tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73728799945675571052024-03-14T13:46:40.020-04:00A Few Sprinkles Short of a SundaeSharing The Message That Life Is Hard, Motherhood Is Harder, and That Jesus Loves Us All Anyway.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034712520389831844noreply@blogger.comBlogger493125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372879994567557105.post-87130856004141696612014-05-28T22:12:00.002-04:002014-05-28T22:12:35.746-04:00The Real World is NOT What They SaidWhen I was in college, my professors kept telling me what the real world would be like. Competitive, hard work, always fighting for my place in the world.<br />
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I graduated with my degree in Communications (which is college-speak for "Congrats! You have no marketable skills without a higher degree.") and went out into the world. It was not what they said. At all. Here's how.<br />
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1. I was told the market would be competitive. I went to a local newspaper and to freelance for them. I was hired as a full-time reporter weeks later without even trying. No competition.<br />
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2. I thought I would *love* what I did. I thought I would write news stories that would change the world. After a few months of what seemed like nothing but county council meetings and chasing ambulances, I was beginning to hate the world of hard news. I did love the lifestyle pieces, but they were not as often as I wanted.<br />
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3. My professors sang my writing praises all the time. I thought surely my editors would do the same. Not so. I was publicly chastised for using quotes the publisher didn't like. Yay, reporting!<br />
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4. When I became a photographer, I thought work would fall into my lap and was shocked when it did not. I got business, but not much.<br />
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5. I was sorely disappointed to not be hired as a wedding photographer because Uncle Bob had a nice camera and offered to do photos for free. Nobody, in all my training, ever said I would be passed over for a loud, balding uncle/friend/cousin with a camera.<br />
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6. Now that I've been a stay-at-home-mom for many years, I never thought I would have a hard time getting hired for a job again. I've seen all the reports about moms returning to the workplace, but I never thought it would happen to *me*. I thought I would be hired immediately.<br />
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7. In my attempts to become an author, again, I was never told I would have to be my own marketer. I know how to write, not market myself. Honestly, I can market others easily enough, but trying to toot my own horn isn't that easy.<br />
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So there are a few things about the real world that took me by surprise. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised, but I was nonetheless. Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034712520389831844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372879994567557105.post-23846132449519061772014-05-25T13:50:00.000-04:002014-05-25T15:07:08.022-04:00Goals: Can't Make 'Em if You Don't TryI have goals in life. I mean, don't we all? But I have lofty goals. I have many goals I haven't reached and I've been 29 for a few years now! I'm not getting any younger! (Or older, if I have my way.)<br />
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So I thought I would share some of my goals with you. Accountability and all, right? And I realized I can't achieve my goals if I don't try. I will fail if I don't even make the effort.<br />
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Here are my life goals. All of them. Some I have achieved, and they are crossed off. But way too many are sitting idle without my doing much about it. Ready? Here we go.<br />
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Family:<br />
<ol>
<li><strike>Become a mother</strike></li>
<strike>
</strike>
<li><strike>Adopt a child</strike></li>
<li>Foster children who are aging out of the system</li>
<li>Be the "cool house" where kids feel comfortable hanging out and talking to me</li>
<li>Raise children to not be homicidal maniacs and/or criminals</li>
<li>Raise children to love the Lord</li>
<li>See children married off so they're their spouses' problem</li>
</ol>
Career:<br />
<ol>
<li><strike>Write a book</strike></li>
<strike>
</strike>
<li><strike>Write more than one book</strike></li>
<li>Attend a literary conference</li>
<li>Have a sit down with a publisher even if they don't pick me up</li>
<li>Be sure a publisher picks me up</li>
<li>Hold/own a hard copy of each of my published books </li>
<li>DJ my own radio show</li>
<li>Become a public speaker and encourager </li>
<li>Get paid to write and/or talk</li>
</ol>
Faith:<br />
<ol>
<li><strike>Realize I don't have it all together</strike></li>
<li>Realize nobody has it all together</li>
<li>Pray more, gossip less</li>
<li>Show my faith to everyone around me</li>
<li>Give my friends a hand up when needed </li>
<li>Serve my community and church more</li>
<li>Help my husband be the leader of our home</li>
<li>Help my children grow in their faith and love</li>
</ol>
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So these are my goals. Some are a little more lofty than others. Some are fairly simplistic. Many I can't accomplish at this point yet (no arranged marriages for the kiddos, thank you). But many I can. I can attend a writer's conference. I can work on becoming a DJ or public speaker. And of course I can always pray more.<br />
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Help me stay accountable, okay? Thanks!<br />
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<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034712520389831844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372879994567557105.post-90511282762203439592014-05-23T13:30:00.000-04:002014-05-23T13:30:34.799-04:00Hallway PraisesI'm still here. I still don't have a job. I've applied. I've been ignored. I've been denied. And I'm still here. I keep wondering what God has in store.<br />
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A very dear friend of mine shared this with me:<br />
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I'm doing my best to Praise God in the hallway while I'm waiting for that door. I told my friend that the hallway was starting to get stale and boring. But I'm still praising!<br />
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I'm praising for the roof over my head, gas in the car, food on the table, opportunities that knock on occasion, and the plans He's laid out for me. I'm praising for the three children who exasperate me, the husband who also exasperates me, and the smiles they bring to me daily. I'm praising for friends, family, and the kind word from the guy who bags my groceries.<br />
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The hallway is not always fun. Sometimes it's dark and smells a little. But I know that means when God opens that door - OH, when God opens that door - the light will come in and it will smell fresh and clean and welcoming. And I will rush through it with arms wide open praising all the way! Thank you, Lord!Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034712520389831844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372879994567557105.post-91690009924731155472014-03-15T15:49:00.000-04:002014-03-15T15:49:15.105-04:00Looking for a JobI'm currently looking for a job. I know, it's been awhile. I've been a stay at home mom since I was pregnant with SB. But it's time. I'm ready to rejoin the work force that I haven't seen in a LONG TIME.<br />
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What about those novels I've written? I'm glad you asked. Three novels written. A fourth undergoing major surgery right now. But they don't pay the bills, and until I can afford either self-publishing or a writer's conference, my novels will be sitting in anticipation!<br />
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I've put in several applications for photography jobs and several for writing as well. I love being creative! I'm praying that the right job will come along.<br />
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I recently had a job interview and it was such a blessing. Even if it's not the position for me, it was great to stretch my interview chops out. I haven't had a job interview in nine years! Yikes! I've been 'self-employed' for so long, I haven't had to go in interview mode for some time.<br />
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Getting a job is scary, too, because it means not being home with the baby and not waiting for the kids to get off the bus! I've never had a job-job since being a mother. I'm apprehensive as you can well imagine. But I think it's time. <br />
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So pray I can find the job I'm meant to find! Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034712520389831844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372879994567557105.post-17826997346564190812014-03-13T15:19:00.001-04:002014-03-13T15:19:33.874-04:00Rejection...Part of trying to find an agent and get published it sending out query letters. I thought surely I was the only person who loathed trying to sell yourself and describe your 75,000-word piece in two paragraphs. then I learned all writers hate query letters. At least I'm not alone.<br />
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I send queries to two agents a few weeks ago. I got a rejection letter today from one of them.<br />
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Oddly enough, I smiled. A rejection still means I put myself out there. I still tried. And I'll never make it as an author if I don't try, right?<br />
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I hope the other query I send gets a different kind of letter back. That agent required a LOT more in a query than just the basic letter. And more detail hopefully = a better chance of getting picked up.<br />
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One day that rejection will be acceptance. And it will be worth all the rejections letters in the world!Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034712520389831844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372879994567557105.post-23993047139936029222014-03-06T13:52:00.000-05:002014-03-06T13:52:06.636-05:00Throwback ThursdayI know TBT has been going on for a while, but I've been an absentee blogger. I thought I would share.<br />
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I put a picture of my cousins and I up on facebook and I was loving it. It's from 1993. I was 12. Yes, 12.<br />
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Then I realized. That was OVER TWENTY YEARS AGO. Oh my gosh, I am OLD!<br />
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I'm 33 now. My cousins are now 33 (Liz, in the back) and 36 (Heather, in the middle). Wow.<br />
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I love these girls. I don't have sisters. This is the closest I get. *heart*Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034712520389831844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372879994567557105.post-22284248015262081312014-02-11T14:42:00.003-05:002014-02-11T14:42:45.970-05:00I Remember My Kindergarten BoyfriendDo you remember your very first boyfriend/girlfriend? I do.<br />
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I was in Kindergarten. His name was Neil. He had auburn hair and freckles. We would always sit near each other in class or at lunch. It was very serious for 5-year-olds.<br />
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My son Mac is in Kindy now. And this week is Valentine's. When I suggested the kids make Valentine's for their friends, Mac announced, "I'm going to make one for Jane*! We're going to get married!"<br />
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This is news for me. Jane* is a girl in his class. She's an adorable little free spirited girl. I put the picture of his Valentine on facebook and her mother said Jane is very excited about this.<br />
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I don't know if either child will remember this when they are grown. But I know I remember the first boy I had a crush on. It meant a lot to me at the time and now the memory is very dear to me. I hope they will always remember the first person who made their heart go pitter-pat.<br />
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*Jane is not her real name. <br />
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(and - I know I haven't blogged in months. I've been thinking about making a come back.)Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034712520389831844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372879994567557105.post-28438976599199084302013-05-25T09:00:00.000-04:002013-05-25T09:00:03.553-04:00The Mother-in-Law ParadigmLast night I had a revelation.<br />
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I have 2 sons. One day I will be The Mother-in-Law. One day some hoochie will swoop in and steal my boys from me.<br />
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I told Marshall this, to which he said, "You have a daughter, too. She'll get married one day."<br />
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"Yes," I said. "But that's different. Daughters love their mothers always. It's the sons who get sidetracked by new women in their lives. Haven't you heard the saying, 'A daughter's a daughter all her life, but a son's only a son till he takes a wife.'"<br />
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He had never heard that. Obviously because he is a son. With a mother. My mother-in-law.<br />
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Now, I love my mother-in-law. She's an amazing person. I go to her for advice, and I call her regularly. But I know not everyone has this relationship with their husband's First Love. And yes - there is some tension. I do things different. I made her baby live hours away. I am a very picky eater. Small problems, thankfully. But I do make an effort to spend time with her, talk to her, get my husband's favorite recipes from her, etc.<br />
I hope I'm half the mother-in-law she is one day.<br />
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So one day my baby boys will grow up and get married. They will love another woman more than they love me. Will they move hours away? Will their wives - and my extension they - turn their backs on me at some point? Will I ever get to see my grandkids?<br />
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I know I have years and years before this happens. But I hope I can be a great mother-in-law. I hope I can be accepting of other women getting the affections of my boys. I hope I can be nurturing, loving, accepting, and yet distanced from my sons and their wives - supportive without butting in. What a delicate balance. <br />
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What is your relationship with your mom-in-law? How do you think you'll be as a mom-in-law one day?<br />
<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034712520389831844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372879994567557105.post-55655302474205446642013-05-23T14:52:00.000-04:002013-05-23T14:52:00.169-04:00My Son is AmazingI can only imagine what would have happened to my son had he not been adopted.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adoption Day</td></tr>
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He entered foster care at about six months old. He was placed with a kind foster family. When we met them I could tell they cared deeply for him. I wish I knew more about that time in his life, but I don't. It's sad, but I'd rather have the next 50 years than that one year.<br />
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We brought Mac home when he was 10 months old. It was 3 days before Christmas. We had his first Christmas, first steps, first birthday. I am so thankful God granted us that time!<br />
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It took 21 months to adopt him due to an unforeseen custody battle with the family he was removed from. But he's ours, 100%. That was 2.5 years ago. So hard to believe!<br />
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Now Mac is an amazing 5 year old. He is the kindest child you will ever meet. He often gives up his portion of treats or prizes so other people can have them. He is selfless to a fault (I often have to remind him that he deserves treats as well and to stop giving things away all the time). He's a charmer - all females love him from young to old. I think it's because he's just so inviting and open, people are drawn to him.<br />
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Mac is fiercely loyal to his family, especially his brother and sister. While I know he and SB fight all the time, they would defend each other to anyone for anything. And with Jay - he is smitten with that baby. Always hugging him and playing with him. I love to see him interact with his siblings.<br />
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We would never know this about him if we had not adopted him. In fact, I wonder if he would have been like this had he remained in the family he was born in to. I'm not trying to bash them, but they were not good people. They did not nurture him.<br />
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My son is amazing. He is a quality human being. He is smart, funny, giving, talented, bubbly, dedicated, athletic... And he is MY son. My son. Thank you, Lord, for this amazing boy.<br />
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And he wouldn't be my son if it weren't for the gift of adoption.<br />
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Have you considered it?<br />
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<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034712520389831844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372879994567557105.post-55236687931122576962013-05-20T14:37:00.000-04:002013-05-20T14:37:00.906-04:00South Carolina Foster Care Adoption StatsAs you know I live in the great state of South Carolina. I love where I live. It's peaceful, beautiful, and the people are wonderful.<br />
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Too many South Carolina children are in foster care. My son was one of them. He entered care as an infant - about 6 months old. We are so thankful we could bring him home permanently when he was 10 months old. We finalized his adoption when he was 2.5. He made me passionate about adoption. He made me passionate about adopting from foster care.<br />
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Looking at <a href="http://nacac.org/">nacac.org</a>, in 2010 nearly 1,700 children were waiting to be adopted from foster care in SC. And for those waiting - a majority had been in foster care over 3 years already. <br />
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For those adopted, the average age was 6 years old. And the average age of a child waiting to be adopted is 8. That's an average. Studies show that once a child hits 9 years old, the chances of him or her being adopted drops drastically.<br />
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According to the site, white children are adopted more than other races. 42% of the children waiting to be adopted are white - and 53% of adoptees were white. 44% are black, and only 34% of those adopted were black. <br />
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14% of children in SC's foster care system were adopted in 2010. Amazingly, 83% went back to parents or a relative! That's so encouraging! (The remaining 3% either aged out, ran away, or were listed as "other.")<br />
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59 South Carolina children aged out of foster care without a permanent family. That means no family to come home to at Christmas. No family to encourage them in college, work, or anything else. Noone to turn to when they need help.<br />
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If you want more information about SC foster care and/or adoption, check out the <a href="http://www.scfpa.com/default.aspx" target="_blank">SC Foster Parents Association</a>. You can also check out the <a href="https://dss.sc.gov/default.aspx" target="_blank">SC DSS page</a>. Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034712520389831844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372879994567557105.post-40554575962815087952013-05-16T14:10:00.000-04:002013-05-16T14:34:46.523-04:00Foster Care Facts 2013<span style="font-family: inherit;">I realize I've been an absentee blogger. My computer doesn't have a "home" anymore, so I just don't sit around like I used to. Great for the house work and kids - bad for the blogging.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">May is National Foster Care Awareness Month. We adopted our oldest son through foster care, so it's something that's near and dear to my heart. I do a literal happy dance when someone tells me they're going to adopt through foster care. These kids need homes and love!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">According to the <a href="http://childwelfare.org/">childwelfare.org</a>, the latest data I can find is for 2011, there were over 400,500 children in foster care throughout the US, almost half of which were in non-relative foster homes. And for about half of those kids, the goal is to get them back with their family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sadly, 6% of them - that's over 24,000 children - are in group homes. In Upstate SC, where we live, there are several children's homes that are at capacity. It breaks my heart and we regularly make donations to some local homes to help out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the 2011 fiscal year over 250,000 children left foster care (yay!). Just over half (52%) went back to their parents. 20% were adopted (that's 50,000 kids), and 14% went to live with another relative or guardian.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">With the kids who left foster care, 46% spent under a year in care. I'm fairly impressed with that number. I mean, ideally no kids would have to go into care, but I'm glad that it's less than a year for almost half of them. Sadly, 16% will spend more than 3 years in care.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I bet you're wondering how old these kids are. The median age for a child in foster care is 8.8 years old. That's because many of them don't get into care until they've entered elementary school. The average age of entry is about 6.5.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is scary. My daughter is 6.5. I can not imagine her being ripped from her family, no matter how dysfunctional, and being thrown into a family dynamic she had no clue about. Can you imagine your kids doing that?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So what will become of these kids? </span><br />
<div data-canvas-width="158.94267011165627" data-font-name="g_font_p0_4" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 14.6667px; left: 296.575px; top: 212.77px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02544, 1);">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Of the estimated 400,540 children in foster care on September 30, 2011:</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">52 percent had a goal of reunification with parent(s) or </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">principal caretaker(s). </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">25 percent had a goal of adoption. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">6 percent had a goal of long-term foster care. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">5 percent had a goal of emancipation.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">3 percent had a goal of living with other relative(s). </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">4 percent had a goal of guardianship.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">5 percent had not yet had a case plan goal established. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So you can see the facts are...sad. Really sad. So many children. Over 100,000 waiting to be adopted in 2011. Did you know if all the adults in the three counties around me adopted one child, no more children would be waiting for parents in the US. And those are just the ones ready to be adopted. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But if you paid attention - 100,000 kids waiting. Only 50,000 were adopted. So 50,000 more kids were left waiting for a forever family.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If adopting, fostering, or even doing respite care is an idea in your head, look into it. Why not? Gather information. I promise it's worth it! </span></li>
</ul>
Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034712520389831844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372879994567557105.post-31296620102090987792013-04-19T13:54:00.001-04:002013-05-16T14:10:21.903-04:00The Breastfeeding PostThis is your fair warning. If the title didn't clue you in, this post is about breastfeeding.<br />
<br />
When my daughter was born, the whole breastfeeding thing didn't happen. I had PPD, I had a colicky baby, and any time we tried breastfeeding it was at least 30 minutes of crying, and SB wasn't too thrilled either. After 2 weeks of trying and what felt like failing, my mom said I could give her a bottle - it was like a light bulb lit up. We switched to the bottle and never looked back. It was the best decision I made for both her and me.<br />
<br />
When I had a second chance come up with Jay, I really wanted to try harder to breastfeed. I knew I could do it. I was armed with everything under the sun - special foods, vitamins, and gear to help me out. The first week was tough. He got a bottle more than he got me, but before giving up for good, I gave it one last try, and you know what? It worked. My goal: nursing for 3 months.<br />
It worked through supply issues - Fenugreek was a life-saver. It worked through trying to get away for a while - the awesome pump I was gifted was amazing.<br />
<br />
Jay was a champion nurser! But, that's right, I said was. At six months old we had two things happen. 1 - teeth. Two beautiful little teeth that like to bite. And, 2 - Jay thought lunch time was play time. Alternating between nursing and playing every two minutes left me, well, exposed. So bottle feeding became easier at that point. I weaned him down, switched to the bottle, and pumped for several weeks so he was still getting the good stuff until we switched him over to all formula. <br />
<br />
So the point of this entire post is this: Feed your baby however you see fit. If you want to breastfeed for 3 months, 6 months, or 18 months...do it.And when you decide to stop, stop. It's okay. The earth will not shatter. Your baby will not suffer unduly (as long as he or she takes to the bottle all right, of course). And if you just formula-feed outright because of need or choice, that's awesome too. Formula is awesome!<br />
<br />
As long as you are feeding your baby and he or she is growing and thriving, it's all good, however you do it.<br />
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What did you do? Chime in and share with me!<br />
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<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034712520389831844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372879994567557105.post-72244013769471971802013-04-12T20:45:00.000-04:002013-05-16T14:10:28.029-04:00Pick Up the PooI can only imagine all parents deal with this to some extent - disobedience and lying. I mean, it's normal for a kid to test his or her boundaries, right?<br />
<br />
Last week Mac decided to test his. He peed on the stairs. About 5 feet from a bathroom. And about 8 feet from another bathroom. And 9 steps and another 5 feet from another bathroom. Get the picture?<br />
<br />
I asked him what was going on. He said he couldn't make it to any of the aforementioned potties.<br />
<br />
Me: Oh no! Are your pants wet? (I knew this was not the case)<br />
<br />
Mac: No.<br />
<br />
Me: So how did you have an accident and not get your pants wet?<br />
<br />
Mac: I pulled it out of my pants. (you know, "it," the part that pees)<br />
<br />
Me: You had time for that but not to make it to the bathroom?<br />
<br />
Mac: No. I just decided to pee on the stairs.<br />
<br />
I made him clean it up, of course. But I wanted something else. Because not only did he pee on the stairs, but he lied about it.<br />
<br />
So I told him maybe as punishment he needed to go in the yard and <span style="color: red;">pick up the dog poo</span>. I'm thinking I'm pretty smart. The punishment fits the crime and all. Besides - we have a chihuahua, he'd spend 5 minutes out there with a shovel and bucket, find nothing, and be done. I mean really - chihuahua poo is tiny and there's no telling where it might be in our big yard.<br />
<br />
But Mac bursts into tears over this.<br />
<br />
What on earth? I didn't think it was that bad. It's not against the law to have your kid clean up the poo from your yard, right?<br />
<br />
I took his hand and calmly asked why he was crying.<br />
<br />
His response: <span style="color: red;">Can I at least use a NAPKIN???</span> **waaaaa**<br />
<br />
I couldn't help myself. I busted out laughing. My poor boy thought I was going to make him pick up poo with his bare hands. <br />
He was not too amused with my laughter, so I had to calm down and reassure him I would never make him touch poo with his bare hands. Then I decided that the mere idea of handling poo napkin-less was enough and let the rest of the punishment slide. <br />
<br />
My poor sweet boy. I'm still laughing over this one!<br />
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<br />
This is not something I am comfortable with. At all. At all at all. And, of course, Marshall had to work. So I was alone. I know it sounds contrary to my outgoing character, but blindly witnessing to someone is not how I feel called. If I build a rapport with someone - sure. Or if the moment comes naturally... But just walking aimlessly around? Not so much.<br />
<br />
I had planned to just donate some food to a local mission. Easy peasy. No interaction. But then we watched the little video about how someone had blindly gone to talk to someone and that person had planned on committing suicide at that very moment and - well - I didn't want to miss that kind of opportunity.<br />
<br />
So we set out. My first thought was to "pay it forward" at a drive-through. But then I wouldn't be sharing any message. So I went where any good Southern woman would go - WalMart. I wandered around. I nervously said hi to a few people who pretty much ignored me. Now - the South is the friendliest place on earth, but you really don't mess with people while they're shopping at WalMart. <br />
<br />
Then I got an idea. I went to the McDonald's inside WalMart (I know, I know). I got a few of those new snack-sized McFlurries and set out on my mission. Well, first, I asked the cashier if she had a home church. She said she did when she wasn't working. I handed her a card for my church and told her she was welcome to come any time.<br />
<br />
So I set off with my ice creams and looked for a few people to share with. I happened upon a pair of teenagers sitting on a bench. They looked like they were waiting for Mom or something. I asked if they were interested in the ice cream, hoping I could invite them to the youth group. The younger one perked up, but the older one stopped and said no and put a hand out over the other teen to stop her.<br />
<br />
Okay, so no teens. I then spotted two guys who looked like they had just gotten off a hard day's work. They were grubby to be honest. I approached and asked if they wanted the ice cream. They eyed me suspiciously. I told them they were free. One asked what the catch was. I told them no catch, just know someone was thinking about them, and I handed them the ice cream and added in the cards for our church. I told them to come any time.<br />
<br />
Then I walked away. I'll be honest, I didn't even wait for a thank you. I just wanted to get out of dodge. But I did it.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure if I shared the Love like I was supposed to. But it was certainly out of my comfort zone. And maybe one of those guys was having a really hard time and just needed a treat. I'll never know. But I shared!Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034712520389831844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372879994567557105.post-50467139843430969762013-03-29T10:32:00.000-04:002013-05-16T14:10:56.078-04:00Greek Easter<span style="font-size: small;">If you didn't know, I'm Greek on my dad's side. Something I am very proud of! And one of the best things about being Greek is celebrating Easter Greek-style.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">If you're not familiar with Easter in the Greek tradition, let me tell you a little about it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">In Greek, we say, "Christos Anesti!" "Alithos Anesti!" It means, "Christ is Risen!" "He is Risen Indeed!" It's something we say to each other all the time in Easter Season. Of course, Christ is Risen, and saying it in Greek is fun for the kids. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Of course, in Greek, Easter is <i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Pascha</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">
pronounced </span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">PAHS-khah</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;">. It could also be referred to as </span></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Anastasi<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">(ah-NAH-stah-see) </span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;">meaning </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;">resurrection.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> <br />
</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br />
</span></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">One of th<span style="font-size: small;">e best traditions of Gre<span style="font-size: small;">ek <span style="font-size: small;">Easter that really show<span style="font-size: small;">s th<span style="font-size: small;">e true meaning of Easter - the death and <span style="font-size: small;">Resurrection</span> of Christ - is a game</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>called <b><i>Tsougrisma</i></b>.<b> </b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">(The word <i>tsougrisma</i> means "clinking
together" or "clashing." In Greek: τσούγκρισμα, pronounced
TSOO-grees-mah<span style="font-size: small;">)</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Each player holds a red egg (and <span style="font-size: small;">I do mean RED)</span>, and one taps the end
of her/his egg lightly against the end of the other player's egg. The goal is
to crack the opponent's egg. When one end is cracked, the winner uses the same
end of her/his egg to try to crack the other end of the opponent's egg. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="color: black;">The player who successfully cracks the eggs of the
other players is declared the winner and, it is said, will have good luck
during the year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.dodekanissaweb.gr/images/info/easter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.dodekanissaweb.gr/images/info/easter2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">
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<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Why <span style="font-size: small;">do we <span style="font-size: small;">play this game<span style="font-size: small;"> with red eggs? Well, eggs symbolize reb<span style="font-size: small;">irth, and our reb<span style="font-size: small;">irth <span style="font-size: small;">as joint <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">heirs</span> with <span style="font-size: small;">Jesus.<span style="font-size: small;"> Usually <span style="font-size: small;">the <span style="font-size: small;">eggs we <span style="font-size: small;">eat are white symb<span style="font-size: small;">olizing the <span style="font-size: small;">purity of Christ, dyed red to show the blood of Chr<span style="font-size: small;">ist that was shed for us. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Give it a tr<span style="font-size: small;">y with your family! I pr<span style="font-size: small;">omise <span style="font-size: small;">it will become <span style="font-size: small;">an annual <span style="font-size: small;">trad<span style="font-size: small;">ition!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034712520389831844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372879994567557105.post-26490462828683708962013-03-28T10:09:00.000-04:002013-05-16T14:11:03.337-04:00Duck WisdomIf you haven't been watching <a href="http://www.aetv.com/duck-dynasty/" target="_blank">Duck Dynasty</a> you're missing out. This little gem airs on A&E and it's about a family who makes duck calls. Except, it's nothing about the duck calls, but the quirks and nuances of the Robertson family.''<br />
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This is a family of bearded rednecks who do all kinds of silly (and fun) things, but at the end of the day sit down for a family meal and pray.<br />
The patriarch of the family, Phil, has turned into a Christian speaker, which is awesome. He shares he faith and is quick to credit God with all he has.<br />
Willie is the CEO of their business. He's just as crazy as the rest of them. But I greatly admire him and his wife, Korie, because they are adoptive parents! I love seeing adoption shed in a wonderful light in real life! <br />
<br />
But the real gem of this show is Uncle Si. His words of wisdom (words of pure craze?) have become iconic to Duck Dynasty fans! I mean, who comes up with this stuff other than Si?<br />
<br />
"Whether you're talkin' about bees, dogs or women, Pain can come up on you QUICKLY ..."<br />
<br />
"Hey, I'm telling you we can't fix this. You can't fix stupid."<br />
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"Work hard. Nap hard. Hey, that's what I always say, Jack." <br />
<br />
Si is a HOOT! They all are. If you're not watching this gem, tune in! Trust me - the words of wisdom abound!<br />
<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034712520389831844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372879994567557105.post-60796681959436526332013-03-19T12:42:00.001-04:002013-05-16T14:11:15.890-04:00I'm Writing, but Where is My Audience?Last night I finished my third book. Isn't that incredible? I mean, not to toot my own horn or anything, but I'm pretty darn excited about it. Three books? That's quite an accomplishment.<br />
<br />
Except, I don't have anyone to read said books. I don't even know if any of these books are any good except from a few friends who have been waiting for the past 18 months for me to finish this last one. (It seems I can't write while pregnant/with a newborn. It happened before.)<br />
<br />
I've been shopping around and checking out publishers and literary agents. Many of them don't allow blind submissions. I have to have someone recommend me. I need an "in." But how do I get an "in" if I can't get anyone to talk to me?<br />
<br />
Yes, I have considered self-publishing, but I would prefer to wait and really try it the hard way first. Besides, when you self-publish, you pay out a ton of money to have your book printed, but then no way to sell it. Unless Aunt Ida really does want all 500 copies of your book...you're up a creek, as they say.<br />
<br />
So I'm looking around. I have more ideas for more novels in my head. And I will keep on writing them. And maybe, one day, you will be able to read one of these creations from the depths of my brain!<br />
<br />
Unless - Do you know any agents or publishers you could recommend me to? Pretty please? I'll give you some ice cream...Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034712520389831844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372879994567557105.post-51730509334036454672013-02-28T09:09:00.000-05:002013-05-16T14:11:23.259-04:00Being Spontaneous in the SpiritRight now in my church small group we're studying <a href="http://www.forgottengod.com/" target="_blank">Francis Chan's Forgotten God</a>. It's about how we tend to focus so much of our spiritual energy on two facets of the Trinity - God and Jesus Christ - and pretty much ignore the Holy Spirit.<br />
<br />
This week one topic that came up was being led by the Spirit, how to know when it was the Spirit, and how we don't like to stray from the familiar and live in the spontaneity of the moment.<br />
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We are all planners by nature. Even if you don't consider yourself one, we're creatures of habit - we follow the same patterns, which is essentially a plan.<br />
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So let's say every morning you take your kids to school, swing by Starbucks for a mocha latte, drive the same route to work, park in the same spot, etc. Except this morning, after dropping the kids, you see a homeless person outside Starbucks.<br />
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And you feel that pull. Believers will understand this sensation. The pull of the Spirit to do something.<br />
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But you have to get to work. You just want to get your mocha and go about your business. But the Spirit it calling you to buy the guy a cup of Joe. Or maybe take him to the grocery store and get him a few staples.<br />
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I'm not getting into the whole argument of maybe he's not really homeless, or maybe he's not really needy. I'm simply talking about following the Spirit's leading.<br />
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Do you stop and help? Get him some coffee and a muffin along with your order? Stop and take the time to feed and pray for him?<br />
Or do you ignore the prodding feeling because it doesn't fit into your schedule? Because it's not comfortable or convenient? You have you leave your comfort zone.<br />
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It would be so easy to just walk away. To argue that you don't know what to say if you were to extend a hand. But let me share this with you:<br />
<b>"...<span class="text Mark-13-11" id="en-NLT-24698"><span class="woj">don’t
worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that
time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit." -Mark 13:11 NLT</span></span></b><br />
<span class="text Mark-13-11" id="en-NLT-24698"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Mark-13-11" id="en-NLT-24698"><span class="woj">God will give you the words. If the Spirit gives you that urge, He will also give you the words to say. It could be as simple as a, "God Bless," when you drive away, or delving a little deeper with that person. </span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-13-11" id="en-NLT-24698"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Mark-13-11" id="en-NLT-24698"><span class="woj">What is the Holy Spirit urging you to do today?</span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-13-11" id="en-NLT-24698"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
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<span class="text Mark-13-11" id="en-NLT-24698"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034712520389831844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372879994567557105.post-65529637381822608182013-02-19T08:24:00.001-05:002013-05-16T14:12:12.294-04:00Teething SucksI mean seriously - teething sucks.<br />
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I love the toothless grins Jay gives me. They're sweet and happy. And I nurse him, so I'm happy to keep teeth out of that equation.<br />
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But now at 5 months old we're fully into teething. I'm just waiting for those bottom two teeth to pop through. But man, the agony, screaming, crying, restlessness - it is horrible. And Jay isn't too thrilled about it either.<br />
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But I guess I'm due for a bad teether. SB and Mac were great teethers - No fuss, no fevers...just some drool and suddenly a tooth.<br />
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But man, it sucks. Big time.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034712520389831844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372879994567557105.post-7202409893037587272013-02-05T23:06:00.001-05:002013-05-16T14:12:23.608-04:00Where Have I Been?It's been a long time, I know. I've thought of posting a blog a lot, but I never seem to be at the computer anymore. We got a tablet for Christmas and I seem to just use that these days. Marshall tells me I can download an app for blogger, but I haven't taken that leap yet.<br />
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So how have you been? How was your Christmas and New Years? Good, good. All was great here. Not only did we celebrate the birth of Jesus and the birth of a new year, but also the births of my first two children. SB turned 6 and Mac turned 5. I don't know how that happened. I mean, they were babies not that long ago. Now they're so big. I wonder how I'll feel when they're 15 and 16.<br />
Jay is approaching 5 months old. He's such a delight. He loves to laugh and is just so sweet. I can't believe how much I love him.<br />
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Anyway. Life is going on here. I do plan to get back to blogging more regularly. Stay tuned!Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034712520389831844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372879994567557105.post-63615775455261522322012-11-20T09:19:00.000-05:002012-11-20T09:19:05.311-05:00ThanksgivingI realize this year just how blessed I am. God has blessed me in ways I could never have imagined 10 or even 5 years ago.<br />
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He has given me an amazing husband who adores me (he even texted me so!). He gave me the gorgeous red-head to make me a mom for the first time. He allowed us to adopt Mac and share our love and receive his. And just 10 weeks ago, God granted us a second son in Jay who is a joy and whose toothless grins melt my heart.<br />
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But I am also blessed with amazing parents who would move the world for us. Fabulous in-laws who support us and love keeping the kids. Terrific friends who will drop what they're doing to be with you and help you.<br />
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Not to mention our new house. The washer and dryer that are STILL going after 13 years. Food in the pantry. Shoes on our feet, clothes to go in that washer and dryer.<br />
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I am so thankful for all of this! It's so easy to look and God and say all the things you want, ignoring the things you have. If you live in America, Canada, the UK, Australia and other advanced countries - you have way more than most of the rest of the world. Be thankful! Thank the good Lord for the things you have already been given!<br />
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<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034712520389831844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372879994567557105.post-21487911913417318582012-11-06T10:13:00.000-05:002013-05-16T14:12:33.084-04:00Christmas PrepI'm a huge Christmas fanatic. Who isn't? But now with three children and a ton of additional family to bestow gifts upon, being thrifty is key. Thrifty - not cheap!<br />
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So I've been perusing the crafter's paradise - Pinterest - for inexpensive Christmas ideas. There are several I've found that I think I'm going to try for family and friends.<br />
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I think this will be a great teacher gift - because, yes, we are suck-ups.<br />
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For friends and extended family I think this is awesome paired with a bottle of wine:<br />
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For some of those special girls in my life, I would love to attempt this and see if it works:<br />
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And I think I'm going to make these for the kids to hang on the tree this year:<br />
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Are there any awesome Pinterest Christmas crafts I'm missing out on? Share them with me!Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034712520389831844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372879994567557105.post-1911488043352822442012-11-04T14:05:00.001-05:002013-05-16T14:12:45.330-04:00I've Ignored You Long EnoughLife with three kids is kinda crazy! I am so blessed, but tired and sadly for you, the blog has taken the lowest spot on the totem pole. Nursing and Sleeping have taken over my computer time, and I'm lucky if I check my email every day - that doesn't always happen anymore!<br />
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Jay will be 8 weeks old this week. I can't believe it. He's doing great! He's still big, he nurses like a champ, and he's smiling more. I am so in love with him it's crazy. I did not feel this way about the other two so soon!<br />
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Mac is just as wild and crazy as ever. He's learning a lot this year in 4K and his teacher loves him. He is such a happy, giving child and I love watching him love on Jay.<br />
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SB is the true diva. She scored in the 97th percentile for Kindergarteners and she's pretty much the lead dancer in her class. She's a true talent.<br />
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Marshall and I are also doing well. It's crazy hectic these days, but we're doing our best to communicate and spend time together. Between work, kids and the rest of life it's hard but we both know a marriage is hard work, so we're doing our best to make it a priority.<br />
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I will try to get back to blogging more now that we're getting a routine down and figuring out our new version of normal.<br />
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Be blessed and check back soon!<br />
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Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034712520389831844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372879994567557105.post-77494757636613618352012-09-30T18:41:00.003-04:002013-05-16T14:12:52.649-04:00Meet the Baby!He's here!<br />
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Baby Jay was born on September 11th at almost 9am. Surgery went well, I feel great. Jay is perfect.<br />
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I had a lot of PPD (post-pardum depression) issues after SB was born, so I was prepared for it this time, but so far so good! I think already being on some anxiety meds was helpful for me! I was immediately in love with Jay. I mean immediate!<br />
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Marshall is in love with him, and the kids are super in love with him. He's very cuddly, loves to be curled up on your chest snoozing. Everyone is impressed with him. Of course, I'm biased!<br />
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Here are the pictures!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQRXGyMGkK4D3uiUaCxM4z69KbAtNivvDwXSz8rMJFWeQziES8BEonG1Ndl53LgCl5TvOPq5ZPIV2GQ1-5BBLiuuzR-CpnVoq466dwSUKwhSP5vYDedWVPcScxjXyqy7CFKoHaNja7J4/s1600/mommyready.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQRXGyMGkK4D3uiUaCxM4z69KbAtNivvDwXSz8rMJFWeQziES8BEonG1Ndl53LgCl5TvOPq5ZPIV2GQ1-5BBLiuuzR-CpnVoq466dwSUKwhSP5vYDedWVPcScxjXyqy7CFKoHaNja7J4/s320/mommyready.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm ready to go to the OR!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29SrNFA31_b30YgM0SpskTefzFZz7m0faiu1MzY2fUsdIeCrsJcjwNLkxlZZDp_O_7wZLu-uliis5PlDnxV785x8X4i_I5iVcoRRoLjx0u4Zii6AVjhMUtr7Hc6K-ESnICFFm5tEX-Do/s1600/daddyready.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29SrNFA31_b30YgM0SpskTefzFZz7m0faiu1MzY2fUsdIeCrsJcjwNLkxlZZDp_O_7wZLu-uliis5PlDnxV785x8X4i_I5iVcoRRoLjx0u4Zii6AVjhMUtr7Hc6K-ESnICFFm5tEX-Do/s320/daddyready.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marshall looked great in his psuedo-scrubs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuN4gbxU0UNY5IJe5KEoL8k8U9Tc4gowfucL_35YrCRRmAcGcsslLliKKpoBFClq3hySz152d-OrkIzvkz7sHbuawLiaZzgZHZgIh7tGtG_tuI4q52TWEXieGy7uEa7ankuibiKKLxMc/s1600/11+pounds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuN4gbxU0UNY5IJe5KEoL8k8U9Tc4gowfucL_35YrCRRmAcGcsslLliKKpoBFClq3hySz152d-OrkIzvkz7sHbuawLiaZzgZHZgIh7tGtG_tuI4q52TWEXieGy7uEa7ankuibiKKLxMc/s320/11+pounds.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, you are seeing this correctly. He was 11 pounds. 22 inches long. I birthed a 3 month old.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKaQHzc6aCI6ll82rpMrOKacE70oMcrmevbPipK6wnlWdW7L_QzoMFI5l8riQcO-TaPvb5O-6HjbIYO1xG9GGNh8IOESriicGNcKyX0lUGk9qZS5o828YOTgz7Y_HNRr6Wy9kEkJ_dPvc/s1600/family+of+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKaQHzc6aCI6ll82rpMrOKacE70oMcrmevbPipK6wnlWdW7L_QzoMFI5l8riQcO-TaPvb5O-6HjbIYO1xG9GGNh8IOESriicGNcKyX0lUGk9qZS5o828YOTgz7Y_HNRr6Wy9kEkJ_dPvc/s320/family+of+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first family picture!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcifQ9cKTi_tjgdKm9SaM-5IXQxccC_unPW8CMNU9nVswLr1sYScWmDNjlXvcLMq9rbvUW-2C6lGUVGsqhacDcOCwCmuqjxgh1PZ5-ooimPHdU_pnbDUFNQwH9cMsh3B-QIQhNS0bdI1Y/s1600/babyjay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcifQ9cKTi_tjgdKm9SaM-5IXQxccC_unPW8CMNU9nVswLr1sYScWmDNjlXvcLMq9rbvUW-2C6lGUVGsqhacDcOCwCmuqjxgh1PZ5-ooimPHdU_pnbDUFNQwH9cMsh3B-QIQhNS0bdI1Y/s320/babyjay.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Jay. He's wonderful!</td></tr>
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*As with all the kids, Jay is a nickname from his real name. We did have a hard time picking a name, but I think we did good and we're honoring some very special people.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034712520389831844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372879994567557105.post-13791461768968856112012-09-10T08:06:00.003-04:002013-05-16T14:13:15.654-04:00One More DayTomorrow! Tomorrow! I love ya, tomorrow! You're only a day away!<br />
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We're having a baby tomorrow. We thought it was going to be last Thursday, but we got bumped. But tomorrow is it. I can't believe it.<br />
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I'm not nervous about delivery. Actually, I'm having a c-section now, but I'm not nervous about that at all. I'm a little nervous about recovery. I'm mostly nervous about the kids being taken care of while I'm in the hospital.<br />
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My in-laws will be here and on small child duty. And I know the kid will be fine, but I'm a control freak and well, "freak" is an appropriate word because it's what I've been doing.<br />
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I'm just ready to get this done. I'm ready to meet this baby. I'm ready to see if he has red hair and if he's a calm baby (please!!). I'm ready to get on the road to recovery after surgery. I'm ready to work on "the new normal."<br />
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So tomorrow. We will update with the news sometime this week!Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08034712520389831844noreply@blogger.com0