tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24336050480385778032023-11-16T04:34:12.097-06:00Our Journey to Maggie MaeMaggie Mae's Journey was established to allow our friends and family to follow our walk through the process of an international adoption.The Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07652003564687000532noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433605048038577803.post-31725443109446337822011-02-17T20:17:00.000-06:002011-02-17T20:17:55.859-06:00An Amazing Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQ2sgjjtOLHsjB19z21IgaHVzlvt1oexmJ99uy3rNc9Y0RngVxKgtSLVIEmu_hYCckYI174YC33Lr0pnPmYqiP-IUBpEvS_Jnb19z4_rJj389jfC-SrUeO8g-mZXxjRfaCa24d2zVNIU/s1600/IMG_3514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQ2sgjjtOLHsjB19z21IgaHVzlvt1oexmJ99uy3rNc9Y0RngVxKgtSLVIEmu_hYCckYI174YC33Lr0pnPmYqiP-IUBpEvS_Jnb19z4_rJj389jfC-SrUeO8g-mZXxjRfaCa24d2zVNIU/s200/IMG_3514.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing for Tony at her Fall Festival Party!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5-XFuL-Znj-mdmRGywP1Qw8MF1vYGX6dOxQh63zIDbB84DiJs1L7PJnTo9kNJgypp50qVfyFTzetV-2fpwwHXhqor9JnYgABzRiWlnHWhWVOKNMfytaluzpltZUDmMdp_eIvmcglI8s/s1600/IMG_2640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5-XFuL-Znj-mdmRGywP1Qw8MF1vYGX6dOxQh63zIDbB84DiJs1L7PJnTo9kNJgypp50qVfyFTzetV-2fpwwHXhqor9JnYgABzRiWlnHWhWVOKNMfytaluzpltZUDmMdp_eIvmcglI8s/s200/IMG_2640.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pure Joy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1H47g2xRa1w_n2OXidQvU9jkiHK4c5npDwhyzr7XyhaSjT6j_U1VRpIv_jvY12LB2ulQKlwVdm_6tr8kjy_8S7hgaWVqXiu-FvvvFf_jR-bQ8NiHDt3SaloiV8eNy2HonvH7DuI-xnw/s1600/IMG_2672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1H47g2xRa1w_n2OXidQvU9jkiHK4c5npDwhyzr7XyhaSjT6j_U1VRpIv_jvY12LB2ulQKlwVdm_6tr8kjy_8S7hgaWVqXiu-FvvvFf_jR-bQ8NiHDt3SaloiV8eNy2HonvH7DuI-xnw/s200/IMG_2672.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ole blue eyes!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preston, Parker and Grant</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmqCDZ9ZHvwd6NWgvgRRM70_iyQ_npIoheWiiGBAyNlY1Rv34n0Ocxp17B3d9Km0oLLBVOc3duCmCrwcHqmFQZ50pAFyWuQD7T4oQd5aQ1hQ5SouFhWM8wMe_nJrraP7vUbXbqoo3fDY/s1600/IMG_3566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmqCDZ9ZHvwd6NWgvgRRM70_iyQ_npIoheWiiGBAyNlY1Rv34n0Ocxp17B3d9Km0oLLBVOc3duCmCrwcHqmFQZ50pAFyWuQD7T4oQd5aQ1hQ5SouFhWM8wMe_nJrraP7vUbXbqoo3fDY/s320/IMG_3566.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow! Have we come a long way! Sleeping on Granny Champions front porch!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom and Dad took a much needed Cruise to celebrate our 15 years of marriage!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parker teaching his cousin Kathleen how to drive the truck!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what a little Pre Op medicine will do to you! She is a little loopy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade gingerbread houses with our friend Rachael</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maw Maw and her baby girl!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm007POhh_7H3O2ez2s099biV-TocZST_U75KQ37Z9V8n3hzo5Sbc_8f9IyhPhd2qWHbhhc8YNashpmomIqgHYaStKxjjAuKNSChq93AJY3brfzdTDqwI4NqstkyuWhHpHOAkuus8WfrY/s1600/IMG_3762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm007POhh_7H3O2ez2s099biV-TocZST_U75KQ37Z9V8n3hzo5Sbc_8f9IyhPhd2qWHbhhc8YNashpmomIqgHYaStKxjjAuKNSChq93AJY3brfzdTDqwI4NqstkyuWhHpHOAkuus8WfrY/s200/IMG_3762.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maw Maw and her big baby girl!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr79oD0RBY_XW_3GUjimju1ngQJS5MEv48Dd0fuR5c4x3b_mznYp0njMXiIpXolroQSIoUvdYv1eYAw9YrOPw0sbdGdVREpi5nIQjhadPyfSg0z0cKCNZDtgUny-j0xMWBMq60537G-fo/s1600/IMG_3816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr79oD0RBY_XW_3GUjimju1ngQJS5MEv48Dd0fuR5c4x3b_mznYp0njMXiIpXolroQSIoUvdYv1eYAw9YrOPw0sbdGdVREpi5nIQjhadPyfSg0z0cKCNZDtgUny-j0xMWBMq60537G-fo/s320/IMG_3816.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MOON/BEAR! (crazy boys, you have to see Bedtime Stories to get it :-)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_trcTiy0q9MB6QJtNvsmFBcZnfffk_DL69zanvKtXvxrxVWxezexfHaSUOFHaQ6UZQQ1B5x5aUpTBD-vZOJ__ApUhAlfMyWLr4JNwqz_V6B-_V8GTqd8rn60hzgLLPnZ2GWdKjnBOI4/s1600/IMG_3817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_trcTiy0q9MB6QJtNvsmFBcZnfffk_DL69zanvKtXvxrxVWxezexfHaSUOFHaQ6UZQQ1B5x5aUpTBD-vZOJ__ApUhAlfMyWLr4JNwqz_V6B-_V8GTqd8rn60hzgLLPnZ2GWdKjnBOI4/s200/IMG_3817.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first trip to Montgomery's Capitol at Christmas!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6mzx_EC9EQAMQPvzY5eBYQlzOyc2GMqoMV6wU8YM2Fwo-s3fTDE86mID4oAG8jvnLv7bvIqdnQB3KIIKj1vg2FcUJWJ44eoxca_GtkylZIIfI6i5IXKzto4FcN0444tR4ruf-q5IZHA/s1600/IMG_3959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6mzx_EC9EQAMQPvzY5eBYQlzOyc2GMqoMV6wU8YM2Fwo-s3fTDE86mID4oAG8jvnLv7bvIqdnQB3KIIKj1vg2FcUJWJ44eoxca_GtkylZIIfI6i5IXKzto4FcN0444tR4ruf-q5IZHA/s320/IMG_3959.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I Love this man!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8AwZVTMidVkyV-1usOv1sE8TY4iXLya9yJKo1W7WfULKGUFVng2HDeIMtsc5SpAN3ltJhQsau3ojy1P6Isue5mvkSdLV8AY9QBcSna8te0EyIQuSkwtie5mVz9e__mmvsbepdSvIpCY/s1600/IMG_3979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8AwZVTMidVkyV-1usOv1sE8TY4iXLya9yJKo1W7WfULKGUFVng2HDeIMtsc5SpAN3ltJhQsau3ojy1P6Isue5mvkSdLV8AY9QBcSna8te0EyIQuSkwtie5mVz9e__mmvsbepdSvIpCY/s320/IMG_3979.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maggie Mae and her "piwow pet"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3pOW3VsZHWaUKReRjOMy7-eUR4873rfV9pYU8WGBtC2H4yEQSj1H4rQtpmTdZSXnECFkk9H1D9GScoWf2drUDhwGRQFbdnkS2SoadUQdyHqBq-9jF3r60eGTkCZgD2jS273W3VCbC_w/s1600/IMG_4108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3pOW3VsZHWaUKReRjOMy7-eUR4873rfV9pYU8WGBtC2H4yEQSj1H4rQtpmTdZSXnECFkk9H1D9GScoWf2drUDhwGRQFbdnkS2SoadUQdyHqBq-9jF3r60eGTkCZgD2jS273W3VCbC_w/s200/IMG_4108.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tony's 9 point, WOOHOO!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcku1LdBZ5ZJtNC-wkbA5oZv5ySQOl-E7QQt4wc6V-7HOov4hv_vhSNT9rkOflEMD6k-DwopFYajANlRhsB89pU0M5IjdTBSszpd8-tM6Zaml_8bFvQfR41nWxkWBoWFxnK_HtXHeENfw/s1600/IMG_4012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcku1LdBZ5ZJtNC-wkbA5oZv5ySQOl-E7QQt4wc6V-7HOov4hv_vhSNT9rkOflEMD6k-DwopFYajANlRhsB89pU0M5IjdTBSszpd8-tM6Zaml_8bFvQfR41nWxkWBoWFxnK_HtXHeENfw/s200/IMG_4012.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousins!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8pWmz9kurnED15PMCO6ox0csACfb2c0aNK205hSgXJWbRO7SAepGpqsrQtoRE1L9wKKcq2Nby3y36t9P9Bk9YeOW_pOpQRv9EGvWR03Fn4EpKvBDv-tjbbBlFNI4jtxeF1dQnparLbg/s1600/IMG_4016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8pWmz9kurnED15PMCO6ox0csACfb2c0aNK205hSgXJWbRO7SAepGpqsrQtoRE1L9wKKcq2Nby3y36t9P9Bk9YeOW_pOpQRv9EGvWR03Fn4EpKvBDv-tjbbBlFNI4jtxeF1dQnparLbg/s200/IMG_4016.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the guys ready for paint ball!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mSDPJHLAyYSYqjiGNiDWGWUFj4E-MVwYJF84tlv1k9gfPOno2PJU2Np7ayk_hSVpVhYqxt6bXIlXr4GNFPrlC6003oxEgpBN-P-rzO3_A_aJOx65oaSamqoPMuAskfFL0tKcD3r0j8g/s1600/IMG_3089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mSDPJHLAyYSYqjiGNiDWGWUFj4E-MVwYJF84tlv1k9gfPOno2PJU2Np7ayk_hSVpVhYqxt6bXIlXr4GNFPrlC6003oxEgpBN-P-rzO3_A_aJOx65oaSamqoPMuAskfFL0tKcD3r0j8g/s200/IMG_3089.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parker has the honor of laying a wreath at the Vietnam Memorial in DC</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEYlMO8qJ8pQToCd94iF_SyA-i6Pb6g3i87pvU6Fb2yKaIIukdH02xZO9_hBSsOxSOwUM79TelJGsKl6LMtxQMJgcebzI0NEuU_uaxCNtcvPBHPmDCNS7wf99PmXuFs0Kr08w4HPkw9M/s1600/IMG_4090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEYlMO8qJ8pQToCd94iF_SyA-i6Pb6g3i87pvU6Fb2yKaIIukdH02xZO9_hBSsOxSOwUM79TelJGsKl6LMtxQMJgcebzI0NEuU_uaxCNtcvPBHPmDCNS7wf99PmXuFs0Kr08w4HPkw9M/s200/IMG_4090.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Girls!</td></tr>
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We can't believe it has been a year since we arrived home with Maggie Mae. So many wonderful memories this first year! We want to recapture the year first by looking at how much her vocabulary has progressed. We started out with parrot talk. She repeated everything! In China it was " Happya", "bye bye" and this awful sound "hiyah" for most everything. Then, when we got home, she began repeating just about everything we said. She gave everyone a new name, Parker is BoBo, Camden is CoCo, Sarah-Gracen is Stister, and Tony was Taco at first but now she calls him Tony. After about 4 months home, she was not only saying words, but she was applying them correctly. Right now as I'm typing this she is telling BoBo "pwease stop, you need to change yur additude" :) Some other favorites of ours are "I need som mo food pwease", "Pwease a plain bagel wit cream cheese", "I love you so much", and one of the funniest is when she told her daddy "I can't hold you all day daddy"! She will also tell you to "back off" compliments of the Hufham boys :-) Speaking of the Hufhams, Maggie Mae has a special bond with Jake, who absolutely loves her. It is so sweet. Thank you Jake for an incredibly loving heart. Anyway, I could spend all night writing down phrases. She basically can carry on a full conversation with you as an adult would:-) Hopefully, my friend Courtney Bass will help me upload a video so you can hear her for yourself.<br />
Well enough about her verbal skills. Many of you have asked about her eyes. One year ago, we were told she was blind, could not see much of anything, and there was no cure. Well, our God has done exceedingly and abundantly more than we could ever ask. He is healing her eyesight and she is seeing things that the medical world says she should not be seeing. We hope to bring her back to Birmingham in March to have her visual acuity test done. For those of you who don't believe in miracles, we would love to introduce you to Maggie Mae! God has been so faithful to us this past year. Our family has grown closer together than ever. Even though we have been extremely busy, we have spent more time together playing games, eating meals, having family devotions, and just enjoying every moment we have with each other. As our family grows, we are learning ways to serve one another. The boys are learning the ways of Chivalry from Dad. Sarah-Gracen and I are having to learn to wait for them to open doors and pull out chairs. This has been fun but hard because we are so accustomed to just get the door ourselves and get out of the car quick. In addition to chivalry, the guys are loving hunting. In addition to the traditional deer hunting (Tony got a nice 9 point), they are trying to make black birds extinct :-) The girls are learning how to do laundry and cook, and the guys are enjoying Sarah-Gracen's love for baking :-) There is something so sweet about the fragrance of home. We are blessed to have the life we have.<br />
As we kick off this new year, we are seeking God on many things. As we make our needs known to the Father, He is teaching us to thank Him for what He will do even when we have no idea what that will be. TRUST, TRUST, TRUST, TRUST.... That word is around every corner. Dexter and I are getting our GPS certification for Fostering/Adopting in Montgomery. We have completed 3 of the 10 classes. God is revealing the many needs right here in our own community. We will be completing that course in March, followed by another home study, then we wait to see who the Lord wants to place in our home. One thing a dear friend shared with me that I will never forget is this. We, Christians, will form a line and hold hands to show our support for Pro Life. Yet, when these girls choose life/adoption, not many people are lining up to help take care of them. We have an incredible opportunity in fostering to minister God's unconditional, unfailing, healing love to kids and their families. So here we go!<br />
There are so many people who have played a huge role in ministering to our family this year. So many I wouldn't dare try to name you all. If you have had anything to do with Maggie Mae this year, thank you! We have praised Him for you and your prayers and support. We started this out 2 years ago with the theme Community, and the Lord continues to illuminate his love and desire for his children to live in community with one another. Be encouraged as you walk out His plan for you and your family. He is faithful and will complete the good work He began in you.The Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07652003564687000532noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433605048038577803.post-61485044728825383382010-09-17T10:22:00.000-05:002010-09-17T10:22:07.089-05:00A Change in Seasons<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #424242; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 18px;"><div class="entry" id="entry-6a00d8342086bb53ef0133f36d9fa2970b" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 20px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; position: static; width: 470px;"><div class="entry-content" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; position: static;"><div class="entry-body" style="clear: both;"><br />
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</span></span></div></div></div></div></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfRhXkswLIHlSS3ugpFe1U-PO5C_OdKFOMtXkv_bcrFtrqTb2iZ6RGvPn_zDVSDA5LQ-cNlodVjAThx5G8QH1cVWhCM2CNjnmaZ5vUkZAeP6YO62tLg2eu-wahzLx-L4LqWK-Jo0UQ-s/s1600/IMG_2373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfRhXkswLIHlSS3ugpFe1U-PO5C_OdKFOMtXkv_bcrFtrqTb2iZ6RGvPn_zDVSDA5LQ-cNlodVjAThx5G8QH1cVWhCM2CNjnmaZ5vUkZAeP6YO62tLg2eu-wahzLx-L4LqWK-Jo0UQ-s/s320/IMG_2373.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's Final! She is ours FOREVER!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ujylIkM_BP3FX6A8eXwTgQYPbkpXvpzVc5G09Zsq-foHnEA9evyQ3j1PMcN7e4OUFN4Hzems-1QHtmSI_suIQ0Qim4EbEzW5qdDrcLy0sdHaj6Q04QZ0NUcoZnhoU3Tm4h5j7vRsYLM/s1600/IMG_2401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ujylIkM_BP3FX6A8eXwTgQYPbkpXvpzVc5G09Zsq-foHnEA9evyQ3j1PMcN7e4OUFN4Hzems-1QHtmSI_suIQ0Qim4EbEzW5qdDrcLy0sdHaj6Q04QZ0NUcoZnhoU3Tm4h5j7vRsYLM/s320/IMG_2401.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Priss on a mission</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlLedOUkyFJqRss-NfAT15H4_kEIQxTb7oJg24nRzqGQIUUJu2lFC1zsePAKIYF0hKKJdgiBnTLlh4wuuydemtXE16SmZ0YnaDvB7D7M9BGMSAOXwm2B_SnWQJtk0vUrxfx47hjX3VP4/s1600/IMG_1703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlLedOUkyFJqRss-NfAT15H4_kEIQxTb7oJg24nRzqGQIUUJu2lFC1zsePAKIYF0hKKJdgiBnTLlh4wuuydemtXE16SmZ0YnaDvB7D7M9BGMSAOXwm2B_SnWQJtk0vUrxfx47hjX3VP4/s320/IMG_1703.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I wonder if daddy is looking"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mxP0_I0315sLnLR_87huR9im62rmQ0JFy4MqV7oh1GkdDQcE_jws3XW9lTop0w5OpyfU2dl6tmPS1X2RiXLbOmrSSHI1B3gxVcZnBb64NZqKxVBUemHbSspo9nkTjT5Oaa2lLJAQzR4/s1600/IMG_1690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mxP0_I0315sLnLR_87huR9im62rmQ0JFy4MqV7oh1GkdDQcE_jws3XW9lTop0w5OpyfU2dl6tmPS1X2RiXLbOmrSSHI1B3gxVcZnBb64NZqKxVBUemHbSspo9nkTjT5Oaa2lLJAQzR4/s320/IMG_1690.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Huuumm, what does this taste like"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcCH55phkaharRNGXGDtWTkZzP9tA7MB8RV8yqRwU7cBNH05vC2UnaHIKrMOxtuYdo5D5xGVXwgtfsEyK0FsHjPVSGfuIjEj80mjUExfwfkHRiOZmoId2wQvolsU6GUj_H8uGFPmWGSs/s1600/IMG_1689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcCH55phkaharRNGXGDtWTkZzP9tA7MB8RV8yqRwU7cBNH05vC2UnaHIKrMOxtuYdo5D5xGVXwgtfsEyK0FsHjPVSGfuIjEj80mjUExfwfkHRiOZmoId2wQvolsU6GUj_H8uGFPmWGSs/s320/IMG_1689.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, it's dog poo:(</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVq5TboOlJzqfpVACi8sO6E8_14wqEIZAkE8Gx4dz7KLV5sPD8x60uabsyAaaLU0zkgR7XJQ6_SwQQ_2VfkgYL-S2DusMy4gtnddaEoRtMRpDG4WyFde29uoHIfIfchwC_y81jrCixl9s/s1600/IMG_1693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVq5TboOlJzqfpVACi8sO6E8_14wqEIZAkE8Gx4dz7KLV5sPD8x60uabsyAaaLU0zkgR7XJQ6_SwQQ_2VfkgYL-S2DusMy4gtnddaEoRtMRpDG4WyFde29uoHIfIfchwC_y81jrCixl9s/s320/IMG_1693.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes she is double fisted!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5c603dPvj3FR3888R0hLXZHA2qSLS60jeXWJFR6YNXctHp5hVINWzR6ELEGkC5ALDky9tg77HGfg0doWVPAunFxDAZtsYp_Xe1gPDIfquidkNeL2ZPfGcfF1r7MeAIPQfJo542tKxIc/s1600/IMG_1726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5c603dPvj3FR3888R0hLXZHA2qSLS60jeXWJFR6YNXctHp5hVINWzR6ELEGkC5ALDky9tg77HGfg0doWVPAunFxDAZtsYp_Xe1gPDIfquidkNeL2ZPfGcfF1r7MeAIPQfJo542tKxIc/s320/IMG_1726.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st day of school and raisin toast!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAirnsolQ_gnWN99RmjffnWzD6a0g3Ioe8R7tWAX5iQ6k0TNJi-9wEurjYNEAGKkwZ6uAFYkaOa5sYq4nl601_S6_-ESLOnqzhVifR8l8OzLMqoYMJzfwA274uKNvYoMIqteEc0P2bLc/s1600/IMG_1727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAirnsolQ_gnWN99RmjffnWzD6a0g3Ioe8R7tWAX5iQ6k0TNJi-9wEurjYNEAGKkwZ6uAFYkaOa5sYq4nl601_S6_-ESLOnqzhVifR8l8OzLMqoYMJzfwA274uKNvYoMIqteEc0P2bLc/s320/IMG_1727.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puzzle time with daddy!<span id="goog_1944930801"></span><span id="goog_1944930802"></span></td></tr>
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</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every month we see changes in our lives, our hearts, and our sweet Maggie Mae. Her personality is merging quickly, and she is definitely a funny, funny girl. We just keep falling more and more in love with her, if that's possible! She started playschool last week. She goes to school on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Her class has an international flair, with China, Korea and India being represented. Her low vision does not seem to be holding her back at all. Yesterday her teachers were so impressed with her on the playground. She went up and down the slide on her own. She loves play dough, puzzles, and the home living center. Tuesday, I walked in and one of her teachers was showing her how to iron. She can sing her ABCs and count to 10. She is very smart and pays attention to everything. Her brothers and sisters love getting her to say all kinds of things! It's amazing what she learns in the car while mommy is in the grocery store:), like "wuz up", "ha ha ha ha, stayin alive, stayin alive", "that's the way uh huh uh huh", oh and the list goes on and on. She definitely is entertaining to all. She has been staying at home some with Tony while mom is at work, and he thinks she is the easiest "kid" to take care of. What an incredible big brother she has, and yes she looooooves Tony. I think he's pretty fond of her too! She is the ultimate fan at baseball and football games. She listens to everything the crowd is shouting and joins right in to cheer on Parker and Camden. Bath time with Sissy is one of her favorite times of the day. There is a lot of giggling going on in there. She is learning to pray, and when you are praying too long she will quickly chime in an "Amen":)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am continually in awe of all the Lord is doing in our lives. So much of what I am learning now it to Trust Him and to Be Still. For those of you that know me, I am a doer, so this is uncharted woods for me. I think we sometimes mistake being still with doing nothing. However, that is not the case with the Lord. I am to be still so I can hear His voice as He guides me to the next step. If I am so busy trying to do things FOR Him, I miss out on being WITH Him. Sometimes, I miss that and start plowing through something, but I am learning that it is okay, He is not disappointed in me, and He gets me back on track. Circumstances both good and bad, come and go in our lives, but one thing is always true, He is in the middle of it all. We don't like being in the mire and clay or in the wilderness, but that is where He meets us and does foundational work in our hearts. Walking in His Kingdom is beyond our understanding, but it is an incredible journey!</span></div>The Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07652003564687000532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433605048038577803.post-37395146131710986722010-08-04T10:33:00.000-05:002010-08-04T10:33:58.518-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JJZlI8P7zUsOr5BlA3kEQyGOY3ERfDDsiqA8Z2ZXPfA6bGvlbfcgEf01_Of_9yN0mUjV_gF79R0ySP8Y30Zor902fB4mdazeEMTlwWdUvQGb-wEeLvZWoq9jyBqBteTwk-E4g971-GI/s1600/IMG_1469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JJZlI8P7zUsOr5BlA3kEQyGOY3ERfDDsiqA8Z2ZXPfA6bGvlbfcgEf01_Of_9yN0mUjV_gF79R0ySP8Y30Zor902fB4mdazeEMTlwWdUvQGb-wEeLvZWoq9jyBqBteTwk-E4g971-GI/s200/IMG_1469.JPG" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6An50K92dX0GAJsA-R1vvdZAVcfOl_REl9adQ7Hf93zyzI4IacukQPkVEa8kEQVpUlCW7pOU_DzzBIGnTR2tueUCH3HdsXckpHB58P0TeCVME57jFFyz_cO3wF9v32itv6th2ubY0nkU/s1600/IMG_1454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We had a great time this past week on vacation with Maw Maw and Paw Paw at Lake Martin. It was so relaxing and the kids all had such a great time. Maggie Mae really felt comfortable with Maw Maw, especially after that bag of suckers :):):) I really think she could have had anything she wanted:):):) She went to Maw Maw and stayed with her for a long time which was a great treat for Mommy. She loved the "wake" and the boat. She did great wearing her "wife jacket" too! She recognized Aunt Cheyenne every time she talked to her. We really saw her blossom around the family. Late nights, short naps, and she was always happy. Such fun memories.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In addition to last week, two weeks ago, she really fell in love with her daddy. She asks for him all the time, goes to him when she's in my arms, and he loves when she says 'find my daddy". So between loving her daddy and loving her Maw Maw, mommy feels like she has been on vacation for the past two weeks!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Well, now we are back to reality, Maw Maw is in south Alabama and daddy is in Memphis. Needless to say, Maggie Mae is bored without so many people to entertain. We went to the low vision specialist in Birmingham on Monday and were very encouraged. We have said all along we felt like her vision was improving since we have been home. The Dr. agreed, and she felt like Maggie Mae would be able to read large print one day. We really thought she was going to need a lot of special assistance with school, mobility, and just life in general. We are taking it one day at a time, but are so encouraged that so many people with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia lead fairly normal lives. Not so sure driving will be in her future, but hey I guess mommy will just have to buy that convertible to drive her around in:):):) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our plan at this point is to learn 4 shapes, and when she masters that, we go back to Birmingham to have her acuity measured. Then we'll see what the next step is. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In thinking about what God has been up to, I am focusing a lot lately on my perspective vs. His. We prayed and believed that God could heal Maggie Mae. When we picked her up and they told us she couldn't see anything, I have to admit, I was discouraged. However, 5 months later, I have seen so much improvement in her sight, that I must acknowledge His work in her life. My expectation was instant healing, His is a process. There is so much that Dexter and I are learning about walking through uncharted woods and laying down our expectations and walking in His unconditional love. It's amazing how He is using this sweet little girl to teach us so much. I have to admit, at times it has not been fun; however, after laying down my ability to push through things, and allowing His power to work through me, I have to say it is all worth it. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>The Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07652003564687000532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433605048038577803.post-31718679249520480392010-06-22T06:58:00.000-05:002010-06-22T06:58:44.911-05:00Fun in the Sun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJjmmq-FbcBinojrELfwO2N74N3lqA5hj4mMetvsVWY7Iw3sIjfpi3Q0wnDtHwGPGytQh7mEhu5pvzV7lafNERiVXZQVSCNPwmorKoU_BXLXDrzVMALRmXcWU5fz2n-9FeuDSZRghxmt0/s1600/IMG_1928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJjmmq-FbcBinojrELfwO2N74N3lqA5hj4mMetvsVWY7Iw3sIjfpi3Q0wnDtHwGPGytQh7mEhu5pvzV7lafNERiVXZQVSCNPwmorKoU_BXLXDrzVMALRmXcWU5fz2n-9FeuDSZRghxmt0/s320/IMG_1928.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyumOYj_dJJUkBmfsghpZNdJidSeeyIcjsq9Ft9TT_eSNQvCLqnC_VwzD4GKqKU-PieK7-kNR82uelZFbv1chNcEqqVI6QppOpe-l6tf_V-aLbeWEO7FBheVz3bKDXPgDF5AeC-MA31w/s1600/IMG_0837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">Summer is off to a busy start. The girls went with Daddy to Perdido Beach Resort for the weekend then to Maw Maw and Paw Paw's house. Then we loaded up and headed to the lake with the Portis family for the day and had a great time on the boat tubing. Maggie Mae loved it. She wanted her "wife jacket on" and to "go for ride boat". A few weeks ago my brother Todd, his wife Wendy and my niece Kathleen came for their first visit. Then we were off to the lake to pick up our "new" used boat. Everyone had such a great time and are so excited about being able to go to the lake and river to fish and ski. Finally, we just got home from Florence, AL for Parker's State Baseball Tournament. They finished 4th!!! Now we are into football practice, going to the pool, and taking the boat out. Maggie Mae is adjusting well and loves to be on the go. She stayed home for the first time with big brother Tony while I went to a baseball tournament in Auburn. He took her yard saling and she did great. She did however manage to get her not so clean diaper off in the crib and made a huge mess. Thank goodness mommy was home to help out with that! She loves her brothers and sister and yes, she loves her daddy. A few weeks ago she started saying "can't find my mommy, can't find my mommy!", then she would find me and curl up in my arms and say "find mommy". It was so sweet. Well this past weekend while Daddy was on the field coaching, she went up to the fence where he was leaning and said "find my daddy". That made his Father's Day perfect! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">The Lord has been doing a lot in our home, too much to even put into words. I will say that the comment the Family Therapist said back in February about her knowing whose in control so she doesn't have to be, has come to life in my heart. So much of my life has been wasted on trying to do everything right to get a perfect outcome. The Lord awakened me a few weeks ago and gently said "I'm in control so you don't have to be". A huge weight was lifted, but I feel like I'm learning to walk all over again. Hard to explain the depth of this one, but once again, God is using life with this precious little girl to teach me so much about Him. </span></span></div>The Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07652003564687000532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433605048038577803.post-71524181608968601242010-05-08T09:58:00.000-05:002010-05-08T09:58:53.352-05:00From Death to LIFE!So much has happened in the 7 weeks since our last post. Please forgive us for not posting sooner; however, the hard drive on my computer died and we just got it back. <br />
GOOD NEWS! Maggie Mae LOVES LOVES LOVES her daddy. It was the week of Easter, March 29th to be exact, and we had a huge break through. Dexter came home, and she went to him on her own and played for a while. From that point on, things just improved daily. She is now comfortable with both of us and there is a newness of joy in her heart. You can see it in the smile on her face in her profile picture. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>She is talking great and getting around without any difficulties. We've been to Birmingham several times for doctor's visits and an MRI. Her confirmed diagnosis is an Underdeveloped Optic Nerve. It is a birth defect. Her MRI showed a clear brain scan, no tumors, cysts, or evidence of trauma. We are so thankful for this report. She did well under anesthesia and recovered without any problems. She has been to the dentist and does need some dental work; however, we are going to wait a little while for that. <br />
We are working with a vision specialist with the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind. She is an early intervention specialist who will be making home visits to help her get on track developmentally. <br />
She is expected to have 20/200 vision at best, but they do not expect it to get any worse. Many have asked if there is any treatment. At this time there is not because this is a nerve issue. However, we feel the Lord has already shown His power in her life. Her eyes are not dancing around as much, and she really is quite functional. We are praising Him for the sight she does have and the plans to prosper her future. <br />
She is very very funny, and she knows it. She has won the hearts of everyone in our family. She's quite the charmer with the boys, especially big brother Tony. She always goes up to him and says "Hiiiiiiiiiiiii". It's hilarious to hear that southern accent coming out of this tiny Asian child. She loves to take "baffs" with Sissy, jump on the trampoline with "CoCo" (Camden), and any time "BoBo" (Parker) is around, she wants him to hold her and play with his ipod or cell phone. Daddy time is always special, I think, because we waited so long for it to happen. Mommy is able to go get groceries or run errands now while she stays at home and plays. I can't tell you how much I've been blessed by Tony being home. Although he is discouraged by not being able to find a job, I really believe this was God's perfect plan for these past few months. He has been such a huge help to me, serving me in so many ways. I have come home to clean floors, clean bathrooms, clean dishes, the fields have been bush hogged, plants watered, and he loves playing with the other kids. I have to say, having the oldest come home after finishing college has been a great thing for this Mom!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Well, I think I've given you most of the details for the last 7 weeks. The Lord has been speaking, and his hand has been upon on us. On Easter Sunday, as Amy and I were watching Maggie Mae run around in church, she said "It's like she has gone from death to Life". Well what an appropriate week for that to happen. One of my favorite passages in scripture is Ezekiel 37 and verse 5 says, "This is what the sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life." This scripture written long ago is very real in our lives today!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLynzZEVZIHUYCpVcI4p4CzvXTmiKNw5Ki5VotO5A_dRXv6Z8osTgG84hP37vbZwsTUq35xaddJPIMa4UK6kYCu3hjWzUrrvM1gB5iiHTJwc3i-Xjh1IOhn4iEdmmeRdfW-9tLJboe8HQ/s1600/IMG_0529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLynzZEVZIHUYCpVcI4p4CzvXTmiKNw5Ki5VotO5A_dRXv6Z8osTgG84hP37vbZwsTUq35xaddJPIMa4UK6kYCu3hjWzUrrvM1gB5iiHTJwc3i-Xjh1IOhn4iEdmmeRdfW-9tLJboe8HQ/s320/IMG_0529.JPG" /></a></div>The Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07652003564687000532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433605048038577803.post-21876679318020898682010-03-20T13:28:00.008-05:002010-03-20T19:26:54.150-05:00He's in the center of EVERYTHING!Having had 2 weeks to just sit back and try to figure out what God is up to, I've come to the conclusion that I don't have a clue and quite possibly never will! :) BUT, the profound thing is, I see him in every detail of every day. Who would have ever thought this tiny little girl with no home, no family, and no consistency in her life would be the one to teach us a thing or two. We logically walk into this whole journey following God and expecting Him to use us to minister to Maggie Mae. Oh, how creative He is to see it differently and use her to cause us to once again surrender our will, our plan, and our perception and simply sit at His feet and seek His face.<br />Sometimes I think to myself, "How much more do you want me to learn God?", "Is there anything left of myself to strip away?", "Why am I the only one walking through the fire?". Even as I type this, I can't believe I even entertained those thoughts. They are definitely not from the Lord, and they will only cause me to stumble if I don't recognize them as a trap from my enemy. His purpose and plan will prevail. I will be perfected in HIM! He will purify my heart as a silversmith his silver until the only reflection is HIM!<br />So you might be wondering what are these LIFE lessons I am learning. I emphasize LIFE because He takes what is dead and breathes LIFE into it and teaches us to walk in the newness of LIFE. Some things are easy to explain, while others are not. Most importantly I am constantly reminded that this is not about me! When I look at Maggie Mae and think about her life thus far: abandoned at 6 months on the side of the road, put in an orphanage, placed in foster care, brought back to the orphanage, picked up by English speaking Americans and brought to a foreign land, I can't imagine what is going on in her mind. We had time to prepare for her, to begin to love her, to make plans for her, but she had none of that so she doesn't know how to receive all that we want to give her. Does this sound a little like what our Heavenly Father has done for us? He has known us since before we were born, has loved us, and has a plan for us, but we don't really know Him, and He definitely doesn't speak our language. Therefore, we don't know how to receive all that He has for us. So, like Maggie Mae, we look for what makes us feel safe and secure, cling to it, and don't want anymore change. Every time Dexter tries to love her and comfort her and she turns away and screams, I think of how God loves me and wants to comfort me, but I don't want to let go of what is safe and secure. It breaks my heart to see her reject her daddy, but even more I think "Can I be breaking the heart of God when I reject Him?" So change is something I enter into kicking and screaming, but when I encounter Him, I can't help but be changed forever.<br />Submission to His authority and His plan is not something we do naturally. It is a choice we must make daily. Which brings me to our appointment with the Family Therapist at the International Adoption Clinic in Birmingham last week. She and I were talking about what to do when Maggie Mae is doing something she doesn't need to be doing. Discipline is a touchy subject right now obviously, but in reality, she is a two year old, and we will encounter situations that need to be addressed. So, my question was about how to say no and begin to establish authority. I believe we all are in desperate need of boundaries and as my pastor says, "The Kingdom of God runs on the rails of authority." Authority is a GOOD thing and so is submission. So this is what the Family Therapist's response was, "She has to know who is in control so she doesn't have to be.". WOW, I think I could probably ponder that one forever! How much weight do we carry? How many burdens do we bear? All because we are trying to be in control of everything around us. We need to know and be constantly reminded that God is in control so we don't have to be. Can I hear an AMEN! Boy, I so needed to hear that, and it has really caused me to let go of a lot of things. He daily bears my burdens. I don't have to make sure everything is perfect for everyone else's sake. For Maggie Mae's sake especially. As I am walking in submission to HIS control in my life, she will benefit greatly from that alone.<br />So the big strongholds of abandonment, rejection, and control seem to love each other's company. Abandonment causes us to experience loss, which causes us to reject anything that we cannot control. And right now His still small voice is saying, "I have overcome all of these things and you are victorious in me!" Praise be to God!<br />As He continues to mold and shape us, and we continue to poor love and acceptance into Maggie Mae's life, we so appreciate your prayers. I want to say the biggest prayer request now is for her to begin to bond with her daddy because we are back to the way it was in the beginning. I want God to bring revelation and set her free. I want to praise Him for her attachment to me and pray that she will begin to give me her heart and receive the love we all have for her. I want to continue to pray for healing for her eyes. I pray that He would restore what the locusts have eaten away. Thank you all once again for your continued enthusiasm and prayers. We are truly blessed to be surrounded by such incredible people.The Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07652003564687000532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433605048038577803.post-38895883426350008002010-03-02T13:06:00.004-06:002010-03-02T14:08:11.039-06:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFDwDTn6SBfL4222KzPZH8qmAwgPKUEPyAgV6rewkcEsbd39hDJzEA7fgUdcqAD6qJjOt054BT53mB-MZA_C27PpATzfVm2ljBQj69lUm5X5aTI5J97cAsTuX5nwF4mb9MYTubNXGKTw/s1600-h/IMG_0204.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFDwDTn6SBfL4222KzPZH8qmAwgPKUEPyAgV6rewkcEsbd39hDJzEA7fgUdcqAD6qJjOt054BT53mB-MZA_C27PpATzfVm2ljBQj69lUm5X5aTI5J97cAsTuX5nwF4mb9MYTubNXGKTw/s320/IMG_0204.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444117153103841346" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDZopYzLfnmgh1O6umKGVB48S8QyVPs6AwaYHPwoO1K_Fq6zrWlI63MWI_KO2RA_S4VS6yRNFc05PqdzEQchhm7Fa6_ZWEVS-I3nmbjAfDPS-N5OCAQggEjjrF96rBNCCOlQ5WT3r-Xg/s1600-h/IMG_0231.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDZopYzLfnmgh1O6umKGVB48S8QyVPs6AwaYHPwoO1K_Fq6zrWlI63MWI_KO2RA_S4VS6yRNFc05PqdzEQchhm7Fa6_ZWEVS-I3nmbjAfDPS-N5OCAQggEjjrF96rBNCCOlQ5WT3r-Xg/s320/IMG_0231.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444117143924900962" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqGlUlHUIQVIhN73BquGgqyksP5zm4_1txAMoMF9IopszifptIkXDCCRd1alWFcIHaWekF-2brJFMRAXlkILVUIxal8a4wzgSAhkO93VHmB11eG3Pgutml4bZMobRWs1nFW57s6RvF-0/s1600-h/IMG_0217.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqGlUlHUIQVIhN73BquGgqyksP5zm4_1txAMoMF9IopszifptIkXDCCRd1alWFcIHaWekF-2brJFMRAXlkILVUIxal8a4wzgSAhkO93VHmB11eG3Pgutml4bZMobRWs1nFW57s6RvF-0/s320/IMG_0217.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444117137345644882" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCuJzmYZPNHWSiwfbmgu2aKO8j2oEORYaqod9b30DkN-A0QXAAZsXRmq3qlD16W4ZCFRQj2H-ZowWUopgsjAu34EaYCHJOYiR6tBt1ZN5GGFKyXpH8qDaHJsrM0uYWDqjDij5-UfE7IQ/s1600-h/IMG_0229.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCuJzmYZPNHWSiwfbmgu2aKO8j2oEORYaqod9b30DkN-A0QXAAZsXRmq3qlD16W4ZCFRQj2H-ZowWUopgsjAu34EaYCHJOYiR6tBt1ZN5GGFKyXpH8qDaHJsrM0uYWDqjDij5-UfE7IQ/s320/IMG_0229.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444117126019594754" /></a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwocjCzROxaMMTvDu8KF0n-FnuaIIhdq1ESI39FJRtJ57kfmJAGmAkEko6SIr1dqwBbWj0MNXesVuBuB5zPuw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><div><br /></div><div>Thank you to the Burkes for having our birthday celebration filled with great food and priceless memories. We love yall!</div><div><br /></div>The Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07652003564687000532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433605048038577803.post-37505743824270126292010-02-28T20:19:00.006-06:002010-02-28T21:09:37.498-06:00A Birthday Blessing for my Daughter<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="text-align: center;"> From the Book of Isaiah</blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you." </span> Isaiah 60:1-2. </blockquote><blockquote><i><b>May His glory always appear over you my sweet Maggie Mae</b>. </i></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">" 'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the Lord, who has compassion on you." </span>Isaiah 54:10</blockquote><blockquote><i><b>May you experience Freedom and LIFE within His covenant of peace my precious daughter.</b></i></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">"Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God."</span> Isaiah 50:10b</blockquote><blockquote><i><b>The name of the Lord is a strong tower and a lighthouse for you Maggie Mae.</b></i></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">"I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go."</span> Isaiah 48:17 </blockquote><blockquote><i><b>Follow Him my little princess</b>.</i></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">"I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness." </span>Isaiah 42:6-7</blockquote><blockquote><i><b>I pray you SEE life with His eyes, He is your healer Maggie Mae.</b><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote></i></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">"My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest." </span>Isaiah 32:18</blockquote><blockquote><i><b>You are loved, accepted, and safe, WELCOME HOME Maggie Mae.</b></i></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">"I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple." Isaiah 6:1b</span></blockquote><blockquote><i><b>May you see the face of Jesus and praise Him day and night saying Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord Almighty. He is your constant, everlasting Father Maggie Mae.</b></i></blockquote><blockquote><b><i>Happy Birthday Maggie Mae. I love you.</i></b></blockquote><blockquote><b><i>Mommy</i></b></blockquote><blockquote><i><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><br /></i></blockquote><blockquote><i><blockquote></blockquote><br /></i></blockquote><blockquote><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); "><blockquote></blockquote><br /><blockquote></blockquote></span></i></blockquote><blockquote><i><br /></i><blockquote><br /></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote><br /></blockquote></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"></span></div>The Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07652003564687000532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433605048038577803.post-19564682339388986932010-02-24T13:38:00.006-06:002010-02-24T14:17:04.083-06:00Reflections of Reality<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hBQwX19AL_-xvY9XD5NGJrvmOuKbgLfW4bTuZAxNRvLpIQVGyp4pFxOceWc_B2E2BabRqN-gzZsbbFnzQtm12odct9EOScps4C6e9qhrH8vY6Cz33AMpuoBJReH1TITwE2_pSXdtA64/s1600-h/IMG_1588.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hBQwX19AL_-xvY9XD5NGJrvmOuKbgLfW4bTuZAxNRvLpIQVGyp4pFxOceWc_B2E2BabRqN-gzZsbbFnzQtm12odct9EOScps4C6e9qhrH8vY6Cz33AMpuoBJReH1TITwE2_pSXdtA64/s320/IMG_1588.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441898235317087474" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KcGOhRLIU_J1ovgKPS1aczWWgTYMc__Ni3SB2wAUZlylJV8DDdFCdiZFm9ghglSLrgjOq7YiakoKFleTAcVUS7MrX-Tyf6V5ubyT0PbWZ6SkFUGCHKZGln6OpVcbscg6vYjNou4axSg/s1600-h/IMG_1592.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KcGOhRLIU_J1ovgKPS1aczWWgTYMc__Ni3SB2wAUZlylJV8DDdFCdiZFm9ghglSLrgjOq7YiakoKFleTAcVUS7MrX-Tyf6V5ubyT0PbWZ6SkFUGCHKZGln6OpVcbscg6vYjNou4axSg/s320/IMG_1592.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441898225682048242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLptZ0YOf1eIhAaaMQQaULLYKMcfP-UKEPwtmfuOYUgxFElBa-1nRbm7xMkI_b_hHhSg9bGP5_-toh7m4NpgB6gfONpL6OGOWcmopXDHd5r1JZdujvu8lc1Jp8ziFf-cVwwf30BFzbHU/s1600-h/IMG_1593.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLptZ0YOf1eIhAaaMQQaULLYKMcfP-UKEPwtmfuOYUgxFElBa-1nRbm7xMkI_b_hHhSg9bGP5_-toh7m4NpgB6gfONpL6OGOWcmopXDHd5r1JZdujvu8lc1Jp8ziFf-cVwwf30BFzbHU/s320/IMG_1593.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441898218603265554" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_rH4bTmgMm4954kHyPqC_XKM_0oI2yLm-ztAHqQunVdFt1jnuovzz3rtLpcw2ces4Iq6vgbrJjBqFnM4FTJ9_Th2P-Xl_-cKw0ObgAEMb_-TKbfJt6mp8ENmtLqErd2XBvRpkkJ6IaI/s1600-h/IMG_1595.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_rH4bTmgMm4954kHyPqC_XKM_0oI2yLm-ztAHqQunVdFt1jnuovzz3rtLpcw2ces4Iq6vgbrJjBqFnM4FTJ9_Th2P-Xl_-cKw0ObgAEMb_-TKbfJt6mp8ENmtLqErd2XBvRpkkJ6IaI/s320/IMG_1595.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441898211414362722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Dp7Xnfhrz_UVRGzyEmAi9zb2AY0SnsMRdIAv6xLU8n-lAVm5ecyccCpPcD9ihrEt0MZXe-V0CkhdM8BMTI4mFqBQBS93n568VS-plJdbxO_pXtA_S2-zzTdCc8Sp7P1HRSuqIoYh1wQ/s1600-h/IMG_1597.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Dp7Xnfhrz_UVRGzyEmAi9zb2AY0SnsMRdIAv6xLU8n-lAVm5ecyccCpPcD9ihrEt0MZXe-V0CkhdM8BMTI4mFqBQBS93n568VS-plJdbxO_pXtA_S2-zzTdCc8Sp7P1HRSuqIoYh1wQ/s320/IMG_1597.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441898203067794418" /></a><br />Time flies when you are running an infirmary in your home:):) Ever since we've been home, someone has be sick with the flu. We have shared it with the Hufham household also, and we are so sorry!!!!!! Other than the flu epidemic, life is resuming. I won't say to normal because normal is just the setting on the dryer:) Parker did very well getting his makeup work done and has caught up and done very well. He thinks he needs to leave the country more often, hahaha! Baseball has begun and we won our first tournament. So proud of the integrity of our coaches, players and families. This is going to be a fun year of travel ball. Sarah-Gracen and Camden are trying to get back into a routine of homeschool, but we are finding it a little hard to do school with a two year old running around. They are greatly enjoying the distraction:):) Tony is still looking for a job; however, he is the latest victim of the flu and is miserable. Dexter is still trying to catch up with work and coach baseball and help me. He and Maggie Mae had a great morning Sunday. I went to church and he stayed home with her because Camden was sick. They had a good time, and he discovered she loves to swing and she loves the dogs. God is answering our prayer and that bond is beginning to happen.<br />I know you all want to know how Maggie Mae is doing, so I'll give you a quick update. She is happy most of the time. She can get around the house with no problem. She is especially good at finding the bear mount and digging all the moss out of the bottom. Bedtime happens to be her favorite. She loves her crib, and she loves to sleep. I have to wake her up every morning around 9am, she naps from 1-4, and then goes to bed at about 8:30. She is waking up in the middle of the night, but only to play, and not needing us. She loves to eat, especially Cheerios.<br />Yesterday we had our first doctor's appointment with the Pediatric Ophthalmolgist in Birmingham. He confirmed the original diagnosis of Primary Optic Nerve Atrophy. She has about 20/200 vision, which is considered legally blind. He did say her vision at this point was functional, and we will only know if it will deteriorate over time. He believes she was born this way. His exact words were, "God just made her this way for whatever reason." We were very impressed with him and his plan. Right now we are scheduled for an MRI of the brain at Children's Hospital in Birmingham. He wants to see the rest of the optic nerve and rule out any cysts or tumors. He also wants to have a good look at the brain, since we don't have any history of her. On March 8th, we see the International Adoption Pediatrician in Birmingham for a head to toe assessment.<br />So how are we doing with all this? I'm not sure I can find a word that describes our emotions; however, I will say that we knew all this was a possibility, and now it's a reality. I have praying for God to show me how to pray. I'm not sure what to do at this point in seeking Him, so I am relying on the Holy Spirit to show me what to pray. Earlier today I was processing some of this, and this is what He showed me. We look at this as she has lost something. We grieve for her loss. BUT God reminded me that she was born this way. She has never known anything but this. Most importantly, she hasn't lost anything. She has gained a family who will introduce her to Jesus who has a Hope and a Future for her life. We get to see life through a completely different perspective now. We were talking with the kids last night, and I thought about what our first hiking trip to Oak Mountain with her would be like. I told them that we will have to watch out close for her because of the roots and rocks etc. BUT, this will cause us to see things we might have missed along the way, feel things we might not have ever touched, hear the beauty of His creation, and smell the goodness of the Lord. I was so encouraged by this. Will it be easy? No, but once again, I am reminded that He never promised us that following Him would be easy, but He did promise to never leave us or forsake us. So we are praising Him that she can see some, and that other than her eyesight, she is a healthy little girl who is filled with LIFE. Her laughter is contagious, and we are falling desperately in love with her.The Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07652003564687000532noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433605048038577803.post-58861452973696090562010-02-15T11:39:00.007-06:002010-02-15T13:48:38.100-06:00First Few Days Home ... Click Here for Video<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oVcT1g02PftALCEBepr4jMOXfE5HTszMlBnBNhgY4BzEqip5n2lDer9rkwLsud5XHGJnNyWz3s6M1-A6RFlHlrMCZfl4QKzys-0V0G1zRIpiGhg8zsn1JSp0RumXs-SnsjBxU-nKuVg/s1600-h/mag60.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oVcT1g02PftALCEBepr4jMOXfE5HTszMlBnBNhgY4BzEqip5n2lDer9rkwLsud5XHGJnNyWz3s6M1-A6RFlHlrMCZfl4QKzys-0V0G1zRIpiGhg8zsn1JSp0RumXs-SnsjBxU-nKuVg/s320/mag60.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438553231083763106" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gpI7qkji9mr2pu0CnMGZpUdBkvWzL9akZWDovc1rZGhnwbOMBbskoIXutHVPJLolm0mYyYodZQMmDA0scIt4gJacjEAqrkLE6vuROnH-6yI9cNOnzGQMgcM4dBkl7RVmI5KN1ZwC5tE/s1600-h/mag61.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gpI7qkji9mr2pu0CnMGZpUdBkvWzL9akZWDovc1rZGhnwbOMBbskoIXutHVPJLolm0mYyYodZQMmDA0scIt4gJacjEAqrkLE6vuROnH-6yI9cNOnzGQMgcM4dBkl7RVmI5KN1ZwC5tE/s320/mag61.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438553228725070178" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNMxg6YcV5Z094xKtYtBCAJcKKVzp-GTgA1CvCLJtkq-XLgZ53QoEpeC-THyGZx1eqQIcy_149kSqDJHSbKFK9mNDLBua0ONR_hwCnutDiueVy_C5r0yKYF66f_Xouxx1Q08cBWg27vw/s1600-h/mag62.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNMxg6YcV5Z094xKtYtBCAJcKKVzp-GTgA1CvCLJtkq-XLgZ53QoEpeC-THyGZx1eqQIcy_149kSqDJHSbKFK9mNDLBua0ONR_hwCnutDiueVy_C5r0yKYF66f_Xouxx1Q08cBWg27vw/s320/mag62.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438553218289141890" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LTUGDNKzGxC1VR52TTfin2ZX65w7mlYklkDgthV3iRzc9H-wTCsph4CbQV63nM-3r1qvhyphenhyphenvhjwGyqSRnb02VawZcLDFVTKHNYkVrCSIRizJVgR7t7qdv18rRklEUUB-EN-sYzhWA2ug/s1600-h/mag63.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LTUGDNKzGxC1VR52TTfin2ZX65w7mlYklkDgthV3iRzc9H-wTCsph4CbQV63nM-3r1qvhyphenhyphenvhjwGyqSRnb02VawZcLDFVTKHNYkVrCSIRizJVgR7t7qdv18rRklEUUB-EN-sYzhWA2ug/s320/mag63.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438553208366512898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GTJR47QneBtDoIOZzoHTUzZFhWvfVVzqec2oEpYEWa1xYwC_49qzLdhQ3c9XSJn7dkBqv3LMjGuSFszqWPZrD8z_uew44J0EY3FNhbym_dqOE2DlrLVvZygGbY81IhwISkEoAD09DSM/s1600-h/mag64.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GTJR47QneBtDoIOZzoHTUzZFhWvfVVzqec2oEpYEWa1xYwC_49qzLdhQ3c9XSJn7dkBqv3LMjGuSFszqWPZrD8z_uew44J0EY3FNhbym_dqOE2DlrLVvZygGbY81IhwISkEoAD09DSM/s320/mag64.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438553207925977282" /></a><br />There's no place like home!!!!! Oh it feels so good to be home. We have had an eventful few days, hecnce, you haven't heard from me in a while. We left China at 4pm Wednesday afternoon (Alabama time) and got home Friday morning at 3am. We almost missed our flight to Atlanta due to a long line in customs, but thanks to Maggie Mae crying in her daddy's arms, we got bumped to the front. We saw another family getting special privileges because their child was crying so hard, so Dexter looked at me and said "Give me the baby!" And yes we thought it was funny that time and it worked. We ran to the gate and got there right before they were closing the doors! We then found out an hour later that the de-icing mechanism was not working on our plane, so we made a detour to Knoxville to change planes again. We didn't care, we were going to make it home. Tony was home feeling anxious because of the impending weather coming in on Friday. So we got in around 3am and got everyone settled in, went to bed about 5am and got up at 10:30am to Sarah-Gracen throwing up. Everyone was so excited about the snow, but she was so pitiful and wasn't able to go out in it at all. She was sick for 2 days. Yesterday, Camden started running fever and has a sore throat. Parker is getting over jet lag and doing 2 weeks worth of make up work. Daddy has gone back to work and mom is trying to dig her way out of 2 1/2 weeks of laundry. So that's where we are now, but again, all is Great because we are home.<div>Maggie Mae is doing well adjusting to her new home. She is loving her high chair and her car seat! Praising Jesus for an answered prayer! Sleeping was rough at first because of the time change, but it's getting better. We went to church yesterday and she did very well, even went to Jalapenos with some friends and she loved it! As we speak she is on the floor playing with her new toys Maw Maw and Christina brought her. This is huge because she has not wanted to be out of my arms since we got home. You will see in the pictures and video, she loves taking a bath, and she got a real special treat the other night. She and Elsie Hufham got to take one together. She really loves her friend! </div><div>So many thanks to so many people who made our homecoming special. My house was clean thanks to Sarah, Gayna, and Georgia. Groceries were stocked thanks to Nan! Lisa had the sweetest Welcome Home sign made for us! Amy added her special touch with signs from our friends at church and flowers in Maggie Mae's room and most importantly, praying over our house!!!! My secret pal made a visit and left cookies, hot cocoa and some beautiful flowers. Thanks to Sharon, Suzanne, Georgia, Glenda, Martha, and Lisa for the meals. I haven't had to cook once since returning! Martha, my mother in law came on Saturday bearing gifts, food, but most importantly her love and support. She and I got all the bags unpacked and got the laundry started. Maggie Mae has a very special Maw Maw! One of the sweetest things was the first thing I saw when arriving home, Tony put a yellow bow on the mailbox. He was so ready for us to be home, and we were so ready to see him too! I know I probably have forgotten someone, but know that so many people have done so much, and we are eternally grateful for every single detail. God spoke to me regarding community last May, and He has given me a new perspective on living in community. I will never be the same again.</div><div>Lastly, I will leave you with something God has put on my heart. Amy and I were talking the other night about our whole experience and she said something that illuminated this in my heart. She asked me how I REALLY was! She said she could read between the lines in the blog and knew me well enough to know when it was a good day and when it wasn't so good. When someone really takes the time to get to know you, they can read your words and know your heart. This is the same with the Lord. Anyone can read His word, and He will reveal Himself to them through His word. However, when you really know Him and know His heart, and then read His word, it comes to life! It's just different when we really know Him. How do we get to that point? Well I think it's different for everyone because we are all on our own individual journeys. However, one thing I know for sure is stepping out and taking risks in following Him is vitally important in establishing our relationship with Him. This has been the hardest thing I think I have ever been through, and I have been through a lot in my life. But oh, how intimate my relationship is with my Lord because of it. I am so in love with Him and truly am beginning to understand what "I Surrender All" truly means. Please continue to pray for bonding and attachment for Maggie Mae and Dexter. I am patiently waiting to see God breathe life into that relationship. She has been given an incredible earthly father who loves her deeply. I pray as she begins to trust him, she will give her heart to him completely!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://sharing.theflip.com/session/0d763d65dc6a2f2d88c5a1ca21623304/video/10563277">CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO</a></div>The Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07652003564687000532noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433605048038577803.post-67399887799576639452010-02-10T08:54:00.001-06:002010-02-10T09:32:39.895-06:00Last Day in China! .. Click for video!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61kMOjYzIo1wOKjGY3t70ucJnYHaIE2LxoxIGJXuBemiUMgOkVgyqpcD51eDkzo8dscKi1jUewgLU6jjQ4ENOsgumOF1bLuepHUUgsqPFVMmttBVmlCxTBkXlntw3p9AB8ldGTIsy3Xk/s1600-h/mag57.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61kMOjYzIo1wOKjGY3t70ucJnYHaIE2LxoxIGJXuBemiUMgOkVgyqpcD51eDkzo8dscKi1jUewgLU6jjQ4ENOsgumOF1bLuepHUUgsqPFVMmttBVmlCxTBkXlntw3p9AB8ldGTIsy3Xk/s320/mag57.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436637904794486290" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEHCra32Or7AcFglzRXzY582IW3R31LUR4b12l3OklyfQZaFB-ZWlZye8FZhEpgbMZrcMsjeJBOCXI5ldlOXIkTpGveC7XgJfsf0Gz8AlUq2FqZWbxL_cCJsy3_5vRzYjN4kJSsLuPUg/s1600-h/mag58.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEHCra32Or7AcFglzRXzY582IW3R31LUR4b12l3OklyfQZaFB-ZWlZye8FZhEpgbMZrcMsjeJBOCXI5ldlOXIkTpGveC7XgJfsf0Gz8AlUq2FqZWbxL_cCJsy3_5vRzYjN4kJSsLuPUg/s320/mag58.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436637901739214146" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeG09Ep8ylw9nxvX61uEgD9mtsM4dHa-GyHETLy5a-XR1LitBlryN9N1BM9te3qaNly5QCziNnPzb_bOEWRJPVoNwPl-Em0svwIXN3_8fkSTjypVqNQUJliJEMO1IhYchb42hIdcKtSqs/s1600-h/mag59.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeG09Ep8ylw9nxvX61uEgD9mtsM4dHa-GyHETLy5a-XR1LitBlryN9N1BM9te3qaNly5QCziNnPzb_bOEWRJPVoNwPl-Em0svwIXN3_8fkSTjypVqNQUJliJEMO1IhYchb42hIdcKtSqs/s320/mag59.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436637890204618562" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Dexter types:</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So, its my turn. It is very hard to sum up two weeks of China in a message you could read in one sitting. We have had many challenges with all that goes into being over here, from language barriers, to food choices, to just about everything you could imagine being half-way around the world with your whole family. The hardest by far for me has been trying to get Maggie to want to come to me and feel comfortable with me. Today, it was a breakthrough. We retried the highchair and the stroller and, at first, she screamed again, but only for a few minutes this time. We were making progress. I had her giggling in the stroller after just 2-3 minutes down the streets and sidewalks of Shamian Island with wheelies and curb jumps and all kinds of acrobatic stroller tricks. She loved it. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We walked for the next 2-3 hours, just strolling along the sidewalks and talking to people in the park. It was magnificent. The rest of the day was fairly uneventful. Some shopping, we packed up most everything for leaving and met our new friends for dinner at our favorite restaurant on the Island. Now, we headed home and got ready for baths and bed, but tonight would be different than any of the other ten. She let me bathe her while she played in the bath tub and splashed water to her hearts delight, and to mine. All the rest have just been "weeping and gnashing of teeth" (for both of us)! For several nights, though, she has been letting me give her a lotion massage and get her dressed for bedtime, but that was it. Nothing more. Tonight once I had her dressed she let me hold her and snuggle and give her a bottle. All of this was a first. It was fantastic! "She DOES love me," I thought. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">That was almost two hours ago and she is still singing and playing in the bed next to me. I almost want her to stay up so that she wont forget in the morning how much she loved me tonight. God has been showing me this whole time how He feels when we, His children, reject Him and want to push Him and His love away when He tries to give it to us. Jeremiah tells us that God "</span><span style="text-decoration: underline; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">knew</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> us before we were formed in the womb" much like I </span><i style="text-decoration: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">knew</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Maggie before we got her last week. I knew how long I had wanted to hold her, protect her, cherish her, and give her all the love she could stand, but she did not know me. I had to show her my patient, kind, tender, forgiving love that I have for her for her to trust me enough to come to me. I am a sinful human, and I can show her this love how much more perfect is God's love for His children in that He is perfect. God has shown us His perfect love, in that, He made a way for us to see His love to trust Him and come to Him and accept His love. I have known that for many years, but today I really understand it. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I cannot believe He has seen me, even into my deepest being, and trusted me with this little girls life. I truly am the luckiest man on earth. I have been given such a wonderful family that I love so deeply. Thank you all for being there for us through this wonderful journey. I have a feeling that this is the ending of another chapter, but only the beginning of a really good "book".</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Many Blessings to you all, </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">DEX and Patricia and the family.</span></div></span></b></div><b><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://sharing.theflip.com/session/44a0cc96a3b7ba11691b975f78b16389/video/10301650"> Click here!!</a></span></b></span></span>The Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07652003564687000532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433605048038577803.post-4898751658349072212010-02-09T10:27:00.010-06:002010-02-09T11:47:32.486-06:00Day 10 ! A day of VICTORIES! ... Click for video!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2KngD9eM7U1vVJpRF8cz6lZ5w8pTplvMuqHvo170edsm5tmk5G7J7Brwn2NYqr66mfj-Yhav4d5fF5lUJo-zBD6hkZu76kpb3EKCh1ztFz1UNNA5ylOlaLB7L1p2Cg5MyawUCJ3sm4U/s1600-h/mag46.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2KngD9eM7U1vVJpRF8cz6lZ5w8pTplvMuqHvo170edsm5tmk5G7J7Brwn2NYqr66mfj-Yhav4d5fF5lUJo-zBD6hkZu76kpb3EKCh1ztFz1UNNA5ylOlaLB7L1p2Cg5MyawUCJ3sm4U/s320/mag46.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436301320742454610" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLZ0h7G2KEFWqlJ4j30HVrHIjt1Y0SRq0H1m9XpHgUz1Wv8ho0GyTBnz3YCxbIv6E0Yl5CVY18eWLJvBl-qy0_8O3Zbc0R4QHx0uICBjmSiYLwHUtsh12-cyGLn-KILV1a7Ffchw_Vp4/s1600-h/mag47.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLZ0h7G2KEFWqlJ4j30HVrHIjt1Y0SRq0H1m9XpHgUz1Wv8ho0GyTBnz3YCxbIv6E0Yl5CVY18eWLJvBl-qy0_8O3Zbc0R4QHx0uICBjmSiYLwHUtsh12-cyGLn-KILV1a7Ffchw_Vp4/s320/mag47.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436300566683775346" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwbckyrMxCmx1vprkdCpaa-uzYekpXX3_WfAZJ44i7lXMH5WHgReMsI9HSHvZyJZvXiH-_Nai905pPdhrPH2eV_RL6CpprJk_Ky3-Y1SvNvWcuxeVGKQnus5jfI5HjmDAdnQHPQPEmok/s1600-h/mag48.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwbckyrMxCmx1vprkdCpaa-uzYekpXX3_WfAZJ44i7lXMH5WHgReMsI9HSHvZyJZvXiH-_Nai905pPdhrPH2eV_RL6CpprJk_Ky3-Y1SvNvWcuxeVGKQnus5jfI5HjmDAdnQHPQPEmok/s320/mag48.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436300564932553202" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBTPmF7zS6KMrFC-HcotxJGlskZgiXf6W0yKr7e_5YRsQK6HzmqBk62rMrjrcLcBsD_hfMyQNFEgpTwJf_DR9AdNsoqS_cUxvIa5btfF86Y9kdWsS70dKRD18GVBJvg5oibQej1_3jyE/s1600-h/mag49.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBTPmF7zS6KMrFC-HcotxJGlskZgiXf6W0yKr7e_5YRsQK6HzmqBk62rMrjrcLcBsD_hfMyQNFEgpTwJf_DR9AdNsoqS_cUxvIa5btfF86Y9kdWsS70dKRD18GVBJvg5oibQej1_3jyE/s320/mag49.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436299880859526706" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEY6BZFVY4jiLRFBYXDfpLZqkQ4GF1Gck4WexWywwkIMf8NkRcSjv_AOVth5H1tFgZRwNppzEOQDc121ztbRel3Ud29RQ-HR2k70QezL2dOJ00G0wYNbaAWl0EO-E1dEEDq7a_F1qSD8/s1600-h/mag50.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEY6BZFVY4jiLRFBYXDfpLZqkQ4GF1Gck4WexWywwkIMf8NkRcSjv_AOVth5H1tFgZRwNppzEOQDc121ztbRel3Ud29RQ-HR2k70QezL2dOJ00G0wYNbaAWl0EO-E1dEEDq7a_F1qSD8/s320/mag50.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436295951204716706" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ejEYm0KXLvYsUH81k30ZPB-M5PD8TVxUqs3OQ27HSzVl2eo5SBLRX8FohyphenhyphenX3xRdStA4P-0aj4umuyJGW6Zt3mz5saV5bzb1Tm4joiTFdysPMHk9PLCZk6gVe_MFh71XSEv_QhenbwNI/s1600-h/mag52.JPG"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty." Need I say more? He is the Great I Am! He is Worthy of all honor and praise! So many times I try to find the words to say to Him and am reminded of what the creatures in Revelation 4 did 24/7. Acknowledging who He is and who I am because He says so makes me stand in awe of Him.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Today was a victorious day. I decided after 10 days of eating with her in my lap, today would be the day we conquered the dreaded high chair. She didn't like it one bit for about 10 minutes (which seemed like an hour). I reassured her I was there and she sat on the edge of the seat so she was still touching me, but hey we ate breakfast in separate chairs. So feeling very triumphant, I decided to go for it with the stroller. When we finished breakfast, we went for a walk and workout in the park. Wow, that really made her mad. She cried for about 30 minutes. All the people in the park kept staring at the American mom power walking the circle with a screaming child in the stroller. Dexter and I tag teamed and guess what. She stopped crying. She loves his singing. She even was beginning to mimic him with "Old McDonald had a Farm". She ended up loving the walk through the island for about 1 1/2 hours. In the park, we listened to singing, watched Tai Chi, Ballroom dancing, and playing with this thing that's like a "hacky sack ball". The kids enjoyed just being out of the room and getting some much needed exercise. When we returned to the hotel, we ate lunch and put her down for a nap. At 2:30 we left for the U.S. Consolate. We got some of our papers and were sworn in by an officiate. Tomorrow Emma will pick up her visa and immigration papers. We were told that when we check in at the immigration desk and they stamp her passport, she will then officially be an American citizen!!!! Big day, simple ceremony, but brought tears to mommy's eyes. She's really ours! Tomorrow, we will probably walk the park again and begin packing. It will probably take us a week to get unpacked, but that is okay, we will finally be home. All the family's are weary and ready to leave. As you will see in one of the pictures, Maggie Mae and Rainey are becoming friends. Maggie Mae sat in the high chair for dinner after another 5 minutes of crying, but then she stayed there without touching me for well over an hour. She's definitely made some huge steps today. We thought this would be good preparation for the car seat saga on the way home from Atlanta. Once again, we love hearing from everyone and love hearing what God is doing in your lives through all of this. Can't wait to get home and just sit and share with everyone. Can't wait to be at The Pike on Sunday! 1 more day and we are heading home. Pray for safe travel and good rest on the plane. We have heard it takes a little while to adjust back to the time when going back home, but we are so excited about just being in our own home and having some space. We can't wait to be reunited with Tony. He has been taking such good care of the house and animals. We are blessed to have such a responsible and dependable son. Pray for him also, he has 2 prospective jobs with the state!!!!!!! He will be an asset to whom ever hires him!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Time for bed, mom is tired!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ejEYm0KXLvYsUH81k30ZPB-M5PD8TVxUqs3OQ27HSzVl2eo5SBLRX8FohyphenhyphenX3xRdStA4P-0aj4umuyJGW6Zt3mz5saV5bzb1Tm4joiTFdysPMHk9PLCZk6gVe_MFh71XSEv_QhenbwNI/s1600-h/mag52.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ejEYm0KXLvYsUH81k30ZPB-M5PD8TVxUqs3OQ27HSzVl2eo5SBLRX8FohyphenhyphenX3xRdStA4P-0aj4umuyJGW6Zt3mz5saV5bzb1Tm4joiTFdysPMHk9PLCZk6gVe_MFh71XSEv_QhenbwNI/s320/mag52.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436287130184609330" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7qZEIolA7HnClr_mkaELBXAC7aO_IQ9sZSMqpry-TgWKOe1yR4zXt6SPpOyiYRPU4YT95VynCNdV1rdTWzvZ5GEyfwy-cYaAD5pQnYYnkeGFy1WasONXKs2W9SgrcVDzGE4WApj_gHE/s1600-h/mag54.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7qZEIolA7HnClr_mkaELBXAC7aO_IQ9sZSMqpry-TgWKOe1yR4zXt6SPpOyiYRPU4YT95VynCNdV1rdTWzvZ5GEyfwy-cYaAD5pQnYYnkeGFy1WasONXKs2W9SgrcVDzGE4WApj_gHE/s320/mag54.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436285941141670514" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDPWYmAcputwdhXelxn5pOw4YpLQxTbXtNCz4o8wSCJl62HtdfCIOHqYzzSx6ye3HNJsLwe4KlRk6ZDh4mlgPhZgfGgRc2ryAeEfbPunGjHRmLxcuo3eaYmIOkP0x0IPDIvrl1HphgcM/s1600-h/mag55.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDPWYmAcputwdhXelxn5pOw4YpLQxTbXtNCz4o8wSCJl62HtdfCIOHqYzzSx6ye3HNJsLwe4KlRk6ZDh4mlgPhZgfGgRc2ryAeEfbPunGjHRmLxcuo3eaYmIOkP0x0IPDIvrl1HphgcM/s320/mag55.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436284873051584018" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqR_SbeXgZ-xzkzY2QIk78QteT54evTXGWUDWTQfJZzJqh898I44mTbULtmcfCnWm3UmspmNVSEBx7acOGbTp4uvRLtvEV9anzvxiOwWq6wYFMiPNltOn0OtB4Ux009xmeyfUNmEIsJUw/s1600-h/mag56.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqR_SbeXgZ-xzkzY2QIk78QteT54evTXGWUDWTQfJZzJqh898I44mTbULtmcfCnWm3UmspmNVSEBx7acOGbTp4uvRLtvEV9anzvxiOwWq6wYFMiPNltOn0OtB4Ux009xmeyfUNmEIsJUw/s320/mag56.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436283083435085778" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, sans-serif;"><a href="http://sharing.theflip.com/session/18f06f1ba7e4fdf68dc3fd55e77e5f65/video/10261615"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO!</span></a></span></div></span>The Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07652003564687000532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433605048038577803.post-45898412169607811252010-02-08T09:41:00.003-06:002010-02-08T09:43:32.859-06:00Day 9 ... Click for VIDEO!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVj2HFHzMaUOT-FAQQpU4LdYBihjmHBIWHlyA74h901gaMHSLQPVLdGLltsmtWMHS46XFr8KcsOLw3-bGrSYc-d5ALfaNlMzuBO51nEWapCK9Q1vHIrpa7uD0uUqHAHniVftXmw9AbW_4/s1600-h/mag44.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVj2HFHzMaUOT-FAQQpU4LdYBihjmHBIWHlyA74h901gaMHSLQPVLdGLltsmtWMHS46XFr8KcsOLw3-bGrSYc-d5ALfaNlMzuBO51nEWapCK9Q1vHIrpa7uD0uUqHAHniVftXmw9AbW_4/s320/mag44.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435898356699230898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpILf22Mkk5WUs4uRTl4MJROXwLeiLtgsocBHh-d2HKj7WOsBFNKvSuDNkzCMYWcGr9YF65jDIs7W4zkYApluRmRisrfyrON8pXqVD6NPju9JkJNrXiac4LsiKtdx_mxxyH4u3rWISXLg/s1600-h/mag45.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpILf22Mkk5WUs4uRTl4MJROXwLeiLtgsocBHh-d2HKj7WOsBFNKvSuDNkzCMYWcGr9YF65jDIs7W4zkYApluRmRisrfyrON8pXqVD6NPju9JkJNrXiac4LsiKtdx_mxxyH4u3rWISXLg/s320/mag45.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435898349509967506" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">As we approach our day of departure, I find myself already looking back at how far she has come. As you will see in the two pictures attached, we made big progress today with daddy. He decided to put her in the carrier when we went to the Pearl and Jade Market. He also decided to put in his ear plug, HA!. She cried for about 30 minutes as we were walking through Guangzhou, but then she settled down. He was singing to her the whole time, and when she decided not to fight it any longer she began to hum and sing too. Even when we got back to the hotel room and he took her out of the carrier, he could hold her for a little bit. Also, he seems to be the one that can get her to lie down and go to sleep much better than I can. The kids are counting down the time til we leave to go home, just like they were counting it down before we left. Two weeks is a long time for Dexter and I, so I can only imagine how long it seems for them. Parker said he didn't care if we got home at 2 o'clock in the morning, he wanted to jump on the trampoline. They are already talking about what they want to share in Sunday School. Church is all they talk about, oh how I love that!!!! Well tomorrow is the big day! We go to the U.S. Consolate for our official ceremony. Then, we are done! Emma will go pick up Maggie Mae's visa Wednesday afternoon, and we will be packing and preparing for going home. Our room looks like a bomb went off in it, but 6 people in a single hotel room about 1 and 1/3 the size of a normal hotel room is a bit tight. I'm looking forward to having my space back.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">TRUST is the big word this trip, and I think the Lord has been teaching me about trust in so many ways throughout this whole process. It's one of those things that is too difficult to explain, you just know that is what He is wanting to establish in you. I am so encouraged and blessed by all the emails we have received. I am overwhelmed by what the Lord is doing in so many peoples lives. We love you all and miss you terribly. Be home soon!!!!!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://sharing.theflip.com/session/0e853dcdff0f83ff51460499b49b05f2/video/10215378">CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO</a></span></span></div></span>The Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07652003564687000532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433605048038577803.post-1091007782512846792010-02-07T09:14:00.002-06:002010-02-07T09:35:19.500-06:00Day 8 a week since "Gotcha Day" .... Click for video<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQl2X4Gyy628XVeJ5Y3kcMuG2eROE4MUb7Ibt86cHetRz996zio2rgdoRjEsFrVdOJMwl2-zjozXGHWXytro_bfECwo59l0A3eJrTqyIX7psF5nrQE7j1T1ZlqXWfONLL9ahIFYhZXgjs/s1600-h/mag37.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQl2X4Gyy628XVeJ5Y3kcMuG2eROE4MUb7Ibt86cHetRz996zio2rgdoRjEsFrVdOJMwl2-zjozXGHWXytro_bfECwo59l0A3eJrTqyIX7psF5nrQE7j1T1ZlqXWfONLL9ahIFYhZXgjs/s320/mag37.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435525398901901938" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhlmTYdRFZHyipLJNhgEqbfDQhHOk6B_9PD2Jr7EEqK5zhf6f07e_XQWvVFQoRc_l9brVwLex7-KwkoJwzU7u0W0FYS1Xyfn_KzOPdL3xR1k5v-aLvnpheojhsIqJgeLcSerVs_UfYGA/s1600-h/mag38.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhlmTYdRFZHyipLJNhgEqbfDQhHOk6B_9PD2Jr7EEqK5zhf6f07e_XQWvVFQoRc_l9brVwLex7-KwkoJwzU7u0W0FYS1Xyfn_KzOPdL3xR1k5v-aLvnpheojhsIqJgeLcSerVs_UfYGA/s320/mag38.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435525394676430786" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmRMbwZphyphenhyphenZtzU4bsn8i2Hk02xbwLUZZEJq6uUvhHKs3qFECyJgSNnOIWMMnj0V8u68T2vGazdpZPWBjIiopLv3uA3CFCOy6sJZF3QOy4Hrn16bdX_8kE3P00-YZF4UtutWT8g8psUmw/s1600-h/mag39.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmRMbwZphyphenhyphenZtzU4bsn8i2Hk02xbwLUZZEJq6uUvhHKs3qFECyJgSNnOIWMMnj0V8u68T2vGazdpZPWBjIiopLv3uA3CFCOy6sJZF3QOy4Hrn16bdX_8kE3P00-YZF4UtutWT8g8psUmw/s320/mag39.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435524028569198322" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The girl likes to shop!!! We went shopping this afternoon for "squeaky shoes"! Took a while to find sizes and colors and she was a trooper. She did very well today. She was a little tired this morning because the construction workers were literally on our window ledge at 7am and woke us all up. However, we got her to go down for a nap in her crib which was huge. She slept for 2 1/2 hours while I was gone to the store and getting pizza for lunch. It was raining all day today, but we have severe cabin fever, so we put on our jackets and hit the streets. We met up with our new friends from North Carolina again for dinner. We found an Italian Restaurant owned and operated by an Italian couple so it was very good. We are loving the European flair to Shamian Island which is where we are in Guangzhou. Tomorrow night we are going to try the German Restaurant! Maggie Mae, as you will see in the video, was very happy tonight. She is talking so much. I tell her I love you so many times and tonight she looked right at me and said "luv you" in that sweet voice. She laughed a lot when we were running in the rain. She loves her Boba (the carrier I'm using). She and daddy had some good moments too! Once again, she loved her massage, and she touched him a lot during dinner. Thank you all for praying about that. We are seeing prayers answered all the time. We believe in the power of Jesus name, and we call on it often. He is SO GOOD to us!! We are truly falling in love with this precious gift. Enjoy the pictures and video (sorry it's so long, but I didn't want to cut any of it out). We only have 3 more full days then we leave Thursday morning. Oh how we are all so homesick. We can't wait to see everyone. We are praying she will adjust quickly to yet another change, and we will soon be able to spend time with everyone. Did you see more of Jesus today?</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHECTbB6vRuqlOZta_qq3KbEHjILU_xgdA36jv-LzZ7id7nQuIrEAeOW3-qoTR6VguUN2LY8Ig3fBVk58YbATZOfXTWDyep491LwqzJYp_HkWG27J7qKQHsUHDq9IgkkNtM4n0_qJbEpA/s1600-h/mag40.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHECTbB6vRuqlOZta_qq3KbEHjILU_xgdA36jv-LzZ7id7nQuIrEAeOW3-qoTR6VguUN2LY8Ig3fBVk58YbATZOfXTWDyep491LwqzJYp_HkWG27J7qKQHsUHDq9IgkkNtM4n0_qJbEpA/s320/mag40.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435524026897796066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivb7Tv0QY7E_RZFo0d7Tz61S4ypXiWscttPeybO34LLemBytmFsp5XD2b1E-z1cuNWEITKPstThHXR3768Dksf7hnozOnrZq-ZpCzC4lx5qRiasMnN-lGBY7sVV1lz3iaaFd58wDwzG_U/s1600-h/mag41.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivb7Tv0QY7E_RZFo0d7Tz61S4ypXiWscttPeybO34LLemBytmFsp5XD2b1E-z1cuNWEITKPstThHXR3768Dksf7hnozOnrZq-ZpCzC4lx5qRiasMnN-lGBY7sVV1lz3iaaFd58wDwzG_U/s320/mag41.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435524020598904354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyhr_6ljlYRkcEuHhnDrOD676gh8_mVIXNBNrJy5n9Rw1MQD3ARha9TV8mJrNFCPKkamZ1KI_Wu8maQleaYxyXZrsOJjG9ibNi-TTxHmx5nyJUNsFkduc7RP_zGVyslJLrFR4sGCAySM/s1600-h/mag42.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyhr_6ljlYRkcEuHhnDrOD676gh8_mVIXNBNrJy5n9Rw1MQD3ARha9TV8mJrNFCPKkamZ1KI_Wu8maQleaYxyXZrsOJjG9ibNi-TTxHmx5nyJUNsFkduc7RP_zGVyslJLrFR4sGCAySM/s320/mag42.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435524016031293298" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-L9eSoJccprKSDhoKrGREG_oZM0PRfDHCaiOb65em3j6nj4Mkkh0qebkD13ELzmYr5jpWyPUxuAJ3p00BBSUM76ZyoUyYexG7wGtodYX6hv9IEd1-GKieZzWfMak12aDnapym1S4uzA/s1600-h/mag43.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-L9eSoJccprKSDhoKrGREG_oZM0PRfDHCaiOb65em3j6nj4Mkkh0qebkD13ELzmYr5jpWyPUxuAJ3p00BBSUM76ZyoUyYexG7wGtodYX6hv9IEd1-GKieZzWfMak12aDnapym1S4uzA/s320/mag43.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435524009640771282" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size:medium;"><a href="http://sharing.theflip.com/session/11dd6611c286c723c3a1980094d4e5ef/video/10170942">CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO!</a></span></div>The Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07652003564687000532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433605048038577803.post-74250035067222025652010-02-06T22:48:00.001-06:002010-02-06T22:48:17.058-06:00Day 8 Daily Manna<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; ">"I've touched the hem of Your garment, and I have felt the leading of Your hand. But today my eyes look much higher, to see the face of the Great I Am, More of You Jesus!<div>This is one of my favorites songs, but today something occurred to me as I reflected on the words of this song and Matthew 25:35-40 where Jesus is talking about whatever we do for the least we do for Him. We want more of Jesus, and somehow I think we believe that this requires more on His part. We want to see God move, yet I think we will see more of Him and His glory when WE MOVE! What are we missing in our fellowship with God. Well this scripture spells it out very clearly. When we give our lunch or snack to the guy standing at the exit ramp with the sign that says "Hungry", we give unto Him. This is more of Jesus. When we love the old lady down the street that doesn't seem to have many visitors, we are loving Him. This is more of Jesus. When we show up to help groups like Urban Trec on a Thursday afternoon and go out and give food to the homeless, we are feeding Him. This is more of Jesus. When we look into the eyes of the cashier at Walmart, who is probably working 3 jobs to make ends meet, and smile and say "How are you doing today?' We are looking at Him. This is more of Jesus. So many opportunities we pass by everyday that would bring More of Jesus into our lives. We, the church, want more of Jesus and for God to show up and do something amazing. Well, He already has!!!! We are redeemed aren't you? For me, it's obvious loving Maggie Mae and bringing her into our home is walking this out; however, this is not the end. Today as I walk the streets and encounter store owners who are pushing me hard to buy something, I have a choice. I can get frustrated and leave, or spend some time breathing the breath of Life in their store. His presence and glory will fill that place because He is with me. More of you Jesus, More of your face, as I see you in the faces of the people all around me!<br /></div></span>The Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07652003564687000532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433605048038577803.post-25250973580233235192010-02-06T09:38:00.001-06:002010-02-06T09:41:53.963-06:00Day 7 in Guangzhou China ... Click for video!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Would you ever think cold water could throw you over the edge. Well, believe me, it was the straw that broke the camels back for me this morning. Once again, the whole family slept all snug in their beds, while I lay restless in mine. I finally quit the fight and got up to take a shower and spend some time with the Lord. I decide to take the shower first and much to my dismay, NO HOT WATER!!! Can you say meltdown? I mean really, I can't believe I'm having a meltdown over no hot water. Poor Dexter is so wishing he could fix it, and you know what, he did, with a great big hug. Soon after that, the hot water miraculously came on. As I was getting ready to take my shower the Lord gave me a thought to ponder. Yesterday, I started my day out with LIVING WATER and as you remember, I said it is what sustains me. Well, as I was sitting on the side of the tub crying like my baby, I thought, do I fall apart when I don't have Living Water. I'm not sure I can put into words this time what the Lord was trying to teach me other than I need Him more than anything. So after a long, hot, QUIET shower, we started our day. We had a good buffet breakfast. Oh the sight of all the adopted children with their new families, all sitting happily in their high chairs. So I tried once again to put Maggie Mae in one and she wouldn't have anything to do with it. She sat in my lap and ate a big breakfast. She is a good eater. The only thing I've found that she doesn't like is melons. After breakfast, we went to our medical appointment which was a bit of a joke. It was more like an assembly line of checking the boxes. I guess Dexter and I being nurses gives us a different perspective on things. She hated every minute of it, but thankfully we were out of there with no shots in 30 minutes. We also got her Visa picture taken. Yep it matches her passport, both screaming:):) We are surrounded by so many people adopting and most seem to be doing very well or just faking it, HA! We did meet up with the people we met in Kunming from North Carolina and had dinner with them at Lucy's Bar and Grill. It was such a good evening with very REAL conversation. We decided you become good friends fast when you are frazzled. Anyway, Maggie Mae had her first steak and broccoli and cheesecake and LOVED IT! Now I am happy to report, she is lying in bed WITH DADDY, ASLEEP! She is a sucker for his after bath massages, it really calms her down. Tomorrow we have a free day, so hopefully we'll do some shopping. Well time to go download some video to send, I know that's what yall REALLY want! 4 more days then we travel home with our new addition!!!!</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://sharing.theflip.com/session/05bb286e4f95cd1d19ccf59ba2e7e832/video/10118989">CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO!</a></span></span></div>The Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07652003564687000532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433605048038577803.post-57797976227388321412010-02-05T09:29:00.001-06:002010-02-05T09:29:40.599-06:00Day 6 Ends<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Well we just arrived in Guangzhou, our last stop before heading home. Today was all about packing, going to a floral market, and flying with her for the first time. She did GREAT! No crying at all on the plane. She laid in my lap and talked for 2 hours. Amazing how the day goes when it's started out in His presence:) We really did have a good day. Dexter had some good moments playing with her and feeding her. She still wants me to hold her, but she is at least letting him play, change clothes and feed her. We already LOVE Guangzhou and it's dark outside, can't wait to see it in the light. The pace is much slower and the city is just very different. When we arrived at the Guangdong Victory Hotel, we saw 6 American families with their newly adopted little ones. That was so fun talking and sharing with others. Tomorrow is a very early day. Maggie Mae is going for her "body check-up" (aka, dr. visit). We are told she will not have to get shots because we are a non Hague adoption. The Hague adoption children have to get 7 shots, YUCK! This is some new governmental policy. I'm so thankful our paperwork was before the Hague Convention implementation in the US. Well I know this is short, but I am very tired and ready for bed. We have an early morning. Sorry there are no pictures or videos today, but we really didn't take any. Well Dexter did take one at the hotel of some interesting statue in a fountain, but I won't let him post it. We are going to keep this blog G-rated:):) Thank you again for all your thoughtful emails. We too look forward to reading them. Love and blessings.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Patricia</span></div></span>The Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07652003564687000532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433605048038577803.post-54324321192649453972010-02-04T18:55:00.000-06:002010-02-04T18:56:18.073-06:00Day 6 Early Morning Inspiration<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; ">As I woke up again in the wee hours of the morning, I had an overwhelming sense to spend some much needed time with the Lord. All was quiet and dark in both rooms, so me, my bible, glasses and pillow headed for the bathtub. It was there the Lord met me with His Life giving words. If we want Him to exchange beauty for ashes, we have to give Him our ashes! Psalm 55:22 "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." Sometimes we lay our ashes at His feet and expect Him to turn them to beauty immediately. Sometimes He does not "pass the cup". 1 Peter 4:12-13 says "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." When I decided to obey Him and follow Him through this adoption, I walked into it thinking "what a beautiful thing this will be". Unknowingly motivated deeply by trying to make up for past sin in my life, God revealed to me His motivation for me was just to simply love her through Dexter and I. The enemy wants not only to destroy and devour us, but He wants to confuse and deceive us into believing why we are doing what we are doing. Yet, "the eyes of the Lord are ranging throughout the earth seeking those whose hearts are fully committed to him." 2 Chronicles 16:9. HE WINS ALWAYS!! If we will just persevere and trust Him, we will see victory! Listen to His voice and don't believe the lies of the enemy. Follow Him everyday of your life and this will be your witness and testimonty. "We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty." 2 Peter 1:16. Follow hard after Him and be an eye witness to His Majesty! <div>Love and Blessings to you all.</div><div>Patricia</div></span>The Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07652003564687000532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433605048038577803.post-19238991206682635812010-02-04T08:53:00.003-06:002010-02-04T09:01:46.881-06:00Day 5 .... CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EAd5NLgTASDrVafqDkDHOhYYwUaIa_VbJq_dCDgxcbGPdjTOQD8TdGXvidZXYf3dajtNg9qMP700g7uFfgNSIy4WJbAD6GgV8I1gyCtSKKWPIPwYf1oHsXYbDtNyvxFYrjgwewBD73A/s1600-h/mag29.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EAd5NLgTASDrVafqDkDHOhYYwUaIa_VbJq_dCDgxcbGPdjTOQD8TdGXvidZXYf3dajtNg9qMP700g7uFfgNSIy4WJbAD6GgV8I1gyCtSKKWPIPwYf1oHsXYbDtNyvxFYrjgwewBD73A/s320/mag29.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434402380037180770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj80L8ErCLJOaPHWuxpO24tvDiVUGmnbHKNrYq0F-iL-uaZWUVG2G7mzjAzi6X_B_pmWXDWEOtIa6ZZfu-eyAI0m9n3JFno2Ydm2SrzRsqv1lprUiCTAmOVPqyJBkdhSjGrH8FGwFJBXc/s1600-h/mag30.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj80L8ErCLJOaPHWuxpO24tvDiVUGmnbHKNrYq0F-iL-uaZWUVG2G7mzjAzi6X_B_pmWXDWEOtIa6ZZfu-eyAI0m9n3JFno2Ydm2SrzRsqv1lprUiCTAmOVPqyJBkdhSjGrH8FGwFJBXc/s320/mag30.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434402371766702418" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2Gza5JbQzET1hvsW-eTcJKzNCTgiBIUSGQyqRlBPNf5ihkyhlB_GCnTTeTuo1oUqr2Ar2zXG_iFdZl2dg2ZtrNYxZm5uosOX7mudNT2ZqE7lPRzLlkMNRYliuhTq04hgy3uvjzmSfxw/s1600-h/mag31.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2Gza5JbQzET1hvsW-eTcJKzNCTgiBIUSGQyqRlBPNf5ihkyhlB_GCnTTeTuo1oUqr2Ar2zXG_iFdZl2dg2ZtrNYxZm5uosOX7mudNT2ZqE7lPRzLlkMNRYliuhTq04hgy3uvjzmSfxw/s320/mag31.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434402367443768882" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; ">Today we took a day trip to Stone Forrest in Shi Lin, China. It was about an 1 1/2 hours away, 40 minutes of which was getting out of the city. The kids were excited about getting out of the hotel room and so was mommy and daddy. Maggie Mae slept a lot today. She seems to want to sleep when I am holding her especially in the sling. We had a great time, this place was amazing. I'm afraid the pictures and video won't portray the beauty of this place. Emma, our travel coordinator, had never been, so she was excited. We had a picnic lunch of peanut butter and jelly and <div>pringles. It kind of felt like home. So many people travel to visit this place. It is very famous. When we got back to the hotel Maggie Mae began a 3 hour crying fit. She wants to just sit in my arms and sleep and we want her to sleep tonight! Finally Daddy decided if she's screaming for no reason, she might as well scream in his arms. He took her for a walk down stairs, literally down 10 flights of stairs. He said she screamed all the way down. BUT on the way back up at about the 5th floor he said she gave a big sigh and gave up. She stayed in his arms cuddling for about 45 minutes even when he was in the same room as me. PRAISE THE LORD! Big step. Then she went to Sarah-Gracen for a while, even pushed me away when I got near. Now we are getting ready to eat and go to bed. Tomorrow we get her passport and fly to Guangzhou. Hopefully the doctor will be able to decide about her ear because she has pulled on it all day again, and we've given her 3 of the 5 doses of Zmax. </div><div>So many of you have encouraged us in so many incredible ways since we've been here. The common thing I hear is give it some time. I guess when you're in the middle of this, that's a hard perspective to take. I was thinking a lot while driving, no let me rephrase that, while riding in the van today. Rejection is big deal. I was pondering how long it has taken me to finally trust and receive love from others after being rejected. God was so patient with me and so was my husband and close friends. Sometimes we have to walk through something ourselves to be able to help someone else. One of my deepest desires for my kids is to walk in the love, trust and acceptance of their Lord Jesus Christ. I love them with every part of my being and will never reject them, but their significance must be established through their relationship with Jesus. Until tomorrow!</div></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCL1MgXPJnself8t74zHPIvXobSvrumECHlbb3GrjaQNb07PrJ9YBblEt6qc7Ktsu3Zy1MKFWgbDOtV3KSPPhQqw-nIUZMoAIHaIqg0W8nHIp6a3QkswjF9HqlFYd9gtO89_4WF8Tb4uk/s1600-h/mag32.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCL1MgXPJnself8t74zHPIvXobSvrumECHlbb3GrjaQNb07PrJ9YBblEt6qc7Ktsu3Zy1MKFWgbDOtV3KSPPhQqw-nIUZMoAIHaIqg0W8nHIp6a3QkswjF9HqlFYd9gtO89_4WF8Tb4uk/s320/mag32.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434402051734170130" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGxwnNfnmQ58pbJNROyJxdJ6mmpRzQcjNw_QCF8KQduTa4Bv707losgwS1DzaUdM-hjY07JziOWmZBH2RFJY9nBkqqPsCMpwQ1rTZvFS3a9gwaCLUDbCkQp8A6HgGdnJ9dMvAUiTGS_4/s1600-h/mag33.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGxwnNfnmQ58pbJNROyJxdJ6mmpRzQcjNw_QCF8KQduTa4Bv707losgwS1DzaUdM-hjY07JziOWmZBH2RFJY9nBkqqPsCMpwQ1rTZvFS3a9gwaCLUDbCkQp8A6HgGdnJ9dMvAUiTGS_4/s320/mag33.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434402040820280338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KYNxgNFkV3RQOTIM25iHDNIQOeoLld5i4hy58aFbMxXQiooQ1RnCt2sO7dEF9O9GvjVPzpBOWHVZGEzHvOSXWQpn2t4KNufJ3bbD3JYYJMcFsLap7f5HlpwkJ2BsY4XQQubenxtkIlU/s1600-h/mag34.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KYNxgNFkV3RQOTIM25iHDNIQOeoLld5i4hy58aFbMxXQiooQ1RnCt2sO7dEF9O9GvjVPzpBOWHVZGEzHvOSXWQpn2t4KNufJ3bbD3JYYJMcFsLap7f5HlpwkJ2BsY4XQQubenxtkIlU/s320/mag34.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434402034451486546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyGNU1p1-AWbkmWEFx68DNSumuEeYORZBLieEQvhyphenhyphenKtivIZpNXzxorNsd7J_JIec9vw0RxeBdVJCKcKMjjMd7EbTT7SCw7vOyubF9Apx14OEw9WsAIj10cmOWDWwto6whc2Q9Tjh_1Xw/s1600-h/mag35.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyGNU1p1-AWbkmWEFx68DNSumuEeYORZBLieEQvhyphenhyphenKtivIZpNXzxorNsd7J_JIec9vw0RxeBdVJCKcKMjjMd7EbTT7SCw7vOyubF9Apx14OEw9WsAIj10cmOWDWwto6whc2Q9Tjh_1Xw/s320/mag35.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434402028530555794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPq84wB9pW-tfDQ3xNSb_L5VqQ21xpfnGMkIzG1_qgMEOfL5RFRz2avYFQ6u-bbHFR_e38ShACBdP5qPURKAo5Azb7QQ_6NrQjAZzqRkxaeXGiMZssyvdVi_YvxfaNxJF6DaM9kj-TEc/s1600-h/mag36.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPq84wB9pW-tfDQ3xNSb_L5VqQ21xpfnGMkIzG1_qgMEOfL5RFRz2avYFQ6u-bbHFR_e38ShACBdP5qPURKAo5Azb7QQ_6NrQjAZzqRkxaeXGiMZssyvdVi_YvxfaNxJF6DaM9kj-TEc/s320/mag36.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434402019297404258" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://sharing.theflip.com/session/981144dd225168def933d6b151b1636a/video/10048327"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Click HERE for VIDEO!</span></a></div>The Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07652003564687000532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433605048038577803.post-64778472296435849442010-02-03T05:45:00.004-06:002010-02-03T08:40:15.707-06:00Day 4 Comes to a Close ... CLICK FOR VIDEO<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDmeFD1gOdCsnCyK_pUuQ5_XXnqojy1HWaXk5EClV7H8ckV1CRW3JR39j5MjG9235k8t9HiZ-YMo8VGg-X9MzFBlyKLtfrAQqEnnZDexaMhSEDaLFikq7rEvhv9W3ulQRwifmmYD8VT4/s1600-h/mag22.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDmeFD1gOdCsnCyK_pUuQ5_XXnqojy1HWaXk5EClV7H8ckV1CRW3JR39j5MjG9235k8t9HiZ-YMo8VGg-X9MzFBlyKLtfrAQqEnnZDexaMhSEDaLFikq7rEvhv9W3ulQRwifmmYD8VT4/s320/mag22.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433982676615396914" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33N0GI08mfiGaZY8HKUHPLt0Ai7Jed6T29SYDVG08bXe1oXBJPwGE3RbkmMD_FD8uTlCIF0irGmGvkmMafkaI9HaPsWuzvP9C55GZoFVz6_QGRFVwm7zQjAqgWFjOqFxcA9Wnp44uFQo/s1600-h/mag23.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33N0GI08mfiGaZY8HKUHPLt0Ai7Jed6T29SYDVG08bXe1oXBJPwGE3RbkmMD_FD8uTlCIF0irGmGvkmMafkaI9HaPsWuzvP9C55GZoFVz6_QGRFVwm7zQjAqgWFjOqFxcA9Wnp44uFQo/s320/mag23.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433982673748128722" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Let me start by saying her new nickname is Houdini. She was screaming when I put her to bed tonight and after a very long day of crying and clinging, mom took a break and sat with the kids in the next room. I was in there maybe 5-10 min and she settled down and got quiet. Well I just walked in the room and found her in my bed. That little booger climbed out of her bed and crawled up into ours. She is just laying there talking to herself and laughing. The happiest she's been all day. Well I take that back we had another 10-15 minute spell of happiness earlier today too. I really think this ear infection is bothering her too because she spent most of the day pulling on her ear. So, I guess she showed us whose boss!!!! Please be praying that she will begin to bond with Dexter. She hasn't wanted to go to him much and seems to be wanting me all the time, and she loves playing with the kids. He is able to do some things, but just not hold her and cuddle with her much. I know this is hard for him, and also for me because she is in my arms most of the day. Not complaining, we know this is part of the process. We've gone from don't touch me to don't let me go in the last 48 hours. The scripture the Lord gave me today is from Psalm 73:25-26 "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." My flesh is failing because I haven't slept a full night since the Wednesday night before we left. When she wakes up at night for just a few minutes, I can't seem to go back to sleep. Tonight my prayer is for rest. Mama doesn't do so well without sleep:):):)</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">So enough of all that. We did make the most of today by getting out and going to the park for a few hours. The kids enjoyed that round inflatable thing on the water again. It's like they are gerbils in a ball. We filmed a lot today for Tony, trying to capture the culture. Everywhere we went we attracted a lot of attention. People taking pictures of us. They would come to watch the kids on the lake or in the bumper cars, and this was not a small crowd, but a rather large one. This must be what it feels like to be famous:):):) I'll take my quiet Pike Road life anyday.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">We came back to the hotel for some pbj's and rest time. Dexter went back to Walmart so you guys could see all the interesting things there. I'll try to post the video tonight, but sometimes it takes a long time and I am real tired. Well I know this update sounds on the down side, but we're gonna make it through all this. Just like having a baby, those first weeks are survival mode!!!! Thank you for lifting us up in prayer. Please pray for Dexter. He won't say anything but I know his heart is discouraged. I know she is gonna be a daddy's girl one day, just not soon enough for him. Love you all, and thank you for all your emails. I am trying to reply to them, but I might have missed some. Til tomorrow</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Patricia</span></div></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagrr08wBrfIObVi9Sb72gA0D8PT37oEIeL8tv_kpLxvXJ7UNJrYbrVh-K3m-HmYdjO5AmPTjuFyZLRnxIeOEZCLtnS7lrHOJs2RpyTdEiiETiFbdlOgLWqP-tIczXgs6KxWOGeZu9KC4/s1600-h/mag24.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagrr08wBrfIObVi9Sb72gA0D8PT37oEIeL8tv_kpLxvXJ7UNJrYbrVh-K3m-HmYdjO5AmPTjuFyZLRnxIeOEZCLtnS7lrHOJs2RpyTdEiiETiFbdlOgLWqP-tIczXgs6KxWOGeZu9KC4/s320/mag24.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433982524130348130" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio05pOISQWzF6dKyVU04r_UMbKqaIxmxj9PtvVTqNjAl2vkbRBqK9UiZXhF2blR8-Mm0nWzeKfxUWqnwktSJczAy4qhubKu43HUwN1bPFRUT0xnFc0Jq8wTkn4hKim-e_B89BbkNBDfac/s1600-h/mag25.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio05pOISQWzF6dKyVU04r_UMbKqaIxmxj9PtvVTqNjAl2vkbRBqK9UiZXhF2blR8-Mm0nWzeKfxUWqnwktSJczAy4qhubKu43HUwN1bPFRUT0xnFc0Jq8wTkn4hKim-e_B89BbkNBDfac/s320/mag25.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433982516541266434" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoezhyphenhyphenJSxPOndks5lFF0u9fxNo0CRkG9ik3bdFtXZ3U2CF3shxvN2CmTeBQuyfY_3Y1D1-5g5gdDa9HIMT5ZtN1vYu91DHo6f5ysIccZYILlvuNCSXSsdfzj4NA9nXXRPqnTlUwkg7-8E/s1600-h/mag26.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoezhyphenhyphenJSxPOndks5lFF0u9fxNo0CRkG9ik3bdFtXZ3U2CF3shxvN2CmTeBQuyfY_3Y1D1-5g5gdDa9HIMT5ZtN1vYu91DHo6f5ysIccZYILlvuNCSXSsdfzj4NA9nXXRPqnTlUwkg7-8E/s320/mag26.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433982511076070674" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gdYOv1_qe_GGNPV8ZAqpO12WNT4UHG1HQdtiIJ-14ZivVyy-tgOI3PN7spQUYbPpxLjgOI7iyxdR3vsCfWuKXWeBN9D300VCeqlERImGPk_DbeILHZLuWfa4B6i59reTjFy6pt1BUeI/s1600-h/mag27.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gdYOv1_qe_GGNPV8ZAqpO12WNT4UHG1HQdtiIJ-14ZivVyy-tgOI3PN7spQUYbPpxLjgOI7iyxdR3vsCfWuKXWeBN9D300VCeqlERImGPk_DbeILHZLuWfa4B6i59reTjFy6pt1BUeI/s320/mag27.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433982501906239746" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kxmj5hmNG1qrVmc4votfmW3Tp85ukT4lYy3leCw0m2hBDpb_4Il6Eh1bfwTYc5GX5qmbMGTqyJuHCQ_RYftLqnwFBItdFlmXMmAQzJS3iSqoiJ-BPVBMRSolYpUA2Mh0GFASzPYTLCQ/s1600-h/mag28.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kxmj5hmNG1qrVmc4votfmW3Tp85ukT4lYy3leCw0m2hBDpb_4Il6Eh1bfwTYc5GX5qmbMGTqyJuHCQ_RYftLqnwFBItdFlmXMmAQzJS3iSqoiJ-BPVBMRSolYpUA2Mh0GFASzPYTLCQ/s320/mag28.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433982494253964162" /></a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://sharing.theflip.com/session/b0c345326c075fa099742c45be832308/video/10017039">CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO! </a></div>The Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07652003564687000532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433605048038577803.post-86029705636221474702010-02-02T08:31:00.005-06:002010-02-02T08:41:10.912-06:00Day 3 .. Click here for video!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Tvl_DjBupklJIRUm4XCjXtHAwg-PLU40msOuQegwQpCNAxm2b0kexcsrk8zPJZzuKG16OkdBJHo_72VzTibSmleN_qcwW4ZBXa5BD-p2ecVHdjb-m8SFyvv0wWvLG3-0wIXmGMjdLZg/s1600-h/mag11.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Tvl_DjBupklJIRUm4XCjXtHAwg-PLU40msOuQegwQpCNAxm2b0kexcsrk8zPJZzuKG16OkdBJHo_72VzTibSmleN_qcwW4ZBXa5BD-p2ecVHdjb-m8SFyvv0wWvLG3-0wIXmGMjdLZg/s320/mag11.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433654837603638290" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjsRkz_v31nWIwnt4bvorvX3cSeN6awBWn4glk0mFd4j_g4P20C8Uen80yhAoqPYugoTFB6yjkgGQxPGRtDcZyroKv9T3EzDKXYKwqKSk6w8GAaSyo9rL-JqXTD0Bclb_1wCIDbIR1p8/s1600-h/mag12.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjsRkz_v31nWIwnt4bvorvX3cSeN6awBWn4glk0mFd4j_g4P20C8Uen80yhAoqPYugoTFB6yjkgGQxPGRtDcZyroKv9T3EzDKXYKwqKSk6w8GAaSyo9rL-JqXTD0Bclb_1wCIDbIR1p8/s320/mag12.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433654834388637522" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUznKL5avBdRAqNryNbAhDorbRWkKyluZrQA-UzzoXV5HKH1wU9_2l6ThyphenhyphenypIGzNOs3NoaUa1yf1Xyn9LmFLvGOh-YUHNHosQyBxBnCpmE5CTEbAQCiHoAm5lWzgsP5FOKEDiTFUPOiBk/s1600-h/mag13.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUznKL5avBdRAqNryNbAhDorbRWkKyluZrQA-UzzoXV5HKH1wU9_2l6ThyphenhyphenypIGzNOs3NoaUa1yf1Xyn9LmFLvGOh-YUHNHosQyBxBnCpmE5CTEbAQCiHoAm5lWzgsP5FOKEDiTFUPOiBk/s320/mag13.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433654826369697618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpKQzTz9CwmSNO8eJsvoXcR9f-vXt90_7lkxTxkNoCsjZslIDARPaAaEcW2QcPbuL9UlSAMbqcSk0GMAQnLOU6NUMWbBGZMmAwydmeUwD3-G4qTkpgW7sjttfnJrdsmWKsBWK24QbCGQ/s1600-h/mag14.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpKQzTz9CwmSNO8eJsvoXcR9f-vXt90_7lkxTxkNoCsjZslIDARPaAaEcW2QcPbuL9UlSAMbqcSk0GMAQnLOU6NUMWbBGZMmAwydmeUwD3-G4qTkpgW7sjttfnJrdsmWKsBWK24QbCGQ/s320/mag14.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433654551003082882" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWK9b4zVbWOE3lTyQ6dMCTXaNBOliqM92QLWcwYjJXpUGEKRFa11AVY7SetJWYTnWLIxm5aw2DmMjKjTrhgiubZdSvXpPJ3pKQjq6zAGZbkdgR4YSD6iSos8B8vs7UALbUyMT0IPAges/s1600-h/mag15.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWK9b4zVbWOE3lTyQ6dMCTXaNBOliqM92QLWcwYjJXpUGEKRFa11AVY7SetJWYTnWLIxm5aw2DmMjKjTrhgiubZdSvXpPJ3pKQjq6zAGZbkdgR4YSD6iSos8B8vs7UALbUyMT0IPAges/s320/mag15.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433654548370468930" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKkcYdlrWMx1lhRwVOtoHcKyH_Fgnhh_1Qj_xRrhWhsByDJKVfb3dZhlFyNau2Zpt5Mkz0D66LkHS9lgqoQYSu9qXGtsoIil5JnR-zhZCu5BXosVrxgq-KvZt4jTQN5MEJvCR_OBbtSY/s1600-h/mag16.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKkcYdlrWMx1lhRwVOtoHcKyH_Fgnhh_1Qj_xRrhWhsByDJKVfb3dZhlFyNau2Zpt5Mkz0D66LkHS9lgqoQYSu9qXGtsoIil5JnR-zhZCu5BXosVrxgq-KvZt4jTQN5MEJvCR_OBbtSY/s320/mag16.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433654536759168898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhTqfCa0YdM5LOOx2whs8LZZ6e8sSM4XzocNbDAGEVIwJLqj41c-qHAvzqvIXvSOBJlNdBze8S-UkqDl4drPv-e-hHtRh7VUOHSR1CLAcFDvh79xa4m_R4pnT8Z7ASiMUbeMuxkl6Lg4/s1600-h/mag17.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhTqfCa0YdM5LOOx2whs8LZZ6e8sSM4XzocNbDAGEVIwJLqj41c-qHAvzqvIXvSOBJlNdBze8S-UkqDl4drPv-e-hHtRh7VUOHSR1CLAcFDvh79xa4m_R4pnT8Z7ASiMUbeMuxkl6Lg4/s320/mag17.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433654534892884642" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Funny! That a great word for her today. We had many moments of laughter and her doing things and repeating things that were just funny. She is like a parrot when she's happy and I'm like a marsupial (kangaroo) when she's not. Everyone in the family had some pretty cool bonding time with her today. She really wanted to play with the kids a lot today. They had fun teaching her to say different things. She loves to say "sissy" and "bo bo". When she sees Parker she says "bo bo". She spent the evening in the carrier with Daddy. She likes that "pouch" because it keeps her tight to us. She eats very well especially with daddy. She loves chicken! </span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">She slept until 9:30 this morning, but woke up in a bad mood. We know she is cutting a tooth that looks so painful, has a runny nose, and today we discovered she had a lot of drainage coming out of her right ear. Thankfully, the Dr. in Birmingham sent me with some antibiotics just for an ear infection. So we think some of her fussiness is coming from all that. I know I would be a grump too! So, some information I haven't shared is she is tiny. She weighs only 22lbs. All the shoes and clothes we brought were a little big. The shoes are huge. She might wear a size 4 shoe. She drinks from a bottle most of the time. We are trying a cup, but for now she likes the bottle.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Okay, as for the events of the day. Our big outing was to the local Walmart. Yes, they have a 3 story Walmart here. Nothing like you've ever seen before. You can get a fresh whole goose, head and feet included. A pig's face, yes I said it, there was a lot of pig faces hanging on a hook to buy. Next to the pig faces were dried fish hanging for sale. Dexter saw a heart in a bag. Oh did I mention the smell when we went through that part, and we got lost twice so we had to walk through it 3 times. It was so crowded you could barely move. We met a guy from North Carolina who lives here with his wife and 2 children. He teaches english. It was great getting</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">to share with him. Along the way we saw a man walking with his dog who had on 4 boots. Then another dog wearing a full set of clothing. It is getting close to Chinese New Year, so many people are arriving to celebrate. Lots of people, small cars, bicycles, and mopeds, and very little obeying traffic signs. Oh yeah, I am so thankful for the respect our men have for us. It is very different here. They are rather rude. I had two men take my omelet twice this morning at breakfast. They got right in front of me and took it from the Chef. Finally, on the third try, he was able to pass it to me without an interception:):):) It was like that New Orleans game the other night hahaha. Anyway, I had to laugh. Well, I didn't hear anything specific from the Lord today; however, I witnessed many prayers being answered. Keep praying because He is listening</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">and doing exceedingly and abundantly more than we could ever imagine. I am loving the emails from everyone, especially when I hear the Lord using our journey to minister to you in your life. I want to be a channel of blessing in other people's lives. He is Abba Father. To Him who sits on the throne, be blessing and honor, and glory and power forever. May we, His children, spend every minute of the day crying, Holy, Holy is the Lord God</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Almighty.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Until tomorrow,</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Patricia</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSomz-kUGAu8vFgJtqzdlNhGYsuCEPjuADh3bTZtT_8qBS7tgVo6lPoajbRgmA1Sx9pkIJkaL4AsUmz7jsIW5SLpfLm5eInURxfb34gx8d7x25uVLDYOzxtIrg1dsUaHJj6XQxj0aQFMI/s1600-h/mag18.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSomz-kUGAu8vFgJtqzdlNhGYsuCEPjuADh3bTZtT_8qBS7tgVo6lPoajbRgmA1Sx9pkIJkaL4AsUmz7jsIW5SLpfLm5eInURxfb34gx8d7x25uVLDYOzxtIrg1dsUaHJj6XQxj0aQFMI/s320/mag18.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433654183406703554" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCks53NJCrlHK-M39QM9Syl0-l1EwNvtWrL9K7leIGD6NO0NqzXv1nU2qy5b4LmSpGolSRboOJrzh63pEMTtGEXqpJHnjL8plr2PYlwfAMZnz6AmjP0d6TifTnbC4xAdzGhAqB9Pqw44/s1600-h/mag19.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCks53NJCrlHK-M39QM9Syl0-l1EwNvtWrL9K7leIGD6NO0NqzXv1nU2qy5b4LmSpGolSRboOJrzh63pEMTtGEXqpJHnjL8plr2PYlwfAMZnz6AmjP0d6TifTnbC4xAdzGhAqB9Pqw44/s320/mag19.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433654172103858050" style="display: block; 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margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://sharing.theflip.com/session/57529fe38aad931875eeac9cb4686314/video/9982367">click here for video!</a></span></span></div></span></div>The Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07652003564687000532noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433605048038577803.post-14664326855961724512010-02-01T18:38:00.004-06:002010-02-01T22:05:09.388-06:00Beginning Day 3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBa-51bZZq136YOsJMfGniCCbRQ9Uj2sn7A9Ex60tj-4PDjaajEMz9rFj-p9kY0yp-wc5LDNng3q6fF4KtCSZolPlcM59RJAO1t0b2li8eo-ZWBnj2lNZOwe6xS9nji4TTBDJprLb1TQ/s1600-h/mag9.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBa-51bZZq136YOsJMfGniCCbRQ9Uj2sn7A9Ex60tj-4PDjaajEMz9rFj-p9kY0yp-wc5LDNng3q6fF4KtCSZolPlcM59RJAO1t0b2li8eo-ZWBnj2lNZOwe6xS9nji4TTBDJprLb1TQ/s320/mag9.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433491844214451634" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;">Well it's 8:20 am and our precious Maggie Mae is still asleep. She had a big day yesterday and only slept a little so she is very tired. Last night went down to the restaurant to eat and she loved bananas, strawberries, apples, bread and rice of course. We came back to the room for bath time. Oh boy! She hated it the night before, but tonight she LOVED it. She laughed and splashed and played and was quite upset with her daddy when he took her out. By the way, I don't think I've said this along the way, but I have the most wonderful husband, partner, and friend in the world! Dexter is amazing with tending to her and being sensitive to me. The enemy has tried and tested us so much in the past 2 years, but God has used that to build an even stronger bond between. So if you are facing trials in your marriage, be encouraged because when you push through, the Holy Spirit seals some things in you that are a result of your perseverance. Anyway, didn't mean to get off track with that, but I am just overwhelmed with all God has done and is continuing to do. So where were we. Okay so she loved her bath and lotion massage with lavender and vanilla lotion:):) She then went to bed in her crib. She's really not interested in sleeping with us, so we are letting her be where she feels safe and comfortable. She had I episode of crying in the middle of the night and we couldn't console her. So we just tried laying her back down and she immediately got quiet and went back to sleep. Dexter believes she had a night terror. So we are praying against any terror in her sleep. We have no idea what this little child has been through, but we know that NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST HER WILL PROSPER! We already are victorious in this battle because He has overcome the prince of this world. Well I think I hear her stirring in her crib. Thank you all for your emails and comments on the blog. I wish I had time to respond to them all. We love you all and are truly blessed by your outpouring of love, prayers and encouragement.<div>Love</div><div>Patricia</div></span>The Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07652003564687000532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433605048038577803.post-75208853363823185072010-02-01T11:24:00.004-06:002010-02-01T11:40:54.030-06:00God is intervening<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTf7MRB9-J5_njUhPZXc-wzEQWElCRH6DOk-kudXqNrSjUpcZ2bnKkLI33ygY1jPfW4shhc_5-UNOHJrJMkATqUOBxFMWUAbv5bx_sy7S39YC3xIy3Y5CBWOPjLc7JLdmHHnFgvZCNZg/s1600-h/mag10.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTf7MRB9-J5_njUhPZXc-wzEQWElCRH6DOk-kudXqNrSjUpcZ2bnKkLI33ygY1jPfW4shhc_5-UNOHJrJMkATqUOBxFMWUAbv5bx_sy7S39YC3xIy3Y5CBWOPjLc7JLdmHHnFgvZCNZg/s320/mag10.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433331267685111874" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAe_BLjKSOlYkL5w35gb8h3081_dJVNX5QxHsJAPkrDGtmGSZhdLIKNmAnryzZeA4OELTwYRox19pOLqXwMi0FBLkKJAlMvnC7vU5-_ynPS-G24uvYtS9AC6toFlrGDg7Y2j-IuOTf0AI/s1600-h/mag6.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAe_BLjKSOlYkL5w35gb8h3081_dJVNX5QxHsJAPkrDGtmGSZhdLIKNmAnryzZeA4OELTwYRox19pOLqXwMi0FBLkKJAlMvnC7vU5-_ynPS-G24uvYtS9AC6toFlrGDg7Y2j-IuOTf0AI/s320/mag6.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433327914424470546" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9VdXhtuv3c0un51vsiAL6ag2-mYwzmG0jIy2YCIxMW1hDRae0kAD0wNSgPytVFpjhZ7e7BV8YMtqvHhE2OCUKzK0lx_RJPxhnEZEdkJwEo15fTuLTbl7ru_oJmsC_y2Rh6pysfG3tCQ/s1600-h/mag5.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9VdXhtuv3c0un51vsiAL6ag2-mYwzmG0jIy2YCIxMW1hDRae0kAD0wNSgPytVFpjhZ7e7BV8YMtqvHhE2OCUKzK0lx_RJPxhnEZEdkJwEo15fTuLTbl7ru_oJmsC_y2Rh6pysfG3tCQ/s320/mag5.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433327901082153058" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Today was a much better day for Maggie Mae. It is about 4:35pm Monday afternoon. We've had her for 24 hours and she is beginning to trust us a little. She took her bottle today and ate KFC for lunch and loved it. She didn't want to take a nap this afternoon. She just stood up in the bed and watched me try to take a nap. She was so funny standing there sucking her thumb falling asleep. She would not lay down. Now she is up walking about the room for the first time. She let herself out of the bed and is walking great. She seems to see some because she is not running into anything in the room. We went to the adoption center today to do all the final adoption certificate paperwork and then to the Police station to apply for her passport. Her picture is hilarious. They wrapped her in a men's black coat and she was not happy. We met a family from Raleigh, NC who were picking up their daughter. She is the little girl that came with Maggie Mae yesterday from the same orphanage. She was a special needs child with issues relating to lack of oxygen at birth. Her CT scan showed abnormalities in her cerebral cells. The family found out when they got here that on her last medical visit, she had a normal CT. Praise Jesus for that. Nanette, the mom and I got to talk a lot at the adoption center. They have 3 biological children, she sings on the praise team, and testifies to an incredible journey.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">She and I shed some tears together because all this is a bit overwhelming. How sweet it was of the Lord to put us in the same room together. We will have our official ceremony at the US Consulate in Guangzhou together next Wednesday. Emma, our travel coordinator, says that things in Kunming are a bit unorganized compared to other provinces she has been, which makes things a little chaotic at times. She has been wonderful! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Thank you all for your encouraging emails. I'm sorry if I have not replied to all of you, my time on the computer is limited. The internet works when it wants to here. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">More tomorrow and thank you so much for praying, God is intervening.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMj4XQmT0DelDHrajOJbDaeIu1gqwLGA-92qAwqaaFD9sFsvYqbKxluyvmVfvL_iZLuubK_tZPkvY9olD-8Gh5A3KRtu8mAdsv8_br0R6G2YzismOxGAfXG-AMCOlzO3r3wzt7lLy0ZA/s1600-h/mag7.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMj4XQmT0DelDHrajOJbDaeIu1gqwLGA-92qAwqaaFD9sFsvYqbKxluyvmVfvL_iZLuubK_tZPkvY9olD-8Gh5A3KRtu8mAdsv8_br0R6G2YzismOxGAfXG-AMCOlzO3r3wzt7lLy0ZA/s320/mag7.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433327907903280834" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">if you click on the title it will take you to a video! </span><a href="http://sharing.theflip.com/session/4e81cfa1aeda2c1dcb775e6a8b50001e/video/9941967"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">or click here!</span></a></span></span></div></span>The Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07652003564687000532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433605048038577803.post-36287519687634416302010-02-01T00:28:00.002-06:002010-02-01T00:29:04.682-06:00Day 2<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: helvetica, arial; font-size: 13px; ">Well it's 6:30 am and she is still sleeping. She slept all night with a few cries, but she just put her thumb back in her mouth and went back to sleep. Sarah-Gracen and I seem to be the only ones who had trouble sleeping last night. The guys have been our since 8:30 last night. It is in the stillness of this morning that I am reminded by my sweet friend, how long it took me to trust God and to believe how much He REALLY LOVES ME! How many times did He try to hold me and touch my life and I just kept Him at a distance. I have said so many times this is all about a journey with Him and the journey continues. I am so thankful for all the difficult things I've been through in the past because I can see God pointing back to them and reminding me how far we've come together. Maggie Mae now has that opportunity to never be left again, to be loved consistently, unconditionally, and to be surrounded by people she can trust. It's our job to follow HIM as to how to be a part of that. I am so blessed to have so many friends to encourage and pray for us right now. You are holding us up and we feel it. I love you and now we start a new day, with new mercies, new promises, and new hope. We are so excited about what God is going to do today. It must be something big because He has had me up all night praying!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: helvetica, arial; font-size: 13px; "><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">WITH HIM</div><div style="text-align: center;">Patricia</div></span>The Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07652003564687000532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2433605048038577803.post-51509435255632902122010-02-01T00:22:00.002-06:002010-02-01T00:27:57.001-06:00HERE SHE IS!!!!<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUiWN8LLt496DQ7TtG3FJdj-QjIyacn0WmqxyZR_821pB1cgRbEuk6N1C-q4yiu-P8I5zN6bY3Ci9rEfSxIB1hrz6p_eyrKKVSSgYKCc262sdwGLAlG96dZXvzcHEFHHOfTXYQ811ggMQ/s1600-h/mag1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUiWN8LLt496DQ7TtG3FJdj-QjIyacn0WmqxyZR_821pB1cgRbEuk6N1C-q4yiu-P8I5zN6bY3Ci9rEfSxIB1hrz6p_eyrKKVSSgYKCc262sdwGLAlG96dZXvzcHEFHHOfTXYQ811ggMQ/s320/mag1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433157330031469954" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: helvetica, arial; font-size: 13px; ">We are a little numb right now to say the least! She was very unhappy when we got her, but after 45 minutes and 2 suckers and then her thumb she fell asleep. We found out that she has been in a foster home all this time. She has been sleeping with the foster mom and has been thriving well. She cannot see very well at all, but we are still praying for God to heal her. She is fine with either Dexter or I, but really she just wants to lay on the bed and be left alone. She is very content right now talking to herself and being by herself. It is so funny, if we go to the bed and try and talk with her or touch her she lets us know she doesn't like it :):):):) We are letting her do whatever she wants because she has had so many changes in her 23 months. I really can't put into words how I am feeling right now. Maybe after some time I will be able to.</span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbH78EB_LNl0vFZ5BJcf9FjjT908EpBWSXtiXS4FNilRXrKEN4QqGZNWKOdwLGR-_v-kPcnZ6SiE5s2FKxwLtnLD5mE-oa0z1U0aYXjfEL-Mydy3dWPsu3eAP4o6RDEFiYhRalKsHHRjQ/s1600-h/mag4.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbH78EB_LNl0vFZ5BJcf9FjjT908EpBWSXtiXS4FNilRXrKEN4QqGZNWKOdwLGR-_v-kPcnZ6SiE5s2FKxwLtnLD5mE-oa0z1U0aYXjfEL-Mydy3dWPsu3eAP4o6RDEFiYhRalKsHHRjQ/s320/mag4.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433157346994140802" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUh7spjq01qYY6_24ofOt9T7iIkRhYzXdLi8Nakxwfp-HpQPapWyQ0WbrHoEs1PlErUSW3cnzeDyfVSxbysqWZ3lWBNNnI1qUZXZgCnSx7lmqyHHAXUCUjUlG-2kSO0jdYhtWOZQ4t2M/s1600-h/mag2.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUh7spjq01qYY6_24ofOt9T7iIkRhYzXdLi8Nakxwfp-HpQPapWyQ0WbrHoEs1PlErUSW3cnzeDyfVSxbysqWZ3lWBNNnI1qUZXZgCnSx7lmqyHHAXUCUjUlG-2kSO0jdYhtWOZQ4t2M/s320/mag2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433157345887182050" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMei0ECyp59R4i8N-jEPUYxRpvkERfal6Pm8ndgtPQ7_JDyXfaswV7aI_YM0kTHxfveC2cPHJAkN1YrrvkdxmV6UTU_vGg3qqTuB9HbjFzghqRIZpVJV9FrPXe99rG8Nbh0A2YhjReyU/s1600-h/mag3.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMei0ECyp59R4i8N-jEPUYxRpvkERfal6Pm8ndgtPQ7_JDyXfaswV7aI_YM0kTHxfveC2cPHJAkN1YrrvkdxmV6UTU_vGg3qqTuB9HbjFzghqRIZpVJV9FrPXe99rG8Nbh0A2YhjReyU/s320/mag3.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433157340664257714" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div>The Wattshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07652003564687000532noreply@blogger.com2