://www.resolve.org/national-infertility-awareness-week/home-page.html">National Infertility Awareness Week</a>, and as a woman who is currently battling infertility, I am <em>passionate</em> about spreading awareness about infertility.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>A few facts:
</strong></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Approximately 1 in 6 couples in the United States have been diagnosed with some level of infertility.</li>
<li>"Infertility" describes the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected, well-timed intercourse for women under the age of 35. Women 35 and older may be diagnosed after 6 months of unprotected, well-timed intercourse without conception.</li>
<li>30% of infertility is the result of an ovulatatory dysfunction (i.e. there is a problem with the woman's ovulation cycle).</li>
<li>30% of infertility is the result of a problem with the man (i.e. sperm structure or production).</li>
<li>Many women who face infertility describe their situation as "lonely," "isolating," and "painful."</li>
<li>There is a large spectrum of treatments for infertility, with varying degrees of invasiveness and cost.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>My story:</strong></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 12.997159004211426px;">My husband and I have been trying to conceive for almost 4 years.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">We were officially diagnosed with "unexplained <a href="http://www.aroyaldaughter.com/category/infertility/">infertility</a>" in February 2012 (the same month our foster boys were removed from our home).</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">We have tried various therapies and treatments, from "alternative" therapies to traditional western medical treatments.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">We've experienced the pain and frustration of two failed IUIs.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Until last November my husband and I kept our struggle to ourselves. We were completely unwilling to share our story, and to some extent we were unwilling to accept our diagnosis.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.aroyaldaughter.com/category/infertility/"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="400" src="http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee423/RoyalDaughterDesigns/NationalInfertilityAwarenessWeekatARoyalDaughter_zps516a4830.png" width="600" /></a></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>National Infertility Awareness Week:</b></div>
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This week on my blog, <a href="http://www.aroyaldaughter.com/category/infertility/">A Royal Daughter</a>, I will be dedicating the entire week to spreading awareness about infertility, offering encouragement for those battling the pain of barreness, and providing resources for friends and family of those facing infertility. Topics will include:</div>
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<li><span style="line-height: 19px;">Ideas for stepping up out of the pit of infertility and converting negative emotions and energies into productive, worthwhile activities.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 19px;">Collaborative efforts from women currently battling infertility, and how they overcame common lies women believe about being barren.</span></li>
<li>Online and print resources for those battling infertility as well as those who want to come alongside and encourage and support their infertile friends and family members.</li>
<li><span style="line-height: 19px;">How to encourage and support your infertile friends.</span></li>
<li>Owning your infertility + embracing the waiting period.</li>
<li><span style="line-height: 19px;">Collaborative efforts from women who have made it through to the other side of infertility straight to the hearts of those currently navigating the muddy waters of barreness.</span></li>
<li>Infertility from the husband's perspective.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There will also be a giveaway during the week with items I've hand-selected to offer encouragement to those battling infertility. My goal is to offer encouragement and inspiration not only to those currently facing the isolation and frustration of infertility, but for those who wonder how they can minister to their friends who are facing infertility.<br />
<br />
You can connect with me at my <a href="http://www.aroyaldaughter.com/">website</a>, on <a href="https://twitter.com/aroyaldaughter">twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RoyalDaughterDesigns">facebook</a>, and <a href="http://instagram.com/aroyaldaughter">instagram</a>. I'm also on <a href="http://pinterest.com/aroyaldaughter/">pinterest</a> and <a href="https://plus.google.com/112552894244739378839/posts">google</a>. However you decide to connect with me, please take time to introduce yourself!</div>
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I hope you'll join us, and help spread awareness about infertility.</div>
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<end html=""> </end>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00245830745363546923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270436810433263875.post-49967417805313752712013-04-17T08:27:00.000-07:002013-05-14T09:11:08.686-07:00A Chemical Free LifestyleIt's been on my heart, lately, that it is important for Josh and I to make the switch to a completely chemical free lifestyle. It seems as though everyone is making the switch to "clean eating," which is <b>great</b> and I'm very happy for those who are choosing to clean up their eating habits, but one question that I keep coming back to is this:<br />
<br />
<b>What good is eliminating chemicals from your <i>diet </i>if you're still putting toxic chemicals into your body through what you clean with? </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
This, for me, includes your common household cleaners and things such as shampoo, body wash, makeup, etc.<br />
<br />
I decided that we don't need a different chemical cleaner for each individual cleaning task in the house.<br />
<br />
For a while now, I've been making my own <a href="http://training-mom.blogspot.com/2012/05/lucindas-laundry-soap.html" target="_blank">laundry soap</a>, and using baking soda + vinegar as a replacement for most of our household cleaners, but there were still a few things that I wanted to replace because I just didn't feel right about them.<br />
<br />
So, yesterday, I set about making a few changes.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8yD7LzVFhD7gORgdea4DyWfm_TlMDPvyakUrz08o245NH-4MYvzYI14xvO05olpKQ605odP6DX4zFXxneiXufG3mC-0XC32IaU8M65ckjFaFXN6ewXEHDX-SWdsZqTK3Tn5dcQWvE94/s1600/cleaner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8yD7LzVFhD7gORgdea4DyWfm_TlMDPvyakUrz08o245NH-4MYvzYI14xvO05olpKQ605odP6DX4zFXxneiXufG3mC-0XC32IaU8M65ckjFaFXN6ewXEHDX-SWdsZqTK3Tn5dcQWvE94/s640/cleaner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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{1} We have been using a "natural" dish soap for a while now, but it still had ingredients in it that I wasn't super happy with. A book I'm reading, called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/GREEN-CLEAN-Environmentally-Sound-Cleaning/dp/1595910042" target="_blank">Green Clean</a>, recommended grating up a bar of castile soap and mixing it with hot water in one side of the sink, then filling up the other side of the sink with a bit of vinegar + hot water for rinsing. Dr. Bronner's liquid soap has been a favorite in our household for over a year now, [[specifically the peppermint variety.]] so I already knew which brand of bar soap I would use. This process has dramatically reduced the amount of water I go through. It has also gotten me to do the dishes more regularly. Before, I would let them pile up in both sides of the sink + on the little counter space that we have, but now, because I need all of that space to wash the dishes, I can't let them pile up as much. [[Hooray for becoming a more efficient housewife!]]<br />
<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">UPDATE (5.14.2013):</u> I found that adding vinegar to our rinse water actually left a really greasy film on all of our dishes. After eliminating it, our glasses were crystal clear again. So if you are trying this and see that film, try getting rid of the vinegar to see if that helps.<br />
<br />
{2} I don't wear makeup that often, I honestly think I'm a little nervous because I have absolutely <i>no</i> idea what is in it. I would like to have a more regular routine, one that is simple, yet effective. Yesterday, I put together some basic foundation powder. I was pretty skeptical because I usually don't use powders. They tend to look, well, powdery. But, lo and behold, as soon as I swiped it on my skin, the redness in my cheeks was reduced and I was left with a nice, even, non-powdery looking complexion.<br />
<br />
{3} I have been using Tom's of Maine toothpaste for a while with little to no complaints. It has a relatively low score on the <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/" target="_blank">Cosmetics Database</a> and it did the job well. But, again, it still has some ingredients that I'm not 100% comfortable with. So, I made my own toothpaste, and though it's a bit salty [[baking soda has quite the salty flavor]] it seems to do the job well. I took before pictures of my teeth and I'm going to see if there is any noticeable difference after using my homemade version for a while.<br />
<br />
<br />
If you are interested in any of the recipes I used, feel free to email me at:<br />
<br />
<b>jspencer2303 {at} gmail {dot} com</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Also, the <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/" target="_blank">Cosmetics Database</a> is a <i>wonderful</i> resource where you can enter in your brand of beauty product and it tells you its safety rating. It lists the ingredients of concern and if there is anything else that you need to be watching out for. It is really eye opening and I highly recommend checking it out.<br />
<br />
If you're looking for a pretty decent documentary on the subject of going chemical free, you can find Chemerical on Netflix. This documentary was one of the things that led me to finally go for the gold. [[By gold I mean, chemical free lifestyle.]]<br />
<br />
Have you ever considered switching to non-toxic cleaning solutions? If not, what has kept you from switching over?<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4496821/?claim=jkqqawksq6s">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00245830745363546923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270436810433263875.post-50636979274471443112013-04-15T07:20:00.000-07:002013-04-15T07:20:58.327-07:00Adoption: Where We're At & What's NextThis year, Josh and I got way behind in writing our "Generally Around Christmas" letter. We were just having trouble deciding what to write. No real new changes happened in 2012 that we hadn't already shared in our previous letter, and we didn't really have any funny anecdotes to share. I just kept putting it off, and next thing I know, it's April and no longer generally around Christmas. Oh well...<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But, because we didn't send out a letter, people are kind of in the dark as to what our current plans for our future as parents are. </div>
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Here is the quick run down:</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
-We are quitting the foster parenting program. For some reason, unknown to us or anyone else, we haven't received a single placement call since last August! For those of you who are unfamiliar with the system, this is pretty unheard of. Needless to say, we are pretty discouraged. We joined this program to begin helping children in our area, and that hasn't been the case for us at all. Also, we were told by our fostering agency that we couldn't adopt until we turn 25 because that's the law in Illinois. Come to find out, that is <i>completely </i>untrue and you only have to be 21. [[Thanks a lot, guys.]] </div>
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-We have now switched agencies and are moving forward with a domestic adoption. We have mountains of paperwork to fill out, a video/profile/scrapbook to make, and a lot of waiting to do.</div>
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<div>
-We are in the beginning stages of fundraising. If you would like to help us out, you can either buy something from my online <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FayanKnits" target="_blank">shop</a> or you can simply click on the "Donate" button in my sidebar. We need to raise somewhere around $13,000 [[we don't actually have an <i>exact</i> figure right now, but that's our estimate based on the averages our worker gave us.]]</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<u><b>How you can be praying with us:</b></u></div>
<div>
<u><b><br /></b></u></div>
<div>
1. <b>Fundraising -</b> The money isn't all due at once, which is a blessing, but we will need help reaching our goal. We're really praying for God's provision here.</div>
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<br /></div>
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2. <b>Patience </b>- Adoption is definitely a waiting game. Once our profile is in the system, we wait until the birth family chooses us. Our worker said that we should be prepared to wait at least two years. [[say what??]]</div>
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3. <b>Community</b> - We're really looking at this process as an opportunity to draw us closer to other families who have adopted, are in the process, or want to adopt in the future. We also want to use our story to educate others about adoption. Although it has gained popularity in the last few years, there are still many who think that adoption is just for those who can't have children of their own, or for the super rich. This is, of course, a complete myth, and we just pray that our story can be one that encourages others to walk this path as well.</div>
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If you have any questions, leave a comment, or email me at fayaknits {at} gmail {dot} com</div>
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Much love!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00245830745363546923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270436810433263875.post-11920214166160124922013-04-08T00:00:00.000-07:002013-04-08T00:00:09.119-07:0024This week, I turn 24. Wednesday at 9:24pm to be exact. To celebrate my birthday week, I'm going to do a week long series of posts.<br />
<br />
Today's post?<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>24 Facts About Me:</b></span><br />
<br />
{1} I am crazy good at remembering things, whether it is names/faces, or a childhood memory. Josh thinks I'm a stalker because I can recognize people even if I've only seen them once or twice. Example: We were at the midnight premier of The Hunger Games and I saw a woman walking up the aisle towards us. I told Josh, "I know her." He said "Of course you do." "It's the lady who sliced our cheddar at the grocery store last month..." I explained. He just nodded.<br />
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{2} Sometimes I think in the voice of Louis Armstrong.<br />
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{3} I <i>love</i> to host guests at our home. I put that down to <b>never </b>having friends over when I was younger. [[Seriously, I rarely had friends over to my house.]] Now, I think I'm just trying to make up for lost time. We have friends over at <i>least</i> twice a week.<br />
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{4} I had a spare hour in my schedule my Senior year in high school, and decided to fill it with Physics instead of Trigonometry because I loved science and hated math. No one informed me that Physics is <i style="font-weight: bold;">only</i> math...My teacher realized early on that I wasn't qualified to be in his class so he went <i>super</i> easy on me. "Oh, you wrote down the problems for the assignment but weren't able to solve any of them? I'll give you 2 out of 3 points for effort." I somehow ended that class with a B+...<br />
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{5} My favorite car is the Koenigsegg. If you have Netflix, watch one of the episodes of Top Gear where they review this car. It's beautiful and frightening at the same time.<br />
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<a href="http://www.koenigsegg.com/wp-content/uploads/AgeraR_2013_start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://www.koenigsegg.com/wp-content/uploads/AgeraR_2013_start.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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{6} I do crosswords to keep my brain sharp.<br />
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{7} I was against being a musician for most of my life. [[You can't play sports <i>and</i> an instrument...are you nuts?]] Somehow I ended up as a music major in college. [[Well...for a year...I don't really fit in with that particular crowd...]]<br />
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{8} I'm allergic to artificial sweeteners.<br />
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{9} I am the oldest of four girls. [[My poor father...He claims that God gave him daughters because when he was younger he said "If I ever have a daughter, I'm going to flush her down the toilet." Thankfully, he didn't follow through with that.]]<br />
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{10} When I was younger I always pictured my twenty-something year old self as a lady with big hips, and short hair. Oh, and my face was completely different. Like...I would take someone else's face and put it on this ginormous body.<br />
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{11} When I was younger, I wanted to be an astronaut. My dad told me he didn't want me to do that because I'd get blown up. I set my sights a little lower and told him that I wanted to be the first woman president. He told me that I couldn't do that either because I would get shot.<br />
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{12} I identify with this song.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/mPKe9OfWs-M?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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{13} I love watching Disney Channel Original movies. [[My favorite? Geek Charming. It's on Netflix. Watch it.]]</div>
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{14} I love David Bowie.</div>
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{15} My favorite genre is Sci-Fi. [[this applies to books, movies, TVseries, etc.]]</div>
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{16} If too many people are into something, I won't like it. [[Why I said no to Relient K, Butler basketball, & Harry Potter.]]</div>
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{17} I like having new friends but I'm terrible at meeting them. [[Problems of an introverted extrovert.]]</div>
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{18} I don't like receiving a bouquet of flowers because why would I want a bunch of dying flowers? Josh has resorted to buying me potted plants instead. </div>
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{19} I got my first ever cavity this year.</div>
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{20} I want to get rid of our TV, but I like watching movies and Doctor Who too much.</div>
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{21} I always knew that I was pretty geeky [[I would spend my recess under a tree reading books.]] But it wasn't until high school that I discovered the "Nerd World" and it took me until college to really embrace my nerdiness. </div>
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{22} I don't like being in the mountains. Everyone I know just loves it, [[the fresh air, the beauty, etc.]] but it makes me physically ill to be in the mountains. I get car sick when driving through them, I get migraines from the elevation, it's just not fun for me. I found all of this out on our honeymoon to Denver.</div>
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{23} I don't understand the thought process behind getting a pet. </div>
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{24} My life isn't where I thought it would be, but I wouldn't change a thing.</div>
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At this point, you know me pretty well. I would love to get to know you better! Tell me 5 things about yourself. </div>
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Much love,</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00245830745363546923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270436810433263875.post-2864594686031058432013-04-01T09:31:00.000-07:002013-04-01T12:10:22.885-07:00An April Fools Sale + Shop Announcement<div style="text-align: center;">
April Fools in not something we celebrate in our house.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>[[Mostly because I can dish it out but I can't take it...]]</b></span></div>
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But that doesn't mean that we can't still have a little fun and enjoy the spirit of the day. </div>
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<b>SO! </b><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">*drumroll please*</span> From now until Saturday April 6th, you can take 25% off <b>ANYTHING</b> in the shop! </div>
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You heard me...</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>ANYTHING!</b></span></div>
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No fooling.</div>
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Simply use the coupon code <b>APRILFOOLS </b>at checkout.</div>
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I also would like to take this opportunity to announce that I am now adding <u style="font-weight: bold;">PRINTS</u> to the shop! Yep. It's true. Fāyán Knits is now going to be <a href="http://etsy.com/shop/FayanKnits" target="_blank">Fāyán Knits & Prints</a>. Exciting stuff!</div>
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So, to recap all that's happening:</div>
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1) It's April Fools Day, so I'm having a sale. </div>
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2) Coupon code is <b>APRILFOOLS</b></div>
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3) I am now selling Scripture Prints.</div>
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WHAT A DAY! </div>
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So go. Now. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FayanKnits" target="_blank">Hit up the store</a>.</div>
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And have a safe//cautious April Fools Day!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHupCYciDYay_PA_VlwQUenbA5lOqq3mXdxTzPJZSK9_ae2gZnSacnySv6Tla3WWDlEgQ8aJVMATbhI4itKMVOc9rAbL4iuddKS_6o51EKg57yli3oIvE66d4Fz1CSzh6f-5lOaJOCZI/s1600/skinny+jeans_arrow-sized.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHupCYciDYay_PA_VlwQUenbA5lOqq3mXdxTzPJZSK9_ae2gZnSacnySv6Tla3WWDlEgQ8aJVMATbhI4itKMVOc9rAbL4iuddKS_6o51EKg57yli3oIvE66d4Fz1CSzh6f-5lOaJOCZI/s200/skinny+jeans_arrow-sized.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00245830745363546923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270436810433263875.post-33787454658437426012013-03-07T19:03:00.001-08:002013-03-07T19:34:41.187-08:00A Meetup of Influential WomenHey y'all!<br />
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<b>SO!</b><br />
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Now that I am back to having free internet [[girl ain't paying no $12 a day!]] I decided I should probably jump in on the link up through the Influence Network [[linked up at <a href="http://www.thekublygirl.com/2013/03/meetup-of-influential-women.html" target="_blank">The Kubly Girl</a>.]] If you're not a member yet, <i>what are you waiting for??</i> <a href="http://www.theinfluencenetwork.com/" target="_blank">Go join</a>. Now. I'll wait.<br />
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<b><u>3 Things About Me:</u></b><br />
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<ul>
<li>I don't drink coffee because I'm addicted to caffeine, I drink it because I enjoy a well prepared cup of coffee. Now, tea...that's a different story. I can say that I am addicted to tea. Hot tea, cold tea, green, herbal, you name it, I'll drink it. [[Though I <i>do </i>try to steer clear of <i>super</i> caffeinated teas.]]</li>
<li>Growing up, I refused to do anything musical, especially sing, in front of people, namely my father. I was super intimidated because dear ol' Dad is basically a professional singer and my younger sisters showed promise straight out of the womb. For some reason, come junior year of high school, I came out of my shell and joined the youth group worship team and haven't stopped singing/playing instruments since. </li>
<li>Food is my love language. I know it's not an "official" love language, but I cook for people I want to love on. I love an intimate gathering over a steamy bowl of soup and I love boisterous get-togethers surrounding the grill.To put it simply, I love good food and I just love the way it brings people together.</li>
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<b><u>What I've Gained Through the Influence Network:</u></b></div>
<div>
I have really been enjoying the classes offered through the Network. I actually <i>joined </i>the network so that I could attend the How to Creatively Fund Your Adoption course taught by the lovely Lauren Casper. [[You can check out her blog <a href="http://www.laurencasper.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.]] + there are many other benefits [[for example, the forums.]] Seriously though. If you are not a part of this network of beautiful ladies yet, <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">JUMP ON IT!!!</u> [[here's the <a href="http://www.theinfluencenetwork.com/" target="_blank">link</a> again. Just to make it easy on ya...]]</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHupCYciDYay_PA_VlwQUenbA5lOqq3mXdxTzPJZSK9_ae2gZnSacnySv6Tla3WWDlEgQ8aJVMATbhI4itKMVOc9rAbL4iuddKS_6o51EKg57yli3oIvE66d4Fz1CSzh6f-5lOaJOCZI/s1600/skinny+jeans_arrow-sized.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHupCYciDYay_PA_VlwQUenbA5lOqq3mXdxTzPJZSK9_ae2gZnSacnySv6Tla3WWDlEgQ8aJVMATbhI4itKMVOc9rAbL4iuddKS_6o51EKg57yli3oIvE66d4Fz1CSzh6f-5lOaJOCZI/s200/skinny+jeans_arrow-sized.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00245830745363546923noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270436810433263875.post-69720946850843869572013-03-05T19:34:00.000-08:002013-03-05T19:34:11.456-08:00It's been three years...I stood there with my dad. The doors opened and my breath caught in my throat. I hear Beethoven's <em>Moonlight Sonata</em> begin playing as the people around me stand in unison. I look down the aisle to see my beloved standing there, beaming. I can hardly believe that in a matter of minutes, I will be married. The man standing in front of me will call me his wife and we will spend the rest of our lives together.<br />
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I honestly don't remember much about the time that followed. There were vows, laughing, a few tears [[mostly from my sisters]] and then lots and <em>lots</em> of hugs.<br />
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It's hard to believe that this all happened three years ago. The last three years have been both the longest and shortest years of my life. We've had rough times and we've had joyous times, but we've loved each other through it all. God continues to draw us closer to Himself and each other as we continue on this journey called marriage. I feel so blessed to call Joshua my husband, my best friend forever, my partner.<br />
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Here's to another three years, hun! [[and hopefully many, many more than that!! haha]]<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPNSr6SeSfEur0mvwVw6D7N_YReNmaxOA9zsouOUvWxnotpISu_wpUyGX4IbVI0LITumdtUft-nHFCu0hjk4-aWPsBSJYiqfhk1gWiYU0Uuo-BuYGXQvE0nb3Ud2fADLlgmYTFQ0kVd0/s1600/wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPNSr6SeSfEur0mvwVw6D7N_YReNmaxOA9zsouOUvWxnotpISu_wpUyGX4IbVI0LITumdtUft-nHFCu0hjk4-aWPsBSJYiqfhk1gWiYU0Uuo-BuYGXQvE0nb3Ud2fADLlgmYTFQ0kVd0/s640/wedding.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMXhbW85Uqk6idpxUyoZDRGJYASnujOhnJCqB3fzoTDyuvCJLdZJFqNYUDJZ-BTdV0ckqazFPHMiKi8sN80rj-nS12RB3WPobh4sFfMCRoka22bDcewAj-26o7oY32ZJqH4QjZ_GETvk/s1600/wedding_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMXhbW85Uqk6idpxUyoZDRGJYASnujOhnJCqB3fzoTDyuvCJLdZJFqNYUDJZ-BTdV0ckqazFPHMiKi8sN80rj-nS12RB3WPobh4sFfMCRoka22bDcewAj-26o7oY32ZJqH4QjZ_GETvk/s640/wedding_1.jpg" width="560" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's do this thing!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3M5VNnxFE_lGKw5bYYcTDTCv_kmNR2uC6sHQnrEAygixOgf8szpjnZB5Vv-76Cc31EmF8LZKNqM4jPsKgKrj1tMcZ0-N45QihhI7IeRQjWz4eb7QluNiFWHCrx33N08f88ovl8lGWM4s/s1600/weddng_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3M5VNnxFE_lGKw5bYYcTDTCv_kmNR2uC6sHQnrEAygixOgf8szpjnZB5Vv-76Cc31EmF8LZKNqM4jPsKgKrj1tMcZ0-N45QihhI7IeRQjWz4eb7QluNiFWHCrx33N08f88ovl8lGWM4s/s640/weddng_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_uHpbSoQ7wSAgv8T3OY4knJSOmpsdnNIaPt19dtHAB0YDm1uZpgGyIUIdqL5XI0iHyDaAZRXtMZ83Fo3J_8pEQKLVxK-Smfh9brPGV8yuBpP-U-BtxiGLrmBjta7DFU9AJwmio1bZ8Q/s1600/weddng_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_uHpbSoQ7wSAgv8T3OY4knJSOmpsdnNIaPt19dtHAB0YDm1uZpgGyIUIdqL5XI0iHyDaAZRXtMZ83Fo3J_8pEQKLVxK-Smfh9brPGV8yuBpP-U-BtxiGLrmBjta7DFU9AJwmio1bZ8Q/s640/weddng_3.jpg" width="568" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were positively giddy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mnDcpY-3R1JBSR6upLwjqMtWe5Lpg5IOUuD2CPsoiybsgbOUGunCGTKNW5iT6v-G9eQXU3BEiJXhleZJC7pkDxS58nJht63jyFIIanQQU1m4hC0d29xtknPvYWYkS7KNIAYhw_gv_Ig/s1600/weddng_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mnDcpY-3R1JBSR6upLwjqMtWe5Lpg5IOUuD2CPsoiybsgbOUGunCGTKNW5iT6v-G9eQXU3BEiJXhleZJC7pkDxS58nJht63jyFIIanQQU1m4hC0d29xtknPvYWYkS7KNIAYhw_gv_Ig/s640/weddng_4.jpg" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What have we done??</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHupCYciDYay_PA_VlwQUenbA5lOqq3mXdxTzPJZSK9_ae2gZnSacnySv6Tla3WWDlEgQ8aJVMATbhI4itKMVOc9rAbL4iuddKS_6o51EKg57yli3oIvE66d4Fz1CSzh6f-5lOaJOCZI/s1600/skinny+jeans_arrow-sized.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHupCYciDYay_PA_VlwQUenbA5lOqq3mXdxTzPJZSK9_ae2gZnSacnySv6Tla3WWDlEgQ8aJVMATbhI4itKMVOc9rAbL4iuddKS_6o51EKg57yli3oIvE66d4Fz1CSzh6f-5lOaJOCZI/s200/skinny+jeans_arrow-sized.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00245830745363546923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270436810433263875.post-22207446748602897092013-02-27T22:00:00.000-08:002013-02-27T22:00:01.621-08:00Next Thing Ya Know...I round the corner and see a girl, holding a balloon and a sign that I can't quite make out. As we get closer, I realize it has a name on it...my name. I've never seen this girl in my life, but I'm sure that I'm meant to meet her. As I approach, she smiles and says, "You must be Jessi." I nod, still unsure of what's going on. She introduces herself, hands me an envelope and the balloon, and puts me in a cab. She explains that everything I need to know is in the envelope.<br />
<br />
As I open it, the cab driver asks me where I need to go. I quickly shuffle through the pages that I've just extracted from the envelope and find an address. I don't know where I'm going, but as the cab pulls away from the curb, I begin reading the letter.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1/5 Dear Jessi Daniel, it's your boyfriend, Josh. From Indiana. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Welcome to my game. In this envelope, you should find a card with a location. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">You'll be getting there by cab. Just tell the driver where you want to go, and they'll take you. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Pay with the cash enclosed and be sure to leave a tip! Hold on to the change.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Your first location is Buckingham Fountain. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">When you get there, you will see one of my friends holding a balloon, and a sign with your name. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Talk to them to get your next clue. Don't worry. This won't be stressful, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">and I'm not sending you to super crowded places. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">This is just my way of being creative and having a little fun before you leave. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Don't call or text me unless you have an emergency.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">That is all.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">J.L.S.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">As we pulled up to the fountain, I saw a guy standing there with a balloon and sign. I got out and walked up to him. He handed me another envelope and put me in yet another cab. I pulled out the instructions, told the driver the address [[which was another fountain]] and read the next letter enclosed.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
The same thing happened at stop 3/5 [[The Moody Bible Library]] but when I got into the cab this time, it was a sweet older Indian couple. I told the man where I needed to go, [[which was the courthouse in The Dark Knight where they are holding the funeral/memorial service and all those people get shot...romantic, right?]] and he asked why I was holding a balloon. "I think I'm getting engaged," I told the pair. They immediately burst into enormous smiles and said many "Congratulations!" I turned red from all their attention and excitement. They proceeded to tell me about all the joys of being married as they held hands. They were seriously the sweetest couple!</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
When we arrived at the courthouse, a man was standing there with a sign and a balloon. He handed me an envelope and as I turned around, I noticed the couple still sitting there in the cab watching us with huge smiles. As we approached the cab, the man exclaims "Is this the lucky fellow??" I explain that no, this is not my boyfriend and that I think I have one more stop. They tell me to get in quickly because they "really want to get me to my engagement!"</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
We drive over to the Planetarium [[my fifth and final destination]] and see nothing but a huge crowd of people. I see no signs. I see no balloons. I'm so confused as I get out of the cab. Where was Josh? I begin searching around the entire building. I get back around to the front to see my sweet cab drivers still sitting there giving me questioning looks. I tell them that Josh is around here somewhere, I just have to find him. I stand there and wave as they drive away. </div>
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Panic sets in. </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
I don't know where I am.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I don't know where Josh is.</div>
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I don't know where my family is.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>I'm lost in Chicago!</b></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
I call Josh. He answers [[sounding worried but <i>slightly</i> annoyed]] and tells me how to find him.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I walk along the beach and find a secluded spot surrounded by trees, and Josh. There he is, sitting in the sand, waiting for me. I join him and as we look out at the beautiful waves of Lake Michigan, he proposes. </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
I, obviously, say yes and we sit there quietly for a few minutes, just soaking in all of the beauty of this moment. I then decide that I should call my parents, tell them the happy news [[which they <i>totally </i>knew about the entire time and <i>still</i> kept quiet all day! Kudos to them!]] and that I hadn't been kidnapped during the process.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFj9learULoh4sK5P2Xp6vC7EJrjjdfyLqcTR6Bn95MQHd47shQ1QKJksw0B4Bxfa1rQUcTisVD-V1O4Pjqsp9nLX-Fg7K0lAwgRcVJ9a843NsYTEF-U_Z6azGs-vt3wjDeR1Opie-VY/s1600/IMG_2748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFj9learULoh4sK5P2Xp6vC7EJrjjdfyLqcTR6Bn95MQHd47shQ1QKJksw0B4Bxfa1rQUcTisVD-V1O4Pjqsp9nLX-Fg7K0lAwgRcVJ9a843NsYTEF-U_Z6azGs-vt3wjDeR1Opie-VY/s640/IMG_2748.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not the best at being in front of the camera...</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
The rest of the day was kind of a blur of calling loved ones, and trying to soak in the fact that I was to be married. Everyone was emotional, and there were many tears [[mostly from mom who was excited because we had just gotten engaged but also super nervous because I was going to Southeast Asia the very next morning!]]</div>
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Well, enough words!</div>
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Here are a few of our engagement pictures [[courtesy of the lovely and talented Beky Smith!]]</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx08NreCXHNopNikajrVPvqFRyj6Boe158-ykot8VX9P7_Bc4Q5kFtD8VqvdIElmJKwL_h7mqtpIDJJII4k60y240j789K0WEL3g-hvdifTms7SOq85pBCJbKuZc3WJHjUdmJoSLQi2Kc/s1600/our_engagement+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx08NreCXHNopNikajrVPvqFRyj6Boe158-ykot8VX9P7_Bc4Q5kFtD8VqvdIElmJKwL_h7mqtpIDJJII4k60y240j789K0WEL3g-hvdifTms7SOq85pBCJbKuZc3WJHjUdmJoSLQi2Kc/s640/our_engagement+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PsWoe53NKPB31mkDwLPGIniD5DskxCo3TeHeNoIaJR2qAnEYGnYNSMea8XB5yx-9tkew5Ustr7sOWZqWo67I0hByM9LYn1rQCRN6nCf94K0C-Td6kN_1EiOJz8D7HvVehxWxii4v0UI/s1600/our_engagement+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PsWoe53NKPB31mkDwLPGIniD5DskxCo3TeHeNoIaJR2qAnEYGnYNSMea8XB5yx-9tkew5Ustr7sOWZqWo67I0hByM9LYn1rQCRN6nCf94K0C-Td6kN_1EiOJz8D7HvVehxWxii4v0UI/s640/our_engagement+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My arm looks <i>super </i>dark in this picture!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIglXytjXfU5BsPEWmTxk1pSZgbv1FhodwpBhFfr633lxSVxiMoS70dlndJu2NQTUrCvdcobGxW0iHz4u1FfI6djDU8WWyf1iXfzMY-Sq22XslH8CHr9MzwcYTKajcDC6mW5f6k44oZg/s1600/our_engagement+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIglXytjXfU5BsPEWmTxk1pSZgbv1FhodwpBhFfr633lxSVxiMoS70dlndJu2NQTUrCvdcobGxW0iHz4u1FfI6djDU8WWyf1iXfzMY-Sq22XslH8CHr9MzwcYTKajcDC6mW5f6k44oZg/s640/our_engagement+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JADw9ItY57XvpR_wuuyxvVL1-JKW_iNvaGcEf00puFXrwnKQyJbDcOInocd-lscHkFvw1FyDLXnhZzlXDqs9scnIA6V4MRabYCYHl3gcOOf9jwPktkwYD2NnSVgVYEGHPGue59GwmoE/s1600/our_engagement+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JADw9ItY57XvpR_wuuyxvVL1-JKW_iNvaGcEf00puFXrwnKQyJbDcOInocd-lscHkFvw1FyDLXnhZzlXDqs9scnIA6V4MRabYCYHl3gcOOf9jwPktkwYD2NnSVgVYEGHPGue59GwmoE/s640/our_engagement+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtYOOheo198skBuHCBLObxDzQUjy3KCnVhaqtJwKB3jd04oOCs5BGwOP41-71PoMnPOk7voGTNxA7KQyXLUR8CQvAKP4URW7EOGQ5HH5KLaWsSRkxBPM3SKc3b3rrq2uPYkOfW5xUHs0/s1600/our_engagement+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtYOOheo198skBuHCBLObxDzQUjy3KCnVhaqtJwKB3jd04oOCs5BGwOP41-71PoMnPOk7voGTNxA7KQyXLUR8CQvAKP4URW7EOGQ5HH5KLaWsSRkxBPM3SKc3b3rrq2uPYkOfW5xUHs0/s640/our_engagement+4.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just love Josh in this picture. haha</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARzYXH63qQo9xs0nLkdL5Z0MGgU7_nnHx84wL6NhDY4D2HlGeRnunXZzO45Ux5ea1l-2HhU-weUjNVCDSdpngkb3pZHEXuMItk-sM3cViioLE9KhP-hIhO6BbWar3rt0rzuVQ_f_WCWs/s1600/our_engagement+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARzYXH63qQo9xs0nLkdL5Z0MGgU7_nnHx84wL6NhDY4D2HlGeRnunXZzO45Ux5ea1l-2HhU-weUjNVCDSdpngkb3pZHEXuMItk-sM3cViioLE9KhP-hIhO6BbWar3rt0rzuVQ_f_WCWs/s640/our_engagement+8.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These next two are a little blurry, but I just loved them so much.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHV0DiVACUnZiuYrqT-hSyfHLz2kEODzEJbA0LbFrj_xiVJMKSjmuahFYtHv_RY3qi0rCcCP0SHX7NY-lYnorax-65OcJG0mBdV6bZkdCf8mD6gb29Gd5Ia_Af3ZBotuaAfcYXA87qm0/s1600/our_engagement+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHV0DiVACUnZiuYrqT-hSyfHLz2kEODzEJbA0LbFrj_xiVJMKSjmuahFYtHv_RY3qi0rCcCP0SHX7NY-lYnorax-65OcJG0mBdV6bZkdCf8mD6gb29Gd5Ia_Af3ZBotuaAfcYXA87qm0/s640/our_engagement+7.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz09elyVsmGBzQ-UlWll1R_p5g5vPvLj9rS5FrlZhb4X_2tSbMNu0Hqzk82-TSSf21k-tte7j7riBEos-OPyFxgNpDOFUmcJFxUguIh7G65pCbrdhAAuxxlv7vi0nb9jdsqlzCjpsgS5U/s1600/our_engagement+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz09elyVsmGBzQ-UlWll1R_p5g5vPvLj9rS5FrlZhb4X_2tSbMNu0Hqzk82-TSSf21k-tte7j7riBEos-OPyFxgNpDOFUmcJFxUguIh7G65pCbrdhAAuxxlv7vi0nb9jdsqlzCjpsgS5U/s640/our_engagement+9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00245830745363546923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270436810433263875.post-78463939020673489562013-02-20T08:38:00.000-08:002013-02-20T08:38:01.844-08:00RiseToday I wanted to share a song with you that has popping up a lot on my iPod lately. [[Probably because I only have one playlist currently on there that <i>isn't</i> Christmas music...and it only has 28 songs. <i>Whatever.</i>]]<br />
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I love this song because it feels like a battle anthem. Whenever I hear it, I just feel like it could go in a movie scene where the people are prepping for battle. [[Think The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, when the men are lined up gathering their armor, etc. right before the big battle at Helm's Deep.]] <br />
<br /><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I'm not a nerd.</span></i><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Yes I am...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Anyway. Enjoy this awesome song!</span></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/kOEU3xt29Lk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b> </b></span>I hung my head, for the last time
<br />
In surrender and despair
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Before I’m dead, I’ll take the last climb
<br />
Up the mountain, face my fears
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The time has come, to make a choice
<br />
Use my voice for the love of every man
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My minds made up, never again
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Never again, will I turn round
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Though they may surround me like lions
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And crush me on all sides
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I may fall, but I will rise
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Not by my might, or my power, or by the strength of swords
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Only through, your love, my lord
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All we’ve lost, will be, restored
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Take courage sons, for we must go under
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The heart of darkness, and set them free
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But don’t lose heart when you see the numbers
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There’s no measure for, the faith we bring
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It’s given us, to overcome
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If we run, where the spirit calls us on
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The greatest things, have yet to come
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With the dawn, we will rise
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Though they may surround us like lions
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And crush us on all sides
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we may fall, but we will rise
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Not by my might, or my power, or by the strength of swords
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Only through, your love, my lord
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All we’ve lost, will be, restored<br />
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