tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51895866977709451832024-03-13T04:27:17.032-04:00The Journey ContinuesKim Shaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214180880105557485noreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5189586697770945183.post-16348560681947550602011-01-02T21:18:00.005-05:002011-02-02T09:04:12.020-05:00Shazam!Our blog has changed ...<br /><br />We are starting out the new year with a new blog.<br /><br />In 2011 we will stop updating <a href="http://journeytojonathan.blogspot.com">http://journeytojonathan.blogspot.com</a> and all future posts will be made to <a href="http://akindofcrazy.blogspot.com">http://akindofcrazy.blogspot.com</a><br /><br /><br /><br />In fact, you might want to pay the new blog a visit ... some big stuff going on there.Kim Shaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214180880105557485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5189586697770945183.post-46910243857051128312010-12-22T16:01:00.003-05:002010-12-22T16:23:46.415-05:00cookie day<div>Yesterday was cookie day at Mom-mom and Pop-pop's house. Pop-pop was at work, but Mom-mom was ready and prepared to bake cookies. Everyone had fun making and decorating the cookies and I don't think we left too big of a mess! Thank you, Mom-mom!</div><br /><div>Tonight we are going to deliver some of the cookies to our neighbors. It is also the night when Jeremy and the kids sleep on the living room floor by the lights of the Christmas tree. It is a fun night of Christmas movie watching, popcorn eating and falling asleep under the tree.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAW4TsvNe_0hEgFCVupG8FFpYr3ygPfK6ES2yRR0bBwmky0Yx0WvyMrTyED7GoxQ2C4xRGpxxppde4D9B7ax4-Dh8KcpjQhXUfilyArczx11MJxcZHzexThpjJ74jrg53Tefv9LpcHAYH/s1600/100_6255.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553619828242123986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAW4TsvNe_0hEgFCVupG8FFpYr3ygPfK6ES2yRR0bBwmky0Yx0WvyMrTyED7GoxQ2C4xRGpxxppde4D9B7ax4-Dh8KcpjQhXUfilyArczx11MJxcZHzexThpjJ74jrg53Tefv9LpcHAYH/s320/100_6255.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgeEkff0W_C63S2rSfe8fsVfAI-9xEKbH1uYe7zpO91doCanLwHuOOfAVWwrOtBffO8c2Ws8QWjcnNZdF4WAJY0s6xx1w_7c-MdPhILpRhxlx4yCFVaoZVx5TDPjTYzAPkPq3B_6DWRQh/s1600/100_6256.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553619826025898034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgeEkff0W_C63S2rSfe8fsVfAI-9xEKbH1uYe7zpO91doCanLwHuOOfAVWwrOtBffO8c2Ws8QWjcnNZdF4WAJY0s6xx1w_7c-MdPhILpRhxlx4yCFVaoZVx5TDPjTYzAPkPq3B_6DWRQh/s320/100_6256.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbDJY_b8Ytu68SM_earq0DDE25cip82b5bNUf_R_xq8sCCt-0xlpkm0QbGjghO7Hp-8VcftyppyikbocKR3Ybrjr_OZY4B5XHvxcMq2P7hh_MHD4XgyjOaaud1E_hdsfgDoydeTGcThpQ/s1600/100_6254.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553619814829627618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbDJY_b8Ytu68SM_earq0DDE25cip82b5bNUf_R_xq8sCCt-0xlpkm0QbGjghO7Hp-8VcftyppyikbocKR3Ybrjr_OZY4B5XHvxcMq2P7hh_MHD4XgyjOaaud1E_hdsfgDoydeTGcThpQ/s320/100_6254.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3F3cLCg_Y6xyt5becSK4Nz2btu6_q1Tap2lKpaCfJZgHsAdYB38SU-3wthn532zsx_QORU2JYnUxq9alziucTO0zrZ9fHAVAE_oC39-bMjOj6pjUnZGNWbaXMehzgqC_Aymo8yc4zNJuv/s1600/100_6252.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553619814132428130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3F3cLCg_Y6xyt5becSK4Nz2btu6_q1Tap2lKpaCfJZgHsAdYB38SU-3wthn532zsx_QORU2JYnUxq9alziucTO0zrZ9fHAVAE_oC39-bMjOj6pjUnZGNWbaXMehzgqC_Aymo8yc4zNJuv/s320/100_6252.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht49TOXUBV2bE9gD1Jd06zGRxVTlDGOFqpGwTrStYw-q-hG78mfdRAG4XxoVPgL8PSmmMpKzpahed-zUdtlZXzb4pHoFAdg-EtuBJ5iAz03JROnSC41fydSdxEIcBumZfQhVvhmHnA2KXW/s1600/100_6251.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553619807876699602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht49TOXUBV2bE9gD1Jd06zGRxVTlDGOFqpGwTrStYw-q-hG78mfdRAG4XxoVPgL8PSmmMpKzpahed-zUdtlZXzb4pHoFAdg-EtuBJ5iAz03JROnSC41fydSdxEIcBumZfQhVvhmHnA2KXW/s320/100_6251.jpg" /></a><br /></div></div></div>Kim Shaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214180880105557485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5189586697770945183.post-50053956287678155462010-12-18T20:26:00.008-05:002010-12-18T21:05:05.510-05:00More Memories...<div style="text-align: center;">On Thursday night we all piled in the van and headed out to see the beautiful Christmas lights! The kids had a great time rating each of the displays we saw.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKS9ZjEGREWSbrOUlDnsTIW-T0cxBLlqA3L2CjVOBOdhPoDXPTz4Wqqwm5KxoWDREfsuLqjST8ESb887DQCmaYKHSqJj43Utx4cvgjsHZUkDQuH-aio3acppCJUh9PRfcCX44XdtTekZC/s1600/100_6174.jpg"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; display: block; height: 213px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552199745368924834" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKS9ZjEGREWSbrOUlDnsTIW-T0cxBLlqA3L2CjVOBOdhPoDXPTz4Wqqwm5KxoWDREfsuLqjST8ESb887DQCmaYKHSqJj43Utx4cvgjsHZUkDQuH-aio3acppCJUh9PRfcCX44XdtTekZC/s320/100_6174.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">There are 2 houses we especially enjoy seeing. This one just has a million lights and so much to see. Jonathan did not want to leave. There is a 2nd house around the corner, which is quite unique. It has a light display that is set to music. So you put your car radio on the designated channel and sit back and watch the lights "dance" to the music. We easily sat there for at least 10 minutes watching and listening to the lights. I tried to get pictures of that house but they all came out too dark.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0T4ts_WoqKlJxNrxSKQtHaZ6B_h2z5oTqNUMyGn3-5sYoVUIlFaKxtYkkTUrl7FjvvvsvYrksMln8toYbbSPbCD_CsOI1YYiDfXI1oTnKQ8mxTrF0mT2ZucHmkJzevSyLkVTbO-1VtIM/s1600/100_6170.jpg"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; display: block; height: 213px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552199745264539282" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0T4ts_WoqKlJxNrxSKQtHaZ6B_h2z5oTqNUMyGn3-5sYoVUIlFaKxtYkkTUrl7FjvvvsvYrksMln8toYbbSPbCD_CsOI1YYiDfXI1oTnKQ8mxTrF0mT2ZucHmkJzevSyLkVTbO-1VtIM/s320/100_6170.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7pHL5ZJ9jVIp2AQc_lVAweEEeIrcpttIYZ3bTnv5xahqQQtmKaxWCvq7Qqk1JgQZATkmlqSIAIhGGMQbWANQMFhrSxkiQZfInRi17D35nAIFja-0zDQqDuRirei1ndbLe77mHbbYDzqO/s1600/100_6186.jpg"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; display: block; height: 213px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552200091770216562" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7pHL5ZJ9jVIp2AQc_lVAweEEeIrcpttIYZ3bTnv5xahqQQtmKaxWCvq7Qqk1JgQZATkmlqSIAIhGGMQbWANQMFhrSxkiQZfInRi17D35nAIFja-0zDQqDuRirei1ndbLe77mHbbYDzqO/s320/100_6186.jpg" border="0" /></a>After driving around for awhile, Jeremy treated us to a Sonic ice cream treat. The kids enjoyed eating their treats in the van.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLGDK_i_A9NfgRSXDIqAlso22PX9PC-DLy6doDB80I6H6hwGwydyMALPF2u8lK7h2nceOOFsLKXAS06aPQp5ss4FsAWQIrjJxmOLgaKStdI8pCptFaroCDrHUn4qNZx1_2bvPmQcEgdIc/s1600/100_6184.jpg"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552199749286557218" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLGDK_i_A9NfgRSXDIqAlso22PX9PC-DLy6doDB80I6H6hwGwydyMALPF2u8lK7h2nceOOFsLKXAS06aPQp5ss4FsAWQIrjJxmOLgaKStdI8pCptFaroCDrHUn4qNZx1_2bvPmQcEgdIc/s320/100_6184.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJbaC3ZIbAAvMh8t2D_8Op_wpWOmhKZ7rAxkZq61zjFnSkkL48fINers_ZmkpkL9X38o5EzeWDIKcbh6InAF6M8NucY8jDlX5sHcJXmRYXm2s8w-DrcdtxLuDMVYyoETXlw_CgPonqqbM/s1600/100_6195.jpg"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; display: block; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552199741104625218" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJbaC3ZIbAAvMh8t2D_8Op_wpWOmhKZ7rAxkZq61zjFnSkkL48fINers_ZmkpkL9X38o5EzeWDIKcbh6InAF6M8NucY8jDlX5sHcJXmRYXm2s8w-DrcdtxLuDMVYyoETXlw_CgPonqqbM/s320/100_6195.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Normally we would have spent today driving up to the mountains with family and cutting down our Christmas tree, but we have started what I hope is not a new tradition. Jeremy started our week off by being sick, then Jonathan had a less then 12 hour fever, then Jordan had a fever for about 12 hours, then yesterday afternoon Amanda started. Only problem, her fever is lasting longer and she also has a sore throat and ear ache. (last year, Amanda had pneumonia for tree day) Amanda is typically not sick. It just seems like her body doesn't like tree day. We opted to all stay home and Jeremy and the boys went and got our tree locally. We then spent the evening decorating it.<br /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy011OOvYpBta86xa3XAFylnzOxuKDw054KUOYJN7e31PFxGupg_xhmrz0VfnFDcvQW2KZ-DBrXKEaic0gl6o26np6WLCTlaialeHGK3uC1waKw61Vb1uhvk4ODHRMVOfkzQ8mCTGSyjcb/s1600/100_6202.jpg"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; display: block; height: 320px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552199735398915106" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy011OOvYpBta86xa3XAFylnzOxuKDw054KUOYJN7e31PFxGupg_xhmrz0VfnFDcvQW2KZ-DBrXKEaic0gl6o26np6WLCTlaialeHGK3uC1waKw61Vb1uhvk4ODHRMVOfkzQ8mCTGSyjcb/s320/100_6202.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I love this picture of Ben!<br /></div><br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRirkuEC2IjdjuhYhm3SJt5a7-ox9edVhxrUmGCl6oBI-8TM6zMZ8AVSaVAN7epUnYQihGER1UTTwq1e-KqMJRlZLluzsJYgEPBYz2-0Zgsi4d9Uv3zdSynoZwqijrxtOQXzRgUFmYk6x/s1600/100_6190.jpg"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; display: block; height: 213px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552199227136785474" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRirkuEC2IjdjuhYhm3SJt5a7-ox9edVhxrUmGCl6oBI-8TM6zMZ8AVSaVAN7epUnYQihGER1UTTwq1e-KqMJRlZLluzsJYgEPBYz2-0Zgsi4d9Uv3zdSynoZwqijrxtOQXzRgUFmYk6x/s320/100_6190.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOakEEUA72vQOufwfJEdOMKD7A94-SKhjunz707r8oEnd4NMf9qGMosKSR9n8Dk0j-ZN6DujW1ihtJ7R4NoQfYuJyTFn4AI1Raq0kkaSfoiIOIBhid2au4uf-GghoC9GsHKpBBJRo51hf/s1600/100_6205.jpg"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; display: block; height: 213px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552200103164564402" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOakEEUA72vQOufwfJEdOMKD7A94-SKhjunz707r8oEnd4NMf9qGMosKSR9n8Dk0j-ZN6DujW1ihtJ7R4NoQfYuJyTFn4AI1Raq0kkaSfoiIOIBhid2au4uf-GghoC9GsHKpBBJRo51hf/s320/100_6205.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HI4WhLQmq84OlsIjqkh0zfMO3UjNu2Vl_SIJ8CbB-yNHXtFtvUhxH2bOrHfDDKz_xpRSb7Y-9zST_RX8CGomGJYuS5H2hxhB8-yePKOtafxNZWJYhjKVCBU8G6gqoKw-SY6VMrKlSmhQ/s1600/100_6192.jpg"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; display: block; height: 213px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552199222300054562" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HI4WhLQmq84OlsIjqkh0zfMO3UjNu2Vl_SIJ8CbB-yNHXtFtvUhxH2bOrHfDDKz_xpRSb7Y-9zST_RX8CGomGJYuS5H2hxhB8-yePKOtafxNZWJYhjKVCBU8G6gqoKw-SY6VMrKlSmhQ/s320/100_6192.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5L3RWNkMrSnO1BWwEwC7_ON-DEyIhDjBGhQPDVUeR68LRLdzzQIURCc_rdlOCsUza0uuifYaMigHAIK6UK9fjPLi-IuVj1C0LCqgm6wN_fk6IgqWRVKzAD7nigYDVDVV4Obj4niUkZzCK/s1600/100_6234.jpg"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; display: block; height: 213px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552199221023102178" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5L3RWNkMrSnO1BWwEwC7_ON-DEyIhDjBGhQPDVUeR68LRLdzzQIURCc_rdlOCsUza0uuifYaMigHAIK6UK9fjPLi-IuVj1C0LCqgm6wN_fk6IgqWRVKzAD7nigYDVDVV4Obj4niUkZzCK/s320/100_6234.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />As we were finishing decorating the tree, I'm not sure how it happened, but all of the kids started playing Away in the Manager together on their respective instruments. Tyler-trumpet, Jordan-piano, Amanda-violin, Ben-drums, and Jonathan-flute. It was one of those moments that if we had tried to initiate it would have been a disaster, but when left to their own devices they provided us with a very nice concert. <br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvscZN7DxC1a7Rd62Z6bBTOoCPJ5uok1mmEyo6IpmWarsaY6KuWtPhVhm0CadTJoMHytCCuPh9oTA6z0t56bR9UcxdBkHOXY86KoZFCFJB1obGcPhyphenhyphenfGYBymiZ00Qobb_nfYqjLvo4lDO/s1600/100_6229.jpg"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; display: block; height: 213px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552199217141354530" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvscZN7DxC1a7Rd62Z6bBTOoCPJ5uok1mmEyo6IpmWarsaY6KuWtPhVhm0CadTJoMHytCCuPh9oTA6z0t56bR9UcxdBkHOXY86KoZFCFJB1obGcPhyphenhyphenfGYBymiZ00Qobb_nfYqjLvo4lDO/s320/100_6229.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kim Shaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214180880105557485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5189586697770945183.post-3197393404718037242010-12-14T20:55:00.002-05:002010-12-14T20:59:55.466-05:00All I Really Want For Christmas<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mnRNP0Qipws?fs=1" width="425" frameborder="0" height="344"></iframe><br /><br />Well, I don't know if you remember me or not<br />I'm one of the kids they brought in from the home<br />I was the red-haired boy in an old, green flannel shirt<br />You may not have seen me, I was standing off alone<br /><br />I didn't come and talk to you 'cause that's never worked before<br />And you'll probably never see this letter, anyway<br />But just in case there's something you can do to help me out<br />I'll ask you one more time<br /><br />All I really want for Christmas is someone to tuck me in<br />A shoulder to cry on if I lose, shoulders to ride on if I win<br />There's so much I could ask for, but there's just one thing I need<br />All I really want for Christmas is a family<br /><br />Well, I guess I should go ahead and tell you now<br />If it's really true about that list you have<br />Somehow I always seem to end up in a fight<br />But I'm really trying hard not to be bad<br /><br />But maybe if I had a brother or a dad to wrestle with<br />Maybe they could teach me how to get along<br />And from everything I've heard, it sounds like the greatest gift on earth<br />Would be a mom<br /><br />All I want for Christmas is someone who'll be here<br />To sing me happy birthday for the next 100 years<br />And It's okay if they're not perfect or even if they're a little broken<br />That's alright, 'Cause so am I<br /><br />Well, I guess I should go, it's almost time for bed<br />Maybe next time I write you I'll be at home<br /><br />'Cause all I really want for Christmas is someone to tuck me in<br />Tell me I'll never be alone, someone whose love will never end<br />Of all that I could ask for, well, there's just one thing I need<br />All I really want for Christmas is a familyKim Shaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214180880105557485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5189586697770945183.post-22078885263449243352010-12-13T16:02:00.011-05:002010-12-13T16:37:40.924-05:00Making Memories<div align="center">I am finding it difficult to comprehend that this time last year we were celebrating Christmas for the first time as a family of 7. I am not exaggerating when I say it feels like Jonathan has always been a part of our family.<br />Last year we kept everything low key as we were adjusting. </div><div align="center"><br />This year we are going all out! </div><div align="center"><br />We began our festivities at Thanksgiving in New York when we celebrated Christmas with Nana and Uncle Dave and Aunt Tita. We haven't stopped yet.<br /><br />We began the month of December by going to our favorite Living Nativity in Mount Laurel, NJ. This is by far the best Nativity I have ever seen. Unfortunately, I did not take any pictures because it is all outside and dark.<br /><br />We kept the festivities going by making a Gingerbread House with Aunt Peggy.<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550277196363160946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUlvZPut1EQKkmeX2qw1fTnBVx0TdWJNZi_0F3kJYhNMIn4h2e1J16abZgwy9qDhqT5rrcc1rFpAQl5pbrd-NGQR9F8i7OWt154EKnCWvbEhQm90iK2IA7QLmPD7RJheJwLL6U6zTmsCy/s320/100_6107.jpg" /><br /><p align="center"><br />I love the detail of a bike against the back wall designed by Tyler<br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550277185868965538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeI3YM2EfpSUZnbQUCo2hI6jCfV_qCmGgJ8fEcTOISSvDcWewBQKsO1CiXOcYW8R4IVcOhhxDiY6jzDd5nOueC-Rzo5F-4zN1nKN5Qs8CDkm0-GJeXePnlofoQo79qd9YV_o3IwkGuZmgP/s320/100_6088.jpg" /> <p align="center"><br /><br />We also helped her put together some special trains.<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-ALrcbywht25S5RaLX0SETJUXXXtv9fCdw-RSihxedun-7PmXDbAYbAaTqpyAJgAVvqlmQBvtQRIQqw8Jg6ut0LJ5Bxkzn7DZH3ZhZBpvkz44aMLao8FOwL2NfZaNtxWs5E8CeaPhrwq/s1600/100_6097.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550277247788640658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-ALrcbywht25S5RaLX0SETJUXXXtv9fCdw-RSihxedun-7PmXDbAYbAaTqpyAJgAVvqlmQBvtQRIQqw8Jg6ut0LJ5Bxkzn7DZH3ZhZBpvkz44aMLao8FOwL2NfZaNtxWs5E8CeaPhrwq/s320/100_6097.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqjIVKEv4LPLMbC1IpzTWJ-Za6LRYsgIpq_0kMhboa8Gjm4ynPqWWny6V-FzO4pXCGLULg2TKh-urXT-wPKB82Xgel6z5v6YiLHiQcYprzXXsEyrG7omr5pCOvv-0YOOemrOolE_T3LDI/s1600/100_6102.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550277216357657810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqjIVKEv4LPLMbC1IpzTWJ-Za6LRYsgIpq_0kMhboa8Gjm4ynPqWWny6V-FzO4pXCGLULg2TKh-urXT-wPKB82Xgel6z5v6YiLHiQcYprzXXsEyrG7omr5pCOvv-0YOOemrOolE_T3LDI/s320/100_6102.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"></a><br />She even had a special train set just for our more active boys.<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhCu3axUrArx7CSOsWNQ8Mp8Pqd7bI98q9nHR-_qr9nUy0By9EzVZvM8FNwOhUrwcB4OuJ6kxyrxvuKllHfXy2HBP_QlKrke5g39hU6Pohujsrni7q9VMUlCruLdkFUX9KO0XI7wlqhHP/s1600/100_6083.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550277228923971074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhCu3axUrArx7CSOsWNQ8Mp8Pqd7bI98q9nHR-_qr9nUy0By9EzVZvM8FNwOhUrwcB4OuJ6kxyrxvuKllHfXy2HBP_QlKrke5g39hU6Pohujsrni7q9VMUlCruLdkFUX9KO0XI7wlqhHP/s320/100_6083.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"></a>Our next stop was the North Pole. Pop-pop and Mom-mom treated our gang along with Aunt Suzy, Uncle John and Andrew to a ride on the Polar Express. It was a great time as everyone (minus Pop-pop and Uncle John) wore their PJ's and listened to the Polar Express story as we sipped hot cocoa and cookies. The train ride was almost 2 hours! </p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXu1mLEzHb4XU02xgoyeaEdgJYryKulalta75jgRaRNOdvSJj1bbtEKikwJMi9IKJAgzW0ZwU8JN7l35AobfSJGKoNfidZ9dQNr90feiqXVlhvekgQSfjV7V6i7oRWZj0sagw1rrhIafg/s1600/100_6164.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550280156343531874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXu1mLEzHb4XU02xgoyeaEdgJYryKulalta75jgRaRNOdvSJj1bbtEKikwJMi9IKJAgzW0ZwU8JN7l35AobfSJGKoNfidZ9dQNr90feiqXVlhvekgQSfjV7V6i7oRWZj0sagw1rrhIafg/s320/100_6164.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKrX4c-U91ahfnze6IQsmR-EKkjV2exZDVC8PeczYzsaQM0sfwtK8GK1RguyzwzdCSgnTZlX7iBCwZkER3Y4iuWsECwIShFvpfOBqx3EcvvJ8EG4sedxBWKjDuuM2DzRqE8olCOJxNCCz/s1600/100_6153.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550280142460649458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKrX4c-U91ahfnze6IQsmR-EKkjV2exZDVC8PeczYzsaQM0sfwtK8GK1RguyzwzdCSgnTZlX7iBCwZkER3Y4iuWsECwIShFvpfOBqx3EcvvJ8EG4sedxBWKjDuuM2DzRqE8olCOJxNCCz/s320/100_6153.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKVm8tnJZNb-uQA4kXYgkeKv9pAZaExl7_Q60B3VdBjadRSDaA8tjPRaMXg27NXBa8Xoe9GqZdK-DxLUBdW5JtsMxxvKmjKGjNEwyFC5rwvUGqyI840_Kf3jcL6UR-peHQe1EQNd5b0A1/s1600/100_6125.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550280133673319106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKVm8tnJZNb-uQA4kXYgkeKv9pAZaExl7_Q60B3VdBjadRSDaA8tjPRaMXg27NXBa8Xoe9GqZdK-DxLUBdW5JtsMxxvKmjKGjNEwyFC5rwvUGqyI840_Kf3jcL6UR-peHQe1EQNd5b0A1/s320/100_6125.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiec0_TWNWFdSFaTkyHX6DxZY4WS0SYnDVcl5mZMveNedYzk_E_8R5lLbBP5ztYWFigzVFyiY8d8-MBg1VJ_PAUHcd5kVtLGdWYhZHJy2vq_O1fG2s42L6bUFLx8gQw3wRj9JOkcWQcjyP8/s1600/100_6136.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550280117936251570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiec0_TWNWFdSFaTkyHX6DxZY4WS0SYnDVcl5mZMveNedYzk_E_8R5lLbBP5ztYWFigzVFyiY8d8-MBg1VJ_PAUHcd5kVtLGdWYhZHJy2vq_O1fG2s42L6bUFLx8gQw3wRj9JOkcWQcjyP8/s320/100_6136.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pla6gJ6zx5K1AQ1MWmn55JOq4lwEZmVFItYMdp3amtEEGM9Gri45WD3UEbGDgCi7epJegdIFJCd7FaPtkQVnQT3ocQH2T9ML5qQRiLXaXkSNO3yqimRevy1YeNKDwe-szlXS01oefHnF/s1600/100_6118.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550280109171519826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pla6gJ6zx5K1AQ1MWmn55JOq4lwEZmVFItYMdp3amtEEGM9Gri45WD3UEbGDgCi7epJegdIFJCd7FaPtkQVnQT3ocQH2T9ML5qQRiLXaXkSNO3yqimRevy1YeNKDwe-szlXS01oefHnF/s320/100_6118.jpg" /></a> Even Emma is getting into the Christmas spirit with her reindeer ears!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2XAczRutEAnY1780HUk7abO0K8diafAdaEmifm-cfVhMqPoWSK2VHrH0GIHgyI455gU6w-Twz2iL_kPVssi3PaNr9IutqbGRp4_qJuAeGFL_4g8SyMSRsXfH-md4VveQGbLg2_ZnZArZ/s1600/100_6058.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550281568247518850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2XAczRutEAnY1780HUk7abO0K8diafAdaEmifm-cfVhMqPoWSK2VHrH0GIHgyI455gU6w-Twz2iL_kPVssi3PaNr9IutqbGRp4_qJuAeGFL_4g8SyMSRsXfH-md4VveQGbLg2_ZnZArZ/s320/100_6058.jpg" /></a> We still have many more fun activities planned! It is easy in of our business to lose track of the reason we celebrate Christmas, but it is our prayer that the birth of Jesus will remain central in all we do during this month. <br /><br /><br /></p><br /><p><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Kim Shaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214180880105557485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5189586697770945183.post-20063710971515349492010-11-29T22:20:00.006-05:002010-11-29T22:51:39.189-05:00I need to start drinking...coffee that is. It is weeks like this one that I need an extra boost to keep going. <br /><br />Today, I took Jonathan to the urologist. During our visit it was confirmed that Jonathan does indeed have a hernia, but there is also another condition with his "boy parts" that is correctable but will need surgery. The urologist can do the surgery for the hernia, but not for this other issue. So next Thursday, we have an appointment to see a Pediatric Surgeon so she can confirm that he does also need to have this other issue corrected. The goal is that the 2 surgeons will coordinate so that both surgeries can be done at the same time. <br /><br />Tomorrow, all 5 kids have routine dental appointments. It will be Jonathan's first time to the dentist. I can already anticipate the conversation with the receptionist- yes, we homeschool, yes, all 5 are mine, yes, we adopted Jonathan, no, I am not a saint, yes, some days I go crazy- every 6 months we go through this same conversation. I think we are the only family with 5 kids that sees our dentist. <br /><br />On Wednesday, Jonathan and I head down to Shriner's for what I believe is a routine 6 month check-up. Although, when we went for our last "routine" check-up that was when they surprised us with the prosthetic fitting. <br /><br />I think on Thursday I will take a nap. Mom-mom will also have earned a nap as she watched the kiddos today and will also be homeschooling the children left behind while I am at Shriner's on Wednesday. <br /><br />In all this business, I am thankful that none of these appointments is for a life threatening condition. All of these situations are manageable and 2 out of the 3 appointments this week are preventive appointments. Isn't it wonderful to live in a country where we have dental care, where we have hospitals like Shriner's that provide quality care and want to see my boy live his life to its fullest. Yes, he needs surgery, but it is routine surgery to correct problems that in other countries would go untreated. Yes, all of these appointments may keep me hopping, but I need to remember to not take any of them for granted.Kim Shaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214180880105557485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5189586697770945183.post-41381004255105762522010-11-25T12:09:00.003-05:002010-11-25T12:29:52.389-05:00Happy ThanksgivingWe are in upstate New York celebrating Thanksgiving with Jeremy's Mom and brother and his family.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLG25VbeEUS-1ROR8bmuakY4zuwuIaxU26YTYbKAffeSWKsSxbI_BLgtD8tbnswoVD0JAsdgnc28180XG65j4zCu6w7PTsem3y7s3CcN6mL-d4kOJTwHKm23XaTqBZxonhjHU0x70a43_/s1600/100_5946.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/AVvXsEgKLG25VbeEUS-1ROR8bmuakY4zuwuIaxU26YTYbKAffeSWKsSxbI_BLgtD8tbnswoVD0JAsdgnc28180XG65j4zCu6w7PTsem3y7s3CcN6mL-d4kOJTwHKm23XaTqBZxonhjHU0x70a43_/s320/100_5946.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543539465871030050" /></a><br />This morning we did a little photo shoot as we enjoyed our beautiful surroundings. I enjoyed taking pictures of my blessings. I am one blessed Mama!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnsWr2lBTS_1QJesRrS3bc2NLUr_Y2CbFU-cW37XOfPqEcbN_aff9Jd2orlL9D0u6X0EfQR9EUv772FwN0DKPvX_EjY2dl8OI9DHp2JRiSK_-ysrmhe0MxHZ5U0khWfdaCLRTlZY88B70/s1600/100_5927.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/AVvXsEhOnsWr2lBTS_1QJesRrS3bc2NLUr_Y2CbFU-cW37XOfPqEcbN_aff9Jd2orlL9D0u6X0EfQR9EUv772FwN0DKPvX_EjY2dl8OI9DHp2JRiSK_-ysrmhe0MxHZ5U0khWfdaCLRTlZY88B70/s320/100_5927.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543539456075141218" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqcHBuJPtGoSFa30F7wTMfw5TpSe6yfQgSXusEkO_GRauOts3oS4XwneyUufswlJDLVh_CEvF1SQ9SZUqgfnmXxugLCsSZzf308eGbUvw6iFrJGhE_nsrV-uGcg7lg5iNFOQ4VNkGiTNm/s1600/100_5961.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/AVvXsEjbqcHBuJPtGoSFa30F7wTMfw5TpSe6yfQgSXusEkO_GRauOts3oS4XwneyUufswlJDLVh_CEvF1SQ9SZUqgfnmXxugLCsSZzf308eGbUvw6iFrJGhE_nsrV-uGcg7lg5iNFOQ4VNkGiTNm/s320/100_5961.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543539446183129506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3zBsjZ3LAYgj1HV3Rkt9OaqwF7uADb76KHeOU_dZBzMlBFSZE0gaMjIZj17PcjaSv-CmPe_7Ml9KLn6yktNQcjQRAVDAnNOY7GdEPJF0DdNcRjzLjuKiJlQG-1Fxmw54psYG_juX9nNk/s1600/100_5962.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/AVvXsEhO3zBsjZ3LAYgj1HV3Rkt9OaqwF7uADb76KHeOU_dZBzMlBFSZE0gaMjIZj17PcjaSv-CmPe_7Ml9KLn6yktNQcjQRAVDAnNOY7GdEPJF0DdNcRjzLjuKiJlQG-1Fxmw54psYG_juX9nNk/s320/100_5962.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543539443368336226" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiTRdAw7HjeUTf6BFe1pF29TdDPpYzgk4_t218VcSvydhdjJmO6xZNVOS3OzEaS_LhjpNA_MSo3tQ2Z2es6R9FKgveAmFoZ_Fkz6sKNs2L0Oo5hl6hNrLzrAFM5zbQP2lZ_WH16rej5Hu/s1600/100_5963.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/AVvXsEiFiTRdAw7HjeUTf6BFe1pF29TdDPpYzgk4_t218VcSvydhdjJmO6xZNVOS3OzEaS_LhjpNA_MSo3tQ2Z2es6R9FKgveAmFoZ_Fkz6sKNs2L0Oo5hl6hNrLzrAFM5zbQP2lZ_WH16rej5Hu/s320/100_5963.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543539437474519266" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAkQSYqac624B9W8pCrGqZXRM5CrXCXjxF6gCvOkm_ca4nRbpD8YdzrBX9LxcvBw2V5aCa5FsgY4fQvmeUST_srT_XeRGov9VqAaCmDZ8uv3XxbgQ2EBQ5W-hFZ2OWYtqGJ6NtqAVOMOF/s1600/100_5964.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/AVvXsEjKAkQSYqac624B9W8pCrGqZXRM5CrXCXjxF6gCvOkm_ca4nRbpD8YdzrBX9LxcvBw2V5aCa5FsgY4fQvmeUST_srT_XeRGov9VqAaCmDZ8uv3XxbgQ2EBQ5W-hFZ2OWYtqGJ6NtqAVOMOF/s320/100_5964.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543538128565569698" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbQ3HPf1jZpXJGmta7OFz7ITszF5FR9a1nMyuTW-CQQxIvcsqS2V-V_mcmycXzsoBjcJ4qKKFleY5DGgxwmh1sms9sx-sLmVbw5rtx6-1eGwfU2l6mu2yirJnmALtXTZxvajUk-AqKg-8/s1600/100_5965.JPG"><img style="display:block; 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margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3g6NTQOvjek9-67NzZtflrN3RNnbNmioET16bgPHzHZ4BWcTxyYq2g4xQIMk5vY9weTwENiJDYYfp5aelorN1ocuxUwya5c1BCmy0gcndxDtVY_ofPloRJP_3OgBPwa6uXIqgwSmcjPWM/s320/100_5976.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543538097563346450" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqsan1qwrLymVOSj_B_GArKADDX9L3t5P0GuZni0ON8Mc8dMWC5TrWAb0ac3INRN3Se4gExxesKDf0ik7PTHn4toVx_R61lr3-3ZY3w0IBpswyE0Lch8DmMqtfAuo4kgliOedPxSZPcux/s1600/100_5975.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/AVvXsEgsqsan1qwrLymVOSj_B_GArKADDX9L3t5P0GuZni0ON8Mc8dMWC5TrWAb0ac3INRN3Se4gExxesKDf0ik7PTHn4toVx_R61lr3-3ZY3w0IBpswyE0Lch8DmMqtfAuo4kgliOedPxSZPcux/s320/100_5975.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543538091273257218" /></a>Kim Shaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214180880105557485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5189586697770945183.post-49450900042031801262010-11-18T09:50:00.003-05:002010-11-18T10:11:43.725-05:00Will YOU?My bloggy friend Shirley is trying to find a home for this little guy. You can read the full post at http://shirlee-mccoy.blogspot.com/2010/11/will-you-wednesday-on-thursday-for-luke.html <br />She has more picturs posted- I just coldn't figure out how to get them over here!<br /><a href="http://shirlee-mccoy.blogspot.com/2010/11/will-you-wednesday-on-thursday-for-luke.html"></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELpuRcT6W52GXOAdsxzHCNP_ui6rz1XyrrimJM1WCBIuzHDf_1nc_d0ceJunAn6JZ_fvky9PGUhiG-8VjPKhfqEp_QW8zCxgPwDbf0lUnE4D6Ig7yn2CXkNh22s6bhgfPcCxQpjMagFgX/s1600/luke2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELpuRcT6W52GXOAdsxzHCNP_ui6rz1XyrrimJM1WCBIuzHDf_1nc_d0ceJunAn6JZ_fvky9PGUhiG-8VjPKhfqEp_QW8zCxgPwDbf0lUnE4D6Ig7yn2CXkNh22s6bhgfPcCxQpjMagFgX/s1600/luke2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Will You Wednesday on Thursday? For Luke, I'll Switch Things Up<br />Seriously, if you don't want to fall in love, don't keep reading.<br /><br />Born in August 2007, Luke is another little guy benefiting from An Orphan's Wish.<br /><br />At three years old, he looks quite small, his big dark eyes just begging someone to love him.<br /><br /><br />Luke's special need is listed as right clubfoot and cerebral palsy, but his real need is for a family.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A little shy, he is receiving the best care possible, but he has no parents to tuck him in at night, no lap to sit on when he is feeling timid, no one to gently encourage him to try new things. With proper therapy and much love, Luke will reach his full potential. All he needs is someone to believe in him.<br /><br />Will you?<br /><br />If you're interested in learning more about Luke, please email Shirley at shirlee@shirleemccoy.com or contact Betty Betz at FTIA.<br /><a href="http://shirlee-mccoy.blogspot.com/2010/11/will-you-wednesday-on-thursday-for-luke.html"></a>Kim Shaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214180880105557485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5189586697770945183.post-6638917594702944632010-11-11T15:36:00.002-05:002010-11-11T15:38:37.466-05:00Something kind ...To follow up on Kim's post. I must admit, as I was cleaning up vomit in the van I was thinking "Do something <span style="font-style:italic;">kind<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span>, do something <span style="font-style:italic;">unexpected<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span>, do something <span style="font-style:italic;">costly<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span>."<br /><br />In my book ... cleaning up puke counted as all three.Kim Shaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214180880105557485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5189586697770945183.post-85216528166210470262010-11-11T15:01:00.008-05:002010-11-11T15:31:17.207-05:00In Spite of Throw-upGotcha day has come and gone and life goes on. Jeremy had actually written the post Getting it on Gotcha Day on Monday evening as we knew Tuesday would be a busy day. We had decided to celebrate Gotcha Day by going out for a Chinese Dinner. We also had our 1 year (and last) home visit with our Social Worker scheduled for that evening. <br /><br />We went to the Chinese Buffet that is right up the street from our home. Everyone had a delicious dinner and we all got in the van to head home. As we were pulling into our driveway at 6:30 PM, one of our children (who shall remain nameless) proceeded to throw up all over the van. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Our SW was scheduled to arrive in exactly 30 minutes. We very carefully assisted all of the children out of the van- attempting to keep them from stepping in throw up. The "child" went into the house and quickly got a shower and immediately felt better. Thinking- it was something they ate. Jeremy then got the unpleasant job of cleaning up the van. I quickly vacuumed the sofas (yes, our hairy dog only goes on the sofas while we are out- gotta work on that). Thankfully, we had everyone looking presentable and smelling pretty by the time our SW arrived. She never knew what had transpired.<br /><br />How did our visit go? Ben refused to answer her questions, Jonathan showed off, Tyler put his hair in a mohawk and came out to show everyone and they all watched lots of videos while we answered numerous questions. By the time our SW was done we were quite confident we had somehow "passed" this last milestone. <br /><br />Today, I took Jonathan to what turned out to be his last physical therapy appointment at Shriners. We are scheduled to meet with his team at Shriners in December and they will evaluate his prosthetic and assess how he is doing at that time. We also discovered about a week ago that Jonathan has a hernia. We are scheduled to see a urologist at the end of this month. <br /><br />Back to my van- Jeremy did a fabulous job cleaning up the mess, but there is still a lingering smell. Sometime this summer, I purchased a car air scent thingy for a friend and picked up a pack for us as well. The scent was Sun and Sand. I sent this to a friend in anticipation of our upcoming beach vacation together. I used one in our car and had just thrown the other one in the pack on the van floor. As I was driving to Shriners today - I found it. The van still smells like throw up I thought to myself what we need is this great Sun and Sand air freshener. So I opened the package and attached it to the front of the van. We went into Shriners only to return to our car 2 hours later- smelling like someone threw up at the beach because of too much sun. Not the pretty smell I was going for. <br /><br />Some days, life gives you throw up and other days it gives smiles and hugs and some days you just need to smile in spite of the throw up.Kim Shaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214180880105557485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5189586697770945183.post-45954547715261711552010-11-08T21:33:00.008-05:002010-11-09T07:24:18.465-05:00“Getting it” on Gotcha Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4q7PPUOhPcRPXHG9UPhDZIEqKc0gJ75q1YaOUesm8NxvPObjljpPXilF5p2D2cMZoPF4taBfKwaBijg5vbCfksV0pAr7lM83xfxvgFDOHtYFt6ECT2kz_mk00hvyYvZJWhZOYk_prsJ2a/s1600/Gotcha+Day+11-9-2009+018.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/AVvXsEg4q7PPUOhPcRPXHG9UPhDZIEqKc0gJ75q1YaOUesm8NxvPObjljpPXilF5p2D2cMZoPF4taBfKwaBijg5vbCfksV0pAr7lM83xfxvgFDOHtYFt6ECT2kz_mk00hvyYvZJWhZOYk_prsJ2a/s320/Gotcha+Day+11-9-2009+018.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537374179853408466" /></a><br /><br /><br />Yes, it was only one short year ago that we first met Jonathan. Is it cliche to say that this doesn't seem possible?? Well, cliche or not, that's where Kim and I find ourselves. Jonathan... is... a ... Shafer. He's one of us. We are his and he is ours and it simply feels like it has always been that way. <br /><br />We're gonna celebrate anyway. <br /><br />We have consciously chosen not to give gifts on this special day because we do not want to stir up any sibling rivalry! But we will all go out for a special meal together (a Chinese buffet!) which, you understand, costs us a small fortune. It is so worth it. Then we'll hurry home for our last official follow up visit from our Bethany case worker. And that's a bitter-sweet milestone because we like her so much!<br /><br />I must admit that both Kim and I have both had our share of nostalgic feelings as we look back on our adoption experience. It was hard, tiring, and emotionally taxing. But it was also quite a rush! It was great to be engaged in such an undertaking together and, on top of that, the experience of traveling to far off places ... Wow, some days you just want to hop in a time machine and go back. (Or maybe jump on a plane and do it all over again!?)<br /><br />This past Sunday we shared our adoption story with a Sunday School class at New Life Glenside Church. It was great to visit aunt Peggy at her church, share with others about what God had done in our family, and (best of all) hear the stories of some grown adopted children. What a privilege that was!<br /><br />In my "quiet time" this morning I found myself journaling about contentment, happiness, and emotional energy (in other words, the same old stuff.) You'll think me less spiritual if I admit that I was (at least in part) inspired by the latest VeggieTales video "<a href="https://bigidea.com/products/shows/shows_content.aspx?pid=996">Its a Meaningful Life</a>" ... which I whole-heartedly endorse! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWqnSkD3N6kZ7hnJIszJQjG9Hq8lXzW3y6zh0JWc9lcHvGr2DzGMxnR8_bZNqsMrg888lkd3vw8_DLICP2etytXf41vGrlxD-mL1dnWLrXLUDmBzjGBlkKpgEii7WoiYJURnuzuELHjIe/s1600/its-a-wonderful-life.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWqnSkD3N6kZ7hnJIszJQjG9Hq8lXzW3y6zh0JWc9lcHvGr2DzGMxnR8_bZNqsMrg888lkd3vw8_DLICP2etytXf41vGrlxD-mL1dnWLrXLUDmBzjGBlkKpgEii7WoiYJURnuzuELHjIe/s320/its-a-wonderful-life.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537374513623948194" /></a><br /><br />I was also reminded of these words:<br /><br />"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." Mathew 16:25<br /><br />I know everyday can't be a gotcha day, and the likelihood of hopping a transcontinental flight right now seems pretty slim, but I can find ways to lose my life a little bit each day. You can too. So, the challenge I am left with, and the challenge I will pass along to you, is to do something. Something kind, something unexpected, and something costly.<br /><br />Hmm... maybe I an finally “getting it” on Gotcha Day!Kim Shaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214180880105557485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5189586697770945183.post-18561247627075389832010-11-08T18:56:00.005-05:002010-11-08T19:28:22.556-05:00The Night before Gotcha Day....Twas the night before Our 1 year Gotcha Day Anniversary and all through the house ... children were running crazy and being very loud! Jonathan set the table and rearranged the place settings. He decided he should be King of the Table and no one dared dethrone him on the eve of this important occasion. If you remember one year ago - we posted a picture of this beautiful cake, which was presented at a Going to China Shower given by our dear friends.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0IXzHMoMcG6bOh8WsKG40CpOoBQxRAN_64u2gZQB341qw8uhAVQqgLoZIA-IxwVWFirVKEBCiUOxU9XYwOpiu06Donh1j4YI3q9oQOBKsADt79fLsCJAtnnxTXnkR_1ivl_2e4bKCPE84/s1600-h/!cid_FA67257A-BEB7-46E6-B26A-894A8C63F24F@kmgdclaura.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0IXzHMoMcG6bOh8WsKG40CpOoBQxRAN_64u2gZQB341qw8uhAVQqgLoZIA-IxwVWFirVKEBCiUOxU9XYwOpiu06Donh1j4YI3q9oQOBKsADt79fLsCJAtnnxTXnkR_1ivl_2e4bKCPE84/s320/!cid_FA67257A-BEB7-46E6-B26A-894A8C63F24F@kmgdclaura.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398911929582661330" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Well, somehow, someway, last year the leftover cake was placed in our freezer. Once, I realized it was there, the perfect occasion never arose to eat the cake. Well, 1 year later- the time came for us to finish off this cake. The leftover portion of cake was all of our faces. Jonathan was thrilled to see his face on a cake.So I gently did surgery and separated every one's face and we each ate our own image. To every one's astonishment - the cake tasted GREAT! And that is how we have spent the eve of our Gotcha Day 1 year Anniversary.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgathEj95EZUvX7v6YALC2G3XSK2TvlkS5Sr-92yiP8WHpG7LcIkI_4hJ7MkW3TDpcu_MubHQeTDEhpySBWvGHFqvE7rkJUKWzyPKtS1hYgSzUDmhob2T3vTI6xCvgtkTQzZed-2iwoirMV/s1600/100_5890.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgathEj95EZUvX7v6YALC2G3XSK2TvlkS5Sr-92yiP8WHpG7LcIkI_4hJ7MkW3TDpcu_MubHQeTDEhpySBWvGHFqvE7rkJUKWzyPKtS1hYgSzUDmhob2T3vTI6xCvgtkTQzZed-2iwoirMV/s320/100_5890.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537337856026470402" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5ZlXNtT9j5duNwUlSl4W1eCbu0quMCJ7W2AeMZPOgbQRRZYxATvZc9PWv2NpCKdSP3wRTQ89R3cdircV00WUgc-NWLOLW1bZcLl94B8UTncprGnf8Gm3ao1eZFELJD6SDoWfRTPcEtL7/s1600/100_5891.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5ZlXNtT9j5duNwUlSl4W1eCbu0quMCJ7W2AeMZPOgbQRRZYxATvZc9PWv2NpCKdSP3wRTQ89R3cdircV00WUgc-NWLOLW1bZcLl94B8UTncprGnf8Gm3ao1eZFELJD6SDoWfRTPcEtL7/s320/100_5891.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537337846838880626" border="0" /></a>Kim Shaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214180880105557485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5189586697770945183.post-64842207923748242772010-11-05T11:22:00.002-04:002010-11-05T12:17:55.732-04:00Orphan SundayThis Sunday is Orphan Sunday.<br /><br />I would challenge you to watch the following video and prayerfully consider what part your family can play in the life of a child.<br /><br />Stream the video online for your Orphan Sunday or awareness event. This video will be available for streaming online until November 14th!<a href="http://premiere.flannel.org/" class="ApplyClass" target="_blank"> Click here to watch now! </a><em>Answer the Cry </em>streaming provided as a courtesy of our friends at Flannel.<br /><br /><br />Be prepared with a box of tissues when Steven Curtis Chapman sings the last song on the video.Kim Shaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214180880105557485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5189586697770945183.post-83172491245747151152010-11-01T15:45:00.007-04:002010-11-01T15:54:44.701-04:00One of those days<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxD6FYCr3aC4AItE4xGD5Cym-aGnqHgqIXiiMzJAGjB8Lnmh2mbWB7ePANL5k7gSNLT_27KNdnzsVpJuCHncqKnJvTZBCtmwqSsjiNBhJNBk8qj8rg1sZEy3sf-LQWKfPykQ9a9CoLvWnI/s1600/100_5815.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534671699413955938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxD6FYCr3aC4AItE4xGD5Cym-aGnqHgqIXiiMzJAGjB8Lnmh2mbWB7ePANL5k7gSNLT_27KNdnzsVpJuCHncqKnJvTZBCtmwqSsjiNBhJNBk8qj8rg1sZEy3sf-LQWKfPykQ9a9CoLvWnI/s320/100_5815.jpg" /></a><br /><div>too much Halloween candy + not enough sleep = one of those days!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Ben- "Can we get rid of Jonathan? He is really, really giving me a bad headache."</div><br /><div>much discussion ensues which somehow leads to a conversation on death...</div><br /><div>Tyler- "Well, you know mom I could die before you if I grow up to be a missionary and I am arrested and persecuted." Can you tell we are reading a lot of missionary biographies this year?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I then kick everyone outside or rather nicely encourage them to get fresh air.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Jonathan comes back in crying or was it whining. "I hurt my finger." I then ask if he will be OK and his reply- "candy would make it feel a lot better" </div><br /><div>Let's just say if anyone asks- there is NO problem with his English understanding or speaking.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Kim Shaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214180880105557485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5189586697770945183.post-39989515478905751802010-10-24T16:04:00.002-04:002010-10-24T16:13:31.393-04:00<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/865QKy9q1jQ?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/865QKy9q1jQ?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />We will be forever grateful to Show Hope and Steven Curtis Chapman and his family. Show Hope was one of the organizations that gave us a grant. We also love Veggie Tales. So what could be better then- Steven Curtis Chapman partnering with Veggie Tales for a video! The video shows some Show Hope families as well as the Chapman's meeting their daughter.Kim Shaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214180880105557485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5189586697770945183.post-8083903972992420562010-10-23T15:14:00.003-04:002010-10-23T15:26:22.014-04:00The One Factor<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfa_cMXOPR8YRdWcnCZNPwsa76DM6FOyudKG4NKTT-E6GRMv3F-CL1q_rop_TpxCOrUjSHQ224lVBAkh0WtiFUtHi8gkFITySL_WYJDzhI7GAc07u6exqc6h2CdfHYMNll3q-y0qkxl_Y/s1600/100_5819.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfa_cMXOPR8YRdWcnCZNPwsa76DM6FOyudKG4NKTT-E6GRMv3F-CL1q_rop_TpxCOrUjSHQ224lVBAkh0WtiFUtHi8gkFITySL_WYJDzhI7GAc07u6exqc6h2CdfHYMNll3q-y0qkxl_Y/s320/100_5819.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531324058408205890" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7gZzg1IUG038iPpMVvIwapBiEryo1Kb0RXuEXHBRrvbFpkiWSUX-ThdocAbPVdHdcnuKOzhoP58tOuutEtxrKqC-BxtRd7C9QnmqACLNfzZ5kX0nMxZdM5yz0ys-kttyCGci1BuDo1Rg/s1600/100_5818.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7gZzg1IUG038iPpMVvIwapBiEryo1Kb0RXuEXHBRrvbFpkiWSUX-ThdocAbPVdHdcnuKOzhoP58tOuutEtxrKqC-BxtRd7C9QnmqACLNfzZ5kX0nMxZdM5yz0ys-kttyCGci1BuDo1Rg/s320/100_5818.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531324053829640962" border="0" /></a><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I have begun reading the book “The One Factor” by Doug Sauder for the second time. I don't recommend reading this book if your life is going well and you are content to not make any changes. The challenge for me is to interpret what this book is challenging me (and my family) to do. </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I was sweetly reminded of Psalm 25:14 ~ “The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.” </p><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywjeIrKXxk5NYOFmnaOIRIzVvk7-Zvu80g0Wf9lHs49SRClIHhuEy-QCe6j-RxFJ5Td9AIQfopQmUXq85thB4ryxnKzsZfFBIY6P_2K55rI6qlj_nA-OL65Q_mxk2owVdyp1ha5PhdmGT/s1600/100_5827.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywjeIrKXxk5NYOFmnaOIRIzVvk7-Zvu80g0Wf9lHs49SRClIHhuEy-QCe6j-RxFJ5Td9AIQfopQmUXq85thB4ryxnKzsZfFBIY6P_2K55rI6qlj_nA-OL65Q_mxk2owVdyp1ha5PhdmGT/s320/100_5827.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531324071557032130" border="0" /></a><br />Tyler and Jeremy went to a Farm with a group of 3-5th graders from our Church. They both had a great time bonding together and apparently taking lots of silly pictures. <br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXO75s5xDmURHvyTg_DQctKm5Pr4OSSFUWopUTs5tL7lTlQQEXhy_GBOa78SkmpEYIDgobMd9kcqKIds_aqZ-6SW1Zh6Vks69NE4KKCPffgqED07xD4nsaEFwA_28OhBvqozX0BUGbh-I/s1600/100_5825.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXO75s5xDmURHvyTg_DQctKm5Pr4OSSFUWopUTs5tL7lTlQQEXhy_GBOa78SkmpEYIDgobMd9kcqKIds_aqZ-6SW1Zh6Vks69NE4KKCPffgqED07xD4nsaEFwA_28OhBvqozX0BUGbh-I/s320/100_5825.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531324063036186018" border="0" /></a>Kim Shaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214180880105557485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5189586697770945183.post-3800798199398723982010-10-11T17:13:00.003-04:002010-10-11T17:22:23.107-04:00He's All Boy!<div style="text-align: center;">He's silly!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXKHnPjccu981wlI6VNCcZhQJ1M2u8eCqo3A385Twbj2yeunECcTk4s8QT3-kAoG3OBxOXLGZYquL5j0W6MsLiOreaeDM_fS-9ZM4xSquQ6VDt-u74VJvcamth4YZvohf0fbxqBuy1PTV/s1600/100_5784.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXKHnPjccu981wlI6VNCcZhQJ1M2u8eCqo3A385Twbj2yeunECcTk4s8QT3-kAoG3OBxOXLGZYquL5j0W6MsLiOreaeDM_fS-9ZM4xSquQ6VDt-u74VJvcamth4YZvohf0fbxqBuy1PTV/s320/100_5784.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526900437999492354" border="0" /></a><br />He's strong!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimoB1ZMXADjX0o0NjGuhiq61hlUu3yibPAt4f7aSlY-X_MkndQ1MlEqmzJXRQRTZx_g6wkyFB7rRZ7h-F7JY3pP3ZHJbtAJOO_83Sdxl0YUexPE7fZ05Qkyh52CByGKMK8HvgkaqAKA0Ec/s1600/100_5781.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimoB1ZMXADjX0o0NjGuhiq61hlUu3yibPAt4f7aSlY-X_MkndQ1MlEqmzJXRQRTZx_g6wkyFB7rRZ7h-F7JY3pP3ZHJbtAJOO_83Sdxl0YUexPE7fZ05Qkyh52CByGKMK8HvgkaqAKA0Ec/s320/100_5781.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526900433375195794" border="0" /></a><br />He's handsome!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT85Pqe1dWjuEK9sGQ-7CmSw7xx73TIlqdqx56s_w4XrABjeq9uW7gYbsZI4bx-9W6uASIujlL75fUvclsk_yfNPeCkqe25PXFumVP9D2N5aBOPJegrRbcJdoyW6Xbz30k9Pqijfh_CqEa/s1600/100_5778.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT85Pqe1dWjuEK9sGQ-7CmSw7xx73TIlqdqx56s_w4XrABjeq9uW7gYbsZI4bx-9W6uASIujlL75fUvclsk_yfNPeCkqe25PXFumVP9D2N5aBOPJegrRbcJdoyW6Xbz30k9Pqijfh_CqEa/s320/100_5778.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526900430694133458" border="0" /></a><br />He's smiley!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5c7c9tmVgROsJG-ZXBEoYEzSihPAWWHQO6V8rdwEVRjaXlCN6Xy4DD_j_q9mRRbzWCR6N9tYTfq6rcbrebtoJn36U0Ge1IYJ5_GCv2kpqV0qpR37G0eIEN0rr3dFyVH60Ae9bWKiLCp_6/s1600/100_5776.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5c7c9tmVgROsJG-ZXBEoYEzSihPAWWHQO6V8rdwEVRjaXlCN6Xy4DD_j_q9mRRbzWCR6N9tYTfq6rcbrebtoJn36U0Ge1IYJ5_GCv2kpqV0qpR37G0eIEN0rr3dFyVH60Ae9bWKiLCp_6/s320/100_5776.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526900421177851794" border="0" /></a><br />He's my BESTEST boy named, Jonathan!<br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6U0AFv4dauBt4SZ5J0cg2rO9PlyaMBwr31qwPpPZlt55REce0bu-8FAfxKH35mPyppCuymGFYaHDQz5Kqc0GAdz4YXOQa1hZH61MdPHt8qJRtEPDl9QMAid7WPTWBy8sMo9ZcWqqtw3J/s1600/100_5775.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6U0AFv4dauBt4SZ5J0cg2rO9PlyaMBwr31qwPpPZlt55REce0bu-8FAfxKH35mPyppCuymGFYaHDQz5Kqc0GAdz4YXOQa1hZH61MdPHt8qJRtEPDl9QMAid7WPTWBy8sMo9ZcWqqtw3J/s320/100_5775.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526900422174752322" border="0" /></a><br />and he LOVES to have his picture taken!<br /></div>Kim Shaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214180880105557485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5189586697770945183.post-22170368318576400782010-10-05T16:13:00.004-04:002010-10-05T16:23:02.619-04:00Pictures<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoaQ-Zr7rQkfrki6_Pb5KxG3bNuzvgfChWFkPofN4yPI-giQ0bifXQzVxait6cdhzJcCxjr-MMcntI-3CKx9e6BrRmMtCKglN6TsBuHbhCXcaRtqeEokWauZ5ZgOvPThTfKaxzwyJbsxR/s1600/100_5720.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524658198192335058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoaQ-Zr7rQkfrki6_Pb5KxG3bNuzvgfChWFkPofN4yPI-giQ0bifXQzVxait6cdhzJcCxjr-MMcntI-3CKx9e6BrRmMtCKglN6TsBuHbhCXcaRtqeEokWauZ5ZgOvPThTfKaxzwyJbsxR/s320/100_5720.jpg" /></a> This is the ride we called the toilet flusher- Tyler is going down on the above picture and Amanda in the picture below.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw43VVIU7Ojtt6tTZrBcMJJpaESwgt089L44WRJJsPJeocFvZRPB9ZBjfKqcNouJZbPsWV2mj0HHVDhfQRawRDfWrRM-EV8fYC71hvEgtYlfJolTfIKHYzK3NLr-gIYm7pdApZO2ovub_8/s1600/100_5718.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524658187971279538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw43VVIU7Ojtt6tTZrBcMJJpaESwgt089L44WRJJsPJeocFvZRPB9ZBjfKqcNouJZbPsWV2mj0HHVDhfQRawRDfWrRM-EV8fYC71hvEgtYlfJolTfIKHYzK3NLr-gIYm7pdApZO2ovub_8/s320/100_5718.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-VYLbYTSFDgcw7bMELwtZLMu6CKna3K9P0hmLr_I4maXYcWZtzqNpS5XfV4lwg4qxCfVxFWQvQGZmy7bc0VRUep4e62Q1NhyphenhyphenN7ipV_vPShTnqoftuyhH1oancY3EaNKkTrccZzkMpJc8/s1600/100_5706.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524658173088842898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-VYLbYTSFDgcw7bMELwtZLMu6CKna3K9P0hmLr_I4maXYcWZtzqNpS5XfV4lwg4qxCfVxFWQvQGZmy7bc0VRUep4e62Q1NhyphenhyphenN7ipV_vPShTnqoftuyhH1oancY3EaNKkTrccZzkMpJc8/s320/100_5706.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkG1dyDUv6Otv_eM6RwFuXUxI6jjdbIEL0T7Yln1lZYhDD_xbX1FlLzQvtY6RXcUnjEBRFFxiWjSX0uvepK-8F9j6gDT4ysUT5ec4rFlVa2-wOjuz-uy-KlZr1ijSEGPD5Ozyebyky5tc3/s1600/100_5704.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524658154360056818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkG1dyDUv6Otv_eM6RwFuXUxI6jjdbIEL0T7Yln1lZYhDD_xbX1FlLzQvtY6RXcUnjEBRFFxiWjSX0uvepK-8F9j6gDT4ysUT5ec4rFlVa2-wOjuz-uy-KlZr1ijSEGPD5Ozyebyky5tc3/s320/100_5704.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Jonathan loves swimming!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgZ4HRrQR5GSwsBNZ8EZSD0jOyb69rj6DKMhmBXCsmEJ-hdxidj0u5h7m7Z6kQEMQ5P0M6yBsXkv2RwNPzKPS27GMjP8altvxmu4OrI46f78QwgrJBMdyDe7I2FqVVeDYNOMtlq4jTGNr/s1600/100_5703.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524658147936667986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgZ4HRrQR5GSwsBNZ8EZSD0jOyb69rj6DKMhmBXCsmEJ-hdxidj0u5h7m7Z6kQEMQ5P0M6yBsXkv2RwNPzKPS27GMjP8altvxmu4OrI46f78QwgrJBMdyDe7I2FqVVeDYNOMtlq4jTGNr/s320/100_5703.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbhJfctIquxj8kAGv08Y1VPqOEVqMvOmX731Ikh-ZIp_BAZZ1Pga9MbmoqxGCQJMPcDr6O3q8NJ54fCMlRj2XWF3sZuZAp_IiRkoI-rr3ziq-oKpyrf1X-bxYYi5po_B3frhi6ewW9eCZ/s1600/100_5734.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524659268575030418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbhJfctIquxj8kAGv08Y1VPqOEVqMvOmX731Ikh-ZIp_BAZZ1Pga9MbmoqxGCQJMPcDr6O3q8NJ54fCMlRj2XWF3sZuZAp_IiRkoI-rr3ziq-oKpyrf1X-bxYYi5po_B3frhi6ewW9eCZ/s320/100_5734.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOr1lrcH2Fpvn8F6Rh_wJAFS9EGw_yAsNeIcNLRQQBYk9t_f_1OPfKogwAUWklC_n7ALj41CN9XseU-9zvtRPOJqMdMq-OpR7ILVnMdvBk35RZy3vUEwQLz3RZGV_P95LOSwXv8IXdqMF/s1600/100_5725.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524659264069166354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOr1lrcH2Fpvn8F6Rh_wJAFS9EGw_yAsNeIcNLRQQBYk9t_f_1OPfKogwAUWklC_n7ALj41CN9XseU-9zvtRPOJqMdMq-OpR7ILVnMdvBk35RZy3vUEwQLz3RZGV_P95LOSwXv8IXdqMF/s320/100_5725.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_GlLpClwrVnREGHtUKYxiWHHOqijWctvT5NE3guiSMqhsyBUA8KjkfRaJtrd_o9J0zkBvSAJ6I11kW__5RV09gy2nTpyEiipTTmAG-2uzC0QE9iYGfhq6v2muqxPQA1FQDCy83g3CzE4/s1600/100_5737.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524659239297645394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_GlLpClwrVnREGHtUKYxiWHHOqijWctvT5NE3guiSMqhsyBUA8KjkfRaJtrd_o9J0zkBvSAJ6I11kW__5RV09gy2nTpyEiipTTmAG-2uzC0QE9iYGfhq6v2muqxPQA1FQDCy83g3CzE4/s320/100_5737.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6I9dZhy5k2bswavmedj1BOfIVpWpG5rQKlzj2O3ol5P9ZRJO8reIi4Wju9ZFWXYDCd6xTVe2NLREcryDnkwbtKdmgorjTSAM76DfhzO9h6UEU0yaVkRqmBlYOz0HmmwO_GOEkAxPG7LE_/s1600/100_5740.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524659251485225906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6I9dZhy5k2bswavmedj1BOfIVpWpG5rQKlzj2O3ol5P9ZRJO8reIi4Wju9ZFWXYDCd6xTVe2NLREcryDnkwbtKdmgorjTSAM76DfhzO9h6UEU0yaVkRqmBlYOz0HmmwO_GOEkAxPG7LE_/s320/100_5740.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdBMjN-iqsFJuo1md3MYMEubEdfEhMh08Rz_9nT6lD-moeDlt1yeGXXvFXlbdLTcEksppqOUTUwy86r5Eih9F1tSzc5GMJrcVGw9CDuj2nT4bMr64DSNUqlMwxWDc-nNqJUZhhA1kEOqq/s1600/100_5741.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524659277617572338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdBMjN-iqsFJuo1md3MYMEubEdfEhMh08Rz_9nT6lD-moeDlt1yeGXXvFXlbdLTcEksppqOUTUwy86r5Eih9F1tSzc5GMJrcVGw9CDuj2nT4bMr64DSNUqlMwxWDc-nNqJUZhhA1kEOqq/s320/100_5741.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Kim Shaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214180880105557485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5189586697770945183.post-17576013481831709132010-10-04T21:26:00.005-04:002010-10-04T21:48:48.633-04:00Great Wolf LodgeWe just returned from an overnight stay at the Great Wolf Lodge. I am exhausted and will post pictures hopefully tomorrow when I am more awake. We made these reservations months ago when both Jeremy and I were feeling like we needed some family time away just the 7 of us. We had a great time.<br /><br />Some things we were reminded of:<br /><br />We have AWESOME kids! We had fun "playing" with them if you can call being hurled down a steep slope and splashed in the face at a high speed and almost falling out of your tube at 75 mph while your children are laughing - fun! Really, it was great just to hang with them.<br /><br />We were reminded and our kids were reminded that they really do love and more importantly like each other. Amanda, Tyler and Jordan had a blast hanging and running from ride to ride with each other. It was great to see them laughing and having so much fun together. We didn't have one single fight or complaint our entire trip!<br /><br />We were reminded that Jonathan and Ben have crossed to the other side. They are brothers, they love each other and they had a blast playing with each other. It was so neat to watch them interact with each other and just be brothers.<br /><br />We were reminded that our family is not "normal". Yes, Jonathan got many stares and comments. Amanda heard 2 life guards talking about Jonathan in the bathroom (nothing negative, actually admiring his skill), Ben told a boy who had made a comment that "he was just born that way!" (I added the exclamation point because Ben did in fact yell it at the boy) We are all learning how to cope with people's stares and comments. One man was very concerned that Jonathan's leg was caught under the tube until Jeremy told him he didn't have that leg.<br /><br />We were reminded we can do this. We can be a family of 7 and have fun and make memories. Although we are exhausted, this trip really did energize us.Kim Shaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214180880105557485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5189586697770945183.post-88378118061715536492010-09-28T08:10:00.011-04:002010-09-29T18:56:57.510-04:00Mr. Plumbean ReturnsWe have been horrible blog writers! I can narrow it down to two excuses:<br /><br />1. Life is just busy! Our days are full of homeschooling and living life. At night, when everyone is in bed the only one I want to communicate with is my hubby. (Sorry, blog world.)<br /><br />2. We are going through a period of "trying to figure out life". Generally, this is not a time we are feeling completely comfortable sharing our lives with the whole world.<br /><br />Funny how two true statements that can seem to conflict with each other- "We are busy" and "We want to do something more with our lives." Maybe we're just a little crazy.<br /><br />Or not.<br /><br />We have been feeling challenged lately that God is not done with our family. I was reminded this morning of the post Jeremy did last July where he referenced Mr. Plumbean and his neat street. You can read about it <a href="http://journeytojonathan.blogspot.com/2009/04/christmas-in-april.html">here</a>.<br /><br />I guess you could say our house is feeling a little too neat these days. I find myself falling into the trap of telling God- "I am doing my best raising my kids, I spend time with You, I even volunteer in the nursery ... and don't forget we did adopt Jonathan!" But God seems to respond with "When did I say life would be easy and comfortable? When did I say that there is a limit to how far I want you to go? When did I say you could be <span style="font-style: italic;">done</span> seeking My Will for your lives?"<br /><br />I have even seen my attitude spill over into the lives of my children. They think they deserve the world ... and more! Even Jonathan (with just one short year in America) feels entitled to a new toy if you enter the toy section of any store. How do I as a parent combat this feeling of entitlement that they have?<br /><br />Now, to be fair to my kids, when asked about how they would feel if we adopted again- everyone was enthusiastic! Even Ben!! He basically stated he could use someone else to boss around. :-)<br /><br />No, we are not adopting again. (At least not till God gives us the green light.)<br /><br />Lately we have been throwing around what some would consider "radical" ideas at our house. Some ideas that might not make our house look even less "neat" than ever before.<br /><br />In the Bible, we are told to be in this world, but not of it. Jesus told fishermen to leave their nets and follow Him. If we are to take the commands of the Bible literally, if we are to assume that what was written thousand of years ago is still true for us today, then how can we live comfortably in our "neat" house and block the rest of the world out? This is the sort of thing we are wrestling with.<br /><br />So, what does this mean for us? Quite frankly, we don't know! Not yet any way. Not for sure. Not in detail. Right now we're just dealing in faint hints and inclinations. We are wrestling with this idea that God has a bigger plan for the life of our family; that He doesn't want our house to be "neat". Our challenge now is to ask: What does God want our house to look like?Kim Shaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214180880105557485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5189586697770945183.post-26705817437633145622010-09-18T07:19:00.002-04:002010-09-18T07:31:18.772-04:00Happy 7th Birthday, Jordan!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRlxHviRf54PXomln1X14Epo3CQh1dXZU4NMRSaM94z2BazlbVu6v8lSa7QUNX9DU7Lb-hXxfFfQ2jqWuQMQsHSxz75xmoejNPtzRW0uvqnXuxmkfcmxb8dgXoDPcl_L39hSjIfVW5LMzR/s1600/100_5602.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1Hm6jvEdcx9V9XESvIWqOb0HXYmvL-sul3gr7R_t8R6_15QjZ_24KO1OnFWIrDpjtWo9ElPnXmKo9rzklQMRiEip5CALMy_r9UrV0a26xbh9-GH_4ajNiJVmWjRtGIJMNTmWmu2cnlgT/s1600/100_5605.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1Hm6jvEdcx9V9XESvIWqOb0HXYmvL-sul3gr7R_t8R6_15QjZ_24KO1OnFWIrDpjtWo9ElPnXmKo9rzklQMRiEip5CALMy_r9UrV0a26xbh9-GH_4ajNiJVmWjRtGIJMNTmWmu2cnlgT/s320/100_5605.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518214449396550706" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Jordan is 7 years old today! Breakfast in bed had to be early as Jordan is an early riser.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuy9MvXYU6mHn8nXc7kjTUDL5LUyzhd6DXzKXn8ArXcENwOgygVIOMWRorkoKEwSp6J1s7SregProZudPpTSx-95jM28mXUt4KDZ1D-k7VS8QswILCgil7_Byx5Ijvbzylal4aWa-4g64h/s1600/100_5597.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuy9MvXYU6mHn8nXc7kjTUDL5LUyzhd6DXzKXn8ArXcENwOgygVIOMWRorkoKEwSp6J1s7SregProZudPpTSx-95jM28mXUt4KDZ1D-k7VS8QswILCgil7_Byx5Ijvbzylal4aWa-4g64h/s320/100_5597.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518212457239079202" border="0" /></a><br />Even Emma and Ben woke up to sing<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSufKtP5B-jFuFQMRjyNlWf1AtNShFaEr8Xc7oqFUDt1bZ_-3xsmY9A4qq9tUWACejs8F9SwJtxjTT0dfFlWZdkJl53Lp2qPfX0EBojxRGf2iWyx-8efGGAcCYZu1qGcnXHDQ-Ef-ZLW3/s1600/100_5606.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSufKtP5B-jFuFQMRjyNlWf1AtNShFaEr8Xc7oqFUDt1bZ_-3xsmY9A4qq9tUWACejs8F9SwJtxjTT0dfFlWZdkJl53Lp2qPfX0EBojxRGf2iWyx-8efGGAcCYZu1qGcnXHDQ-Ef-ZLW3/s320/100_5606.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518212445059893538" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Home-made cinnamon rolls, toaster strudel, grapes, and root bear were his requests.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMl1zc3NGTfp8AKpzrF_zq5xxQuUSGBsF56o8cYCa6JmW9kHUrr_OLz3M6LeyorXDXaQgeQMdj0cwl_LkQ4HDFx8bhxCKovRFYfRPVE4whToEyG4VgFKY4yB2LSoxG2gNOTQ8tjtFB5Op/s1600/100_5605.JPG"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyshiXYjfDN_lKAZORJ8ogq7ZMr15j6yNWjs7JdtGVvjm6TrAocSSMxv3noILnLMHaI8hN-dOI82IiY0_ETBgH1PtyWAzZo8gN7Nxsrts5V4mD3lKHZclEcwxOja5-DArpo66zQhj5qIv/s1600/100_5603.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyshiXYjfDN_lKAZORJ8ogq7ZMr15j6yNWjs7JdtGVvjm6TrAocSSMxv3noILnLMHaI8hN-dOI82IiY0_ETBgH1PtyWAzZo8gN7Nxsrts5V4mD3lKHZclEcwxOja5-DArpo66zQhj5qIv/s320/100_5603.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518212424654880434" border="0" /></a><br />We love you, Jordan!<br /></div>Kim Shaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214180880105557485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5189586697770945183.post-39808133569416752052010-09-08T17:09:00.003-04:002010-09-08T17:17:53.381-04:00Hanging On<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJNPnzEWHAyb_jpMZF6Cs6dOUo6_4uc0Hn9WlpWDR9X3nVpDDIs58JQJhiDHvUQPi1gJ-tOhv7HoYf3zum4Q6weGIPaWVuZ-hvTl5MUUlMONtTi_eyyN_2JMJ5hGqX8_VNUJqgqBw7XO-/s1600/100_5511.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514653644815309410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJNPnzEWHAyb_jpMZF6Cs6dOUo6_4uc0Hn9WlpWDR9X3nVpDDIs58JQJhiDHvUQPi1gJ-tOhv7HoYf3zum4Q6weGIPaWVuZ-hvTl5MUUlMONtTi_eyyN_2JMJ5hGqX8_VNUJqgqBw7XO-/s320/100_5511.jpg" /></a><br /><div>We really haven’t dropped off the face of the earth. We have just been trying to keep our heads above water. We have been saying for a few weeks now- we really need to do a blog post. Jeremy has one entitled the “Tiny Tim Affect” written in his head. It might make it to the computer some day. But for now a general update.<br /><br />Our school year has begun! We began about 3 weeks ago. This year Amanda is in 6th grade, Tyler 4th grade, Jordan 2nd grade, Ben – kindergarten and Jonathan- preschool. The challenge has been keeping Ben and Jonathan out of trouble while I work with the older ones. I can scarcely remember the days when Ben “didn’t like” Jonathan. Nowadays, they are best buddies instigating adventures together. They really are getting along the majority of the time (we still have moments, but who doesn’t). When driving in the car with just the two of them- their conversations are much like that of 2 little old ladies (no disrespect meant to any little old ladies reading the blog). They banter back and forth and just talk, talk, talk. It is quite humorous to listen to.<br /><br />Life is full. The older 4 are all playing soccer. Jonathan would like to be playing soccer. Maybe next year. I am hoping to sign Jonathan up for swimming lessons again. Tyler and Jordan started chess club last night and Tyler won 2 out of his 3 matches. Amanda begins her first orchestra experience this coming Sunday. She will be playing the violin in the Bucks County Youth Orchestra.<br /><br />The novelty of the pros ethic leg has worn off and Jonathan is now fighting us at wearing it. Who can argue with him? It does slow him down and he has yet to realize the benefits of it. We are going back to Shriners next Wed. to have the knee unlocked and to meet with the physical therapists. The hope is that with the knee unlocked he will gain further mobility and thus want to wear the leg.<br /><br />On Friday evening, Amanda and I will be traveling to Lancaster, PA to volunteer for Show Hope at the Steven Curtis Chapman concert. We received a grant from Show Hope and are really excited to be able to personally say thank you to this great organization. We should be able to view most of the concert. The Chapman’s have a great testimony. If you have opportunity Mary Beth’s new book Choosing to See is a great read. </div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWclOr34XG8RrmHB0rw_9JNA08Y2ZDx5c_uyP7ViqNmDWp-YZ2_10HywGSeNCb5K9Zrt76kpAWxa7P9TvxULi2KruLCxj2izy1nCWGq74redBRikk8RCjLpLA0lpN-OuKpUMDgGzEkcKI/s1600/DSC00101.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514654499150964850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWclOr34XG8RrmHB0rw_9JNA08Y2ZDx5c_uyP7ViqNmDWp-YZ2_10HywGSeNCb5K9Zrt76kpAWxa7P9TvxULi2KruLCxj2izy1nCWGq74redBRikk8RCjLpLA0lpN-OuKpUMDgGzEkcKI/s320/DSC00101.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a>One of our first science experiments!<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJtejUrUSu33xpXYN4uvrWZSDbNpSJcFP7TQDHQyTnirkKo9k8EQEc5Bf5t1mnUx05CfKdASv6E9HfmRyFA_O0fJxsUuU8hYP6KZKB3d4db8aiSu8BIJzcmHXJKW_uf91NjKSIe1kXAxZ/s1600/DSC00100.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514654480937289762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJtejUrUSu33xpXYN4uvrWZSDbNpSJcFP7TQDHQyTnirkKo9k8EQEc5Bf5t1mnUx05CfKdASv6E9HfmRyFA_O0fJxsUuU8hYP6KZKB3d4db8aiSu8BIJzcmHXJKW_uf91NjKSIe1kXAxZ/s320/DSC00100.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIM-e8DuutwwjztZLYNYRdg54gTE-B_nFFcNbQWXxQTF5ZTjqXfVtQFnVE9AoO2OXsA0uPjrHxqlub0owbirRqq8WTkIayRclPgZ9n_vf5Mn2qSsl7eWJ_kJMSU1CfQuQfcCFvuLaWH4_g/s1600/DSC00099.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514654473366760674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIM-e8DuutwwjztZLYNYRdg54gTE-B_nFFcNbQWXxQTF5ZTjqXfVtQFnVE9AoO2OXsA0uPjrHxqlub0owbirRqq8WTkIayRclPgZ9n_vf5Mn2qSsl7eWJ_kJMSU1CfQuQfcCFvuLaWH4_g/s320/DSC00099.JPG" /></a> </div>Kim Shaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214180880105557485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5189586697770945183.post-785838667711848672010-08-13T17:28:00.004-04:002010-08-13T17:42:32.529-04:00a long week<div style="text-align: center;">It is hard work to wear a prosthetic leg. Combine wearing his leg for hours each day, going to VBS for 3.5 hours everyday (except today) and going to physical therapy twice this week (today we left the house at 7:30 to make our session) and you will get one tired little guy. He literally fell asleep playing with his toys. Now the question is do we wake him for dinner or try and transfer him to his bed?<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpeB5c563-lEozKAGlvAoXy7VT-9TByffmOIyxRYlpoFM41n1R1476sKGYgUV1sC_Q54yVOknoKfKltHbcp-nfNfA-Zq4fz-nc8LGcSlkb4sqrC4g8-LmFJ1jWuy1wmZq8xyg4QcW8PHg/s1600/100_5446.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpeB5c563-lEozKAGlvAoXy7VT-9TByffmOIyxRYlpoFM41n1R1476sKGYgUV1sC_Q54yVOknoKfKltHbcp-nfNfA-Zq4fz-nc8LGcSlkb4sqrC4g8-LmFJ1jWuy1wmZq8xyg4QcW8PHg/s320/100_5446.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505010406461341378" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Not sure what Emma did today to make her so tired. But she apparently tried out multiple beds and decided she liked Jordan's the best. Unfortunately, I just washed sheets yesterday so he may have to sleep with dog drool on his pillow till next wast day!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2pxekD4rqUS_VeV0KOcken884kclaiPnkGHEWurTwUwDN3pZYffdf9spdv9qnEfz8i4UyeywAHff0QkQ7oYRDZE7pqTnJmMKpt67dOCmh2tKkf5H_6gwWXbHw2FR_s5BfCYSEB-gu6At/s1600/100_5442.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2pxekD4rqUS_VeV0KOcken884kclaiPnkGHEWurTwUwDN3pZYffdf9spdv9qnEfz8i4UyeywAHff0QkQ7oYRDZE7pqTnJmMKpt67dOCmh2tKkf5H_6gwWXbHw2FR_s5BfCYSEB-gu6At/s320/100_5442.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505010401743675218" border="0" /></a>Proof- that they do get along- brothers for life!<br />(granted it could look like they are strangling each other, but really they are just<br /> lov'in each other)<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwO-CzRJ4azyMqe_33J8m4N6xkwOYsICLDUyaV855rvGK38vfBugvz9fa83HgsciYcqtiuk-WlMReIYHC4N5ZlglQJ5f_boa_14_9cFErlRvCZ7rXq0ouoeQl0CJlc2F0YVL2bjyC156C/s1600/100_5440.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwO-CzRJ4azyMqe_33J8m4N6xkwOYsICLDUyaV855rvGK38vfBugvz9fa83HgsciYcqtiuk-WlMReIYHC4N5ZlglQJ5f_boa_14_9cFErlRvCZ7rXq0ouoeQl0CJlc2F0YVL2bjyC156C/s320/100_5440.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505010396897949330" border="0" /></a>Kim Shaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214180880105557485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5189586697770945183.post-87526376394949536152010-08-10T16:14:00.002-04:002010-08-10T16:25:25.506-04:00Summer Reading2 books that Jeremy and I have read or are working our way through...<br /><br />Terrify No More by Gary Haugen- Gary is the President and founder of International Justice Mission which "is a non-profit human rights organization that investigates and intervenes on behalf of victims of oppression". This is not a fluffy read, but will open your eyes to what is going on in the world. This book I did find at our local library.<br /><br />Crazy Love by Frances Chan- this book is challenging us to take a look at our lives.<br /><br />2 books worth reading.Kim Shaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214180880105557485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5189586697770945183.post-87279720056877199652010-08-07T20:08:00.003-04:002010-08-07T20:43:28.497-04:00Perfect TimingJuly was a busy month. When we returned home Thursday night from New York, to say Jeremy and I were both physically and emotionally exhausted would be an understatement. Before we left to come home, we got an email from Mom-mom offering to watch the kids overnight this weekend. Pop-pop is away - so their house would be empty if we wanted to basically swap houses for a night. The beauty in this plan was that Mom-mom's house was empty and quiet. Mom-mom came to our house which is not quiet and entertained our 5 children. This unexpected night away was just what we needed to rest and reconnect. Besides feeling the exhaustion of all of our travels, we are trying to figure out what our next move should be. That will be a blog post for another day. We will suffice it to say that God is challenging us and letting us know in various ways that He is not done with us. This overnight getaway was the first time since we returned home from China that Jeremy and I have gone away overnight. God's timing is perfect and we are so thankful for Mom-mom offering not only a place for us to go but watching all of the kids.<br /><br /><br /><br />We are home now and the kids are slowly going to bed. Tyler and I played a game of hangman which led to Jonathan and Ben playing a game of hangman. Ben told us that Jonathan's word was "choo choo train".<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hnA3K3pBS8UZEoppL10WTWcih4ouT7LnGdRvLDfHIjojzfbFcnCIticRvAsvdXAC0Dj8KiVB-NtrdNz2H97JkPb5TSHRMVf69YLfzL80UYLtDbKDARctUsKlMTpW882TynYNappMugZF/s1600/100_5437.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502828106635116770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hnA3K3pBS8UZEoppL10WTWcih4ouT7LnGdRvLDfHIjojzfbFcnCIticRvAsvdXAC0Dj8KiVB-NtrdNz2H97JkPb5TSHRMVf69YLfzL80UYLtDbKDARctUsKlMTpW882TynYNappMugZF/s320/100_5437.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwXVVvZsIDrrwaxSgLT-bDb5Kaw0FOaakbP6umbbao_gFsmjJgpWX2-oYFC2FCQi6qgJxcmIYC-gll_oASwcyoEneJUkbRAUdy8_6_ZWWqfn48lnVVAfZfYh-DanFdQc4pW2CtC232w6K/s1600/100_5438.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502828090814287522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwXVVvZsIDrrwaxSgLT-bDb5Kaw0FOaakbP6umbbao_gFsmjJgpWX2-oYFC2FCQi6qgJxcmIYC-gll_oASwcyoEneJUkbRAUdy8_6_ZWWqfn48lnVVAfZfYh-DanFdQc4pW2CtC232w6K/s320/100_5438.jpg" /></a><br />Jonathan is doing well with his physical therapy. Getting him to wear his leg is still a bit challenging. We are praying that he will see the benefits of having 2 legs and will want to wear his leg on a daily basis.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsoH9GxzWQT3j76KROUslrKvxbpxcnQJNykZXqCk2gIil_-ocPCUdd3Bo-fwEzaD2upwmTmCs8Y0Kupu0-i_K-RccB8tKN-GDHrsVzWcouJZOJeMlKY0HqVyqVo9AaqEPCeng1AkSgQQZ/s1600/100_5373.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502828082062866066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsoH9GxzWQT3j76KROUslrKvxbpxcnQJNykZXqCk2gIil_-ocPCUdd3Bo-fwEzaD2upwmTmCs8Y0Kupu0-i_K-RccB8tKN-GDHrsVzWcouJZOJeMlKY0HqVyqVo9AaqEPCeng1AkSgQQZ/s320/100_5373.jpg" /></a><br /></div>Kim Shaferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214180880105557485noreply@blogger.com0