tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37988201371245805542024-02-18T18:58:18.658-07:00the adventure beginsKimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544792817249305810noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798820137124580554.post-55362786211301656352013-04-13T21:46:00.000-06:002013-04-13T21:46:22.925-06:00things that have been on my heart<br />
<a href="http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/Roxanne206/media/cyspringretreat2013_zps4d47b8ca.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo cyspringretreat2013_zps4d47b8ca.jpg" border="0" height="640" src="http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g468/Roxanne206/cyspringretreat2013_zps4d47b8ca.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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some photos from lately</div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">I've been learning a lot of things lately. I've been learning better how to consider others above myself. I've been learning patience--something I've always struggled with. I've learned to more and more appreciate the support and love of family and friends. I've been learning all the more that God's timing is perfect. I've grown more in my understanding of God's adoption of me as His <i>daughter</i>, and of His everlasting love for me.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">"...From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I."-Psalm 61:2</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">My heart becomes overwhelmed often--I become consumed with the worries and cares of this world. Yet, constantly I am reminded of God's faithfulness, His provision, His love. I'm so thankful for what the Lord has been doing in my heart this past year. He has truly used trials for good, as I've seen myself learn so much about Him. I'm excited about the woman I am becoming in Him. Yet, I know I still have so far to go. I have so, so much to learn about Jesus, about the church, about being salt and light, about loving Him more fully. I still have so many things to work on, so many precious lessons to be learned.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">"And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." -Philippians 1:6</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">These are some things that have been on my heart lately that I am praying for and working on:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;">i. growth in grace.</span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;">i'm praying God will be growing me more and more in Him this year. That He will me drawing me all the more closer to Him, and that i would become more like Him. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><span style="color: #999999;">ii. digging deep into God's word</span><span style="color: #444444;">. </span><span style="color: #666666;">Honestly, this is not something I have always been consistent with--daily spending quality time in God's word. i have been becoming increasingly convicted of my absolute need to be in His word more often and consistently. my prayer is that God would be using the time i spend in his word for good in my life, that i would continue to be convicted of this, and that he would be helping me to thirst more and more for His words. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><span style="color: #999999;">iii. being sincere and caring</span><span style="color: #444444;">. </span><span style="color: #666666;">i'm not always good at being sincere when i talk to people. i find myself gravitating often to conversations that consist of "how are you? how was your week?" they reply "i'm good and i had a good, but busy week." and then, when asked the same questions in return, i spend minutes upon minutes describing how i'm doing or how my week was. i want to work on being sincere with people and really caring more about them and their lives. i want to be asking people how i can be praying for them. i want to encourage. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><span style="color: #999999;">iv. being bold.</span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;">i have so much trouble being outgoing when i am in new situations or with people i have just met. even with people i've known for long amounts of time, i struggle to know what to say, and i become self conscious about the things that i do say. i'm praying that God will be working in my heart to not be nervous around people, but to just be friendly. i'm praying God will help me to be a witness to people who do not know Him, that I won't be afraid to share the gospel--that I would be overflowing with my love for Him and that I would tell people about it! </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><span style="color: #999999;">v. being gracious, forgiving, and compassionate</span><span style="color: #444444;">. </span><span style="color: #666666;">these are all things i struggle with. i struggle to forgive as He forgave me, i often struggle to be gracious and hospitable, and having compassion is something i need to work on as well. i'm praying God will place me in situations where i learn these things better. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br />My life is full of blessings, and I want to continually be thankful for those blessings, for God's love, for my family, for my church, my friends, my life. My cup truly overflows. This year, I want to live my days to the fullest--I want to use my time wisely, invest my time in things that are truly important, and to live for the glory of God. I want to be filled with God's love, overflowing with thanksgiving, full of rejoicing and gladness.</span><br />
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Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544792817249305810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798820137124580554.post-47117743990614066912012-11-30T19:31:00.000-07:002012-11-30T19:33:37.522-07:00saying goodbye to autumn <div style="text-align: left;">
It's hard to believe that November is already coming to a close. It's been a good month...autumn leaves falling off the trees, spending time together as a family, and drinking cups of apple cider. But, here in the sunset of November 2012, I have some thoughts on the things this last month has held.</div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Some thoughts from this month: </span><span id="goog_1558649576"></span></div>
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i. I found myself especially thankful this Thanksgiving (and month in general) for everything that has happened this year--from surgeries, to adoptions, to moving, adjustments, and learning to be this family of eight. There have been some hard days lately, though, where I am reminded of how difficult adoption can be. It is not all smiles and laughter. The Lord has been convicting my heart to be more patient and more loving towards the boys--even when I don't feel like it. It has been exciting to see them explore their new lives, and learn how to be a part of our family. But then there are the days where they miss China, and my heart aches. Because, I know this is not just hard for me to get used to--it's hard for them, too. The fact is: things are not what they were like this time last year. It's different, and that's not a bad thing. It's just hard to get used to.</div>
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ii. This month, I officially decided that Autumn is my very favorite season. The weather is neither hot nor cold, and I love watching the leaves change color and drop from the trees. I love drinking hot cups of tea and devouring bowls of soup. I don't think I could ever get tired of wearing scarves and long sleeve shirts or plaid button-ups. I love the way the air feels outside and I love watching the sun slip behind the mountains earlier and earlier. It's a precious thing to watch the seasons change. Though, I'm not sure how I feel about the coming of winter. I relish the snow, but the frigid temperatures and icy roads aren't things I enjoy as much. At the same time, though, I do love Christmas and all the things that come with it--maybe Winter won't be so bad after all.</div>
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iii. This November, I've been learning a few things: I've been learning to live in <i>joy, </i>to pray with <i>expectation</i>, to place my focus on the things that are truly important, and to be thankful in all circumstances. I've been learning to trust God more and more with my future. It's an ironic thing that I have trouble with entrusting it to Him, because the reality is that He is the one that is in control, I am not--and never have been, in charge of my future. I think God has really used this whole year of hard things to teach me to grow closer to Him, and to trust in Him with my whole heart. His plans for me are so much better then anything I could ever imagine.</div>
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iv. I have been increasingly grateful this month for the gift of friendship. Long, honest and authentic conversations late at night, and breathless fits of laughter are things I never tire of. I love the feeling of a hug from a close friend right when you really need it, and the reassuring words of a friend when I need encouragement. I'm thankful that I have opportunities to sit at my friends' kitchen table, with a cup of coffee and just talk. I love having these people that are always there for me, and remind me of God's everlasting love.</div>
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November has been a good month of learning for me. It's sad to say goodbye to autumn, but I'm generally excited about December and all it will bring. I hope you've all had a good day today. Happy Friday, y'all!</div>
Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544792817249305810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798820137124580554.post-46002913590251741602012-09-18T22:11:00.001-06:002012-09-18T22:11:44.034-06:00today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Today, I am missing China. I'm remembering all the unfamiliar smells, the sounds of the traffic, the beckoning of the street vendors as they tried to sell you an array of different things. I remember how the streets were covered in trash, how people were digging through dumpsters, how many would beg on the sidewalks for money. Not a day goes by where I don't think about China.</span></div>
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The most precious memories I have of my short time in that country, are the memories that were made when I was able to visit a foster home there. It was only six short months ago that I was there, but it feels as if it has been a life time. But, those two or three hours that we spent in that room with those precious and special children are some of the very best hours of my life.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0W4fp94KSuVNERCNOzFUtTN-fRI5HTZtpmrCgwJqNAg4lwfozKLjSwPCzbTwLde1OANCpNCnlfCTbEXva-tuVE__3fFey-h1T_Sz5p0a1lJOoKxpJikRJRe7l_sQiofhwhICdDXxhvJv/s1600/422317_331289210255409_224417542_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0W4fp94KSuVNERCNOzFUtTN-fRI5HTZtpmrCgwJqNAg4lwfozKLjSwPCzbTwLde1OANCpNCnlfCTbEXva-tuVE__3fFey-h1T_Sz5p0a1lJOoKxpJikRJRe7l_sQiofhwhICdDXxhvJv/s640/422317_331289210255409_224417542_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I remember staring into those children's eyes, looking at their sweet faces, hugging their small bodies. I remember sitting on the floor of that foster home, silently praying that God would bring them the perfect families, in His perfect time. When the time for us to leave came, I did not want to go. I didn't want to leave. As we closed the door of the foster home, I cried. I cried because I wanted to bring every single one of those children home. I cried because every single child should know what it's like to be loved by a family. I cried because it broke my heart to know that while they were being taken care of so well, they still needed a real home, with a mommy and daddy. My heart hurt for them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MwPuLeyVEDKOWsbXcAbDAdqN5XYw8TbYEOL11pBxQI6IScwm23DscRA0puxC6xtmdUnI0q5mMnN2vD_EnQQYtQhlJ0ykoK43Jot4SiaYb3oyca9KR533UjCKMkdV086X6zwoasSYNu6h/s1600/430684_325579934159670_2133158357_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MwPuLeyVEDKOWsbXcAbDAdqN5XYw8TbYEOL11pBxQI6IScwm23DscRA0puxC6xtmdUnI0q5mMnN2vD_EnQQYtQhlJ0ykoK43Jot4SiaYb3oyca9KR533UjCKMkdV086X6zwoasSYNu6h/s640/430684_325579934159670_2133158357_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Every day since then, I think about those children. I have pictures of them up on my bedroom walls, so that I will never forget. I pray that the Lord will bring them to the perfect families someday soon. My heart absolutely swells with a longing to go back to China, and such a love for the children there, that I could burst. Yesterday, as I was in the car, my mom told me on the phone that two, possibly even three of those precious children have families! I cannot even tell you how thrilled I was, my heart was so incredibly happy and so thankful! To know that these children will be a part of a family and know what it is like to be loved makes me overjoyed. How great is our God.</div>
Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544792817249305810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798820137124580554.post-16134345043722438692012-09-08T23:26:00.001-06:002012-09-08T23:26:36.827-06:00the adventure is just beginning. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/532606_441798929184723_1238837470_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" border="0" class="spotlight" height="424" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/532606_441798929184723_1238837470_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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"You need to start blogging again!" my friend says. "I know," I reply, "but I feel like I wouldn't know where to begin or how to start again...there's too much to say and not enough time." </div>
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If you could look in my drafts, you would see that I have really tried to start again. There have been days where I have made myself sit down and try to blog again, but the words never come. Maybe it's because so much has happened recently that I don't know how to even begin to tell you about this Summer. Then again, maybe it's that I feel like I just can't put things into the right words. </div>
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But, I've missed it this Summer--being able to just sit and pour out my thoughts into this blank white box, waiting to be filled with words. While writing is often one of my favorite things, it can also be something that frustrates me and fills me with intimidation. I struggle with what I should say--are these thoughts things that I want to share with the whole world? Or are they things that are better kept inside? </div>
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I have decided though, that this little space of the Internet is something similar to what my life would be like if it was written in a book form. It would be an odd book. Some parts of it would be terribly exciting, while other parts, filled with tears. There would be chapter after long chapter that would be boring and seem quite useless all together. Maybe there would be sections that would keep you turning page after page, wondering what was going to happen next. Yet, as silly as this all may sound, that is how my life is. It's a story. A new page is added to it every day. The best part is that I'm not even the author of it--God is. </div>
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So, naturally, if my life is like an ongoing book, then this blog would follow suit. As I live out this adventure, I want to be able to chronicle it as it happens. I want to cherish it. The ups and downs, the heartache, the struggles, the joys, the laughter. Just, life. In all it's messiness. </div>
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Finally, after a blogging break that has lasted far too long, I'm back. Excited and ready. The adventure is just beginning. </div>
Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544792817249305810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798820137124580554.post-39883146248665775022012-06-06T09:16:00.000-06:002012-06-06T09:16:47.274-06:00brave & courageous<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This morning, my sister is at the hospital having surgery. They're implanting a bone anchored hearing aid because she is deaf in her right ear. Last night I gave her a bath and brushed through her black silky hair with a pink comb. As I got her dressed in her pink princess pajamas, I started thinking about how thankful I am that she's my sister. I realized how blessed I am that she's in my life. She is absolutely the sweetest little girl on the whole earth. I love her silly little giggle. I love her curious smile. I love how much she loves life. She's playful and hilarious, and we are constantly laughing at her little jokes. I love getting her dressed in the morning and helping her slip on a pink dress or a polka dotted shirt and jeans. Everyday she asks me to play dolls with her or paint her toe nails or bake a batch of cookies. I say "Not right now, I'm too busy" far too often. I need to say "Yes" more to her, because I love spending time with her. I love helping her get her dolls dressed, I love the stories she makes up while playing with my old doll house. </div>
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<b>She is brave</b>. Oh, so incredibly brave. My little five year old sister is without a doubt one of the most <b>inspirational</b> people I have ever heard of or met. <b>She has taught me so much.</b> I've learned, by watching her, that you don't have to be serious about every situation--sometimes it's okay to just laugh. She taught me that challenges are meant to be overcome. She's taught me that hugs can make your whole day better and that maybe dancing in your pajamas is an important part of one's day. I've watched her overcome so many obstacles. I've watched her turn from a shy, adorable, little baby, into a hilarious, gorgeous, spunky little girl. </div>
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<b>She's a trooper.</b> The beginning of her life was spent going from an orphanage to various foster homes, just waiting for a family to bring her home. <b>This girl has courage</b>. Even when she first met us, her forever family, she had to be brave. She didn't know us, or trust us, and she had to have courage. She's battled health problem, after health problem. From surgeries, to weekly physical therapy sessions, to frequent x-rays, and many doctor's appointments, she always has a beautiful attitude. She has come so far, learned so much.</div>
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So, today, I'm just thankful for this sister of mine. I'm grateful for her and for everything she has taught me, every laugh she's given me, every time she's made us smile. <b>She is truly a gift from God.</b> She's my little princess, my roommate, my friend, my confidant, my sister. So many days I prayed that God would give me a sister and oh, how he answered my prayer! And now, this whole bone attached hearing aid? Well, my sister, is just a success story waiting to happen. </div>
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<i>Love you, Moriah Mei, and am lifting you up in prayer today that the Lord would give you peace and a very successful surgery. Thank you for everything, sweet sister. Love forever and always, your Jie-Jie.</i></div>
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<br /></div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544792817249305810noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798820137124580554.post-87105408341657293462012-05-22T13:01:00.000-06:002012-05-22T13:01:14.546-06:00little memories<br />
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In-between moments. Those times where the house is silent and all you can hear is the chirping of the crickets. Or a freshly baked batch of chocolate chip cookies cooling on the kitchen counter. Little moments when you and your friend can not stop smiling or when you complete your final math class for the year. Laughter that echoes off the ceiling and music that explains everything you feel inside. Sunshine that makes you feel happy and memories that you will cherish forever. Every smile, every tear, every sound of laughter. These are all things that tend to get lost in the day-to-day.</div>
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To be quite honest with you, life has been overwhelming lately. Final exams are just around the corner, and the beginning of Summer is just within reach. Besides being incredibly stressed for finals (missing a total of 5 weeks of school is making studying much harder!), I am thrilled to see what the future holds. It's difficult to stay calm and focused while the sun is bright and shining, and while the weather is gorgeous. But I must say that remembering to appreciate these little memories, these little moments is making everything far less tedious.</div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544792817249305810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798820137124580554.post-51543649592486013802012-04-04T20:09:00.002-06:002012-04-04T21:22:44.689-06:00sophia maria//portraits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6bFSBk-5L_GTMBBy4c_RSHMUicFI8vdRDrSwsEIeLe9WE39TqKbEjLDre8XoGIqSbozT2j6JPznTyubES0hbrHQvgVPpg9s6VECmRzOcJMt0B-mXR5IzKAwpv4Vhyphenhyphen783bDISapurOt2c/s1600/DSC_0236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6bFSBk-5L_GTMBBy4c_RSHMUicFI8vdRDrSwsEIeLe9WE39TqKbEjLDre8XoGIqSbozT2j6JPznTyubES0hbrHQvgVPpg9s6VECmRzOcJMt0B-mXR5IzKAwpv4Vhyphenhyphen783bDISapurOt2c/s640/DSC_0236.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a bright sunny day, the kind that makes you feel happy the moment you wake up. It was surprisingly warm and there was a slight breeze. There were birds chirping in the trees and it was a beautiful spring day. Her blonde curls were falling into her face, her bright eyes looks gorgeous against the sky and her rosy cheeks were beautiful. I'm so thankful to have her in my life. We like the same kinds of things, we talk about practically everything, and I love the fact that she calls me her "big sister."She loves anything vintage, and photography is her passion. It was a perfect afternoon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">p.s. you can see her blog <a href="http://wanderlusthearts.blogspot.com/">here</a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544792817249305810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798820137124580554.post-48380632394092608312012-03-29T11:13:00.006-06:002012-03-29T12:10:49.605-06:00our new normal<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">It's time to give you an update. We've been home three entire weeks but it doesn't seem possible that it's been that long. Sometimes I feel like the boys have been a part of our family forever, and other times I feel like we don't know them at all. We're learning more and more about each other as the days go on, and we're learning to live our new normal.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADurw_8LlZPxer_VToMk-Vv3Q5pWLIC5yjoI9x0EfY0WWLJJm61-h-ST4G4-cjeWKBLu5TBC0YtA9hNwaeSubbuVQVd_i6on64kwHdQwuZwICGey3LO5WhEKsK303zlb3F2qFDxXrtozz/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADurw_8LlZPxer_VToMk-Vv3Q5pWLIC5yjoI9x0EfY0WWLJJm61-h-ST4G4-cjeWKBLu5TBC0YtA9hNwaeSubbuVQVd_i6on64kwHdQwuZwICGey3LO5WhEKsK303zlb3F2qFDxXrtozz/s640/DSC_0004.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65JgF62zN-MJZ_Q0tsMKwX2wDcDPSEdC0O0bWfkyLuJMsSfZwU3ycFUXmiqGjRSd80XNkeP9bhZWq1CcZpORN5fqGf4zRDMsfrDExs65KKkP_hFukKqU_wNet4CHA4KrxGFv1RdEIJKO4/s1600/DSC_0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65JgF62zN-MJZ_Q0tsMKwX2wDcDPSEdC0O0bWfkyLuJMsSfZwU3ycFUXmiqGjRSd80XNkeP9bhZWq1CcZpORN5fqGf4zRDMsfrDExs65KKkP_hFukKqU_wNet4CHA4KrxGFv1RdEIJKO4/s640/DSC_0118.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgweWGQZW4JIpHTCw1pd_1Ccf3UIKSB8gEYzXGODdLuiLoqrQup13KHeJoSqUFmwlMzO-pqi5szPbPFAsaJwM2PfXO9d1TGDjJFJ_XTTXv2b3O7kTRRTni2l5LO6ulq4NFPdTc4zwDwxuFX/s1600/DSC_0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgweWGQZW4JIpHTCw1pd_1Ccf3UIKSB8gEYzXGODdLuiLoqrQup13KHeJoSqUFmwlMzO-pqi5szPbPFAsaJwM2PfXO9d1TGDjJFJ_XTTXv2b3O7kTRRTni2l5LO6ulq4NFPdTc4zwDwxuFX/s640/DSC_0130.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">I'm not going to lie, it's been hard. Really hard. I don't like change, and I have a really hard time whenever our "normal" is interrupted. But here's the thing, what we used to call normal, and familiar, and life, well that's no longer our normal, or our familiar, or our life. Everything is different now. And finally, I'm starting to realize that <i>it's okay. </i>So, maybe I don't like the noise level, or the mess, or how we can't communicate with the boys, but <i>that's okay. </i>In a few months the things I view as problems now aren't going to matter anymore. Sure, they chew loud when they eat.Yes, it's sometimes hard for them to get along with everyone else. But, <i>that's okay. </i>Those things are not the things that really matter, those are just the things that are happening right now, not the things that are important, just the things that make it a little bit harder.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPNso90uhoeNFxrWVHfE5nVjEGGbrsCq0ljkF4S8KGUWxGOYcoFpFWrOfB3_SKP6i1LvycjIr6HwEy-oFMQx5WAIFML-dFiZNIPcUJvA8tgrCz-FiAFEkM-Edx3YPArRWheRkx0w5Kofw/s1600/DSC_0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPNso90uhoeNFxrWVHfE5nVjEGGbrsCq0ljkF4S8KGUWxGOYcoFpFWrOfB3_SKP6i1LvycjIr6HwEy-oFMQx5WAIFML-dFiZNIPcUJvA8tgrCz-FiAFEkM-Edx3YPArRWheRkx0w5Kofw/s640/DSC_0136.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;">The boys are doing wonderfully. Really. They're helpful and sweet and they try so hard to say the few English words they know correctly. Everyday when they wake up, I know it takes strength for them to get up and face the day. They don't know us, they only met us a month ago. Each day they are brave. They try new things, learn new words, meet new people, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><i>live a new life.</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibA3QZ-RfZgu2pVCdN5TbItmMLFPR0VPuR5TE4X6LH8NRDNjRvG91tWPAwpbmvT0j8WJ-1AwqXSI9cWSVfI4UZ25E9CJk6KvAttJSfL92vukQbtlEKhJfhyNtl8zDmBvorBoZXCEYDV9LI/s1600/DSC_0158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibA3QZ-RfZgu2pVCdN5TbItmMLFPR0VPuR5TE4X6LH8NRDNjRvG91tWPAwpbmvT0j8WJ-1AwqXSI9cWSVfI4UZ25E9CJk6KvAttJSfL92vukQbtlEKhJfhyNtl8zDmBvorBoZXCEYDV9LI/s640/DSC_0158.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Dry8vIijkPuydPEGZfTZ0kbKOJRhWjgCLn2E1NE15Taq163Pfbb5yb2Iy3FX_HnwhJYaP5aEAzLxUnM5Cu4Bay_g2R9N5r_4Pz-r1yt4aWoiVRxIQyNta17iU4pQB68W2nkMABGjO0XA/s1600/DSC_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Dry8vIijkPuydPEGZfTZ0kbKOJRhWjgCLn2E1NE15Taq163Pfbb5yb2Iy3FX_HnwhJYaP5aEAzLxUnM5Cu4Bay_g2R9N5r_4Pz-r1yt4aWoiVRxIQyNta17iU4pQB68W2nkMABGjO0XA/s640/DSC_0190.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Adoption isn't easy. It takes patience and strength and God. It takes prayer and grace. And alone, I'd never be able to get through it. But with God, all things are possible. In Him alone, we can find our strength and our grace and our peace.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEz5gZgmvtU9ZOD3iPTP1zNiBdKvg28PPniup7UspkJ1DG8hm6MLFG6YOBJU_x5eZD3yBLbGrI2pLYDrF7KvCmomabaoZXs9s5vdw4nSHSjLULhczP12CnthgWLB5rDBHI0lkg98R69mcj/s1600/DSC_0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEz5gZgmvtU9ZOD3iPTP1zNiBdKvg28PPniup7UspkJ1DG8hm6MLFG6YOBJU_x5eZD3yBLbGrI2pLYDrF7KvCmomabaoZXs9s5vdw4nSHSjLULhczP12CnthgWLB5rDBHI0lkg98R69mcj/s640/DSC_0125.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><br />
</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsZS1NOTEB5WRY8vd7zy6wd6D3F13oa6hXRkpQtFCwupc-61i0SgCjiMyaZ8S7RdAQUPmuc331gfGgx-HVfuX9aI7TvVPING64I4MgqX_O_h-PsbOkdB6SGa02aeLC3a5moQ0sfZapvBL/s1600/DSC_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsZS1NOTEB5WRY8vd7zy6wd6D3F13oa6hXRkpQtFCwupc-61i0SgCjiMyaZ8S7RdAQUPmuc331gfGgx-HVfuX9aI7TvVPING64I4MgqX_O_h-PsbOkdB6SGa02aeLC3a5moQ0sfZapvBL/s640/DSC_0098.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">A new normal. More grocery shopping, more noise, different languages, more tears, more smilies, more doctor's appointments, more laughter, more love. It might be hard, but this whole new normal thing? I think I can handle it. It's beautiful and hard and difficult and wonderful.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">It will take time. We're going to cry, we're going to smile and laugh, but eventually this new normal will become familiar.</span></div></div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544792817249305810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798820137124580554.post-1352973412698761282012-02-29T23:00:00.000-07:002012-02-29T23:00:37.438-07:00the orphan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11wBt51XTXwGsHTUArazMZ6HQJDcxk7nutzdHHeoCogvMTYLEDeg3am-rpjlPbC3387G1M2J6S_lpREMsVVDy9I3EKlNYU3AajjrV4Z1h55m6PPrS21nVgUUkjrBrjIg54MWMnrNpkIGd/s1600/IMG_1725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11wBt51XTXwGsHTUArazMZ6HQJDcxk7nutzdHHeoCogvMTYLEDeg3am-rpjlPbC3387G1M2J6S_lpREMsVVDy9I3EKlNYU3AajjrV4Z1h55m6PPrS21nVgUUkjrBrjIg54MWMnrNpkIGd/s640/IMG_1725.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdsUpXkhCGsdVtoiqpdfzqO3rfbfEPeHnvMocIlCthMRQmF-bkSuRAxVVvzwiJOK4bUIaR92HY3OtH2x6oacZfknxmAPetqtSFqwVPCTpOSHWxi7YV2SIgSJGHYJPoGShz2OGrh19M_yL/s1600/IMG_1751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdsUpXkhCGsdVtoiqpdfzqO3rfbfEPeHnvMocIlCthMRQmF-bkSuRAxVVvzwiJOK4bUIaR92HY3OtH2x6oacZfknxmAPetqtSFqwVPCTpOSHWxi7YV2SIgSJGHYJPoGShz2OGrh19M_yL/s640/IMG_1751.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Little voices speaking in Chinese and quiet screams of delight could be heard coming from behind the door of the foster home as we walked up. We slipped off our shoes and opened up the door. "Ni hao! Ni hao!" lots of little children shouted. We had arrived at Isaac's old foster home where he stayed before we came to get him. There were little children everywhere. Some were sitting on the floor playing with toys, others were talking to each other. A few were far away from everyone else playing by themselves and one little boy was sitting in his bed watching everyone else. It was a very nice apartment they were all in. There was a room where cribs were up against every wall and little toddler beds were in neat rows on the floor. I was on a bit of a mission to find a certain baby I had seen pictures of--I was dying to hold him and love on him. My dad went into the bedroom as the rest of us played with the other children. Suddenly I heard, "Kimberly! Look who I found!" As I rounded the corner, I saw a precious little round faced boy with short black hair that I had seen photos of. He had small little eyes and perfect little pink lips. I held him for the rest of the time we where there. We played together and I talked to him. The time we had to leave came all too quickly, and I shed a few tears when I had to leave him there. I wanted to bring him home so badly, I wanted each of these kids to have a family. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I think I'll be coming back here to China one day. I don't know when it will be, but after seeing this, there is no way that I can turn my head and ignore these children. God touched my heart that day, and I know I have to do something to help these children. My heart was broken for the orphan. One day I want to come here and do something to help them. I'm not sure what, but I know that I have to do something. These children need us.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">{p.s. i've been horrible at blogging during this trip! tomorrow we are traveling home, and once we're back in the u.s. i'm hoping to write more about these past few weeks. thank you all again for all your prayers during all of this!} </div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544792817249305810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798820137124580554.post-69240036874920774742012-02-20T06:49:00.002-07:002012-02-20T19:27:37.286-07:00together at lastI'm writing this as I hear the chatter of two little Chinese boys in the background. I'm not sure what they're saying, but one thing I have learned today is that laughter sounds the same in any language. I woke up this morning with the realization that today was it. As we got ready for the day, and tried to eat breakfast, there was only one thing on our minds which was of course the boys. In less then two hours we would be meeting our brothers and sons. I found myself fighting back tears on the buss ride to the place we would meet them. I felt so overwhelmed and so nervous. We got closer and closer and finally, as we were pulling into the drive way we spotted one young boy. Joshua.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmP4PDlTIapP2mjG7muGlwEIohKqeNG8q7rf22tseFWWcjht25PppP5mUiOrujNoluuolZLuHPOs3XFY__bmmF6ZsmmERR85cRxG7K6fRBbUtWQ9L6aiT-0QT4kIKB4gkxTTY9oq_FFnZ/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmP4PDlTIapP2mjG7muGlwEIohKqeNG8q7rf22tseFWWcjht25PppP5mUiOrujNoluuolZLuHPOs3XFY__bmmF6ZsmmERR85cRxG7K6fRBbUtWQ9L6aiT-0QT4kIKB4gkxTTY9oq_FFnZ/s640/DSC_0046.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I think our whole family shouted "That's Joshua!" at once, and then proceeded to melt into rivers of tears. The tears came on quickly, yet I tried in vain to pull myself together before actually meeting him so I wouldn't scare him. Seeing Joshua walking into the building with tears streaming down his own face sent a flood wave over me, and I realized that yes, this is real. He was wiping tears from his eyes, trying to appear strong. His nanny who brought him had his backpack and together they were sitting on a bench, looking through an album of photos as we walked in the door.<br />
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Just as we spotted him and began walking towards him, another little boy caught our eye. Isaac. He was standing by the door, smiling, and walked towards us. Isaac had the sweetest look on his face and quickly we snapped picture after picture as we were introduced to the two new members of our family. Our eyes were filled with tears and we hugged them and said hello. Joshua didn't want to talk to us or look at us, and wanted to only sit with his nanny and grieve. I could not even begin to imagine what kinds of things were going through his little head. This was it, this was his family that he'd been wishing to have for nine years.<br />
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</div>Isaac was happy and motoring around the building, sucking on a lollipop and enjoying himself. After his nannies had to leave, he started to cry. My heart broke into a million pieces for him as well as Joshua as they were grieving the loss of everything they had ever known.<br />
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While it was the most emotional hour or two of my entire life, it was also the sweetest. I stood in this room, where I had just met my new brothers, and where other families were also coming together. Here in this room, God had brought together these people that had been without each other for so long. In this room, people became parents. Children became brothers and sisters. And people who never have meet each other before became families. It was beautiful.<br />
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Today we have been through tears and laughter. It's been hard, but it's been wonderful. I will never be able to express how much love and gratitude has filled my heart today. I look at these two boys and they are truly miracles. From the beginning of time, God planned them to be in our family. From the day when we first saw their pictures to the day we got on the plane, and now, when we have them in our arms, each of these times, God has brought us through it. Today I witnessed something I will <i>never</i> forget. This was truly and really the best day of my life. I watched today as God worked and brought these two boys to us, and seeing this all happen is something I will never be able to put into words. It was surreal, it was overwhelming, it was sad, but it was real, it was amazing, it was happy, it was beautiful. Now, as they are in bed falling asleep, Joshua is humming a Chinese song. I can't believe they are really here. I got to hug them and hold their hands and tell them I love them.<br />
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I am so thankful--for today, for this whole experience, for these boys, but most for a Savior who truly does watch over us, protect us, and love us. Today was such an amazing example of this, I was really amazing to see God at work in our lives and the lives of these boys. I could never think of a more perfect example of God's love and provision then the one I witnessed today.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">linking up with <a href="http://nihaoyall.com/">sunday snapshot </a> </span></div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544792817249305810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798820137124580554.post-61502382879540821872012-02-19T07:50:00.000-07:002012-02-19T07:50:59.102-07:00one last nightIn the days leading up till now, I've imagined myself writing this nice poetic blog post on the night before I meet my brothers. But, right now as I sit down to try to do just that, I just can not put my thoughts and emotions into words. It's not something that can really be described. I think to truly understand these feelings, one has to really go through the same thing, it's just not something you can put into words.<br />
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Tonight is their last night as orphans. I can't believe I'm actually saying that. So many days I've thought about what I would feel on this very last night before we get them. I'm excited, I'm nervous...I feel so many different things at once.<br />
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</div>I am going to meet my brothers <i>tomorrow. </i>I can't even explain how long it seems I've been waiting to say that. I am trying to remind myself that yes, I may be nervous and anxious, but I need to try to put myself in their shoes. How are they feeling on this last night without a family? What kind of emotions are they feeling? They have been waiting their entire lives for this day to come. They don't have any idea what to expect, and after years and years of not having a family this is all going to change tomorrow.<br />
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I think of the many things that I've been having to deal with in a different country--different foods, different smells and sounds. Yet, these young children, who are just 9 and 4 years old are going to leave everything they have ever known and go <i>live</i> with a family they know absolutely nothing about and <i>live</i> in a completely different country. I can not even imagine what that would be like. These boys are the bravest people I know. They might not know it, but what they are about to go through is something I don't think I could ever do. They are inspiring, they're my heroes. These boys are my brothers, and though I have yet to meet them and hug them, I love them already. They're already a part of our family.<br />
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Tomorrow, I'm going to be the oldest of six children, I'm really going to have two more little brothers. Right now I think I am the most blessed big sister in the entire world. I am so thankful to have all these younger kids in my family. I know that we're always going to be the best of friends, and while we might have our moments, I wouldn't trade them for anything in the entire world. I pray that I can be a good big sister to them, that I would be helpful and always there for them.<br />
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Tonight as I think about all this, I feel as if I could melt into a pile of tears and mixed emotions just hearing the word "tomorrow." I don't know what to expect, and neither do these boys. However, God does. It's not a mystery to Him. Through the hard times, and the wonderful joyous times, I want to be able to remember that. Thank you to each and every one of you for your continued prayers, they mean so much to me and my family. Words cannot express how thankful we are to know so many people have been praying for us during this.Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544792817249305810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798820137124580554.post-14543006823385031002012-02-17T06:23:00.000-07:002012-02-17T06:23:30.582-07:00the most amazing country in the worldYesterday, as the plane began to leave the ground, the sun was just coming up over the horizon. Now that we're here, I must say that I can't think of very many times I've been this exhausted...jet lag is not pleasant. Yet, though I've only been here for a day, this country has already captivated my heart. It is beyond amazing. It's quite an experience to breathe in the things around you. People everywhere are speaking a different language, everything smells strange, and there are so many things to look at. Things are so different here...the lights, the traffic, the food--everything!<div><br />
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It was busy today, we walked so many places, and never have I been so cold! Bundled in coats, gloves, and hats, we ventured to a silk factory, tiananmen square, the forbidden city, and a hutong village. I found myself watching, completely in awe, at this city. The wind was wiping through my hair and my hands were numb but I couldn't help myself from smiling as I witnessed all these things and did things I never have done before.<br />
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</div><div>It's so loud here, cars honk their horns at anything and everything-- and the people just walk around in the middle of the roads, as if they were completely oblivious to the face that they're about to be in an accident at any given moment. There are people whistling Chinese songs, others are standing on the sidewalks trying to sell all sorts of things. I found it rather humorous when people would try to talk to you just so that they could practice their English. And communicating with people who don't speak the same language is an adventure all by itself.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The food here is...interesting. I think it would be safe to say that I haven't eaten very much today. I prefer to stay away from things that have legs and eyeballs. I am, however, proud to say that I tasted a starfish and a scorpion, and that alone was quite an experience! </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEk-QI-mRTEMetfeOlLmYZNOBUVQi772bmiVMvzdVyFgHt5UOtPrN2qpfW_dAKdXj9soyJu5kBZiDopiGt5pV58a35VFfApv1-eonLfHyyfibH99l2vFmdUbq7fqt3gQw5wTclVFrJSzS/s1600/DSC_0673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEk-QI-mRTEMetfeOlLmYZNOBUVQi772bmiVMvzdVyFgHt5UOtPrN2qpfW_dAKdXj9soyJu5kBZiDopiGt5pV58a35VFfApv1-eonLfHyyfibH99l2vFmdUbq7fqt3gQw5wTclVFrJSzS/s640/DSC_0673.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div>I felt as if I could stand in one place on the sidewalk here, and just look at things forever. There is so much going on in this city. The history here is so rich, and I cannot even explain how blessed I feel to have this opportunity! Every time I look out the window of our tour buss, I am reminded again and again that I have been given so much. There are people here that have to beg on the streets just so they have enough money for their next meal. </div><div><br />
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</div>The magnitude of this city is something I think it would take forever to get used to. Tonight as we went to a night market, the lights and the smells were completely astonishing. Everything is so loud and large! It is nothing compared to Colorado, nor any other place I've ever been to. This country is beyond comprehension, it is so many things at one time. It's dirty in some parts, yet beautiful in others. The buildings are so detailed and so beautiful. It's nothing like home, but I love it. </div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544792817249305810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798820137124580554.post-18121390445955823152012-02-12T16:38:00.001-07:002012-02-12T16:38:36.259-07:00this is real.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkb2oIcCapN5XQ0pW7jsc7CHaGuQzwgN0grN-wt3rb4B0OmcHC5TSwUVEA4xa01c0FqQ8gt9B5ur3Xznsp23w4GwtsE2oqiv5jONQ8uNJhv1IDA9C6vsI5Y6aaSZh0PGuJ_aV5B2T9hujy/s1600/DSC_0223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkb2oIcCapN5XQ0pW7jsc7CHaGuQzwgN0grN-wt3rb4B0OmcHC5TSwUVEA4xa01c0FqQ8gt9B5ur3Xznsp23w4GwtsE2oqiv5jONQ8uNJhv1IDA9C6vsI5Y6aaSZh0PGuJ_aV5B2T9hujy/s640/DSC_0223.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Two days, 13 hours, and 3 minutes </i>reads my countdown app on my iPod. Two days? Is it possible that there are only two days until we step onto the plane and fly to China? So many hours I've spent longing for the week we'd travel to China, and now that it's here, I'm not quite sure what to think. I'm hoping to blog quite a bit on this trip--not only so that you all can hear about it, but so that in the days following our trip, I can come back and re-live all the sights, smells and adventures that China holds. I want to be honest and real in my writing here. I want to capture the details and describe it accurately. There will be so much to tell, so many things to write about, so many things to breathe in and look at.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When you start an adoption process, at least for me, I felt as if we would never come to this point. You have pictures of these children that you are longing to meet and hold in your arms, but you can't do anything but wait. And now, we're just days away from this whole thing actually becoming a reality. Sometimes through this journey I found myself thinking that it was so far away, and it honestly didn't feel real. But this is real! This is actually going to happen.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">There are so many things that we don't know about. These next weeks will certainly be some of the most challenging, yet at the same time, some of the most amazing days of my life. I honestly don't know what to expect. I'm nervous, I'm scared, but I am so excited. A week from today, I'll be meeting my brothers. I won't have to stare at their pictures longing for that day, I'll actually be living it. A week from today, I will be in China. A week from today my entire life will be changed. I'm so thankful that God is faithful and that I can put all my trust in Him.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>linking up with <a href="http://nihaoyall.com/2012/02/sunday-snapshot-9.html">Sunday Snapshot</a></i></div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544792817249305810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798820137124580554.post-39678667792526063022012-02-04T07:55:00.003-07:002012-02-04T08:43:29.286-07:00one day at a time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFxTPQ6qAhBmAascCaNJBrlB890mAF1bLQ3xtkj1bIMnaGHP8mX-szLTFHekug0zf9JwPpX-JyqwVdurm4M1mq-vNWd_5qlmhAZGCr-teN9WWf2eh6B3VZPmAn0LuYhj2ES8mYwY4giEc/s1600/IMG_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFxTPQ6qAhBmAascCaNJBrlB890mAF1bLQ3xtkj1bIMnaGHP8mX-szLTFHekug0zf9JwPpX-JyqwVdurm4M1mq-vNWd_5qlmhAZGCr-teN9WWf2eh6B3VZPmAn0LuYhj2ES8mYwY4giEc/s1600/IMG_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFxTPQ6qAhBmAascCaNJBrlB890mAF1bLQ3xtkj1bIMnaGHP8mX-szLTFHekug0zf9JwPpX-JyqwVdurm4M1mq-vNWd_5qlmhAZGCr-teN9WWf2eh6B3VZPmAn0LuYhj2ES8mYwY4giEc/s640/IMG_0054.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFxTPQ6qAhBmAascCaNJBrlB890mAF1bLQ3xtkj1bIMnaGHP8mX-szLTFHekug0zf9JwPpX-JyqwVdurm4M1mq-vNWd_5qlmhAZGCr-teN9WWf2eh6B3VZPmAn0LuYhj2ES8mYwY4giEc/s1600/IMG_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1"> </a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"> Where do I even begin? So much has happened. So much is about to happen. There are so many things I want to say, yet I don't know how.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> About two weeks ago, I had to have an unexpected surgery. It was hard. One day, you're healthy and then the next you're in the emergency room and the doctor is telling you that you need to have surgery as soon as possible. Once I got over the initial shock of realizing that these people were going to take apart my body and practically put it back together again, I had a sense of excitement. I was excited to be pain-free, I was ready to get it over with. Once I was admitted into the hospital, and was being wheeled into the operating room, I think I probably would have told you a different story. My family, friends, and church family were so supportive during this hard time in my life, and I am so unexplainably thankful and grateful for them. I spent the following days in bed, surrounded by gorgeous vases of flowers and cards sent to me by friends and family. As strange as this might sound, this surgery was a good thing. I needed to take a step back and look at my life. It was nice to revaluate my priorities and just have time to think about all these upcoming changes in my life.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">With moving houses, preparing to go to China in exactly <i>two weeks</i>, along with the normal business of our lives, it's been quite lively at our house. I do not think have we ever been so busy as we are right now. It's not what I would call easy, or exactly enjoyable. Yet while I struggle with balancing everything, I know that this is only for a short time, and it will be <i>worth it. </i>Every day we are a step closer to meeting the boys, everyday we are a day closer to holding their hands. I keep telling myself, <i>Every day is a day closer. Take it a day at a time. Don't. Be. Stressed. </i>Right now, at this moment, all I can do is rely on God's strength, His grace. One day at a time.<br />
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p.s. well, i finally got a twitter account. feel free to <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/thelittlejoys14">follow me</a>!</div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544792817249305810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798820137124580554.post-55829795260720948642011-12-29T11:14:00.000-07:002011-12-29T11:14:33.710-07:00fourteen.<div style="text-align: left;">Yesterday, as I woke up, I sat in bed for just a few minutes longer before I got up. The sun was streaming in through my open curtains, and Moriah had just run in screaming "Happy Birthday!" It was a sunny day, though there was still snow on the ground. And I could hear my family decorating the dining room with balloons and streamers, hurrying to finish before I woke up. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Yesterday was my fourteenth birthday. It was a beautiful day--cheesecake, spending time with family, perfect weather. Birthdays are wonderful things. I love being able to take one day out of the year to celebrate someone's life--with presents, friends & family, and of course, cake. While there's so much excitement wrapped up in birthdays, I think that sometimes, there is an aspect of melancholy that comes along with them. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>My whole year of being thirteen is gone. Another year of my life that I will never get back. Sometimes I find myself wishing I could go back to being a little tiny girl again. I wish I could go back to past Christmases or trips to the beach. Sitting on top of my father's shoulders and feeling like I could see the whole world from up there. I can remember times when we would pretend that we were pioneers outside in the heat of the afternoon. I miss being really little and tying blankets around my shoulders and pretending to be a super hero. I miss bringing my dolls with me everywhere and having daily tea parties.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5dYKDEJkx1PrrXTHTXoexjpxZXwtcVUZs6bqAI5DCLYv6dGXl2AAfXa1yO-_xt-mbEYGUGoLnztV3l_t5eVFWGplv4DU6L_DP-uilHyrNr9lCmyk2b6S1-tA1aDyKsYQ8z_YBQ4c4yO1/s1600/DSC_0538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5dYKDEJkx1PrrXTHTXoexjpxZXwtcVUZs6bqAI5DCLYv6dGXl2AAfXa1yO-_xt-mbEYGUGoLnztV3l_t5eVFWGplv4DU6L_DP-uilHyrNr9lCmyk2b6S1-tA1aDyKsYQ8z_YBQ4c4yO1/s640/DSC_0538.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Especially on my birthday, I often wish that I could go back in time and tell that little girl in the pink dress to savor those short sweet moment of being so little. Then I realize that maybe I should tell this girl in the dark wash jeans the same thing--to savor the moment, no matter what age I am. Soon, another year will be gone, and I'll be just another year older. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This last year of my life has been such a year of growth and learning. My life has been impacted in so many ways over this last year--so many things have happened. I've had so many new experiences, and I wouldn't dare try to list every amazing thing that has gone on in this last year. With each year that passes, I find myself different and changed by everything that the Lord puts in my life. And oh, I am so thankful. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Along with thinking about this last year, I start to wonder about the one ahead of me. I know that it's going to be a huge year of change. Switching schools, going to China, adding two more family members--and everything else that God has in store for me. While I could be terrified at this realization of all that's ahead of me, I'm not. I know that God has already planned this next year, and my whole life already. He already knows how this trip to China will be. He already knows what I'll face with changing schools. He knows that there will be times where I'll feel as if I can't go any father and I'll be completely exhausted, but he's going to give me those moments for a reason. Every obstacle I face, every triumph that I celebrate, every change I'll endure--it's all for my good, and more importantly, His glory. I pray with all of my heart that above all, I will give glory to my Father in Heaven through this next year. </div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Yes, sometimes I wish I could be a little girl again. Sometimes I crave for the times when I didn't have a care in the world. However, I've come to realize, that should I have stayed a little girl, there would be so much I would miss out on. I am nowhere close to being grown, and I still have so much of my life ahead of me. Through everything, I want to remember that my life has been perfectly orchestrated by the creator of all things. Though I get discouraged and fearful, and wish for the past--the present and the future are so exciting. I have so much to look forward to, and I think that this year of being fourteen will be wonderful. I hope that God will give me the grace and strength to live this year {as well as the rest of my life} for Him and to honor Him through it. When I turn fifteen, and I look back on this year of being fourteen, I pray that it will have been the best year yet. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So thankful. So encouraged. So ready for this next year. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">p.s. i wanted to thank you all for all of your sweet words on my post titled honestly. you all encouraged me so much through your comments, and i am so thankful. </span></div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544792817249305810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798820137124580554.post-71176551918116672942011-12-22T11:50:00.000-07:002011-12-22T11:50:50.295-07:00life as of late.<div style="text-align: left;">Shopping, eating candy canes, staying in pajamas until 11 am. Sigh, there's nothing about this time of year that I don't like. Last night, as I was sleeping, the world was covered in a blanket of snow. When I woke this morning, everything was white. Y'all know how much I love snow changing seasons, but honestly I was disappointed to have to cancel some plans because of the weather. However, it has been so nice to be able to muse around the house with nothing I really <i>have</i> to do. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">This week has been so very nice. Without the pressure of school to weigh on my shoulders, it is so indescribably nice to have time to do this or that. This week has been full of Christmas preparations. Shopping, baking, decorating, and spending time together as a family, of course. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Today has been...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">>><a href="http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/breads/muffins-that-taste-like-donuts/">Muffins that taste like donuts</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7ohfmSsPnWFPn231epyX-cXv4xfHbZtY1jmUkTlMMGtss4lVn8iAPbx9WYsvHNZk94KMsRQNXTe1mFrjXuet_0l-b00cdkdMiCQKrBAJn7ju6ye1YbDwh76XmMcOrJSAG0Gfh1l80Wcx/s1600/DSC_0295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7ohfmSsPnWFPn231epyX-cXv4xfHbZtY1jmUkTlMMGtss4lVn8iAPbx9WYsvHNZk94KMsRQNXTe1mFrjXuet_0l-b00cdkdMiCQKrBAJn7ju6ye1YbDwh76XmMcOrJSAG0Gfh1l80Wcx/s640/DSC_0295.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkr0O0uXrUpP-DID1SRJIwQbCL67stjBIiKQyiZul-8qlXuAb4sGsi15fh7BzfnPM65SVaWaKfZbQc_cVT1PJW3ulnzfxOP8xVGxuCdvWEmCu0cDrrcZoKdPQbRKB9BxR08YgDZr2pGaSB/s1600/DSC_0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkr0O0uXrUpP-DID1SRJIwQbCL67stjBIiKQyiZul-8qlXuAb4sGsi15fh7BzfnPM65SVaWaKfZbQc_cVT1PJW3ulnzfxOP8xVGxuCdvWEmCu0cDrrcZoKdPQbRKB9BxR08YgDZr2pGaSB/s640/DSC_0297.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5Lmvohhm5RbwlBhVGxWj30oHyL1bDTY9PY7Jj4pQ2alXxoIfB_n9QPyWzEk4rYK6aUgCw0tJj1MdAgHatQ8DBSlIwXupRCx8dWZxiM_kc0ixXWVscSWpDP4DWSGaLS544n-t121nq6I8/s1600/DSC_0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5Lmvohhm5RbwlBhVGxWj30oHyL1bDTY9PY7Jj4pQ2alXxoIfB_n9QPyWzEk4rYK6aUgCw0tJj1MdAgHatQ8DBSlIwXupRCx8dWZxiM_kc0ixXWVscSWpDP4DWSGaLS544n-t121nq6I8/s640/DSC_0298.JPG" width="640" /></a>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">>>embroidering.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAx_yAPiZN_k_YILsmNicofbpIhj-7mBHbhB41DnUv-UPuL5aJ5V0yX6VNcsRftu0FZHC05bfsizjUWo-MIYP4yWTGS0T5fqgvx8L-23Pcv2T6y-v2IxmymPfG8NEspAKFVRaCy7aER1q/s1600/DSC_0330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAx_yAPiZN_k_YILsmNicofbpIhj-7mBHbhB41DnUv-UPuL5aJ5V0yX6VNcsRftu0FZHC05bfsizjUWo-MIYP4yWTGS0T5fqgvx8L-23Pcv2T6y-v2IxmymPfG8NEspAKFVRaCy7aER1q/s640/DSC_0330.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxolXAQW-Zu8Nmcdb8sM-CUnztRjy8mgZC-X1gIcW_03qun6Np7-UjlDwWl4tsWD4VDmj4afhQS2Nx57Jw-1e7w0GVMMnhGbN3F6a7PIrNpyJ3Eymv4HRrEHGvT_Sf8EBzS7R-0AyVx4j/s1600/DSC_0332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxolXAQW-Zu8Nmcdb8sM-CUnztRjy8mgZC-X1gIcW_03qun6Np7-UjlDwWl4tsWD4VDmj4afhQS2Nx57Jw-1e7w0GVMMnhGbN3F6a7PIrNpyJ3Eymv4HRrEHGvT_Sf8EBzS7R-0AyVx4j/s640/DSC_0332.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">>>wrapping gifts.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pchTIV0Kx2NCHtGE9rUkmOQRWnObBMT7WJzOTb_J6ey1OO0A-SkcrCrdQvH9FMsjPL4ucNrrN_Etmh-Ql9W71nhyWofkP_QDN_L0nmC9vPHpRBNFZ-gHMSP4pjiGsmQ-WSAPbtlK7TrI/s1600/DSC_0277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pchTIV0Kx2NCHtGE9rUkmOQRWnObBMT7WJzOTb_J6ey1OO0A-SkcrCrdQvH9FMsjPL4ucNrrN_Etmh-Ql9W71nhyWofkP_QDN_L0nmC9vPHpRBNFZ-gHMSP4pjiGsmQ-WSAPbtlK7TrI/s640/DSC_0277.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iYTTDOiRENjws3sTcdEzt0dkpgYvrL1SI4naE2BhstkZZewRoFjgHCYKWOKS9gxW2ouoLB0OEBv3SeIf8il-lPeqTcUjwwNLDz7EAgANYvu9ZRuYeWMt9GnVnTe4QD0bYaWOxN7PK4t-/s1600/DSC_0282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iYTTDOiRENjws3sTcdEzt0dkpgYvrL1SI4naE2BhstkZZewRoFjgHCYKWOKS9gxW2ouoLB0OEBv3SeIf8il-lPeqTcUjwwNLDz7EAgANYvu9ZRuYeWMt9GnVnTe4QD0bYaWOxN7PK4t-/s640/DSC_0282.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">>>Hanging pictures on my inspiration wall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJLeDEl4x2vZPH2c2asf76FBOU03NfseG7NCRQ7aBclzpq_xfUL9AcaKz9MFwPqjnQxAT-pdZJCFFEtUHcR3rpZvlsy3L8s4iLM4XtD9tv7KMQ8iIfswEBhiLCMPB9cWaueM0qLx984K1/s1600/DSC_0335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJLeDEl4x2vZPH2c2asf76FBOU03NfseG7NCRQ7aBclzpq_xfUL9AcaKz9MFwPqjnQxAT-pdZJCFFEtUHcR3rpZvlsy3L8s4iLM4XtD9tv7KMQ8iIfswEBhiLCMPB9cWaueM0qLx984K1/s640/DSC_0335.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's been a good day, even though it started in a bit of disappointment. Now, I'm off to eat some soup and watch the snow fall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">How has your day been?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">xoxo,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">kimberly </div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544792817249305810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798820137124580554.post-33098919208563988452011-12-21T12:14:00.000-07:002011-12-21T12:14:00.755-07:00honestly.<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Life has been crazy lately. Probably because it's December, and well, we all know that's a very busy month. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">The past few weeks have just been hard. I find myself worrying about the upcoming adoption far too much. I need to take a step back and realize this isn't about me. These boys need a home, and we need them. At the same time, while I'm fearful, I'm so excited. It's a hard feeling to put into words. I've imagined the day that we will meet them so many times. Will they cry? Will they be happy? What will we even say to them? We're going to be a family of <i>eight</i>.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"> We're getting so very close to traveling, just two more months. I keep picturing myself walking out of the plane into <i>China</i>. I've dreamed of going to this country for so long, and now, this dream is becoming a reality. It's hard to believe, but I am thrilled. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbzBExT8DdQLzAylYiH2pbnvjI-kePX0RwCm7KKrEEic4dcrFifSGsJKzW0xeVa7N0fm2JXX4rHxvSxoNdqvB1ZqvCfb_NVlqZyqugBMEpEW07ZjGI8VimkqffnMclcgntPdyxO7EJ56P/s1600/tn-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbzBExT8DdQLzAylYiH2pbnvjI-kePX0RwCm7KKrEEic4dcrFifSGsJKzW0xeVa7N0fm2JXX4rHxvSxoNdqvB1ZqvCfb_NVlqZyqugBMEpEW07ZjGI8VimkqffnMclcgntPdyxO7EJ56P/s640/tn-1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HSiAXAlpUO0/TvIsudpodKI/AAAAAAAABbo/yD-dr6rvo_k/s1600/IMG_0264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HSiAXAlpUO0/TvIsudpodKI/AAAAAAAABbo/yD-dr6rvo_k/s640/IMG_0264.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Just this morning I was thinking about all this. I have so many questions I wish could be answered. It will be so nice when we can just deal with everything, instead of wondering and speculating. My mom found the most <a href="http://elliourgiftfromgod.blogspot.com/p/xiaoyun-speaks.html">adorable video</a> this morning that I think really puts everything into perspective. These kids need families. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfdkC0txlq7wdL_ti3u0_oKDsH5XIKPA22efG1nPxpPqtUIDVETA20yUooLUfxnnX1vCfy76ttx21CYRa-HKGCHg-Wwhh-b3G1pPvqNLEeyU-PvzYU_9ghLJDgMnGg7T3Nixv1rI2Nmej/s1600/Zhu+Xiao+Chuan+2011-7-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfdkC0txlq7wdL_ti3u0_oKDsH5XIKPA22efG1nPxpPqtUIDVETA20yUooLUfxnnX1vCfy76ttx21CYRa-HKGCHg-Wwhh-b3G1pPvqNLEeyU-PvzYU_9ghLJDgMnGg7T3Nixv1rI2Nmej/s640/Zhu+Xiao+Chuan+2011-7-15.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">I seriously can't wait until I'll be in China. I'm going to walk on the great wall, I'm going to experience all these things that I've only ever heard about. There will be new things on every corner, new adventures everywhere. I can't wait. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1n3qs39C0x2CAx0kcgddInbksBf7zI_ITPrBhpoznDyelsveYiBHcXZggS9UExurrXiExR1mF_D5f79XFa6hp53aOlLxHjyiXt_5ppJJQcfTo8G0-lGiWSiOD-AQ4ZNt0sG-gYXUjxSV/s1600/kor+park+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1n3qs39C0x2CAx0kcgddInbksBf7zI_ITPrBhpoznDyelsveYiBHcXZggS9UExurrXiExR1mF_D5f79XFa6hp53aOlLxHjyiXt_5ppJJQcfTo8G0-lGiWSiOD-AQ4ZNt0sG-gYXUjxSV/s640/kor+park+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">There's a song that I've recently re-discovered. It makes me sob every time I hear it, but it's beautiful and so well describes how I've been feeling and what I've been thinking about. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #636363; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, FreeSerif, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="uiGrid fbPhotoSnowboxInfo" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: 75px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 20px; width: 720px;"></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I know you’ve heard the stories<br />
But they all sound too good to be true<br />
You’ve heard about a place called home<br />
But there doesn’t seem to be one for you<br />
So one more night you cry yourself to sleep<br />
And drift off to a distant dream</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Where love takes you in and everything changes<br />
A miracle starts with the beat of a heart<br />
When love takes you home and says you belong here<br />
The loneliness ends and a new life begins<br />
When love takes you in</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And somewhere while you’re sleeping<br />
Someone else is dreaming too<br />
Counting down the days until<br />
They hold you close and say I love you<br />
And like the rain that falls into the sea<br />
In a moment what has been is lost in what will be</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When love takes you in everything changes<br />
A miracle starts with the beat of a heart</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And this love will never let you go<br />
There is nothing that could ever<br />
cause this love to lose its hold</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When love takes you in everything changes<br />
A miracle starts with the beat of a heart<br />
When love takes you home and says you belong here<br />
The loneliness ends and a new life begins<br />
When love takes you in it takes you in for good<br />
When love takes you in</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="uiGrid fbPhotoSnowboxInfo" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: 75px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 20px; text-align: center; width: 720px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="vTop fbPhotoUfiCol" style="font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; width: 432px;"><div class="photoUfiContainer"><div class="UIImageBlock clearfix fbPhotoContributor" style="max-width: 515px; min-height: 32px; min-width: 390px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 12px; width: 410px; zoom: 1;"><div class="UIImageBlock_Content UIImageBlock_SMALL_Content" style="display: table-cell; vertical-align: top; width: 10000px;"><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" style="display: inline; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; width: auto;" tabindex="0"><div style="text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544792817249305810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798820137124580554.post-56024426673226782872011-12-01T20:16:00.000-07:002011-12-01T20:16:47.144-07:00december first.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16hdz5e90Ql8NYigiXIwVlxlc4F2I-_sRbbmtqJHjCYh6BsLlWCPJhOB6W2UNZVpMF9EVGmyNf_KSo3pVNBGp4mR0yU_u2J-bKg4N_uApAwf-IUlZZw9Qaj8rhPXfXvXcy0Ra6r_7auqQ/s1600/DSC_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16hdz5e90Ql8NYigiXIwVlxlc4F2I-_sRbbmtqJHjCYh6BsLlWCPJhOB6W2UNZVpMF9EVGmyNf_KSo3pVNBGp4mR0yU_u2J-bKg4N_uApAwf-IUlZZw9Qaj8rhPXfXvXcy0Ra6r_7auqQ/s640/DSC_0222.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today is the first of December. Can you believe it? It snowed today--quite an appropriate beginning to December, if you ask me. It's starting to actually feel like winter, it's bitter cold, people are walking around town in boots, coats, and gloves, and the air smells of Christmas cookies. Our Christmas tree is up, I think it would be safe to say that our tree is a miss-mash of memories. Every year, our grandparents give us each an ornament on Thanksgiving day. Sometimes the ornaments are just fun, sometimes they represent something that happened that year or something we're looking forward to. I absolutely love pulling out the boxes and boxes of ornaments, each of them bring back a flood of memories. My favorite ornament we have would have to be the little Asian girl holding a lantern with a little Chinese house next to her--we got it while we were waiting to bring Moriah home. There are ornaments from my parents' childhoods, ornaments from trips we've taken, and from school that we've made over the years. I love waking up each morning, looking at it, and remembering different times from the past.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As the snow is falling, I'm sitting in our warm house, on the couch with a bunch of blankets. Today was a good day, I got to spend time with a friend, get a lot of school work accomplished, and now spend time with my family in the evening hours of the day. I'm looking forward to December--with Christmas celebrations, a break from school, seeing family, and my birthday, it's shaping up to be a very good month. I'm excited to see what December will bring.</div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544792817249305810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798820137124580554.post-48411464982458317512011-11-24T21:15:00.000-07:002011-11-24T21:15:01.188-07:00give thanks.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXyIDEptncQaf20YFUqoVu2HnHSudcnhG5N6VRaSv_cpn29NGzG33Kpi-xedtGocNaRb-L2pT2lH2r2l615BP1M1yRiBjTrnPRIFkD-rp3eRcD0nHMxm1neTjZLZEuq7HWN4wv971EHbh/s1600/DSC_0498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXyIDEptncQaf20YFUqoVu2HnHSudcnhG5N6VRaSv_cpn29NGzG33Kpi-xedtGocNaRb-L2pT2lH2r2l615BP1M1yRiBjTrnPRIFkD-rp3eRcD0nHMxm1neTjZLZEuq7HWN4wv971EHbh/s640/DSC_0498.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sometimes, it's nice to just sit back and relax. Thanksgiving is a perfect opportunity to do just that. While spending time with family and eating plates full of food it's wonderful to have a day set aside to being thankful for the things we've been given. We're in the mountains this Thanksgiving day, six hours away from home, in the snow filled mountain tops of Colorado. It's cold, there's a bit of snow on the ground and the lights and laughter that fill this mountain are simply marvelous. This morning, after a breakfast of cinnamon rolls we ventured on the gondola that took us to the very top of the mountain where a little town lay. We walked around, took photos, and then came back to the hotel where our grandparents had prepared a lot of wonderful food. Green beans, rolls, turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and of course--pumpkin pie. The afternoon was filled with ice skating and just spending time together as a family. I'm so thankful for what the Lord has given me and what he's doing in my life. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">Giving thanks today for...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">-my camera, i carry it almost everywhere i go.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">-tea. herbal goodness in a cup.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">-the friends the Lord has given me, they are truly amazing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">-the family i have. there are so many without families, but i have one that is always there for me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">-hand written letters.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">-beautiful sunsets.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">-laughter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">-warm fuzzy slippers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">-sweet boys who are waiting for us in china. {just a few more months!}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">-curly, messy, wind-blown hair.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">-a warm home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">-a roaring fire place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">-a warm bed to climb in at night.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">-our lord and savior Jesus Christ.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">-music--thoughts put to a tune.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">-the life the Lord has given me--I wouldn't trade it for anything. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br />
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</div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544792817249305810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798820137124580554.post-67558881372021872942011-11-23T18:25:00.000-07:002011-11-23T18:25:51.380-07:00magnificent.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-cxX2XN9McPqFVDa5Z39haLin6t4OtlrVi7sALW4-ilgRZrhedekGkHUa9DBeVXvHVjjRZO1wg58QkHA5Ck8wojItAoQmaHU26TDk8TgQYnUL2uej64zMUvmYdQa2BuAyxH1uRs6TyyS/s1600/DSC_0430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-cxX2XN9McPqFVDa5Z39haLin6t4OtlrVi7sALW4-ilgRZrhedekGkHUa9DBeVXvHVjjRZO1wg58QkHA5Ck8wojItAoQmaHU26TDk8TgQYnUL2uej64zMUvmYdQa2BuAyxH1uRs6TyyS/s640/DSC_0430.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>I'm sitting outside in the dark, on the balcony where the ski lift comes flying by me. We're in the mountains at a condo for thanksgiving. It's beautiful. The sun just set behind the mountains far in the distance and you can see the moon emerging from it's hiding place. There is snow on the ground and the sound of nature is everywhere you turn. There is an outdoor skating rink not far from here and you can hear the children laughing and playing. I'm huddled in a blanket breathing everything in.<br />
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My grandma, grandpa and mother are in the kitchen preparing dinner. My father, brothers, and sister are glued to the television on this cold fall night. It's so magnificent--being in the mountains on the eve of thanksgiving. The air is brisk and chilly the trees are swaying ever so softly in the cold breeze. There are Christmas lights everywhere--on trees and on houses. I can't even begin to describe the scene. You can see, ever so faintly, stars in the sky making shapes in the blackness. Tomorrow is a day of thanksgiving--of being grateful for what the Lord has given us. And right now, I'm thankful for this very moment--to be here right now in the stillness of night as the world falls asleep.Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544792817249305810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798820137124580554.post-4154610201678614812011-11-11T09:47:00.002-07:002011-11-14T17:20:44.215-07:00seize the day<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVoMa1aWkM9oJSVjyXDVTLCcA2tFo3vBEr7rx2UlaHmuCTY5HqaQqOwkoX6myEUntJWaImOQJR5opncTk8xkJEaIUjshGBOER4GlKXPKvmrI9UeEo22k3Lhe191N2SHDcIIfJ5dFkG-aX/s1600/DSC_0224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVoMa1aWkM9oJSVjyXDVTLCcA2tFo3vBEr7rx2UlaHmuCTY5HqaQqOwkoX6myEUntJWaImOQJR5opncTk8xkJEaIUjshGBOER4GlKXPKvmrI9UeEo22k3Lhe191N2SHDcIIfJ5dFkG-aX/s640/DSC_0224.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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I was sitting in my room not very long ago, just thinking. Pondering life, school, friends. Everything has been so busy--between school, church, things with friends, and a lot of adoption related things. I've become so lost in the day-to-day of everyday life, that I forget to take joy in the little things. Sometimes I want, so badly, to have something new and exciting to do or experience. But that made me think--how many times in our lives do we just forget to be thankful for the little things in life? I find it happening a lot on my own life--I tend to focus on the bigger things, especially school without stopping to savor the small sweet moments of life. I need to cherish the special moments like...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">-reading books to younger siblings</div><div style="text-align: left;">-having tea with a good friend</div><div style="text-align: left;">-sitting outside watching the sun go down as the sky turns from a blue, to a deep pink to a dark black</div><div style="text-align: left;">-watching the snow flakes of the first snow fall to the ground ever so softly</div><div style="text-align: left;">-sitting in bed at night with a good book</div><div style="text-align: left;">-the smell of fresh pumpkin bread baking</div><div style="text-align: left;">-finding a new song and completely falling in love with it</div><div style="text-align: left;">-a hug from a friend</div><div style="text-align: left;">-laughter filling the house</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Life is so beautiful, I truly want to learn to seize the day. To enjoy every moment, even if it's not that exciting or full of adventure, because we<i> never </i>know when something could be taken away. Often I become discouraged with the mundane moments we have in life. However if you stop, take a deep long breath and look around you, there are snippets of beautiful things. This life, though sometimes is void of excitement & activity, it is so full of little hidden joys. I want to seize the day and all the little joys hidden within.</div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544792817249305810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798820137124580554.post-9047980050755978572011-10-17T20:39:00.001-06:002011-10-17T20:40:29.596-06:00pumpkin spice cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">This time of year, when the leaves are falling from the trees, and the house is warm with the fireplace on, there is something about the weather which makes me crave pumpkin. Pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin bars, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies--and especially pumpkin pie. I appeased a bit of my craving the other day by making a pumpkin cake.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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It was a breezy afternoon and the noon sunlight was pouring in through the windows as I pulled out the recipe and began to gather the ingredients. Mixing things together, pouring this and that into the mixing bowl, cracking egg after egg and chopping the nuts one by one, the cake began to form. <br />
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Once it was put into the oven, I sat and waited rather impatiently for it to bake. The minutes ticked by slowly, but as they did, the air was filled with the sweet aroma of autumn. Softly, music played on the radio, and I sat with a book in hand waiting for the beep of the oven when it was done.<br />
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</div>While it was certainly not the most beautiful cake I've ever seen, it was delicious. My mother got the recipe from a friend at church last year, and ever since, it's been a favorite at our house. The nuttiness of the walnuts mixed with the creaminess of the pumpkin was sensational. The taste of cinnamon and the hint of ginger collided together to create the most extraordinary burst of spices. It definitely satisfied my longing for pumpkin, until of course, I find another magnificent pumpkin recipe that I can't pass up.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">recipe:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 29 oz. can of pumpkin</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">4 eggs, beaten</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 12 oz. can of evaporated milk</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 1/2 cups sugar</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 teas. ginger</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 teas. cinnamon</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 box yellow cake mix</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 cup of chopped pecans {i used walnuts instead}</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 cup melted butter.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Mix pumpkin, eggs, milk, sugar, ginger, and cinnamon and beat well. Pour mixture into a glass 13"x9" pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over pumpkin mixture. Sprinkle nuts on top; drizzle melted button evenly over all. Bake at 350 degrees for 75 minutes. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream {my personal favorite}. Allow to bake during your meal--it smells wonderful! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Kimberly</span></div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544792817249305810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798820137124580554.post-21644264396604728852011-10-15T12:11:00.001-06:002011-10-15T20:38:27.805-06:00just lovely things and thoughtsThis past week has been all kinds of wonderful. A break from school and perfect weather. I'm absolutely in love with autumn--the changing leaves, the cooler weather, the sweaters and boots, the hot drinks. Every bit of it is positively enchanting. The air is crisp and fresh while inside our fireplace is roaring and we sit in the evenings to enjoy cups full of hot cocoa.<br />
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This morning, it is cloudy but as I sit here at my desk sipping "sleepy time tea," my favorite. When ever I drink this tea, it brings me back to the times where I used to sit with my grandma on her porch and drink this same tea. She'd let me have as many sugar cubes as I wanted to, and I'd put in so many ice cubes that by the time my tea was finally gone, it was ice cold and the bottom of the cup was filled with sugar. Those days where my grandma did that with me were always my favorite. She has a collection of little spoons that she reserved especially for those "tea party" days. I'd always get to pick which tea cup I wanted to use and which spoon I thought was the prettiest. How I loved those days!<br />
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</div>Yesterday we went on a hunt for a few vintage things at a thrift store. I have to admit that digging through people's used items isn't exactly my favorite thing to do, but I love it when you find some things that you've been looking for. Lately, I've been looking for a few vintage things to put in my room here and there. I was absolutely delighted to find some old records and a 1967 <i>Webster's Illustrated Dictionary. </i>I've decided that even though thrifting isn't my favorite thing to do, the results are worth it. Finding these treasures made my day quite lovely.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">---------</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Earlier in the week my family went to a small farm nestled outside of a forest on the plains of Colorado. Animals were everywhere, a pumpkin patch was home to all sizes of orange pumpkins, and though the air smelled worse then anything I've ever smelled before, the scenery was beautiful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>On Monday, I'm back to everyday life again. Fall break is over. I don't feel ready to go back to school again. This school year has been much more stressful then I was anticipating. The work load I have seems to take over my life and I feel as though my life has been overrun with school work. It's a hard balance--spending <i>enough</i> time on my school work, yet still having time to do other things and not obsessing over my studies. However, I am finding that when I do have time off of school, I enjoy it so much more. These times of being able to spend time with friends and family, taking day trips here and there, are so relaxing and such a welcome relief from the day to day grind of school work. I am so thankful for the Lord's grace and patience with me--it is only in Him I am able to keep going. I am so blessed.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFetak8_hntSTm0LvDq1JrTny1-OUkkhWDFWdhDmyjnXtD1wHGI6pjRZmg9sHRbB5_1K8uNTszFKnPQKrGq3FJQFcwZXDa8YH3x21mYoASwDttd-wl36ML0Nr1lpstal1KqWReg9_FvHO/s1600/henry+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFetak8_hntSTm0LvDq1JrTny1-OUkkhWDFWdhDmyjnXtD1wHGI6pjRZmg9sHRbB5_1K8uNTszFKnPQKrGq3FJQFcwZXDa8YH3x21mYoASwDttd-wl36ML0Nr1lpstal1KqWReg9_FvHO/s640/henry+3.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgpuOJc5q-2YGN66COQwWSozPg7IX3tyN6w_6l-VD70PcdxARsMk6vU5kbuWVPTq_8aNfzyNDIN6zmGwDOiCNpgueDcRRCzYeBM6Q8__ARfvE0ETbHqjI3fALOVTldAo-htiyDKRHSULS/s1600/IMG_3632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgpuOJc5q-2YGN66COQwWSozPg7IX3tyN6w_6l-VD70PcdxARsMk6vU5kbuWVPTq_8aNfzyNDIN6zmGwDOiCNpgueDcRRCzYeBM6Q8__ARfvE0ETbHqjI3fALOVTldAo-htiyDKRHSULS/s640/IMG_3632.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Is that not the cutest smile you have ever seen? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Several of you have asked how our adoption is going. We sent in our paperwork to China a few weeks ago, and very quickly after that, they sent us our log in date. Now, we wait. We are hoping that my parents will be able to travel sometime in February. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think and wonder about these boys. There is so much "unknown" right now. I find myself day dreaming about what they'll be like day after day. There is so much still to do before we bring them home! But, we are resting in the fact that God knows the exact day and hour that we will have these boys in our arms. Though that day seems so far off right now, we know that God's timing is perfect and every step of this adoption journey is planned out by the author and creator of our lives. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>This week was hot chocolate, day dreaming, shopping, sitting down with a good book. This week was smiles and laughter. Here's to next week, being even better!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Saturday, friends! </div></div></div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544792817249305810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798820137124580554.post-124513482011016472011-10-14T21:09:00.001-06:002011-10-15T20:39:13.487-06:00blonde hair and blue eyes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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This last week, two of my closest friends and I ventured around their neighborhood in hopes of getting a few good pictures. We causally strolled around, stopping at a playground for a few minutes, stopping under a grove of trees, laughing and talking the whole time.<br />
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These two sisters have to be two of the most beautiful people I know. They both have long golden hair that blew so softly in the wind, and they share the same bright blue eyes.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The best part about these two is that they're beautiful on the inside too. They're so sweet, so kind and they have such beautiful hearts for the Lord. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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We're rather crazy when we three get together, but I must say that every moment I spend with these girls is absolutely lovely--whether we're talking about things seriously, laughing until we cry, or walking around taking pictures.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They're beautiful, and so, so special. I love them. Very much. </div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544792817249305810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3798820137124580554.post-78527651305946294892011-10-10T13:30:00.000-06:002011-10-10T13:30:40.722-06:00fall has arrived and i'm quite happy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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This last weekend, my cousin invited me to go with her family for her birthday to the mountains. As we drove up the winding roads, and as we got higher and higher up into the sky, the weather became much cooler. We buried ourselves in blankets for the two hour car ride, and entertained ourselves with our cameras and snacks as we watched the world go by from the windows of the car.<br />
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We checked into the lodge we were staying in, and then went a bit farther up into the mountains to a quaint little town for lunch. We devoured our lunches, herb bread, and iced tea and then ventured to little shops stopping to window shop here and there.<br />
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We spent the afternoon in our lodge, watching tv, talking, and sipping Starbucks as the weather outside grew even more winter-like.<br />
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The next morning, the world outside had been covered in a white fluffy snow. The first of the season! It was beautiful and so, so, cold.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">We donned boots and sweaters and took a walk outside in the early morning. </div><br />
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The best part of the weekend was going to town and shopping while it was pouring snow. It was absolutely freezing, and we practically ran to each shop, but it was so worth it.<br />
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There were several people who looked at us as if we were crazy to actually be stopping in that kind of weather only to take pictures. But I absolutely love how they turned out, and I know I'm going to treasure the memories from this weekend forever.<br />
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</div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544792817249305810noreply@blogger.com0