tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17337120409008418652024-03-14T03:20:21.381-05:00Mommyhood is My "Real" JobI have a "real" job, called motherhood, and it pays in love not money.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15153204368559617566noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1733712040900841865.post-49280683494698848272010-05-18T12:36:00.000-05:002010-05-18T12:36:34.263-05:00Thursday is my BIG day.So, I'm asking for prayers, please. If you don't pray...how about some positive thoughts headed my way? I'll take those, too!<br />
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So, I have RSD aka Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. It's a nerve disease. Basically, I'm in pain 24/7 and I've lost/re-gained/lost again function in my left arm from my neck into my shoulder through my fingertips. I swell up, cold air, a breeze, cool water, air conditioning, any vibration, physical touch (especially light touch) and many other things cause pain. Truthfully, I don't like to talk about it and I really hate to complain. I prefer to keep a positive attitude, but trust me I can be a real whiner and all-around *itch somedays. <br />
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Overall, the past few years since I've been diagnosed have been difficult, but my family and friends (man, do you find out who your REAL friends are!!!) have been an epiphany. I've been forced in learning patience, made to become more "laid back", and I have an incredible new spirituality that I am truly grateful for. My appreciation for my husband and two sons is beyond words. They are all three wonderful men that are true blessings in my life.<br />
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So, what's happening on Thursday? I am having a trial surgery at the University. My treatments I had been having every two weeks had quit working some months ago, and insurance finally gave me the okay to get this surgery. I am so ready. <strike> If</strike> When this works, we will be able to re-start our adoption process for the third time (third time's a charm, right?)!!! When this trial surgery works, then they will go back in and implant the full thing in a much longer full surgical proceedure. I'll ask for those prayers when that time comes :)<br />
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Note: All images in this post have been “borrowed” from the internet. If I’m using your image and you don’t want me to, let me know and I’ll take it down.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15153204368559617566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1733712040900841865.post-10249400193978935132010-03-26T16:04:00.001-05:002010-03-26T16:05:13.944-05:00This Blogging ThingI really have wanted to blog in ages, but you see there have been a few things holding me back:<br />
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First, and for most, ME!<br />
Secondly, a stupid disease that I have debated whether or not to share with you about (and shamefully haven't been brave enough), plus it has held me back physically.<br />
And thirdly, my perfectionism/self-doubt/negative self-talk (you know the kind..."I'm not as good as other Mommy bloggers").<br />
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Anyway, today's not the day for it, but I do plan on kicking my SELF, my DISEASE, and my DOUBTS in the hind-end(s?) and get back on the horse. So, if any of you few are still with me. I *am* still alive and kicking...just apparently not the correct body parts :)Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15153204368559617566noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1733712040900841865.post-91643480765245814152010-01-12T10:26:00.001-06:002010-01-12T10:27:05.103-06:00Less than Five Months to Go!I'm going to Disney! Can you tell that I'm excited? I'm going with my friend, KT. We are just doing a "girls' week away." Can you top that? Okay, anyone going to pick up their new child beats that, but for the "waiters" like me, you just can't beat the promise of fun called Walt Disney World.<br />
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My lovely friend is a Dis-expert. She's done this before. I'm a newbie and the wait is making me feel like a little kid again. KT (with my input) has created some delicious sounding reservations for us. Here's what we're doing:<br />
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<span style="color: black;">•Sat 5/1: 5:00 Brown Derby (inside Hollywood Studios. I managed to get the latest possible Fantasmic Dinner Package. Basically it means we will receive a ticket into the side entrance of the Fantasmic theater. Part of the seating is roped off for those with the tickets and we don't have to arrive quite as early. Seating is not assigned but if we show up 45 minutes before the show we should still be OK while those without the ticket may choose to arrive 1.5-2 hours early!) It will be a stretch time-wise with our arrival but the guy I talked to assured me if we are a little late, they will still do their best to seat us.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">•Sun 5/2: 11:30 Sci-Fi Dinner Theater (inside Hollywood Studios), 5:05 Biergarten (inside Epcot)</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">•Mon 5/3: 12:35 Grand Floridain Cafe (at Grand Floridian Resort), 6:55 Artist Point (at Wilderness Lodge resort, I released our ADR at Whispering Canyon Cafe for this one)</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">•Tues 5/4: 12:00 Chefs de France (inside Epcot), 7:20 California Grill (at Contemporary Resort)</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">•Wed 5/5: 12:00 Teppan Edo (inside Epcot, I managed to get an earlier ADR), 8:35 Jiko (at Animal Kingdom Lodge, late but we will be able to stay at Animal Kingdom until closing at 8 then have dinner)</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">•Thurs 5/6: 10:20 Crystal Palace (I couldn't help this one! It's Pooh and friends character dining inside Magic Kingdom. They will have breakfast food when we arrive then transition to lunch at it approaches 11), 6:20 Ohana (at Polynesian resort) </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Anything you think we're missing? Ideas? I'm so excited. My first experience with Disney, and I don't have to be the Mom...I get to be the Kid!!! </span>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15153204368559617566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1733712040900841865.post-79723654580921545872010-01-04T10:24:00.001-06:002010-01-04T10:27:52.173-06:00A Direct Hit Right Between the Eyes to Start the New YearVacation is over and the New Year (and a new decade) has begun. It is time to get <strike>back</strike> into a rhythm and flow, find my focus, and set some goals, but first I wanted to share this quote I read yesterday with you. It smacked me right between the eyes. I hope it impacts you, too. Get ready for a power-packed punch...<br />
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<em><strong>"Patience to wait does not come from suffering long in what we lack, but from sitting long in what we have."</strong></em><br />
<div align="right"><strong>-Beth Moore, inspirational author and speaker</strong><br />
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</div><div align="left">How did that hit you? Still reeling from the blow? Seeing stars? I don't know about you, but I'm still feeling the effects.<br />
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</div><div align="left">I don't know what you are waiting on or how long and how much you've suffered, but I'm willing to guess that the wait and the suffering of it all has been your focus --- just like it has been for me. I'm also guessing that Beth Moore didn't make that quote the theme of her entry for January 3rd in her book, <em>Praying God's Word Day by Day, </em>just for Beth Schlarmann but for a slew of "waiters" around the world. Correct me if I'm wrong.<br />
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</div><div align="left">So, if you will let me indulge myself (hey, it <strong>is</strong> my blog!), I'll let you know what I "have" to sit long in:<br />
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</div><div align="left">I have been so blessed to be married for 17 years (yes, I was just a youngin!) to my best friend, confidant, lover, father of my children, and hero, Steve. God knew what He was doing when He brought Steve and I together. My husband has been the provider, the strength, the smarts, and the difference maker in our family. He has carried me on his back throughout my illness and encouraged me to stay optimistic and strong. <br />
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</div><div align="left">Then there is "Peat", my oldest son. He was blessed with self-confidence the likes of which I never have had. He is a leader and a listener with great big hopes and dreams for his future...a future I have no doubt he will succeed in. And my "Peat" has the greatest belly laugh you've ever heard that comes with a clever sense of humor. He, too, has blessed my life. <br />
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</div><div align="left">And who could forget my "Repeat", my youngest son. He is the most empathetic person I've ever met. He truly has a gift of understanding and "feeling" other's emotions and moods. Does it stop there? Oh, no. My "Repeat" is able to just be still in your company and bring you peace. Talk about being gifted. Not to mention the child is the best hugger out there. I am blessed by this son of mine.<br />
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</div><div align="left">Then, of course, comes my family. All of you by biology, adoption, or marriage came to me through love. I can't wait to see who else God chooses to call my family. We are blessed to have each other.<br />
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</div><div align="left">I have been given an enormous gift called friendship. There are so many of you that I call friend. You have enriched my life in so many ways. Some of you I don't know well (or even don't know), but I hope that my circle of friendship grows to include each of you. There are some people that I'm blessed to call both family and friend, and others of you who have taught me that friends are family. I am sitting long in you.<br />
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</div><div align="left">I have been blessed by opportunities. There are many that come my way through friendship, through business, through adoption, through blogging, and through faith. I can only hope that this year, 2010, I will seize those opportunites and find many others.<br />
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</div><div align="left">Then there are the "things" in life. I'm blessed by a roof over my head, cars to drive (that are even paid for), food to eat, and all those tangibles. There are so many people in this world (147 million children orphaned or abandoned worldwide) who don't have those things we take for granted. <br />
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</div><div align="left">I am also blessed by hope. Hope for our daughter-to-be and any future children we may be blessed with, hope for a cure for RSD, hope for a long and fruitful life, and hope for a future without poverty, war, or pain.<br />
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</div><div align="left">Most of all I am blessed by faith and love in and through our Lord above.<br />
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</div><div align="left">Hmm, I don't know about you, but today I'm going to be sitting long in all I have.<br />
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</div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15153204368559617566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1733712040900841865.post-21801233625936832009-12-22T10:33:00.000-06:002009-12-22T10:33:56.315-06:00This Hurts My Mommy Heart<a href="http://lifeofgiving.blogspot.com/2009/12/international-adoption-13-year-low.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ALifeOfGiving+%28A+Life+of+Giving%29">International adoption at 13 year low.</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please prayerfully consider adopting an orphan.</span>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15153204368559617566noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1733712040900841865.post-69704939777730125872009-12-18T12:42:00.001-06:002009-12-18T12:46:26.055-06:00The Gift of Patience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mpeabody.blog.uvm.edu/wagn/present.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://mpeabody.blog.uvm.edu/wagn/present.gif" /></a><br />
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I am learning to be patient. No, don't laugh. I really am. While I may seem a bit <strike>insane</strike> hasty from time to time, I really am much more laid-back than I used to be. I am learning.<br />
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You see when we decided to get pregnant with "Peat," I did. Days before I found out I was pregnant with "Repeat," we decided to start trying and we were. Even my four angels awaiting me in heaven were asked for and received (although, they weren't meant to live here on earth). Now, the journey to our little Ladybug Princess on the other hand has been a true trial of patience and faith.<br />
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Basically, my whole life I've been <strike>spoiled</strike> well-loved. Don't get me wrong. I've had to work for many things in my life, but I've always had a timeline/game plan to follow. Doing "A" by this date netted me "B" and so on. I have always known the date or approximately when I would achieve my goal. With the adoption, the timing is not really up to me. Not that anything ever is, but I used to think it was. Up until two years ago and the whole injury debacle, I honestly thought I was the one in control of my life. Now, I laughingly say that I gave up control back then. Truthfully, God has been the only on in control forever and always will be.<br />
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So, I'm a work in progress. I was given the gift of patience through a series of <strike>sufferings</strike> complications that have genuinely enabled me to be a better me. They say, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." Well, friends, I am going to be SUPERWOMAN!<br />
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Thank you, Lord, for your gift of patience to this undeserving soul.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15153204368559617566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1733712040900841865.post-22935222536009680482009-12-17T10:33:00.004-06:002009-12-17T10:38:25.169-06:00Do YOU know it's Christmastime?If you haven't heard the song <a href="http://popup.lala.com/popup/504684689369342042"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: lime;">"Merry Christmas" by Third Day</span></a> you may not understand where my heart is coming from.<br />
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We are in the process of adopting a little princess from China. It is so difficult to not just jump on a plane and go get her, but the paperwork is not ready. We have much to do before we bring her home. I know that our daughter will come home to us in God's perfect timing. I know that in my head but sometimes my heart takes awhile to catch up. This time of year seems especially hard. Our Ladybug Princess is in an orphanage. We don't know if she has enough food to eat, if she is comforted when she cries, if she knows that our Lord and Savior was born on Christmas day over 2,000 years ago. There is only one gift I want under our tree this year, and I won't get her. It certainly makes me realize what Christmas really is all about. <br />
Sweet Ladybug Princess, I pray that God's angel are watching over you.<br />
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<em>Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.</em> - Mother Teresa <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>Note: All images in this post have been “borrowed” from the internet. If I’m using your image and you don’t want me to, let me know and I’ll take it down.</em><br />
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</div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15153204368559617566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1733712040900841865.post-84247292104641115042009-12-17T10:12:00.000-06:002009-12-17T10:12:04.527-06:00A Big Job is Completed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.open.salon.com/files/celebrate1246554461.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" ps="true" src="http://static.open.salon.com/files/celebrate1246554461.gif" width="400" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Okay, so maybe it's not that big of a deal, but I finished writing my Christmas letter, addressing all the envelopes, and mailing out all of the cards. Hooray! I feel the need to celebrate with a pumpkin spice chai tea! Yummy.<br />
</div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15153204368559617566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1733712040900841865.post-74657604188254459302009-12-11T11:43:00.000-06:002009-12-11T11:43:11.571-06:00Read Any Good Books Lately?It's that time of year...time to curl up with a good book, some hot tea/cocoa, and get comfy under a warm blanket (unless you are lucky enough to have a fireplace to heat you up). I'm in a book club that has been meeting for only a few months. <br />
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So far we have read: <br />
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<em>A Prayer for Owen Meany</em> by John Irving - This was a tough book for me to get into (and apparently two others in the book club...even the friend who suggested the book didn't finish it!). I enjoyed reading about Owen and Johnny as children, but the narrative by Johnny as an adult bored me (too political, I think). Despite all that, the ending of the book was well worth suffering through Johnny's adult rants. We're still trying to decide if Christie is allowed to choose another book...hahah.<br />
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<em>Still Alice</em> by Lisa Genova - Wow. What a wonderfully written, thought-provoking, emotion-wringing story about Alice, a 50-something year old, Harvard professor who is diagnosed with early on-set Alzheimer's Disease. This journey of a brilliant mind's tragic deteriorization is written from Alice's point-of-view. She shares her heartache, frustration, insight, and inspiration. I highly recommend this one! Great choice, Kathy!<br />
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<em>The Weight of Silence</em> by Heather Gudenkauf - Another "wow" inspired book. For any Jodi Picault fans, this is one author you need to read! I was excited to read this one since the author lives in Dubuque and the story is based in eastern Iowa. I usually have a harder time following a story that jumps around from one point-of-view to the next, but this one kept me so intrigued that I kept turning the pages. This is a one-night read. So, Beth, what's it about? you ask. It is a story that encompasses the lives of two families, whose young daughters are best friends with a very special bond. Tragedy strikes and the race is on to save one little girl's life and the other's quality of life. This one keeps you guessing until the end! Way to go, Amy!<br />
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<em>Thirteen Reasons Why </em>by Jay Asher - Okay, this was a FANTASTIC read....a total page turner. It is not an easy read emotionally. This well-written, geniusly formatted book is about teen suicide. I know, not exactly the first topic you think you want to read (or talk about). Maybe the fact that it's a taboo subject is why teen suicide is on the rise? Hmm, point to ponder. In the story, Hannah leaves behind thirteen tapes for thirteen people to listen to. These people affected her life and created her reasons why. Wow, I wish I could explain better than that. Still sounds all heavy, and it is. Even though it's a tough topic to read and discuss, it is well worth it. As a former teen, I could see myself and others in so many situations that affect Hannah. I remember the feelings of never being able to get past a rumor or reputation. As a mother of teens, it scares the Hell out of me. I am very seriously considering having my sons read this and discuss it with me (and their father, who will need to read it, too). The overlaying message here is to realize the weight of your actions, speech, jokes, etc., because you never know who will take them to heart (and it may be their "last straw"). This one comes highly recommended to all teens, parents of teens, and anyone who loves a teen...heck, anyone who has been a teen should read this! This was my book choice, and I'm glad I did.<br />
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So, any booklovers out there in the Dubuque area want to join our little bookclub, let me know. Anyone else who has recommendations, please share with us. We are open to anything: fiction, non-fiction, adult books, children's books, religious/spiritual books, inspirational, motivational, or just a good "who done it".Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15153204368559617566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1733712040900841865.post-73200483355619110662009-12-11T09:38:00.000-06:002009-12-11T09:38:43.430-06:00Baby, It's Cold Outside<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sherisbooktreasures.com/weather/Picture%20177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ps="true" src="http://www.sherisbooktreasures.com/weather/Picture%20177.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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It is stinkin' cold! Do I know what the temp is? No. Do I care? No. It's just COLD!<br />
Obviously, God made my body for warmer climes. I just know he's trying to tell me to move to Hawaii or somewhere gorgeously, heavenly warm!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.waterfallmovingpictures.com/image.php?productid=94" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" ps="true" src="http://www.waterfallmovingpictures.com/image.php?productid=94" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: All images in this post have been “borrowed” from the internet. If I’m using your image and you don’t want me to, let me know and I’ll take it down.</span></em><br />
</div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15153204368559617566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1733712040900841865.post-71635801010758646082009-12-03T01:47:00.001-06:002009-12-03T01:49:53.723-06:00What is so common about sense?Today I'm really wondering just exactly what is so "common" about common sense?<br />
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I was visiting with one of my closest friends, E, and came upon the realization that sense is just not all that common. E just had baby number five (HURRAY). He's a beautiful, healthy baby boy. He also just happens to be boy number five. Yes, she has five sons. I'm stunned at the responses she has gotten to the question as to whether or not number five was a girl. <br />
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Some people need to read Emily Post! Did their parents not teach them manners? Where is that common sense? You just don't say certain things to people. Honestly, she has received many full-on stupid remarks. Of course she is happy she had number five. Yes, she loves him "even though he's not a girl." No, she doesn't want to put him back in and try again, or give him away. She has even heard stuff about "learning how to use birth control." Soooooo not funny, not smart, not using your COMMON SENSE!<br />
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She's thrilled. He's healthy. He's beautiful. He's a sweet, innocent little boy (for now....heheh).<br />
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I'm beginning to believe that so many people are like crabs in a bucket: one crab can climb up and out, but two or more in the bucket and they all pull the climber back down to where they are. Are these people jealous that E and her husband are such AMAZING parents? Are they jealous that E and K <strike>"can afford"</strike> choose to afford for E to stay home and raise her own children? Are they jealous because they don't think they could "handle" five boys? Or are they just stupid....no, make that SENSELESS!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15153204368559617566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1733712040900841865.post-2481532416126546382009-12-01T11:54:00.001-06:002009-12-01T11:56:32.190-06:00My Heart's DesireToday has been "one of those days" in our adoption journey. I want to be a mommy again so badly. I want to be YOUR mommy. I want to hold my baby girl in my arms and make sure she knows how much she is loved. It's weird, scary, awe-inspiring, joyful, peaceful, full-on amazing....that I love you, my sweet LadyBug Princess. I love you the way I love your brothers, Peat and Repeat. I love you fully and completely, totally and happily, powerfully and tearfully. I LOVE YOU!<br />
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This is an every day, every minute, every breath kind of love. You are my daughter and I am your mommy, yet I don't know your name, never seen your face, never held you in my arms. Just the same, I KNOW you are mine FOREVER. <br />
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Whew, if you are still with me, I apologize for the "heaviness" of this post. This always is on my heart, yet today I needed to write it all out. Thanks for obliging me.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Note: All images in this post have been “borrowed” from the internet. If I’m using your image and you don’t want me to, let me know and I’ll take it down.<br />
</div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15153204368559617566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1733712040900841865.post-4012015861233724222009-12-01T09:56:00.000-06:002009-12-01T09:56:56.548-06:00World AIDS Day<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Did you know??? There are <span style="color: red;">12.1 MILLION CHILDREN</span> in Africa who are <span style="color: red;">ORPHANED</span> by <span style="color: red;">AIDS</span>.</strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kL8ci09K1v50zBTyvOoyQCXW0s1489ZQsjDreRLnBXxiDZnp48I9VOUnKAuhTwD-fobRgHfRYBlPkjRlGPCW2euLfF4k8e8cVIZei1XshGuDVbL2TjoA6LHFf5QuiYwMGkcJwvIqQpI/s1600/Africa_onecolorunites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kL8ci09K1v50zBTyvOoyQCXW0s1489ZQsjDreRLnBXxiDZnp48I9VOUnKAuhTwD-fobRgHfRYBlPkjRlGPCW2euLfF4k8e8cVIZei1XshGuDVbL2TjoA6LHFf5QuiYwMGkcJwvIqQpI/s320/Africa_onecolorunites.jpg" yr="true" /></a><br />
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This disease is preventable. Education is needed. One person really can make a difference. That one person could be you. Are you willing to step up and make a difference?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>It costs around 40 cents a day for the 2 pills that can help keep a person living with HIV in Africa alive. <span style="color: red;">(RED)</span> - ONE COLOR UNITES US.</strong></span>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15153204368559617566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1733712040900841865.post-6846685393282438842009-11-30T09:42:00.001-06:002009-12-03T01:52:03.552-06:00It has been awhile...I really admire those bloggers that can do this daily. It's not as easy as it looks. I bow down to you!<br />
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Life gets busy and a Mother's job get busier!<br />
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Hope everyone had a very Happy Thanksgiving. Tomorrow begins December and the Christmastime rush. Please do all you can to remember what Christmas is all about!<br />
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Thought for the day:<br />
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<span style="color: lime;">"Think of giving not as a duty but as a privelege." - J.D. Rockefeller, Jr.</span>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15153204368559617566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1733712040900841865.post-30180943621120385562009-11-21T09:48:00.000-06:002009-11-21T09:48:33.983-06:00IMPORTANT!!! Please read thisLinny of <a href="http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/">A Place Called Simplicity</a> has called us to pray and fast on behalf of Africa's orphans. Apparently, the Canadian government has stopped all Visas from Africa...meaning all those in process of adopting from there are devistated. Canada has stopped all adoption from Africa, and often in these cases, what happens in Canada, the US soon follows. Here is Linny's post <a href="http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/2009/11/favor.html">http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/2009/11/favor.html</a>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15153204368559617566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1733712040900841865.post-31823704091080408212009-11-20T09:09:00.004-06:002009-12-03T01:57:00.356-06:00Rolling Back the YearsJuly 4, 1976<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhia676fJmzqINziPyMjbcw7nz8yfWj3eqnto6QE29Iz0sK6WDVF2wxynY9ou0wRMRytja-NAhmlXajW0V5M2thhPZnqmrvJ84l5p0XmoOCpZr84eRpP0ikWe6T8WdBbQk75VFICu4-rtc/s1600/July+4+1976.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhia676fJmzqINziPyMjbcw7nz8yfWj3eqnto6QE29Iz0sK6WDVF2wxynY9ou0wRMRytja-NAhmlXajW0V5M2thhPZnqmrvJ84l5p0XmoOCpZr84eRpP0ikWe6T8WdBbQk75VFICu4-rtc/s320/July+4+1976.bmp" yr="true" /></a><br />
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</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">I would be embarassed, but just how cute is that? Hahaha.</span><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">The ones who should be embarassed are my parents! I mean, look at those <span style="color: #b45f06;">ORANGE</span> drapes and what's with the carpet?!? I seem to remember dark green couches to go with all that loveliness</span><span style="color: black;">.</span><br />
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</div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15153204368559617566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1733712040900841865.post-67629354678324404522009-11-19T20:16:00.000-06:002009-11-19T20:16:06.758-06:00Miss J Updated Me on AleahMy niece called and said that Aleah came through the surgery just fine. She's still in critical condition for awhile, and they won't know if she'll be able to move her facial muscles (I think that's right) for a bit. Keep little Aleah in your prayers, please.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15153204368559617566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1733712040900841865.post-57142673356985385112009-11-19T11:13:00.001-06:002009-11-19T11:15:03.081-06:00Prayers for AleahMy niece's best friend has a little sister adopted from India, named Aleah (such a pretty name, isn't it?). Well, today Aleah is having major surgery to fix a nerve in her face. Apparently, it is a SEVEN HOUR long procedure. So, I'm asking for prayers for: Aleah, her family, her doctors and medical staff, and all that care for her. I am also lifting up my own prayers for her. Instead of trying to word my way through a prayer, I'm counting on what it says in Romans 8:26-27<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><em>The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.</em></span><br />
</div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15153204368559617566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1733712040900841865.post-85643312935377283242009-11-19T10:18:00.001-06:002009-12-01T11:57:02.788-06:00Sleep?!?!Isn't it amazing all the wonderous thoughts, brilliant ideas, sensational plans you come up with in the middle of the night while you are trying to sleep? Where do they all go? And why didn't I get to sleep anyway?<br />
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Seriously, I need a notebook by my bed some nights. Maybe I could end world hunger or cure cancer. At the very least, I could figure out what I'm going to make for dinner that day. *SIGH*<br />
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You would think that since none of that happens for me, I should be able to look like Sleeping Beauty when I wake as opposed to the Medusa bedhead I usually have (she and I must be related).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marieclaire.com/cm/marieclaire/images/SleepingBeauty-Photo1sb_c_259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://www.marieclaire.com/cm/marieclaire/images/SleepingBeauty-Photo1sb_c_259.jpg" width="320" yr="true" /></a>vs. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Note: All images in this post have been “borrowed” from the internet. If I’m using your image and you don’t want me to, let me know and I’ll take it down.<br />
</div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15153204368559617566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1733712040900841865.post-40517316070079598912009-11-19T04:51:00.000-06:002009-11-19T04:51:02.002-06:00YouTube - federov9's ChannelFor anyone thinking of adopting a child with special/medical needs, you should watch this:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.youtube.com%252Ffederov9%2523p%252Fu%252F4%252Fxx-6t4vwDDA&h=b90c37723b9a535e325d85a71b4b560f&ref=nf">YouTube - federov9's Channel</a>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15153204368559617566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1733712040900841865.post-46367058111234861112009-11-18T20:28:00.000-06:002009-11-18T20:28:46.184-06:00Not Sure How I RatedBut I got to go out to eat TWICE today! The first time my loving husband and I had a lunch date at a local family restaurant. I was a good girl and had salad, which turns out to be a good decision because the whole family went out to Happy Joe's Pizza (they originated the taco pizza). <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.happyjoes.com/images/menu/taco_pizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://www.happyjoes.com/images/menu/taco_pizza.jpg" width="320" yr="true" /></a><br />
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Ooooh, it's just too hard to be good at Happy Joe's, and I wasn't. Now my tummy is waaaay full, but my taste buds are waaaaay-er happier (yes, it's my blog, and I can make up words whenever I want!). I think I splurged for the entire week. Back to being a good girl tomorrow morning.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15153204368559617566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1733712040900841865.post-67026387179048186062009-11-18T11:03:00.000-06:002009-11-18T11:03:49.883-06:00Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head<span style="font-size: x-large;">It's raining today!</span> <br />
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Maybe that isn't too exciting to most of you, but for this farmer's wife it is. I haven't been able to spend a lot of time with Steve lately since he's been working in the fields. He just texted me that he'll be home soon and done for the afternoon. We have a date! We're going out to lunch together (for the first time in a long time) and who knows what we'll do from there. I LOVE spending time with my husband. He's truly my best friend. I'm a happy wife.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15153204368559617566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1733712040900841865.post-73508999552529155012009-11-18T09:31:00.002-06:002009-11-18T17:11:57.358-06:00Beth Schlarmann, you've just won the Super Bowl! What's next?<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><strong>I'M GOING TO DISNEYWORLD!!!</strong></span><br />
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Woohooo. Somehow in my entire 37 years, I've never made it to the home of Mickey Mouse and friends. I'm so excited. So, am I taking my wonderful husband of 17 years? No. Am I being a "good mom" and taking my children? No. I am being all selfish and stuff. I will be going with a girlfriend of mine from high school, KT. She is a Disney freak, as well. Only she has been there many times. We have decided to do a girls' week away from home in the wonderful world of Orlando. I'm so happy!!!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15153204368559617566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1733712040900841865.post-58335498959245396032009-11-18T09:20:00.003-06:002009-11-18T11:04:43.447-06:00Awesome Blogg-i-nessCheck out these way cool bloggers I met this weekend!<br />
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<a href="http://www.debworks.com/">http://www.debworks.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://hisandhersphoto.net/">http://hisandhersphoto.net/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.bloggingbasics101.com/">http://www.bloggingbasics101.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.boogersandburps.com/">http://www.boogersandburps.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.smartcentsmom.com/">http://www.smartcentsmom.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.myredapron.com/">http://www.myredapron.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://sincerelyjenni.blogspot.com/">http://sincerelyjenni.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.iheartmimi.com/">http://www.iheartmimi.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.complic8tedjourney.com/">http://www.complic8tedjourney.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.threeboysandadog.com/">http://www.threeboysandadog.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.iowageekonline.com/">http://www.iowageekonline.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.havekidwilltravel.com/">http://www.havekidwilltravel.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.delightfulcupcakes.com/">http://www.delightfulcupcakes.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://minnemom.com/">http://minnemom.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://blog.rockstarjenny.com/">http://blog.rockstarjenny.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://journey4hope.blogspot.com/">http://journey4hope.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://tam4buit.blogspot.com/">http://tam4buit.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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and many more....<br />
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</div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15153204368559617566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1733712040900841865.post-50859952351510112202009-11-18T08:37:00.003-06:002009-11-18T09:24:55.542-06:00Thank yous, thank yous, and more thank yousDidn't get a chance yesterday to give a "shout out" to the wonderful sponsors, speakers, and bloggers I met at the iBlog conference. So, here I go:<br />
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Jody at <a href="http://www.iowageekonline.com/">Iowa Geek</a> and <a href="http://www.havekidwilltravel.com/">Have Kid will Travel</a> was both the brains and beauty behind the conference. Yes, in an earlier post I mentioned that this was the inaugural conference. Jody is planning on the first weekend of November 2010 in a TBA location in Iowa. I love that she's moving the conference around the state!<br />
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The site of the conference was the beautiful <a href="http://www.hotelpattee.com/">Hotel Pattee</a> in Perry, Iowa (approximately 40 miles west of Des Moines). They also catered the conference. Let me just say that the diet took a hit. So yummy!!!<br />
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One of the sponsors of the conference was <a href="http://www.landolakes.com/">Land O Lakes Dairy</a> from right here in our great state of Iowa.<br />
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Another sponsor was <a href="http://dexterpc.net/">Dexter PC Computer Services</a> from Dexter, Iowa. They had very cute pink netbook and a way cool desktop that I was drooling over (as a gift for my husband, of course!). Brian and Linda were very informative. Check them out!<br />
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<a href="http://www.creativememories.com/">Creative Memories</a> also sponsored the conference. They totally hooked us up with <a href="http://www.creativememories.com/MainMenu/Our-products-and-services/Digital-Scrapbooking/Digital-Scrapbooking-Software/StoryBook-Creator-Plus-3.0-(Full)-CD">StoryBook Creator Plus 3.0</a>. I am a HUGE scrapbooking fanatic, but I've never really digitally scrapped. After listening to speakers <a href="mailto:jdammann@creativememories.com">Jenny Dammann</a>, Web Specialist with CM, and <a href="http://www.mycmsite.com/amberg">Amber Gustafson</a>, consultant, I am so excited to play with the software. Not to mention, I am in NEED (not just want) of the <a href="http://www.creativememories.com/MainMenu/Our-products-and-services/Digital-Scrapbooking/Memory-Manager%e2%84%a2">MemoryManager </a>software.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivepsychologynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/thank-you-bodies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://positivepsychologynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/thank-you-bodies.jpg" width="320" yr="true" /></a><br />
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Some more speakers were:<br />
<a href="http://clairesbestlife.typepad.com/public_relations_princess/">PR Princess</a> Claire Celsi<br />
BJ Weber from <a href="http://www.ankenytaxandaccounting.com/">Ankeny Tax and Accounting</a><br />
Melanie Nelson at <a href="http://www.bloggingbasics101.com/">Blogging Basics 101</a><br />
Darcy Milder from <a href="http://hisandhersphoto.net/">His and Hers Photography</a><br />
Deb Brown at <a href="http://www.debworks.com/">Deb Works Online Marketing Strategies</a> and <a href="http://www.readhampton.com/">Franklin County News Today</a><br />
Jennic Law from <a href="http://www.kangarooboo.com/">KangarooBoo</a><br />
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I learned so much from these people. I don't know how to begin to say thank you to them all!<br />
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Thank you, thank you, thank you.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15153204368559617566noreply@blogger.com0