tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51180408486834500062024-03-12T20:39:40.564-07:00Catholic KaraUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger315125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118040848683450006.post-33518082006173533532016-09-07T09:32:00.001-07:002016-09-07T09:32:12.888-07:00Weekly Prayer Requests<br />
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Hi friends!<br />
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Now that we're back into the swing of things with school, I have a little more time to blog. So, I'd like to start doing my weekly prayer requests posts again. Please feel free to share in comments that you are praying or that you have a request. If you want to keep it private, just say so, my comments are moderated.<br />
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<ol>
<li>Please pray for my family. We are struggling financially which is stressing us out. Pray that we will continue to find comfort that God will continue to provide for us as he always has. </li>
<li>Please pray for the orphans of the world. I'd like to specifically ask for prayers for the sweet little boy we met when we adopted Vanya. If you are open to adoption, please consider bringing him home. He will be transferred soon, and it could be a death sentence for him. </li>
<li>Please pray for my kiddos and their school year. So far they are doing great, but everyone could use some extra prayers there, right? :) </li>
<li>Please pray for an endeavor I am embarking upon. I don't want to share right now, in case I fail miserably, but I could definitely use prayer to sustain me! </li>
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That's all that's on my heart this morning. Hope you have a wonderful week.<br />
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Blessings,<br />
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Katja99/KaraAvi.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118040848683450006.post-48352075438312011652016-09-03T11:49:00.001-07:002016-09-04T06:51:35.502-07:00Mother TeresaMother Teresa is so very special to me. So, on this day of her canonization, I wanted to share how she has profoundly affected and changed my life. <div><br></div><div>Luckily for me, I was coming of age while Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul II, and Princess Diana (not Catholic, but worthy of a mention here) were working their good in the world. They were all in the spotlight. Catholics and non-Catholics alike loved Mother Teresa and JPII. I, being one of those non-Catholics at the time, and struggling with a deep depression at the time, was inspired by their holiness. Although I wanted to look tough on the outside and hardly believed in God at that point, I still paid attention. It was hard to look away when they shone so brightly. </div><div><br></div><div>When Mother Teresa died just after Princess Diana, I mourned for the world. I hoped there were still good people that would pick up where they left off; helping those who were the poorest of the poor, the disabled, and the orphan. I felt called then to adoption, and knew I would adopt someday. (This was also around the time I saw the Romanian orphanage documentary.) </div><div><br></div><div>In 2005 when JPII was dying, I was pregnant with Amelia and glued to the news that followed his declining health. I was still not Catholic, but had been felt pulled to the Church for years. We were attending mass, but had not yet joined RCIA. I mourned his death much like Mother Teresa's and ultimately, it was through these people (and meeting my first daughter) that God spoke to me. It was how I knew it was finally time to convert officially. At my baptism, confirmation, and first communion, I chose Mother Teresa as my patron. </div><div><br></div><div>In 2012, I found out about the suffering of children with disabilities in orphanages all over the world. We were not in a good place financially, so the "someday" plan held firm in my mind. Now wasn't the time... Or so I thought. </div><div><br></div><div>I devoted myself to raising money for families in process. And hey, I was pretty good at it! But then I saw Nico, and my heart broke in half. I spent hours in prayer in adoration. I begged Jesus to show me the way. I asked Mother Teresa and PJII to pray for me and to show me miracles if we were meant to adopt him. </div><div><br></div><div>My husband was suddenly on board. </div><div><br></div><div>My husband's job situation suddenly worked out. We suddenly qualified. </div><div><br></div><div>We jumped in feet first in September of 2012. As I'm typing this out (I know it's all a little disjointed, I have 8 kids, bear with me), I have tears in my eye realizing that I was baptized, confirmed, and received holy communion a year to the month after PJII died, and September is the month Mother Teresa died.</div><div><br></div><div>Anyway, back on track, in September 2012, we committed to adopting Nico from Russia. In December we were stopped in our tracks by the Russian government's ban on adoptions. Although I don't understand this part of our journey, I know that we wouldn't have adopted Maks at all had we adopted Nico. </div><div><br></div><div>The series of events that brought every single cent and fixed every issue and brought everything together, resulting in a sweet little boy, just months away from being transferred to an institution, becoming part of our family, were <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">all miracles. Plain and simple.</span></div><div><br></div><div>Inspired by this, I knew that when I saw our sweet Ivan's face, that God would provide if he were ours. And he did. Was it a coincidence that his name is Ivan (Ukrainian form of John)? Of course not. Was it a coincidence that a statue of JPII stood tall at the Church we would attend mass every Sunday we were in his region and see multiple times every day on our walk to the orphanage? Of course not. </div><div><br></div><div>It was Jesus. It was how He spoke to me, through these wonderful saints. It was how He brought my children home. And I know it is how He will sustain our family, even through difficult and overwhelming times. </div><div><br></div><div>SAINT Mother Teresa, pray for us!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ju-EkN-rpsTptizGsPzm1R-Ix9IxwJclmIkAw5b4fgzNUu1VI4fEluT_Y9c36uUFVl-_JF9DyXrd8B44MTuwETs1FEqR69_16CpAhtmUed7K2tk1pR2qk7_irB_MgPrB836gmYmZHdTE/s640/blogger-image--1391539119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ju-EkN-rpsTptizGsPzm1R-Ix9IxwJclmIkAw5b4fgzNUu1VI4fEluT_Y9c36uUFVl-_JF9DyXrd8B44MTuwETs1FEqR69_16CpAhtmUed7K2tk1pR2qk7_irB_MgPrB836gmYmZHdTE/s640/blogger-image--1391539119.jpg"></a></div> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118040848683450006.post-7778673577240533112016-04-29T17:38:00.003-07:002016-04-29T17:38:42.452-07:00Introducing..<div style="text-align: center;">
Our sweet baby #8</div>
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Born April 20th</div>
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6 lbs 2 oz and 18 inches</div>
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Genevieve Mae ZĂ©lie</div>
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She is never alone, because her siblings are constantly asking to hold her! She is so loved. </div>
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Little blessing. </div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Katja99/KaraAvi.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118040848683450006.post-40579524221689617952016-03-15T15:29:00.001-07:002016-03-15T15:29:14.355-07:00Quick Update<br />
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Dear friends!<br />
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I am so sorry! Things have been so crazy here and are finally calming down, just in time for baby 8's arrival. ;)<br />
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We celebrated Vanya's 2nd birthday in February and it was so sweet! He's doing really well and is getting so strong.<br />
<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/AVvXsEhg2rYhHKSxCRdInXRgEplT06mz0dme55SWr5D44vGO7-duQvLLSe3sox-G1930KuCd07JWZX5WLCqkrZWB6eNvYXe_fubagrNVSbmio3Sbe4aQ3qlxxYje5CkwvQObz7q4wgkIwsrpO30L/s1600/12697227_10153987192144783_6247474219522684395_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2rYhHKSxCRdInXRgEplT06mz0dme55SWr5D44vGO7-duQvLLSe3sox-G1930KuCd07JWZX5WLCqkrZWB6eNvYXe_fubagrNVSbmio3Sbe4aQ3qlxxYje5CkwvQObz7q4wgkIwsrpO30L/s320/12697227_10153987192144783_6247474219522684395_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He ate two whole pieces of strawberry cake!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Baby 8 is looking like she will come between 36 and 37 weeks, which is the week of April 11th. We won't know for sure until Monday, when my last u/s is scheduled, but if the placenta previa hasn't resolved, we will be scheduling a c-section. This will be my first c-section, and it's going to be a difficult situation with recovery and the other kids, but I know The Lord will provide like He always does.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9aPcgylb6tmmS6iPor6pCYoAnYbTui2bM1eWNio74mZwQdSmbRqNmMzgpQcigMDormWqyxkZSSkZq3uIIAV4BnGj-zRQeaqVESOS0Y8pDFwDSJA43806ZQvLA_O7_zsjMzXyC_cHc3TN/s1600/10481712_10154026876689783_3776740237419401472_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9aPcgylb6tmmS6iPor6pCYoAnYbTui2bM1eWNio74mZwQdSmbRqNmMzgpQcigMDormWqyxkZSSkZq3uIIAV4BnGj-zRQeaqVESOS0Y8pDFwDSJA43806ZQvLA_O7_zsjMzXyC_cHc3TN/s320/10481712_10154026876689783_3776740237419401472_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't she sweet?? </td></tr>
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Everything else is going well. We are gearing up for St. Patrick's Day and Holy Week and Easter. I can't believe how early Easter is this year. All of the holidays seemed to all be packed right with the other. PHEW!!<br />
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Hope you're all having a blessed Lent.<br />
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Katja99/KaraAvi.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118040848683450006.post-67512803482095198102016-01-13T10:47:00.001-08:002016-01-14T09:32:02.315-08:006 mos home, 2 yrs home, and the gender of baby eight!I have been so bad about blogging! I'm in a bit of a rut these days, so please forgive me. <div><br></div><div>Vanya is doing great. He cruises furniture, sleeps well, eats well, and is a happy little guy. His 2nd birthday is next month, so we're gearing up for his very first birthday party!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzc9qMxfehxuVszU-W3H7Qr1DDdHrA5Pic1IEpnRS2hulzJdHnE0dd32aqa5p1eHwpdZ61LS82C0WIiwY4mazWWuP6xZU5eon-ZY2wPFs9Uf_buJ-I3AzfBKeHWVPPOjh3u0HWw5rx7_P/s640/blogger-image--645420012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzc9qMxfehxuVszU-W3H7Qr1DDdHrA5Pic1IEpnRS2hulzJdHnE0dd32aqa5p1eHwpdZ61LS82C0WIiwY4mazWWuP6xZU5eon-ZY2wPFs9Uf_buJ-I3AzfBKeHWVPPOjh3u0HWw5rx7_P/s640/blogger-image--645420012.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofy9fD7MbqKMCa0ZNIneX8YA-MPcxXMlMcYRqVeqQX3uSTI22U7v1P3D2f_BBmQsAuPZDF0IhvS9gdSZ-mqYYsxb_erUCJKuqXgoWaxlLw52gvMzrX1GbQjgExmZJ4n94vdsucF9yOrPn/s640/blogger-image--1968415905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofy9fD7MbqKMCa0ZNIneX8YA-MPcxXMlMcYRqVeqQX3uSTI22U7v1P3D2f_BBmQsAuPZDF0IhvS9gdSZ-mqYYsxb_erUCJKuqXgoWaxlLw52gvMzrX1GbQjgExmZJ4n94vdsucF9yOrPn/s640/blogger-image--1968415905.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Maks has now been home over 2 years! Can you believe it?? He is doing great in kindergarten. He can match numbers and letters, and can write an M. We finally found new therapists to come to the house after school, so those are starting this week. He still isn't potty trained, so that's been frustrating, but he'll get there eventually. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gH9eLUWIBeu4_N1PdrADwzSpxO0nSdjyw4St94UcZcSKVpTalt3dUZzAQSlMfl_ZUR_xJLlAZLqXDOrx5rrV3z29P-273_gxJHkhsX9yc-BDKnd-aATSmXki0fbSdLCw3MtdczzoDjIP/s640/blogger-image-1310120265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gH9eLUWIBeu4_N1PdrADwzSpxO0nSdjyw4St94UcZcSKVpTalt3dUZzAQSlMfl_ZUR_xJLlAZLqXDOrx5rrV3z29P-273_gxJHkhsX9yc-BDKnd-aATSmXki0fbSdLCw3MtdczzoDjIP/s640/blogger-image-1310120265.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Christmas was great and we all had a lot of fun celebrating Jesus' birth.</div><div><br></div><div>The kids got the game Pie Face for Christmas and we played it on New Year's Eve. It's hilarious and so much fun. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbL1G6YYRsZK_cCc7BnbmjONqX_WVzX-3haIyPtF7Q0zV6p3tUx1wvTcO5IsNxiVHXU5ZB7XovxnpsknFeDdHNBzlIwGsWVXvIG3_8DZGorfKdR4w4XdxKSWggl_4b_FVethQmmf4w3zY/s640/blogger-image-102997655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbL1G6YYRsZK_cCc7BnbmjONqX_WVzX-3haIyPtF7Q0zV6p3tUx1wvTcO5IsNxiVHXU5ZB7XovxnpsknFeDdHNBzlIwGsWVXvIG3_8DZGorfKdR4w4XdxKSWggl_4b_FVethQmmf4w3zY/s640/blogger-image-102997655.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We also found out that baby number 8 is a girl! Genevieve Mae will join us in late April. The kids are so excited. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83mLGfc9rY8sKnAiR6Ow56QeTAE8nOAB-hlX7ahHM-aAzt8wKyUlpomFAGmbFOUXsL9IyTu_YCkm7K4_L8NOaoyL7TXkwT7hj9gp28GBgLXfozrA8D09_ZEqARtWT1ZuzBQ97l6YfsgXZ/s640/blogger-image--906890130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83mLGfc9rY8sKnAiR6Ow56QeTAE8nOAB-hlX7ahHM-aAzt8wKyUlpomFAGmbFOUXsL9IyTu_YCkm7K4_L8NOaoyL7TXkwT7hj9gp28GBgLXfozrA8D09_ZEqARtWT1ZuzBQ97l6YfsgXZ/s640/blogger-image--906890130.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi894m2sdhnO_cM_eZgN6vEHIDe-d1bvjsqgxydG7zp9ngiaMax-i9A2OnRQNg_3FWi4yIyEn3E7XMJUrxCM0JnPa_nW_yHoBJFa2a07ylabVkE-U31clO5VPwrm6Aw7HPaHuboV9PtR8DX/s640/blogger-image-806641158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi894m2sdhnO_cM_eZgN6vEHIDe-d1bvjsqgxydG7zp9ngiaMax-i9A2OnRQNg_3FWi4yIyEn3E7XMJUrxCM0JnPa_nW_yHoBJFa2a07ylabVkE-U31clO5VPwrm6Aw7HPaHuboV9PtR8DX/s640/blogger-image-806641158.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I hope you all are doing well. Praying for a wonderful 2016 for all of us. </div><br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118040848683450006.post-92124315688721859822015-11-09T14:59:00.001-08:002015-11-10T15:01:25.522-08:00PhewThis week's homily really spoke to me. Whether it seems like it or not, I always seem to have an attitude towards God when it comes to our growing family, at least at first. <div><br></div><div>"You want me to do what? Fly across the world and do what?"</div><div><br></div><div>"You want me to give birth and then fly across the world and do what?"</div><div><br></div><div>"You just gave me another pregnancy 9 months after giving birth to another one?"</div><div><br></div><div>And now...</div><div><br></div><div>"I just brought a sweet baby home from Ukraine, what do you mean I'm pregnant???" </div><div><br></div><div>Yes, you read that right, #8 is on his or her way. And I've had an attitude about it, as usual. </div><div><br></div><div>And then Sunday, the words were spoken by our amazing priest, "just when you think you've given all you possibly can, God asks you to give more."</div><div><br></div><div>Oh, smack. Right across the face. Right into my heart. God knew what I needed to hear. </div><div><br></div><div>My patience level, our finances, our hectic lifestyle, all need an overhaul, and obviously God knows I need extreme amounts of sanctifying. </div><div><br></div><div>I am blessed, but we could use your prayers as our family grows once more. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1q_B59YK_tGoRkUHqVCiBPUZu_k3xNaONoeX96BxhOy9FLAaI5Qq0fCfCsO5cIj_PUPzMTogF4afxpX2JGXxXvTRQHCNXFzIbHjjqv8brzJW0c9NNblbF1RHGh3xDcA4VHiP-Ykze8T-4/s640/blogger-image-510641220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1q_B59YK_tGoRkUHqVCiBPUZu_k3xNaONoeX96BxhOy9FLAaI5Qq0fCfCsO5cIj_PUPzMTogF4afxpX2JGXxXvTRQHCNXFzIbHjjqv8brzJW0c9NNblbF1RHGh3xDcA4VHiP-Ykze8T-4/s640/blogger-image-510641220.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Love, </div><div><br></div><div>K </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118040848683450006.post-23011708376709670882015-10-14T09:02:00.001-07:002015-10-14T09:03:37.959-07:003 months home!Well, I've been a horrible post-adoption blogger, haven't I? With the start of school and all the running around to do, I barely have time to breathe. I do find a way to lay down with the little boys daily for a nap, so that has helped, but man we're busy! <div><br></div><div>Vanya is doing amazingly well. He is teething currently, so he's a little cranky, but he is making great progress, has started physical therapy, and still loves swim lessons. He blows bubbles in the water and holds his breath to go under now. It's really cute. It's also been a good bonding experience for us, because he is in the pool with me, while Sam is in the other pool with a teacher. </div><div><br></div><div>He is doing a lot of tall kneeling against furniture, which is great for his core strength, and he's even been standing up in the pool while holding onto the side. He has trouble realizing his feet work, so this is big. </div><div><br></div><div>He had a feeding therapist evaluation and he is suddenly chewing on an age appropriate level. This has made both of our lives so much easier! He's eating lots of big boy food and really enjoying himself. He loves everything except Chick fil a fries. Haha...</div><div><br></div><div>We had family pics done a couple weeks ago, so I'll share those! Hope you're all doing well, and I'm so sorry for my lack of posting. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQ6H5K8oF4OpupeRO7cw-oLJ_WP5HUjTyVX8UJBncR9z0fTV0ekijCAQ6D_YHUuXrbyfCVZUiqxVinXBX51I_A8YHLEmlIjLRW8SqvFJDtpmI-foOHprKyQoImanrkF2TR-We20bYAsTc/s640/blogger-image-1641926837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQ6H5K8oF4OpupeRO7cw-oLJ_WP5HUjTyVX8UJBncR9z0fTV0ekijCAQ6D_YHUuXrbyfCVZUiqxVinXBX51I_A8YHLEmlIjLRW8SqvFJDtpmI-foOHprKyQoImanrkF2TR-We20bYAsTc/s640/blogger-image-1641926837.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGo0o2Q6ZJQ9vGmn4z-QrLQnyvsT2VJY37JM4UUWpcYpDfiEKdFp_p05rSuEKhyphenhyphen5SAKcaRiyvYNtmITa3Ydb5TxWPBcrTMbn2LK1u7JeQYUhFfLRga3FPBgu9oTJJhRxGFVibn2W1dJzqY/s640/blogger-image-971112201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGo0o2Q6ZJQ9vGmn4z-QrLQnyvsT2VJY37JM4UUWpcYpDfiEKdFp_p05rSuEKhyphenhyphen5SAKcaRiyvYNtmITa3Ydb5TxWPBcrTMbn2LK1u7JeQYUhFfLRga3FPBgu9oTJJhRxGFVibn2W1dJzqY/s640/blogger-image-971112201.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YPfsLmbmnC2wOx-u2DsvBFfwQnPXNyzz8biw-tM5G2apAaEb4U2KPpQ1grds5Wf9krpG6J0uppFOCL7vrPnOixU3F3ld863FwvAHkQWb1z-zMTXsS6pa8Z6W8uSILcfLJ7NVfc7hIhdZ/s640/blogger-image-536757313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YPfsLmbmnC2wOx-u2DsvBFfwQnPXNyzz8biw-tM5G2apAaEb4U2KPpQ1grds5Wf9krpG6J0uppFOCL7vrPnOixU3F3ld863FwvAHkQWb1z-zMTXsS6pa8Z6W8uSILcfLJ7NVfc7hIhdZ/s640/blogger-image-536757313.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUtU3zLgYoi0bG1rdaH7S79qXOQGffCeP2cG4ToPVqtpHDKnx01AXnbqtdjYcwVaV1dau7I5XlGEPSMSoMN_T2FjyhhvdidEHig5dqeekLrOmI_613C99cgiiB0zEPPYnpEZn-olO5ZTUB/s640/blogger-image-1958673972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUtU3zLgYoi0bG1rdaH7S79qXOQGffCeP2cG4ToPVqtpHDKnx01AXnbqtdjYcwVaV1dau7I5XlGEPSMSoMN_T2FjyhhvdidEHig5dqeekLrOmI_613C99cgiiB0zEPPYnpEZn-olO5ZTUB/s640/blogger-image-1958673972.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118040848683450006.post-29800833203564131182015-08-28T17:05:00.000-07:002015-08-28T17:05:04.582-07:00Sorry!I am such a horrible post-adoption blogger! I don't intend to be, but the days are getting away from me lately, and now that the kids are in school, we are spending a lot of time in the car!<br />
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Everyone is doing well. Vanya and Sam have started baby swimming lessons, and they're doing great! It's so cute to see Sam ride around on his teacher's back in the pool and get more comfortable in the water, and see Vanya try to blow bubbles and enjoy splashing around.<br />
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My 3 older girls are all in elementary now, and they're doing great at the new school. We love it so far.<br />
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Maks is in full day Kindergarten and he does a little jig every time he sees the bus pull up. It's really cute.<br />
<br />Maks and Vanya both have cardio checkups on Monday, and after that, we will be scheduling Maks' ear tube surgery.<br />
<br />So far, Vanya has checked out completely healthy on his bloodwork, ENT, stool tests, and everything else. He rocked his early intervention evaluation, too. He's not even delayed in the social area, which is AMAZING coming from the orphanage and having Down syndrome.<br />
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That's all I have time for today! I will post some pics soon!<br />
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Katja99/KaraAvi.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118040848683450006.post-49579482280089596242015-08-04T22:39:00.001-07:002015-08-04T22:39:34.005-07:00The Biggest Thank You<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I received the list of donors from our Reece's Rainbow grant today. </span></div><div><br></div><div>Please know that even though we can't thank each and every one of you individually, we appreciate every single one of you. </div><div><br></div><div>To our church family, who prayed for us, baked for us, and hosted events for us.</div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div>To the Reece's Rainbow community for always being there to listen, to fight for, to advocate. </div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div>So many people were such a huge part of bringing him home. From the person in Ukraine who sent his file to the adoption authority. To the wonderful team in Ukraine who worked tirelessly. To the wonderful Nancy who dealt with my whining for months while I completed our dossier. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">To Reece's Rainbow for shedding light on the orphans. For giving them a chance. Andrea, Nancy, Michelle, Serge, Yulia S., Luda, Alex, Yulia, Vitaly. </span></div><div><br></div>Thank you isn't enough. But, thank you, thank you, thank you, for helping us bring our sweet boy home. We really could not have done it without you. <div><br></div><div>We love you, dear friends. We are blessed. <br><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-vljlDEr-qaJfYZY3tb6G-r4H1i7QPG1RK75Z3SaLLvN_n1YgQbpDMRIRkuPedLZ6rK1h7nPezu9Cs9b0nzbmHKXjnoN3j8VlnALC-jQTRoLO9VmMEp64xtNkB1DcLaCc0r13rwcNjsK/s640/blogger-image-892970907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-vljlDEr-qaJfYZY3tb6G-r4H1i7QPG1RK75Z3SaLLvN_n1YgQbpDMRIRkuPedLZ6rK1h7nPezu9Cs9b0nzbmHKXjnoN3j8VlnALC-jQTRoLO9VmMEp64xtNkB1DcLaCc0r13rwcNjsK/s640/blogger-image-892970907.jpg"></a></div><br><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64H2tDlFVYoxHBiwHN6NS-0vdFajTinL_8al6IqFJjzsAjD4biwBKlDmS65BN7IzEcNgBDBCV9EYlKITrTajL0mu5-qQMOSlfMNhUkfpkL_uGYYHIVEJxEG8S8BoIojezjYf925Z1aL4n/s640/blogger-image--762428130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64H2tDlFVYoxHBiwHN6NS-0vdFajTinL_8al6IqFJjzsAjD4biwBKlDmS65BN7IzEcNgBDBCV9EYlKITrTajL0mu5-qQMOSlfMNhUkfpkL_uGYYHIVEJxEG8S8BoIojezjYf925Z1aL4n/s640/blogger-image--762428130.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6f1jX_rw8JmE7jhhf-YYOo11o2zKU1gfjYVoAaYqLo4XmVRVlwiMMMUydzNdK6Jt5AgtdmN0s9B__iMpYdgaBzFnVeqpwTn87SIbjGELU5VxSpvGkGjekryzjlDvXQ28UYI5-xnZVmz8g/s640/blogger-image--982141178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6f1jX_rw8JmE7jhhf-YYOo11o2zKU1gfjYVoAaYqLo4XmVRVlwiMMMUydzNdK6Jt5AgtdmN0s9B__iMpYdgaBzFnVeqpwTn87SIbjGELU5VxSpvGkGjekryzjlDvXQ28UYI5-xnZVmz8g/s640/blogger-image--982141178.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ds-IW7rg_cBxz8PVOZhivlENDUFxGU0UJn6wQs81JL7webNUVb-frvAKU1YaL8lnfLlUwpgGJuqsdIUdC5IPJ22gKKgWwlU5psaau72KGT9HTZJGvUvIcR3u-ghPR2Jmc96DO6uOmmAD/s640/blogger-image--1143891561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ds-IW7rg_cBxz8PVOZhivlENDUFxGU0UJn6wQs81JL7webNUVb-frvAKU1YaL8lnfLlUwpgGJuqsdIUdC5IPJ22gKKgWwlU5psaau72KGT9HTZJGvUvIcR3u-ghPR2Jmc96DO6uOmmAD/s640/blogger-image--1143891561.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7X-rllKZZNqkRobUFVaKkPXLafLmeXuedwguekHuk35yhIApkYb3iZlKUyyDvNGwwsQOZq0v6145Y69eX0sdz1PAI8ywQ-ITuy8idzvvazZ9Tooy_cZ4EHOk8bbNDPuWCjdnYansiHfOU/s640/blogger-image-771755120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7X-rllKZZNqkRobUFVaKkPXLafLmeXuedwguekHuk35yhIApkYb3iZlKUyyDvNGwwsQOZq0v6145Y69eX0sdz1PAI8ywQ-ITuy8idzvvazZ9Tooy_cZ4EHOk8bbNDPuWCjdnYansiHfOU/s640/blogger-image-771755120.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118040848683450006.post-65553932433799311612015-07-25T15:07:00.000-07:002015-07-25T15:07:14.269-07:00Quick UpdateHello!<br />
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I'm so sorry I haven't been blogging. We have actually had a fairly easy transition so far, it's just busy having 7 kids! (WOW, I have <i>seven</i> kids!) The boys are in bed supposed to be napping, and the girls are out on a date with daddy.<br />
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Anyway, Vanya is doing amazingly well. He stopped drinking when we got home, but he started up again a couple days ago, so that was a relief. He had his first checkup yesterday. He is doing great, is 22 lbs and 33 inches. He's a BIG guy! Now the testing begins; bloodwork, stool tests, etc. Plus, his specialist appointments; cardiology, orthopedics, and anything the bloodwork results might add.<br />
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We have the intake appointment for Early Intervention set up for this coming Wednesday, and I can't wait to get this sweetie the therapies he needs! I'm hoping for feeding/speech therapy and physical therapy for sure.<br />
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Little guy has orphanage trained hands during mealtimes and we are hoping to break free of those chains soon.<br />
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Yesterday, he surprised us by grabbing a fry and eating it himself! He ate two whole fries without any problems. Nutritious? Nope. Do I care? Not one bit! He fed himself!!! Amazing the progress that can be made just by having a family.<br />
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He is crawling like a champ and trying to pull himself up on furniture, but he's in that soon-to-be-a-toddler phase where he is bonking himself on things like crazy, so his sweet little forehead is almost always bruised.<br />
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Maks had a hard time when we first got home. It's hard that I was away for so long, so he was acting out from that, and then add on a new kiddo, phew. He was not happy. He's doing much better now, but I've started limiting TV time, so he's mad at me again. He's doing great with Vanya, though. Maks starts Kindy on August 10th!<br />
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Sam and Vanya are totally bonding and it's soooo cute to see. Sam is 5 months older, and went through a little jealousy at first, but now he kisses and hugs him all the time, they baby babble and touch each other's faces, and it's so sweet to see. I think they will be best friends forever. :)<br />
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Charlotte is a smothering big sister. Which, we knew from having Samuel and adopting Maks, but it really is tiring. She's so very sweet and loves her brothers so much, but she gets a little carried away sometimes. She keeps saying things like, "I can't believe God made Vanya so cute! He is just so cute, I can't stand it!!! Mommy, isn't Vanka cute?!?!!" And when we're out of the house it's, "Momma, I miss Vanka Vanka! Let's go home." *swoon* It's precious.<br />
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The three big girls love him, and get lots of snuggle time in all day. It's nice that this was all done while on summer vacation so we all could bond with him and as a family. I need more pics of the big kids, apparently! I can't find any! :)</div>
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Hoping to have airport pics from our photographer soon. I'll post them as soon as I can!</div>
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Happy weekend!</div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Katja99/KaraAvi.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118040848683450006.post-38079903887077000232015-07-15T10:39:00.001-07:002015-07-15T10:39:39.023-07:00We're home!I'm so sorry I haven't kept the blog updated. The end of process was crazy, as you can probably imagine. <div><br></div><div>But, we're home! We got in last night, had a good night's sleep, and we're so happy to be back with our family where we belong. </div><div><br></div><div>Thank you all for being with us every step of the way. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGUzfT7LQTqWp0BGajvgoqychinyfNCjgbNafGT4j9ifpXvIBRE6mcv1wckonukIr7GdG2tl3IICZnXN9XenGf9ZTQDTsylXFJO8EIjUvb2jxpKFfDUpfJDFpimIkX6aRM8ATdpXv0-N2/s640/blogger-image--1510596333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGUzfT7LQTqWp0BGajvgoqychinyfNCjgbNafGT4j9ifpXvIBRE6mcv1wckonukIr7GdG2tl3IICZnXN9XenGf9ZTQDTsylXFJO8EIjUvb2jxpKFfDUpfJDFpimIkX6aRM8ATdpXv0-N2/s640/blogger-image--1510596333.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118040848683450006.post-2293506932755377212015-07-01T22:53:00.001-07:002015-07-01T22:53:40.761-07:00Urgent Plea<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmmys2db5OfMDZoSfmX9EHAVe5t-zS8YNnUDIe9gnZmNkmZL7G6z01Ng653VepqghjPylb6QJm7bP2pnXtBBT8ASehIcebOltNIzhhuw_XUCtoy7cU1ee8u2RU5IKCmngCmG69khNi2kb/s640/blogger-image--2116173296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmmys2db5OfMDZoSfmX9EHAVe5t-zS8YNnUDIe9gnZmNkmZL7G6z01Ng653VepqghjPylb6QJm7bP2pnXtBBT8ASehIcebOltNIzhhuw_XUCtoy7cU1ee8u2RU5IKCmngCmG69khNi2kb/s640/blogger-image--2116173296.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>I hate asking.. But I'm putting pride aside and letting you all know my need. <div><br></div><div>I vastly underestimated the amount I would need to get us home. Apparently they do not offer discounts on children's tickets during the peak season. Our tickets home are going to cost around $860-900 each. </div><div><br></div><div>I underestimated that by about $1300 total. It's so very hard to estimate, especially when the ticket prices fluctuate so much. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm asking you all to please pray. I know that most people cannot keep donating towards our adoption, but prayer moves mountains. The Lord has provided for us every step of the way, so please keep praying that we will have enough without worry. </div><div><br></div><div>And if you can donate, we would appreciate it so much. Or if anyone has airline miles for United or Delta we could use, even better. :)</div><div><br></div><div>Thank you all. Praying for all of you from Ukraine. </div><div><div><br></div><div>http://reecesrainbow.org/87971/sponsormcintee-2 </div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMzWdBGzL9vmilg7BM3t3-lubnNiYd7z4M7kXTHQKIMDzMYSYIoBDK3D2ZxRVyDRbRS8gkAzB0YpihiJliTK7ebdKhLf6e_7lzzkxgcXrl6ghDLFSDeilRVeQPFDHQd9moKfSaYrDTqH_/s640/blogger-image--1655517898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMzWdBGzL9vmilg7BM3t3-lubnNiYd7z4M7kXTHQKIMDzMYSYIoBDK3D2ZxRVyDRbRS8gkAzB0YpihiJliTK7ebdKhLf6e_7lzzkxgcXrl6ghDLFSDeilRVeQPFDHQd9moKfSaYrDTqH_/s640/blogger-image--1655517898.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118040848683450006.post-79628094386301140062015-06-23T16:32:00.000-07:002015-06-24T01:55:06.913-07:00Introducing...Our family is pleased to announce that we have passed court and baby "Truman" is ours!<br />
<br />
So, without further ado, I introduce to you...<br />
<br />
Ivan Paul McIntee (nick name Vanya)<br />
<div>
Born 2-13-2014</div>
<div>
Born into our family 6-23-2015<br />
<br />
ee-vahn: Ukrainian form of John, meaning gracious gift from God.<br />
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In staying with our papal theme for our boys, Ivan Paul honors Pope Saint John Paul II, a wonderful man who inspired so many, who had a hand in bringing me to the Church, and has worked miracles through both of our adoptions.<br />
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God is good, my friends. Thank you all for helping us bring him home. We could not have done it without you.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cherished</td></tr>
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Ours. Forever and ever. </div>
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Praise be to God. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118040848683450006.post-48619765225461508372015-06-22T10:44:00.001-07:002015-06-22T10:44:05.631-07:00One big prayer request!Tomorrow is court for Truman! I will post as soon as we are done and I can get to wifi! Please pray lots, specifically that I am not nervous and answer the questions in a way that makes the judge happy! :) thank you!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118040848683450006.post-84481720470068365232015-06-16T16:35:00.000-07:002015-06-16T16:35:05.368-07:00Weekly Prayer Requests!!<br />
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Hello friends! I am a bit frazzled right now because we leave TOMORROW, but I wanted to write up something quick.<br />
<br />
<br />
This week's requests:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Please pray that our travel back over to Truman's country goes smoothly. That Sam is happier, and that if he's unhappy, I can find how to help him. Please pray that he sleeps!! :)</li>
<li>Please pray for our court date on the 23rd! That it goes well. That I have the words when I am asked ridiculous questions.</li>
<li>Please pray that everything goes as planned with the rest of the adoption and we are home safely and quickly.</li>
<li>Please pray for my husband and children who are staying home. </li>
<li>Please pray for the Holy Spirit to sustain and prepare sweet Truman's heart for what is to come.</li>
<li>And pray for our transition once we are home.</li>
</ol>
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I will be offering up any of my travel woes for all of your prayer requests, so let me know how I can pray for you!<br />
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Thank you all!<br />
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Blessings,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Katja99/KaraAvi.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118040848683450006.post-53223674884883980052015-06-08T11:55:00.001-07:002015-06-08T11:55:32.128-07:00Weekly Prayer RequestsHi friends.<br />
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We have had a fun week. Charlotte's birthday was yesterday and we had a fun party celebrating our girl turning 4! She's my youngest girl, and I am always astounded by how fast they grow up.<br />
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I have been keeping all of you in my intentions, and offering up some of the struggles of waiting for my baby and dealing with jetlag for you all, too.<br />
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This week's requests:<br />
<br />
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<ol>
<li>Please pray that the lies being told about me online are cleared up and that truth prevails. I dared to express an opinion and have been threatened, accused, and my name pulled through the mud as a result. I'm letting it go, but I would appreciate some prayers.</li>
<li>Please pray that Truman is safe and healthy and that he's ready to come home.</li>
<li>Please continue to pray that court goes well, that I have the eloquence and grace to impress the judge and that he rules in our favor.</li>
<li>Please pray that Sam is calmer on this trip. He was so sad last time and it broke my heart (and eardrums ;). I am hoping he does better this time. </li>
<li>Please pray that we are safe while we travel and that our process is smooth. </li>
</ol>
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If you would like to join in saying a rosary for the intention of our court date and for all waiting children, please do so on June 22nd at 7 pm PST. If you are local to the Phoenix Metro area, they will be praying at St. Bernadette's in Scottsdale. </div>
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I hope you had a wonderful weekend and that you are getting a great start to your summer!</div>
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Blessings,</div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Katja99/KaraAvi.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118040848683450006.post-61826864230399015102015-06-01T09:55:00.003-07:002015-06-01T09:55:49.444-07:00Weekly Prayer RequestsHello friends! I am back in a waiting period, waiting for our court date for Truman... so... I'm home and can blog a little bit more! I am finally feeling less tired (Thank you, Italian coffee gifted to me by the team) and more human.<br />
<br />
Since I'm a couple weeks behind on prayer requests anyway, I'll just post what's on my heart now instead of recapping.<br />
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This week's requests:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>That Truman is taken care of as he waits. He had what I think was croup when I left, and it's worrying me.</li>
<li>That my heart is filled with peace as I wait to see him again.</li>
<li>That my family handles the travel and transition well.</li>
<li>That our court date comes soon and goes well. That I have the correct words when drilled during court.</li>
<li>That the rest of our process goes quickly and smoothly.</li>
<li>That my sweet kiddos have a blessed summer.</li>
</ol>
<div>
Praises:</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Truman is an amazing little boy. So engaging and ready to be loved. I am thankful to The Lord for this blessing. He is going to be an amazing addition to our family.</li>
<li>That we were kept safe on our travels and it went so well. We had a wonderful time on our first trip.</li>
<li>That all funds we have needed have been there when we needed them. </li>
<li>And, that we have such wonderful friends and family who have been with us every step of the way, praying for us, donating, bringing meals, offering childcare, and buying gifts for Truman. It warms my heart to see the Body of Christ moving here on Earth. </li>
</ol>
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How can I pray for you?? If you don't want your comment public, let me know, my comments are moderated. </div>
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Blessings,</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Katja99/KaraAvi.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118040848683450006.post-13220609625375810792015-05-29T08:27:00.003-07:002015-05-29T08:27:45.795-07:007 Quick Takes<br />
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~1~</div>
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Well, I had quite the week! I got home from Truman's country on Tuesday evening, and was thrown back into the swing of things immediately Wednesday morning. It was a bit of an awful day, but we all survived, thanks be to God... truly.</div>
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~2~</div>
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If anyone is wondering if they should travel internationally with a 19 month old when it is optional, the answer is NO!! Sam is a pretty easy kid, but he was miserable the entire trip, and I will not be taking him on trip #2. </div>
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~3~</div>
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We don't have our court date yet, so prayers are appreciated that it comes soon, that it goes well, and that I have the right answers. I've been told to prepare for stupid questions like if we're adopting him to harvest his organs, so I need to be able to answer these types of questions with grace.</div>
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~4~</div>
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About to leave on our long trip home. 26 hours of traveling... </div>
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~5~</div>
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Lily got to see some wonderful culture while we were there. I didn't get to see it because Sam was napping, and there was no way I was going to wake up THAT bear. ;) Our wonderful facilitator took her down to see and they took videos and photos. I love it!</div>
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~6~</div>
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We went to mass at this beautiful church in region. We were so excited that the region Truman is in is so religious and had a Roman Catholic church there for us to attend. :) </div>
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~7~</div>
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Our baby boy was not feeling well on what should've been our last visit, so they didn't let us play. I think he had croup, so major prayers are appreciated that he is healthy. Poor guy.</div>
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And let me tell you, he really IS as beautiful as the picture on RR. He's true perfection. I mean, all babies are, but wow, this guy is a cutie. He's brilliant and lovey, and so sweet. </div>
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I can't wait for all of you to see his cutie self. Here's a little bit. ;) </div>
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Thank you all for helping us get to our boy. We are blessed.</div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Katja99/KaraAvi.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118040848683450006.post-78848041455154038582015-05-24T05:08:00.001-07:002015-05-29T10:59:18.032-07:00We met Truman!I can't post pictures publicly yet, but he is delicious and perfect and so strong and engaging! He's a smart little guy, and bigger than Sam, even though he's younger. We are headed out soon for what I think is our last visit before we go home. Pray for all of us, this will be hard!! I am smitten already. We all are.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118040848683450006.post-65005599438341055412015-05-19T22:44:00.001-07:002015-05-19T22:44:42.969-07:00We're here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqNwdxNR12oevjl4GDATYyySifTo07BkUGr0J4boikLCQwCPr961IdV1XzEL0n4iaALaE9fcryNTAv0eWTLsSxubfdmORU2v8m9EWT45pHoCEbxxYq6NWtzURmFvYmx6riajCz0W_TF3_/s640/blogger-image-1092721425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqNwdxNR12oevjl4GDATYyySifTo07BkUGr0J4boikLCQwCPr961IdV1XzEL0n4iaALaE9fcryNTAv0eWTLsSxubfdmORU2v8m9EWT45pHoCEbxxYq6NWtzURmFvYmx6riajCz0W_TF3_/s640/blogger-image-1092721425.jpg"></a></div>After 24+ hours of traveling, a lot of screaming (Sam!), we are finally here. We've already slept two big chunks and I'm waiting for Lily and Sam to wake up so we can start our day. <div><br></div><div>Thank you all for helping us get here! </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118040848683450006.post-28338370227804047392015-05-15T16:47:00.002-07:002015-05-15T16:47:28.464-07:007 Quick Takes<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>~1~</b></div>
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PHEWWW! What a whirlwind of a week. Tuesday morning we received our DAP appointment (the appointment with Truman's country where we see his file and accept his referral), I booked my tickets that afternoon ($$$$ OUCH!), and began the hunt for childcare for my kiddos. Wednesday I was just so excited, packed a bit, didn't do much else.. Thursday, I took Maks to the doctor (he needs ear tubes!), and today we went to a playgroup and then grocery shopping. I will admit that I woke up this morning feeling a lot LESS calm than I have the rest of the week. It's starting to hit me.. and I think that's because I leave in less than THREE DAYS!!!<br />
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<b>~2~</b> </div>
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It is storming and beautiful here today, which is so wonderful in so many ways. Turning off the AC and opening the windows doesn't happen in May very often here in Phoenix, so it's definitely a welcomed thing!!<br />
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<b>~3~</b></div>
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I am still searching for childcare, so that's been a little stressful, but I know The Lord will provide. And with wonderful friends praying for me, and helping me out, I know it will be ok.<br />
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<b>~4~ </b></div>
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I never really expected to be days away from travel and still in need of funds. I have been a fairly successful raiser of funds, but because our clothing drive was pretty much a massive failure, I am way behind what I expected. I ask for you all to please say a prayer to the Infant Jesus of Prague, who has always, ALWAYS come through for me in times of need, especially financially.<br />
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We need about $2,000 (I am hoping that is all, but who knows with ticket prices) to say we are fully funded, so if you feel lead to throw ANY amount in, it would bless us so much.<br />
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/87971/sponsormcintee-2" target="_blank">http://reecesrainbow.org/87971/sponsormcintee-2</a></div>
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If anyone is looking for Arbonne, Lilla Rose, Jamberry, or 31 Gifts products, please let me know! We're having an online party to try to raise the rest of the costs of our adoption.<br />
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<b>~6~</b></div>
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I cannot WAIT to get back to Truman's country and enjoy some of the FOOD and DRINKS! They have such delicious goodies (especially chocolate!). I will be bringing some home from my first trip to sell in order to raise more funds, so keep an eye out for that soon! :)<br />
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<b>~7~</b></div>
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Next time I blog it might be from Eastern Europe!! Pray for us, and I will pray for all of you. Thank you all for being with us on this journey.<br />
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Blessings,<br />
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Katja99/KaraAvi.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118040848683450006.post-27243873695528721502015-05-12T09:10:00.000-07:002015-05-12T09:10:02.813-07:00Travel Dates!!Praise the Lord, we have travel dates!! I will get to meet my sweetie next week!!<br /><br />
$2700 until we're fully funded!<br />
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Pray for all of us as we travel!<br /><br />EEK!!!<br />
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/87971/sponsormcintee-2" target="_blank">http://reecesrainbow.org/87971/sponsormcintee-2</a></div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Katja99/KaraAvi.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118040848683450006.post-33664082841158737622015-05-11T10:26:00.000-07:002015-05-11T10:26:01.275-07:00Weekly Prayer RequestsHello! Hope you all had a great weekend, and a blessed Mother's Day. I had a great day. :)<br />
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<b>Last week's requests:</b><br />
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Please pray that we receive our travel dates and that they are convenient for us.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Please pray that our childcare for our trips works out.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">That we are safe while traveling and that our process is smooth and quick.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">That Truman is being well cared for and that The Holy Spirit is preparing him for the love of a family. </li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Please pray for my health. It is nothing serious, but I'd like to feel a little better for my trip across the world. :) </li>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">All of the above are still current. We haven't received travel dates yet. I am hoping for tomorrow, so please keep praying. Everything else definitely still needs your prayers as well. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>New prayer requests:</b></span></span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">That the remainder of our funding comes in. We only need about $2700 to be fully funded.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">That my family can stay healthy. Charlotte is sick again this morning. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">That I can calm down a little bit while waiting for travel dates and travel. I'm driving myself (and everyone else, I'm sure!) super crazy!!</span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">That's about it! I will let you all know as soon as we have travel dates! Let me know how I can pray for you, too! If you don't want your comment public, let me know, my comments are moderated.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Blessings,</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Katja99/KaraAvi.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118040848683450006.post-74582018633839997012015-05-08T14:46:00.000-07:002015-05-08T14:46:02.401-07:007 Quick Takes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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~1~</div>
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Well, we got our total from our clothing and shoe drive and it was a huge letdown. It was a big waste of time and hard work, and I will not be recommending shoe and clothing drives to anyone in the future. We made a whopping (sarc.) $337.50. We are still almost $3,000 away from being fully funded, so please keep us in your prayers. </div>
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~2~</div>
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The good news is that we were chosen to receive a grant from the 5/5/5 for Families. The goal is for people to set up a recurring, $5 a month donation. At the end of the month, the money raised will be divided among the 5 families. It's a great and easy way to help! Either you can make a larger, one time donation, or you can set up for the recurring donations, or both! :)<br />
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<a families="" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" http:="" reecesrainbow.org="" title="">CLICK to share 555 Families on your blog!</a><br />
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<a families="" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" http:="" reecesrainbow.org="" title="">~3~</a><br />
<a families="" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" http:="" reecesrainbow.org="" title=""><br /></a></div>
We still do not have travel dates. Yes, I'm going crazy waiting. No, I cannot chillax. I've tried. Heaven help me.<br />
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~4~</div>
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I will admit it, and I might've even said it before on this blog, but I despise Mother's Day. I'm sorry, but I do. But, we have wonderful plans to go to a Diamondbacks game with my aunt and grandma, so that will be lots of fun. </div>
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~5~</div>
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I have nothing to say. I should just do 4 quick takes every week. lol...</div>
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~6~</div>
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<br />I know what you're thinking....</div>
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"Wouldn't it be awesome if we had the cutest little boy anyone has ever seen as our son?"</div>
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WELLLLL, now you can...</div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/90951/simon-2" target="_blank">http://reecesrainbow.org/90951/simon-2</a></div>
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Yep, he's available. Yep, he's adorable. Yep, he can be yours!!! YAY! Go get him before he has to spend years wasting away without a momma. </div>
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~7~</div>
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Or maybe you're thinking, </div>
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"Man! I'd love to have a sweet little pumpkin that looks like the McIntee's son Maks... How blessed are they?!" </div>
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WELLLLL......</div>
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<a href="http://reecesrainbow.org/84631/joseph-3" target="_blank">http://reecesrainbow.org/84631/joseph-3</a></div>
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Here you go! Lucky you! :) GO GET HIM!! <3</div>
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Happy Mother's Day, friends. </div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Katja99/KaraAvi.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118040848683450006.post-64051976505457549942015-05-04T11:35:00.000-07:002015-05-04T11:36:22.887-07:00Weekly Prayer RequestsI know I just did this Thursday, but I'm feeling a little anxious, so what's better than blogging and praying?<br />
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<b>Praises:</b><br />
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<li>The big girls' passports came! We are ready to go, just waiting on travel dates! Hoping I will wake up to them tomorrow.</li>
<li>Charlotte had strep again after finishing the antibiotics, so I made them give her the shot. She is now better!</li>
<li>We are so close to being fully funded, that I really shouldn't worry. I am praising Him for providing for Truman so well. I know He will provide the last $3,000 we need.</li>
<li>Amelia's confirmation and first communion was beautiful and so special. </li>
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<b>Prayer requests:</b></div>
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<li>Please pray that we receive our travel dates and that they are convenient for us.</li>
<li>Please pray that our childcare for our trips works out.</li>
<li>That we are safe while traveling and that our process is smooth and quick.</li>
<li>That Truman is being well cared for and that The Holy Spirit is preparing him for the love of a family. </li>
<li>Please pray for my health. It is nothing serious, but I'd like to feel a little better for my trip across the world. :) </li>
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How can I pray for you?? My comments are moderated, so let me know if you don't want it made public. </div>
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Blessings,</div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/Katja99/KaraAvi.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0