tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50744428893853330272024-03-13T22:28:12.835-05:00~Schulz Sightings~Schulz Sightingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05274095500456525098noreply@blogger.comBlogger107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074442889385333027.post-22223901611257870522011-08-24T21:01:00.000-05:002011-08-24T21:01:26.565-05:00First Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lnDBlqsIM_Q/TlWqKF7F-8I/AAAAAAAABZo/-zhRpZlpJaE/s1600/IMG_5015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lnDBlqsIM_Q/TlWqKF7F-8I/AAAAAAAABZo/-zhRpZlpJaE/s320/IMG_5015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> We made it!! The first day of Kinder for my spunky little one was a success! Loved her teacher, loved her friends, loved PE, loved seeing Caroline in the halls, and loves that she doesn't have to go back again until Monday!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3U5mGM_iwz8/TlWqNt-1XmI/AAAAAAAABZs/0FIt6YjIveQ/s1600/IMG_5013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3U5mGM_iwz8/TlWqNt-1XmI/AAAAAAAABZs/0FIt6YjIveQ/s320/IMG_5013.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> 2nd grade...how did this happen??</div><div style="text-align: center;">The highlight of her day was her dance elective. We are in for a LOT of performances in the living room!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGr75e0oaL4/TlWqQ5y8nKI/AAAAAAAABZw/udjTTRWhtPU/s1600/IMG_5011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGr75e0oaL4/TlWqQ5y8nKI/AAAAAAAABZw/udjTTRWhtPU/s320/IMG_5011.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RXIpQVHrQ4U/TlWqUU6tYFI/AAAAAAAABZ0/0ANaeJ62rdI/s1600/IMG_5009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RXIpQVHrQ4U/TlWqUU6tYFI/AAAAAAAABZ0/0ANaeJ62rdI/s320/IMG_5009.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5784fSsLmyM/TlWqXWM4Q2I/AAAAAAAABZ4/QNiNgBvNkso/s1600/IMG_5019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5784fSsLmyM/TlWqXWM4Q2I/AAAAAAAABZ4/QNiNgBvNkso/s320/IMG_5019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Preston and I enjoyed just being together with Drew. I didn't realize how much he talks!! Now that the girls were out of the house, I thought it was going to be quieter (they have QUITE a bit to say)</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Holy Smokes, he didn't take a breath ALL day. </div><div style="text-align: center;">He also kept stealing my steak knives to "saw" things, like sticks and dirt, the house columns etc... Any ideas how to steer this in a better direction? My friend, Kristin's husband bought the boys a tool box with small "real" tools in it, hammer, saw, nails, screws... That seems brilliant to me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love Preston's little voice when he asks "MOM, will you come saw wood with me?"</div><div style="text-align: center;">"of course, sweetheart, let me grab a knife first."</div>Schulz Sightingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05274095500456525098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074442889385333027.post-88661446693285133512011-07-25T14:58:00.005-05:002011-07-25T18:40:54.257-05:00Maine~Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Every summer growing up we made the 4 day drive or long flight up to New England where my parents are from. My grandparents lived in a big old family home right on the beach in Maine. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not bad digs! My parents now have the home so we can still go.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TTIkleVD-0w/Ti3Ge50qZ8I/AAAAAAAABZc/TFZEnFDZK3o/s1600/IMG_4748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TTIkleVD-0w/Ti3Ge50qZ8I/AAAAAAAABZc/TFZEnFDZK3o/s400/IMG_4748.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We have brought the children now 4 times. It is a blast to see them have fun on the same beach where I grew up. Caroline is our beach bunny so far. I was SOOO nervous treking everyone up, we haven't been doing very well with any travel as a family lately, but they did beautifully!! Drew seemed to get over his teething-crisis just in time to be the little show stopper for the week and actually slept!! We really needed this as a family and it was a great time of bonding for all of us.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FamJ-f-n1sI/Ti3EitkQFFI/AAAAAAAABY0/zgV5BG_Q4uM/s1600/IMG_4668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FamJ-f-n1sI/Ti3EitkQFFI/AAAAAAAABY0/zgV5BG_Q4uM/s400/IMG_4668.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ggZ2ubxPqWI/Ti3ElDZSUqI/AAAAAAAABY4/y9QM8OemaQk/s1600/IMG_4678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ggZ2ubxPqWI/Ti3ElDZSUqI/AAAAAAAABY4/y9QM8OemaQk/s400/IMG_4678.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Drew LOVED the beach!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WaftHZ8SD7Q/Ti3EuA53nRI/AAAAAAAABY8/H9SCLP74efw/s1600/IMG_4695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WaftHZ8SD7Q/Ti3EuA53nRI/AAAAAAAABY8/H9SCLP74efw/s400/IMG_4695.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62FKaLA8VSQ/Ti3EyE3vvDI/AAAAAAAABZA/TsrYBfrjWUQ/s1600/IMG_4697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62FKaLA8VSQ/Ti3EyE3vvDI/AAAAAAAABZA/TsrYBfrjWUQ/s400/IMG_4697.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uwtlcj6PpMY/Ti3GoOPTlxI/AAAAAAAABZg/21CtjoiPIAE/s1600/IMG_4709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uwtlcj6PpMY/Ti3GoOPTlxI/AAAAAAAABZg/21CtjoiPIAE/s400/IMG_4709.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GpruPWZQPCc/Ti3FGk_n0cI/AAAAAAAABZI/Pj8CaAHMgvU/s1600/IMG_4751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GpruPWZQPCc/Ti3FGk_n0cI/AAAAAAAABZI/Pj8CaAHMgvU/s400/IMG_4751.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Climbing the rocks on the Breakwater was a HUGE hit! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The kids thought they were climbing Everest.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8CAgq4tJAw/Ti3-kQnnZMI/AAAAAAAABZk/uENJION4RU0/s1600/IMG_4714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8CAgq4tJAw/Ti3-kQnnZMI/AAAAAAAABZk/uENJION4RU0/s400/IMG_4714.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PWjSOfuJLy0/Ti3FKkrZLoI/AAAAAAAABZM/-Ik07QVs4gs/s1600/IMG_4767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PWjSOfuJLy0/Ti3FKkrZLoI/AAAAAAAABZM/-Ik07QVs4gs/s400/IMG_4767.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qoSbjYf4cuE/Ti3FTPyv5bI/AAAAAAAABZQ/Dn73kLHV6QM/s1600/IMG_4777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qoSbjYf4cuE/Ti3FTPyv5bI/AAAAAAAABZQ/Dn73kLHV6QM/s400/IMG_4777.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My parents and grandmother. We had such a fun time just with them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NeZqZzYRQQ8/Ti3FdFMUUUI/AAAAAAAABZU/0lJtl5SRM7U/s1600/IMG_4662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NeZqZzYRQQ8/Ti3FdFMUUUI/AAAAAAAABZU/0lJtl5SRM7U/s400/IMG_4662.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2q6JK0fSYsM/Ti3FzLrNmeI/AAAAAAAABZY/j1H8pL9iviY/s1600/IMG_4693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2q6JK0fSYsM/Ti3FzLrNmeI/AAAAAAAABZY/j1H8pL9iviY/s400/IMG_4693.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Maine, Drew-man!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KlASK0hxzyY/Ti3FAsQzt6I/AAAAAAAABZE/76tEZzBUKbo/s1600/IMG_4728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KlASK0hxzyY/Ti3FAsQzt6I/AAAAAAAABZE/76tEZzBUKbo/s400/IMG_4728.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Schulz Sightingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05274095500456525098noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074442889385333027.post-81715238388242864302011-07-08T08:17:00.007-05:002011-07-08T08:59:56.991-05:00Motherhood as Mission<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2c2b28; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div><div><!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ItKDjsCs700/ThcLs8ft0cI/AAAAAAAABYs/BmSEO7-JELw/s1600/IMG_4591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ItKDjsCs700/ThcLs8ft0cI/AAAAAAAABYs/BmSEO7-JELw/s400/IMG_4591.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #535353; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">We are having a great summer, nothing much planned, but trying to be in the water as much as possible. We are gelling as a family very well, and Andy's work has been much lighter this summer!! Yeah! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #535353; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">That being said, the phrase "the days are long, but the years short" comes to mind. These summer days are VERY long. Drew is getting about 4 teeth at one time, so for the past 2 weeks, he has really just cried. most of the day. I'm trying to get on top of the pain with tylenol every 4, but he won't have anything to do with cold things to chew on to help. The other 3 are needing a lot of direction and "working out the kinks" of being together all the time. In short, at the end of many days I am afraid I am "crazy in the head" as I tell Andy. I am trying to be more planned and organized, and sometimes it works! Going a bit nuts though, feeling discouraged with disobedience, sassy talk, arguing and needing me constantly, and... the crying. I think if I can help Drew get his teeth and stop crying all day, I can focus better on the other 3 and not be so testy myself. Feeling weary and exhausted will pass, I know. Tis the season, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #535353; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">This article has encouraged me almost every day the past 2 weeks, I found it on the Desiring God site. I struggle with pretty much everything it talks about. </span></div></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><h1 style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #860c0e; font-size: 22px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 2px 0px 3px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C8SAFgJhN1k/ThcCc5cE7JI/AAAAAAAABYo/qFSGvq-JPPA/s1600/IMG_4528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C8SAFgJhN1k/ThcCc5cE7JI/AAAAAAAABYo/qFSGvq-JPPA/s400/IMG_4528.JPG" width="400" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></h1><h1 style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #860c0e; font-size: 22px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 2px 0px 3px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Motherhood as a Mission Field</h1><div class="byline" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #36332a; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; margin: 8px 0px 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="date" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/years/2011" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">June 16, 2011</a></span> <i class="pipe" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #9fa1a4; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px 3px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">|</i> <i style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">by:</i> <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/authors/rachel-jankovic" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Rachel Jankovic</a> <i class="pipe" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #9fa1a4; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px 3px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">|</i> <em style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Category:</em> <a class="category" href="http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/categories/commentary" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="">Commentary</a></div><aside class="col_3 out" style="display: inline; float: left; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; width: 210px;"></aside><br />
<div id="subscribe" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; bottom: 23px; font-size: 12px; height: 32px; margin: -16px auto 0px 20px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; top: 50%; vertical-align: baseline;"><a class="button rss" href="http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/motherhood-as-a-mission-field#" id="subscribe_btn" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; -webkit-border-bottom-left-radius: 3px 3px; -webkit-border-bottom-right-radius: 3px 3px; -webkit-border-top-left-radius: 3px 3px; -webkit-border-top-right-radius: 3px 3px; -webkit-box-sizing: content-box; background-color: #e4e6e2; background-image: url(http://cdn1.desiringgod.org/images/widgets/button_bg5.png?1308949116); background-position: 50% 0%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: rgb(193,193,184) 1px solid; border-left: rgb(193,193,184) 1px solid; border-right: rgb(193,193,184) 1px solid; border-top: rgb(193,193,184) 1px solid; color: #464643; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; height: 28px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 30px; padding-right: 15px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 1px 1px 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: nowrap; width: 123px; z-index: 99999;" title="Subscribe options for the DG Blog">Subscribe to...<span class="icon" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: url(http://cdn1.desiringgod.org/images/icons/feed_12_2.png?1305225906); background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; height: 14px; left: 10px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: -2px; margin-top: -7px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; right: 10px; top: 50%; vertical-align: baseline; width: 14px;"> </span><span class="arrow" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-image: url(http://cdn1.desiringgod.org/images/widgets/arrow_down4.png?1304447424); background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: -6px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; right: 8px; top: 50%; vertical-align: baseline; width: 0px;"> </span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">There is a good old saying, perhaps only said by my Grandfather, that distance adds intrigue. It is certainly true — just think back to anything that has ever been distant from you that is now near. Your driver’s license. Marriage. Children. Things that used to seem so fascinating, but as they draw near become less mystical and more, well, <em style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">real</em>.</span><br />
<div class="manuscript" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px 0px 18px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">This same principle certainly applies to mission fields too. The closer you get to home, the less intriguing the work of sacrifice seems. As someone once said, “Everyone wants to save the world, but no one wants to help Mom with the dishes.” When you are a mother at home with your children, the church is not clamoring for monthly ministry updates. When you talk to other believers, there is not any kind of awe about what you are sacrificing for the gospel. People are not pressing you for needs you might have, how they can pray for you. It does not feel intriguing, or glamorous. Your work is normal, because it is as close to home as you can possibly be. You have actually gone so far as to <em style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">become</em> home.</div><h4 style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Home: The Headwaters of Mission</h4><div style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px 0px 18px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If you are a Christian woman who loves the Lord, the gospel is important to you. It is easy to become discouraged, thinking that the work you are doing does not matter much. If you were really doing something for Christ you would be out there, somewhere else, doing it. Even if you have a great perspective on your role in the kingdom, it is easy to lose sight of it in the mismatched socks, in the morning sickness, in the dirty dishes. It is easy to confuse intrigue with value, and begin viewing yourself as the least valuable part of the Church.</div><div style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px 0px 18px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">There are a number of ways in which mothers need to study their own roles, and begin to see them, not as boring and inconsequential, but as <em style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">home</em>, the headwaters of missions.</div><div style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px 0px 18px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">At the very heart of the gospel is sacrifice, and there is perhaps no occupation in the world so intrinsically sacrificial as motherhood. Motherhood is a wonderful opportunity to live the gospel. Jim Elliot famously said, “He is no fool who gives up that which he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” Motherhood provides you with an opportunity to lay down the things that you cannot keep on behalf of the people that you cannot lose. They are eternal souls, they are your children, they are your mission field.</div><h4 style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Faith Makes the Small Offering Great</h4><div style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px 0px 18px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If you are like me, then you may be thinking “What did I ever give up for them? A desk job? Time at the gym? Extra spending money? My twenty- year- old figure? Some sleep?” Doesn’t seem like much when you put it next to the work of some of the great missionaries, people who gave their lives for the gospel.</div><div style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px 0px 18px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Think about the feeding of the five thousand when the disciples went out and rounded up the food that was available. It wasn’t much. Some loaves. Some fish. Think of some woman pulling her fish out and handing it to one of the disciples. That had to have felt like a small offering. But the important thing about those loaves and those fishes was not how big they were when they were given, it was about whose hands they were given into. In the hands of the Lord, that offering was sufficient. It was more than sufficient. There were leftovers. Given in faith, even a small offering becomes great.</div><div style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px 0px 18px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Look at your children in faith, and see how many people will be ministered to by your ministering to them. How many people will your children know in their lives? How many grandchildren are represented in the faces around your table now?</div><h4 style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Gain What You Cannot Lose <em style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">in Them</em></h4><div style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px 0px 18px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">So, if mothers are strategically situated to impact missions so greatly, why do we see so little coming from it? I think the answer to this is quite simple: sin. Discontent, pettiness, selfishness, resentment. Christians often feel like the right thing to do is to be ashamed about what we have. We hear that quote of Jim Elliot’s and think that we ought to sell our homes and move to some place where they need the gospel.</div><div style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px 0px 18px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">But I’d like to challenge you to look at it differently. Giving up what you cannot keep does not mean giving up your home, or your job so you can go serve somewhere else. It is giving up yourself. Lay yourself down. Sacrifice yourself here, now. Cheerfully wipe the nose for the fiftieth time today. Make dinner again for the people who don’t like the green beans. Laugh when your plans are thwarted by a vomiting child. Lay yourself down for the people here with you, the people who annoy you, the people who get in your way, the people who take up so much of your time that you can’t read anymore. Rejoice in them. Sacrifice for them. Gain that which you cannot lose <em style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">in them</em>.</div><div style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px 0px 18px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It is easy to think you have a heart for orphans on the other side of the world, but if you spend your time at home resenting the imposition your children are on you, you do not. You cannot have a heart for the gospel and a fussiness about your life at the same time. You will never make any difference <em style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">there</em> if you cannot be at peace <em style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">here</em>. You cannot have a heart for missions, but not for the people around you. A true love of the gospel overflows and overpowers. It will be in everything you do, however drab, however simple, however repetitive.</div><div style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px 0px 18px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">God loves the little offerings. Given in faith, that plate of PB&J’s will feed thousands. Given in faith, those presents on Christmas morning will bring delight to more children than you can count. Offered with thankfulness, your work at home is only the beginning. Your laundry pile, selflessly tackled daily, will be used in the hands of God to clothe many. Do not think that your work does not matter. In God’s hands, it will be broken, and broken, and broken again, until all who have need of it have eaten and are satisfied. And even then, there will be leftovers.</div><div style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px 0px 18px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Rachel Jankovic is a wife, homemaker, and mother. She is the author of "<a href="http://www.canonpress.org/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=431&idcategory=0" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #663366; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Loving the Little Years</a>" and blogs at <a href="http://www.feminagirls.com/" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3f859f; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Femina</a>. Her husband is Luke, and they have five children: Evangeline (5), Daphne (4), Chloe (2), Titus (2), and Blaire (5 months).</em></div></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T8CQ8Del-EU/ThcCQUsy2II/AAAAAAAABYg/sCn9uGS2qcg/s1600/IMG_4584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T8CQ8Del-EU/ThcCQUsy2II/AAAAAAAABYg/sCn9uGS2qcg/s400/IMG_4584.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><header class="page_title col_12 " style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; -webkit-box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px 1px 0px; background-image: url(http://cdn1.desiringgod.org/images/layout/texture_paper_hr.png?1304447424); background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-bottom: rgb(230,230,225) 1px solid; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 15px; padding-bottom: 22px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 22px; position: relative; width: 930px; z-index: 0;"></header><br />
<div class="col_9 in" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px 15px 0px 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline; width: 690px;"><h1 style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 2px 0px 3px; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></h1></div>Schulz Sightingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05274095500456525098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074442889385333027.post-69310323127560805692011-06-09T08:34:00.004-05:002011-06-09T14:09:25.404-05:00...when the livin's easy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5795tDpZ5do/TfDLtHh9scI/AAAAAAAABYQ/4oCEOxjf46w/s1600/IMG_4477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5795tDpZ5do/TfDLtHh9scI/AAAAAAAABYQ/4oCEOxjf46w/s400/IMG_4477.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Summertime!</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oVvVVO1UChg/TfDLwzVzVJI/AAAAAAAABYU/rB1MUU2rITU/s1600/IMG_4483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oVvVVO1UChg/TfDLwzVzVJI/AAAAAAAABYU/rB1MUU2rITU/s400/IMG_4483.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Schulz Sightingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05274095500456525098noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074442889385333027.post-77250402547591105032011-06-01T21:50:00.001-05:002011-06-01T21:56:57.982-05:00Happy Birthday Drew Moses!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-khjd2qVJExU/Teb2iB5VMvI/AAAAAAAABXo/5jesZOJIsWk/s1600/IMG_4431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-khjd2qVJExU/Teb2iB5VMvI/AAAAAAAABXo/5jesZOJIsWk/s400/IMG_4431.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> "Lift up your eyes all around and see;</div><div style="text-align: center;">they all gather together, they come to you;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mFfTqJ91eTI/Teb2rprEgQI/AAAAAAAABXs/7e0DknuV8Pw/s1600/IMG_4439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mFfTqJ91eTI/Teb2rprEgQI/AAAAAAAABXs/7e0DknuV8Pw/s400/IMG_4439.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> your sons shall come from far, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and your daughters shall be carried on the hip.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8zykJggt3c/Teb21EZMPEI/AAAAAAAABX0/iYWnKe2qrts/s1600/IMG_4446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8zykJggt3c/Teb21EZMPEI/AAAAAAAABX0/iYWnKe2qrts/s400/IMG_4446.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5vcEKKpteXk/Teb24RzzhFI/AAAAAAAABX4/e6_kVUhyZYI/s1600/IMG_4452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5vcEKKpteXk/Teb24RzzhFI/AAAAAAAABX4/e6_kVUhyZYI/s400/IMG_4452.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Then you shall see and be radiant;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93nYaguDsRg/Teb2_pCzVDI/AAAAAAAABX8/kvq4MmawlB4/s1600/IMG_4372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93nYaguDsRg/Teb2_pCzVDI/AAAAAAAABX8/kvq4MmawlB4/s400/IMG_4372.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> your heart shall thrill and exult</div><div style="text-align: center;">because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you"</div><div style="text-align: center;">Isaiah 60:4-5</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-chh2DlhCv_8/Teb3DRQfxCI/AAAAAAAABYA/5CAWbdt1tgA/s1600/IMG_4357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-chh2DlhCv_8/Teb3DRQfxCI/AAAAAAAABYA/5CAWbdt1tgA/s400/IMG_4357.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Referral picture from Home of Hope Orphanage:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xt4ejK96tSk/Teb3NLfnEAI/AAAAAAAABYE/So0lfLxvKgg/s1600/Matching+file+SCHULZ+RICHARD+ANDREW+EMILY+MOISE+2-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xt4ejK96tSk/Teb3NLfnEAI/AAAAAAAABYE/So0lfLxvKgg/s400/Matching+file+SCHULZ+RICHARD+ANDREW+EMILY+MOISE+2-6.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You've come a long way baby!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4y7XPO5k1P8/Teb2x5tbJiI/AAAAAAAABXw/tCoYNvJ36NI/s1600/IMG_4442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4y7XPO5k1P8/Teb2x5tbJiI/AAAAAAAABXw/tCoYNvJ36NI/s400/IMG_4442.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">"...the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; </div><div style="text-align: center;">he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted...to comfort all who mourn...</div><div style="text-align: center;">that they may be called oaks of righteousness,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified"</div><div style="text-align: center;">Isaiah 61: 3</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you Lord, that you have comforted our abandoned and "placed the lonely in families",</div><div style="text-align: center;"> we are so blessed because of your works!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Drew, you have lit up our family, you have brought such joy and are changing our hearts.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Happy one year birthday my son.</div>Schulz Sightingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05274095500456525098noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074442889385333027.post-62520188636010333842011-05-24T13:50:00.000-05:002011-05-24T13:50:51.195-05:00Wanted: summer playlist suggestionsNot being the koolest kat on the block, I need some help putting together some music for the summer. <br />
At the swim meet the other day, all of the kids were singing along to the songs put together by the DJ. Yes, DJ, at our swim meet. What we lack in speed, we make up in spunk! <br />
I knew <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">none</span> of the songs, at least none from the 2000s, but they were really fun. So, what do we need to have jamming in the Schulz home this summer??Schulz Sightingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05274095500456525098noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074442889385333027.post-50824033761088951422011-05-20T21:26:00.003-05:002011-05-20T21:55:26.604-05:00My Lucy: Off with the Old, on with the New<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With many tears I allowed my Lucy to graduate from preschool. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I wavered back and forth whether or not to do it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sonshine School has been the perfect place for her the past 3 years to make the sweetest friends, do art, chase boys and just be the nut she is. If we didn't have about 6 more years of Sonshine ahead of us I'd be a real mess! She is excited that she actually goes to school<u> less</u> next year than she did this year. Hey, I can relate. I wasn't exactly known for being IN school all 5 days of the week...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I can't tell you HOW many people have asked hesitently "so... how do you think LUCY is going to do at <a href="http://veritasacademy.net/">Veritas</a>??" (our school where i teach her 3 days a week at home) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really think she is going to LOVE it, it is right up her alley!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also have trusty Caroline who has her on a phonogram and math program already.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Can you see her sweet face behind her hair?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPDdxYfnBhA/TdbWuls0HoI/AAAAAAAABWs/lsv11x9bDV0/s1600/IMG_4335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPDdxYfnBhA/TdbWuls0HoI/AAAAAAAABWs/lsv11x9bDV0/s400/IMG_4335.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Her BFF, Madren</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VnzS-9uThX0/TdbW1Gm7G0I/AAAAAAAABWw/EI1o1NPZPUI/s1600/IMG_4344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VnzS-9uThX0/TdbW1Gm7G0I/AAAAAAAABWw/EI1o1NPZPUI/s400/IMG_4344.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ms. Mary giving Lucy the award for "Confidence" after explaining how she is so "comfortable in her own skin" so true, so true :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jMxdGugCcZo/TdbW7nM6a-I/AAAAAAAABW0/cJBeutpxT5I/s1600/IMG_4345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jMxdGugCcZo/TdbW7nM6a-I/AAAAAAAABW0/cJBeutpxT5I/s400/IMG_4345.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">On with the new... Swim Team!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Apparently, <strong><u>She is In It To Win It. </u></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">Look at her checking out her competition, sizing her up. " i can take her, it's on".</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G25pTob02lA/TdbYRJAet5I/AAAAAAAABXQ/jjImVECLZoY/s1600/IMG_4280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G25pTob02lA/TdbYRJAet5I/AAAAAAAABXQ/jjImVECLZoY/s400/IMG_4280.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I love that she is the only one in a black swim suit b/c she was too small for the team suit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6LEG7qzE9hs/TdbXFhslnEI/AAAAAAAABW4/CgnUGGJPGZA/s1600/IMG_4282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6LEG7qzE9hs/TdbXFhslnEI/AAAAAAAABW4/CgnUGGJPGZA/s400/IMG_4282.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Holy cow! She flew to the other end and won her heat :) Who knew?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3awTgzSC3t4/TdbXP8ewyWI/AAAAAAAABW8/VWRPONGDSDY/s1600/IMG_4289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3awTgzSC3t4/TdbXP8ewyWI/AAAAAAAABW8/VWRPONGDSDY/s400/IMG_4289.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">On to the backstroke, we're really serious about this now, pulling out the swim cap and stretching. I'd never actually seen her DO the backstroke when i signed her up for it, so, I was just hoping she could find the lane lines when she started to sink.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p1a_7QOsGQY/TdbXUvS2luI/AAAAAAAABXA/BJMPTrM5XAE/s1600/IMG_4298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p1a_7QOsGQY/TdbXUvS2luI/AAAAAAAABXA/BJMPTrM5XAE/s400/IMG_4298.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H5WWPOArYoA/TdbXjWHAmPI/AAAAAAAABXI/4GOHsooknPI/s1600/IMG_4303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H5WWPOArYoA/TdbXjWHAmPI/AAAAAAAABXI/4GOHsooknPI/s400/IMG_4303.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Check her out, she was amazing!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H5WWPOArYoA/TdbXjWHAmPI/AAAAAAAABXI/4GOHsooknPI/s1600/IMG_4303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qD8sdXH2oL8/TdbXbE2aKKI/AAAAAAAABXE/aCYGXQa2VYk/s1600/IMG_4304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qD8sdXH2oL8/TdbXbE2aKKI/AAAAAAAABXE/aCYGXQa2VYk/s400/IMG_4304.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Yes, yes, I did, I won my race, on my back!!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">like I said, "in it to win it!" I'm proud of you Little Lu!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HbHG0G614t4/TdbXqGbLzxI/AAAAAAAABXM/Y9Vw6Cb_0EI/s1600/IMG_4312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HbHG0G614t4/TdbXqGbLzxI/AAAAAAAABXM/Y9Vw6Cb_0EI/s400/IMG_4312.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Schulz Sightingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05274095500456525098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074442889385333027.post-25294863430551220582011-05-17T15:35:00.003-05:002011-05-17T15:43:25.781-05:00Children of Godoh, my dear heavens, I just watched this.<br />
Since I'm the only one on the planet not on facebook, I missed this... stick with it to the end. Preston just watched and said "Jesus is holding MY Drew" :) (Mac does look a little like Jesus here)<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/V6jO7xhU_Pw" width="640"></iframe></span>Schulz Sightingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05274095500456525098noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074442889385333027.post-92148491398487089772011-05-11T06:37:00.003-05:002011-05-11T11:02:21.075-05:00Panning for Gold<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4eFC6PqLs9E/Tcp3Ls9kxyI/AAAAAAAABWQ/iZg-hh-vr5E/s1600/IMG_3116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4eFC6PqLs9E/Tcp3Ls9kxyI/AAAAAAAABWQ/iZg-hh-vr5E/s400/IMG_3116.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>"The voice of the Lord is over the waters;</div><div style="text-align: center;">the God of glory thunders</div><div style="text-align: center;"> the Lord over many waters.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The voice of the Lord is powerful;</div><div style="text-align: center;">the voice of the Lord is full of majesty."</div><div style="text-align: center;">Psalm:29:3</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Andy sent me away Saturday. I had all morning to go where I pleased. alone. I went to the water. I needed to hear from the Lord. I was able to spend all morning in His Word. Filling, breathing into me. Kayaking down the river, feeling His presence, His voice. "I am with you, I will equip you for this that I have given you, these children are mine and I love them more than you do"<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">"I sought the Lord, and he answered me </div><div style="text-align: center;">and delivered me from all my fears.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Those who look to him are radiant" Psalm 34:4</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>After my little drama the other day, so many of you called/emailed/texted with scripture and encouragement. I felt so calmed and filled. Thank you. <br />
I have <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><i><b>loved</b></i></span> the Christa Wells song <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/artist/song_details/7596088">"Panning for Gold"</a> It is about going to scripture hungry, expectant, waiting for God to reveal the gold he has for you today.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px;"><div style="text-align: center;"> "I go to the pages handed down and worn</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm hearing the sages with the Truth on their tongues</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sifting beauty from the layers of ash</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm tracing the universe with my fingers in the sand</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm panning for gold, I'm panning for gold</div><div style="text-align: center;">Until I have all my heart can hold" </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></span>That is how he feeds me, His Word, truth. Not self-help or "processing" with others. Then her album goes into "Everything Moves But You" beautiful stuff!!<br />
<br />
I was listening to a talk last night in the car, by <a href="http://createdforcare.org/">Susan Hillis</a> in which she also referenced panning for gold, in our children. How we are to wait and search, knowing that the gold is there, expecting it to shine through in time. Keep on panning, encourage them by voicing the gold you do see.<br />
<br />
My Bible Study teacher, Marty, sent me this from Isaiah 40:11, it has been GREAT encouragement, I hope it is to you too:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">"He will tend his flock like a shepherd;</div><div style="text-align: center;">he will gather the lambs in his arms;</div><div style="text-align: center;">he will carry them in his bosom,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and<strong> gently lead those that are with young."</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>His promise is to shepherd me as I shepherd my sheep. I take comfort in knowing that I am just a dumb sheep, needing to be helped when I get myself all flipped over!<br />
love to you, my fellow shepherds and gold diggers~Schulz Sightingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05274095500456525098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074442889385333027.post-71822065222154228822011-05-06T16:28:00.006-05:002011-05-07T17:06:59.481-05:00In Which: The Wheels May Be Coming OffSo, we're back into The House at Pooh Corner... Also, I just finished reading AnnE (thank you Liz) of Green Gables to the girls, so forgive me if I have a little melodrama: <br />
As we've recovered from jetlag, introduced Drew into our family, and kept going with life, I've kept my head down and focused on what needs to get done. There is a lot to get done. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Many</span> balls are getting dropped.<br />
Come to find out, 4 kids is a LOT of kids, especially when we are all home, all the time, homeschooling and cocooning and the like. Or we are at swim team and I am having a complete breakdown with all 4 in different directions at the lake and pool.<br />
<br />
As Drew has bonded so well with us, he is needing us more and more, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">a good thing</span>. He is healing, and that comes with much fussing in the middle of the night or when I leave the room. He wants/needs to be <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">on me</span> most of the time and is not a fan of napping longer than about 15 minutes. I love to have him on me and he starts clapping when I pull out the Ergo, did I mention he is 23 lbs?!!<br />
<br />
I am struggling with my own inadequacies. Lucy and Preston are having a really hard time right now. LOTS of temper tantrums, sobbing in the middle of the night b/c "my tummy hurts", needing my full attention, and just blatant defiance and disobedience. They need me too, and lots of me.<br />
Come to find out, there is only 1 of me.<br />
<br />
Also, Andy is slammed at work right now, catching up from being gone and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">lots</span> of other work related issues. That means LONG hours and travel. Neither of us has much for the other right now and we are empty, dry. Emotionally, spiritually, and physically exhausted. I really want to be GREAT mom, but too often try and do it out of my own capacity and fail miserably, spinning my little wheels all the while. I am not spending time in prayer and study and have realized, once again, how Christ is my absolute lifeline. Nothing else can fill me. Only he can equip me for this.<br />
And, "this" in the grand scheme of things is pretty amazing!! <br />
I am <b>abundantly blessed</b>, just a little over my head with my blessings, and their needs!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ig60gruUHKk/TcRnD6SB9RI/AAAAAAAABWE/deWoczUZ5oo/s1600/IMG_4252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ig60gruUHKk/TcRnD6SB9RI/AAAAAAAABWE/deWoczUZ5oo/s320/IMG_4252.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> My head is spinning, my heart racing and inadequacies on display. So, there is my melodrama for the moment, forgive my focus on ME, and the fact this post probably makes no sense. I would put a great scripture at the bottom of this, but my mind is totally blank. maybe you have something for me?Schulz Sightingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05274095500456525098noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074442889385333027.post-3737231472427924802011-05-04T10:18:00.000-05:002011-05-04T10:18:55.007-05:00kids + water<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Is there anything more fun?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lucy X2</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jCHv8XNTtsU/TcFsPwFDjhI/AAAAAAAABVk/rD2-dHcWPXQ/s1600/IMG_4157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jCHv8XNTtsU/TcFsPwFDjhI/AAAAAAAABVk/rD2-dHcWPXQ/s320/IMG_4157.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Trouble X2</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2LI0czJx2Io/TcFsXwaLPXI/AAAAAAAABVo/jAoUTHwN14Y/s1600/IMG_4161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2LI0czJx2Io/TcFsXwaLPXI/AAAAAAAABVo/jAoUTHwN14Y/s320/IMG_4161.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> love the shovel as an oar!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FpsZCOC487U/TcFseGyB1FI/AAAAAAAABVs/5i_tDeJroRw/s1600/IMG_4174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FpsZCOC487U/TcFseGyB1FI/AAAAAAAABVs/5i_tDeJroRw/s320/IMG_4174.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iqG1rPnx3UI/TcFsiufU6rI/AAAAAAAABVw/tuzwNHTm8pE/s1600/IMG_4154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iqG1rPnx3UI/TcFsiufU6rI/AAAAAAAABVw/tuzwNHTm8pE/s320/IMG_4154.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z6opPw-ERyE/TcFskt4PnbI/AAAAAAAABV0/z68Gldoky7c/s1600/IMG_4158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z6opPw-ERyE/TcFskt4PnbI/AAAAAAAABV0/z68Gldoky7c/s320/IMG_4158.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-utHmziY24-0/TcFssusWHfI/AAAAAAAABV4/7qDm4KTche4/s1600/IMG_4176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-utHmziY24-0/TcFssusWHfI/AAAAAAAABV4/7qDm4KTche4/s320/IMG_4176.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NiQQtp65X4A/TcFsyN_NRWI/AAAAAAAABV8/tW0SkRA6pMk/s1600/IMG_4175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NiQQtp65X4A/TcFsyN_NRWI/AAAAAAAABV8/tW0SkRA6pMk/s320/IMG_4175.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4F6z0n2cb04/TcFtBHYGhTI/AAAAAAAABWA/bjEw70VcQfM/s1600/IMG_4127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4F6z0n2cb04/TcFtBHYGhTI/AAAAAAAABWA/bjEw70VcQfM/s320/IMG_4127.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a happy day!</div>Schulz Sightingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05274095500456525098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074442889385333027.post-46125987984085350792011-04-26T19:59:00.001-05:002011-04-26T20:56:08.412-05:00MAJOR Progress with Drew and mini-Jilians<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N5QNbPd3ZH8/TbdokDg7H0I/AAAAAAAABVA/C33eXi0obxs/s1600/IMG_4219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N5QNbPd3ZH8/TbdokDg7H0I/AAAAAAAABVA/C33eXi0obxs/s320/IMG_4219.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When we picked up Drew one month ago, at almost 10 months old, he could not roll over, sit up or bear ANY weight on his legs. Holding his head up was exhausting too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Look at him now!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4XdOKDM2dww/TbdopYhT6dI/AAAAAAAABVE/lauv7TKdpZw/s1600/IMG_4221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4XdOKDM2dww/TbdopYhT6dI/AAAAAAAABVE/lauv7TKdpZw/s320/IMG_4221.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> He loves the mirror in our closet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BMGiNXgLieM/Tbdotx2cwII/AAAAAAAABVI/UcnsTSkJTGM/s1600/IMG_4222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BMGiNXgLieM/Tbdotx2cwII/AAAAAAAABVI/UcnsTSkJTGM/s320/IMG_4222.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I'm so proud of you Drew!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c7axMtiw8zk/Tbdox4zFIzI/AAAAAAAABVM/X1FAUnRoRFo/s1600/IMG_4225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c7axMtiw8zk/Tbdox4zFIzI/AAAAAAAABVM/X1FAUnRoRFo/s320/IMG_4225.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">hmmm....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D5xDRe8wRQY/Tbdo2P7Q8tI/AAAAAAAABVQ/8oVOBc5Em40/s1600/IMG_4233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D5xDRe8wRQY/Tbdo2P7Q8tI/AAAAAAAABVQ/8oVOBc5Em40/s320/IMG_4233.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The girls are just nuts for Jilian Michaels...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0rwU55FvE6I/Tbdo9Q3LgbI/AAAAAAAABVU/gQJWtN4iOEw/s1600/IMG_4245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0rwU55FvE6I/Tbdo9Q3LgbI/AAAAAAAABVU/gQJWtN4iOEw/s320/IMG_4245.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I laughed quite hard at the whole workout with black beans as weights</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-UqHtT3geQ/TbdpAtGQ7yI/AAAAAAAABVY/wIMnXYFlWyg/s1600/IMG_4246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-UqHtT3geQ/TbdpAtGQ7yI/AAAAAAAABVY/wIMnXYFlWyg/s320/IMG_4246.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Drew had to check out the action and yell out motivation from the laundry basket.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WpvhvKiIWHQ/TbdpTnHSplI/AAAAAAAABVg/c_BAE442nW4/s1600/IMG_4240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WpvhvKiIWHQ/TbdpTnHSplI/AAAAAAAABVg/c_BAE442nW4/s320/IMG_4240.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Schulz Sightingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05274095500456525098noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074442889385333027.post-14006947037980740362011-04-25T07:50:00.005-05:002011-04-25T21:36:21.868-05:00Home of Hope Reunion and Schulz Easter Pic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Y7bEDIAxLs/TbVs6tOOMbI/AAAAAAAABU0/rreExZA3Krc/s1600/IMG_4184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Y7bEDIAxLs/TbVs6tOOMbI/AAAAAAAABU0/rreExZA3Krc/s400/IMG_4184.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Marc and Kayan Simpio had a very fun Easter egg hunt Saturday where we were able to get all the Home of Hope kids in Austin\Temple together. All 5 of these little ones were in an orphanage together 6 months ago, and now they are Texans in families who adore them!! They were swapping stories about Sisters Theresa and Sebastian, and comparing TexMex to maize mush. They are also ready for the rest of their posse to join them. We've got a Birt, Honegger, Allen, Bower, and Scott soon to join this party!!<br />
<br />
Drew, Aliyah, Elle, Alex and Roman~Welcome to a Texas Easter, ya'll!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YG0m6LmgMkc/TbVs9QRJuCI/AAAAAAAABU4/R_Z8pFbLZik/s1600/IMG_4207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YG0m6LmgMkc/TbVs9QRJuCI/AAAAAAAABU4/R_Z8pFbLZik/s400/IMG_4207.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My little brood. Please be impressed that they are all matching. Nana and Target came through at the last minute, saving Lucy from a pink smocked dress with puffed sleeves that she would rather not be caught dead in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-06EbGth0pvM/TbVtAkdq0OI/AAAAAAAABU8/bOToyQ0l5fQ/s1600/IMG_4215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-06EbGth0pvM/TbVtAkdq0OI/AAAAAAAABU8/bOToyQ0l5fQ/s400/IMG_4215.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Schulz Sightingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05274095500456525098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074442889385333027.post-91329075676879456582011-04-23T20:49:00.001-05:002011-04-23T20:50:58.758-05:00Passover in our home<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">"I will open my mouth in a parable;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> that our fathers have told us.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9f_L1CACKtg/TbN--l2riGI/AAAAAAAABUQ/eOiXoITculE/s1600/IMG_4113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9f_L1CACKtg/TbN--l2riGI/AAAAAAAABUQ/eOiXoITculE/s400/IMG_4113.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HbeM9JW50Yc/TbN_pAAYcCI/AAAAAAAABUk/9G60iNb7HKQ/s1600/IMG_4117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HbeM9JW50Yc/TbN_pAAYcCI/AAAAAAAABUk/9G60iNb7HKQ/s320/IMG_4117.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">We will not hide them from their children, but tell them to the coming generation </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JQ6jvpWhkgU/TbN_sVb89pI/AAAAAAAABUo/TA9i-stpnyY/s1600/IMG_4069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JQ6jvpWhkgU/TbN_sVb89pI/AAAAAAAABUo/TA9i-stpnyY/s320/IMG_4069.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PI6CGq2Yg4s/TbN_vYEn5pI/AAAAAAAABUs/hrKtQCOExN8/s1600/IMG_4067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PI6CGq2Yg4s/TbN_vYEn5pI/AAAAAAAABUs/hrKtQCOExN8/s320/IMG_4067.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">that the next generation might know them, </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">so that they should set their hope in God"</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Psalm 78: 2-7</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fC9iBI-i0BM/TbN_y9Yvm7I/AAAAAAAABUw/a9GWX-ZLxsA/s1600/IMG_4077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fC9iBI-i0BM/TbN_y9Yvm7I/AAAAAAAABUw/a9GWX-ZLxsA/s320/IMG_4077.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Schulz Sightingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05274095500456525098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074442889385333027.post-69298750142768310882011-04-18T14:27:00.001-05:002011-04-18T14:30:15.863-05:00Karen Purvis on Adoption Expectations<iframe frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/10760724?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=ffffff" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/10760724">Insight 1: Explore Your Expectations</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/tapestry">Tapestry</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
<br />
I found this and 6 other videos of Purvis' on <a href="http://www.babeofmyheart.com/insights-from-dr-purvis/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BabeOfMyHeart+%28Babe+of+My+Heart%29"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Andrea's blog</span>.</a> Her whole post is phenomenal!<br />
I am soaking up all the wisdom I can right now. One thing that has been so much fun these last few weeks is having several of ya'll call or email me about adoption. I think this video is so good for the initial stages of those decisions. Enjoy!<br />
~love~EmilySchulz Sightingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05274095500456525098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074442889385333027.post-78725186417747198182011-04-16T21:37:00.001-05:002011-04-16T21:43:04.466-05:00Just Because He's Cute<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-22-3AEcoMMo/TapR8dNLnDI/AAAAAAAABT4/OuZ0YiiiQmk/s1600/IMG_4024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-22-3AEcoMMo/TapR8dNLnDI/AAAAAAAABT4/OuZ0YiiiQmk/s320/IMG_4024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iVb5LTmzOaE/TapR-GnrFNI/AAAAAAAABT8/TFBTOFdPvbs/s1600/IMG_4008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iVb5LTmzOaE/TapR-GnrFNI/AAAAAAAABT8/TFBTOFdPvbs/s320/IMG_4008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zvg-f6alNi0/TapR_vaSu0I/AAAAAAAABUA/npNcuaNmID0/s1600/IMG_4012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zvg-f6alNi0/TapR_vaSu0I/AAAAAAAABUA/npNcuaNmID0/s320/IMG_4012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6fdsBYk4bds/TapSEM2jzlI/AAAAAAAABUE/Hy8-oNxX3j8/s1600/IMG_4001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6fdsBYk4bds/TapSEM2jzlI/AAAAAAAABUE/Hy8-oNxX3j8/s320/IMG_4001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5yocKDJmqHo/TapSHn3EAVI/AAAAAAAABUI/jfvVNnAWQdo/s1600/IMG_4026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5yocKDJmqHo/TapSHn3EAVI/AAAAAAAABUI/jfvVNnAWQdo/s320/IMG_4026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E6WYqdfUlrg/TapSPvQWqJI/AAAAAAAABUM/Fmxpc3sf9ns/s1600/IMG_4029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E6WYqdfUlrg/TapSPvQWqJI/AAAAAAAABUM/Fmxpc3sf9ns/s320/IMG_4029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Schulz Sightingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05274095500456525098noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074442889385333027.post-14853817706432184362011-04-12T08:36:00.003-05:002011-04-12T09:10:09.218-05:00Two Weeks Home and Already a Lake-Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FYvyx9A7T7I/TaRMsC8lP7I/AAAAAAAABSM/HlX_GPlJrbM/s1600/IMG_3989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FYvyx9A7T7I/TaRMsC8lP7I/AAAAAAAABSM/HlX_GPlJrbM/s320/IMG_3989.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Well, I've made it two weeks with 4 kids. The first week was shaky at best. </div>Drew is doing great now, adjusting well to life in a home with a family. He gets A LOT of attention. The other 3 love him, and have a blast with him. He is sleeping most, if not all, the way through the night, which is fantastic! However, 20 minutes seems to be his idea of a nap, so he gets REALLY tired and fussy in the afternoon. He'll get it worked out. He is such a joyful little boy. He gets so excited to see Andy when he comes home from work or walks in a room. He seems to be bonding to us well, according to my VERY limited experience with this sort of thing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cW2goiJkF9k/TaRMwPFeSBI/AAAAAAAABSQ/86wAxfG0o3s/s1600/IMG_3981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cW2goiJkF9k/TaRMwPFeSBI/AAAAAAAABSQ/86wAxfG0o3s/s320/IMG_3981.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> In other news, Caroline had quite a collision during Soccer in P.E. and fell hard and broke her wrist. When she got in the car after school, she complained that her wrist hurt because she has "laid down her life for a soccer goal" and was proud of herself. Like any good mother, I did nothing until 2 days later when it was still swollen and she had made a sling for herself...<br />
This has been almost as exciting as having a new brother! A new orange, waterproof cast that all her besties can sign and ask her over and over again what happened. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q5Mj7_xTZGk/TaRM1GpWgNI/AAAAAAAABSU/nHIhsgGwwRI/s1600/IMG_3950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q5Mj7_xTZGk/TaRM1GpWgNI/AAAAAAAABSU/nHIhsgGwwRI/s320/IMG_3950.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> My sis in law Liz and brother Daniel brought their 5 month old Charlie over for a visit. They hit it off wonderfully, pawing at each other's faces :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lJufuij6dso/TaRM4-8qbxI/AAAAAAAABSY/CyJXQY_-Axk/s1600/IMG_3966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lJufuij6dso/TaRM4-8qbxI/AAAAAAAABSY/CyJXQY_-Axk/s320/IMG_3966.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> "Surfing" on the Kayak is the new favorite activity, almost as much fun as catching craw fish and singing "love songs" to it so that ALL of Lake Austin can hear.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Cm9JbXqaWc/TaRM8E5zHuI/AAAAAAAABSc/SThy89mbxDg/s1600/IMG_3995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Cm9JbXqaWc/TaRM8E5zHuI/AAAAAAAABSc/SThy89mbxDg/s320/IMG_3995.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dckC_q8zE5k/TaRNCVtWgoI/AAAAAAAABSg/aG9vqqbgcxA/s1600/IMG_3980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dckC_q8zE5k/TaRNCVtWgoI/AAAAAAAABSg/aG9vqqbgcxA/s320/IMG_3980.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JMPg16WATfU/TaRNL_QQlnI/AAAAAAAABSk/08sJ2RiitIA/s1600/IMG_3968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JMPg16WATfU/TaRNL_QQlnI/AAAAAAAABSk/08sJ2RiitIA/s320/IMG_3968.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Aunt Liz and Cousin Charlie</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tw025CJ6exE/TaRNPUlpT5I/AAAAAAAABSo/fiMM6p-L3_o/s1600/IMG_3965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tw025CJ6exE/TaRNPUlpT5I/AAAAAAAABSo/fiMM6p-L3_o/s320/IMG_3965.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Drew LOVES the sand and the water on his feet. He just stares at all the trees, water, birds, boats. Everything is NEW for him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oGzbWzNcw48/TaRNaBeEp3I/AAAAAAAABSs/rX8fnqXzviA/s1600/IMG_3961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oGzbWzNcw48/TaRNaBeEp3I/AAAAAAAABSs/rX8fnqXzviA/s320/IMG_3961.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> These two are thick as thieves these days!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5kFZ-zjIKHA/TaRNiphLNCI/AAAAAAAABSw/sTw64sL5UrI/s1600/IMG_3974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5kFZ-zjIKHA/TaRNiphLNCI/AAAAAAAABSw/sTw64sL5UrI/s320/IMG_3974.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VGhe8vAStRU/TaRNmGN72PI/AAAAAAAABS0/AS7OrSc0M2E/s1600/IMG_3940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VGhe8vAStRU/TaRNmGN72PI/AAAAAAAABS0/AS7OrSc0M2E/s320/IMG_3940.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Elizabeth and Cousin Campbell were BIG helpers feeding Drew Cheerios. I think he was a little confused by this little girl with the big bow stuffing Os in his mouth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CQaRUjNQFxI/TaRNpDaE2mI/AAAAAAAABS4/CWzPD5qAnnw/s1600/IMG_3926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CQaRUjNQFxI/TaRNpDaE2mI/AAAAAAAABS4/CWzPD5qAnnw/s320/IMG_3926.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Nana and Grampa came to meet Drew Saturday, he took to her easily and we were so glad to see them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Og04EaVRejw/TaRNtGjtBOI/AAAAAAAABS8/sVHKgmjRIIM/s1600/IMG_3923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Og04EaVRejw/TaRNtGjtBOI/AAAAAAAABS8/sVHKgmjRIIM/s320/IMG_3923.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Drew is making great strides developmentally too, he is sitting up for long stretches and even pushes with his legs if on his tummy. He eats everything I give him, mostly avacado, sweet potato, banana and mango. We go to an Adoption Clinic in the next week to have him checked out head to toe by an Infectious Diseases Doc here at Dell Children's. He is ON me or very close all day, so my back is having a tough time. <br />
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Drew is a delight! We are hunkered down at home as a family right now and this is about the first time I've been on the computer in 2 weeks. I'm sorry to my friends who are texting/ emailing/calling. I will get my head above water soon and call!! I miss you!! 4 Kids under 8 is a lot of action and not much sitting down. I have had meals brought several times a week which is a HUGE blessing and great to have a conversation with someone over 8, too.<br />
On another note, did ya'll know <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/christawells"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Christa Wells</span></a> has a new album out- <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/christawells"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">How Emptiness Sings</span></a>? It is amazing, of course!!!<br />
OK, I've got a full day of homeschool with Caroline today( a little catchup too!) better focus. <br />
love,<br />
EmilySchulz Sightingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05274095500456525098noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074442889385333027.post-29681298167960454132011-03-31T11:20:00.005-05:002011-03-31T11:41:22.128-05:00Airport Arrival for Drew Moses!!<object data="http://www.kristinjphotography.com/Slideshows/BringingHomeDrew/showit.swf" height="370" id="showit_swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.kristinjphotography.com/Slideshows/BringingHomeDrew/showit.swf" /><param name="flashvars" value="showit_embed=http://www.kristinjphotography.com/Slideshows/BringingHomeDrew/|560|370|1|0|0" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="salign" value="LT" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="loop" value="false" /><param name="quality" value="best" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFf" /></object><br />
<br />
It was a Glorious homecoming! <br />
Did I mention hiring <a href="http://www.kristinjphotography.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Kristin</span></a> was one of the best decisions we made in this whole process?? What a treasure her gift is.Schulz Sightingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05274095500456525098noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074442889385333027.post-69740168744406769062011-03-30T14:23:00.005-05:002011-03-30T14:41:46.929-05:00Home again, home again, jiggedy jig!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DZjhMCHxjkw/TZN-Y2CuliI/AAAAAAAABSI/L68LRpIVMbM/s1600/IMG_3904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DZjhMCHxjkw/TZN-Y2CuliI/AAAAAAAABSI/L68LRpIVMbM/s400/IMG_3904.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
After possibly the longest 48 hours of my entire life, we set foot in the Austin Airport to friends and family (pictures to come later) in what was the sweetest homecoming ever. <br />
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Drew slept for about 5 of the 28 hour trip... I also found out that size 3 diapers are completely insufficient. To all of you I hugged in the airport, I am sorry.<br />
<br />
We ran into some drama with the embassy in Nairobi Monday afternoon (scheduled to fly out Monday night). The woman there was NOT going to process our visas that day. She had NO intention of doing it, siting some "child clearance that had not happened in the States" hmmm...not likely. With our sheer diplomacy (stubbornness and begging), but really mostly desperate prayer, she relented, and 2 hours later walked out with our completed Visa packet. It was truly a miracle, one of MANY over the course of the previous 3 weeks. <br />
Drew and I had a very good few days alone in Nairobi, we went to the Nairobi museum, out to eat, to visit <a href="http://lotstolearnbutmoretolove.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Aliyah in the hospital</span></a>, down to socialize with the hotel staff, and watched WAY too many<span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"> Modern Family</span> episodes for his tender age. I had a fantastic "supplier"(of movies), Simon, down on the street outside the hotel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3jBYASkgPpI/TZN-SPRDXeI/AAAAAAAABSA/XOm9HtFEmJk/s1600/IMG_3906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3jBYASkgPpI/TZN-SPRDXeI/AAAAAAAABSA/XOm9HtFEmJk/s320/IMG_3906.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>oh, it was a sweet time this morning. Drew loved Lucy and Preston, finding them hilarious. <br />
Andy had the house spotless when we walked in last night! It now looks like a bomb went off. Drew was up and down in the night, but I had taken 2 Ambian and don't really remember it all. Good thing for Andy! Jet lag nausea is setting in this afternoon. So, I'll go. Preston and Lucy are in LOVE! <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">So am I.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SWpCkJZ-y7A/TZN-VuIEvxI/AAAAAAAABSE/ObnUjP69mQY/s1600/IMG_3911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SWpCkJZ-y7A/TZN-VuIEvxI/AAAAAAAABSE/ObnUjP69mQY/s320/IMG_3911.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Schulz Sightingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05274095500456525098noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074442889385333027.post-46713769194361684932011-03-24T03:11:00.001-05:002011-03-24T03:13:24.686-05:00Hitting a SnagIt has all been trucking along fairly well until this point. There have been frustations and backwards steps these past two weeks, but ALL things considered, wonderful progress and going "according to schedule", whatever that is. Our plan was to pick up our Visa tomorrow and leave for Texas tomorrow night. We went for our second US Embassy appointment this morning, and we will not be traveling home until probably Tuesday night or Wednesday. The Adam Walsh screen has held us up. We knew that was a risk going into Nairobi. <br />
For future families: I think if you give yourselves a full two weeks in Kigali, you will be able to initiate the AWscreen earlier and it will be ready by the time you sit for your Embassy apt. in Nairobi, and can get through Nairobi in 5 working days. We did not have what we needed, the travel letter and passport to initiate the AW earlier than we did, given that the Embassy in Kigali is only open Tues/Friday.<br />
<br />
Andy and Caroline WILL be coming home tomorrow night. The kids need them and I think it will be good to have one of us over jet lag and settled into the house/kids before I come home jet lagged/exhausted and with new baby. <br />
Caroline has grown and matured so much through this whole experience, I am so proud of her, but it is time for her to come HOME!! <br />
Also, Laura and I will stay together with the two babies and in our hotel that will take care of us. <br />
<br />
I will keep everyone posted when little Drew will make his debut, but it will NOT be Saturday night. We know there is purpose in this disappointment, and I am so disappointed! I am weary and want to come and see my babies and be in my house. now. I don't want to stay in Nairobi for 5 more days without my husband.<br />
<br />
However, we praise God that He has gone before us in every step until now, and is in this situation too, fulfilling His purposes, so for that we give thanks.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">"For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">His heart is steady; </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">he will not be afraid" </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Psalm 112: 6-7</span></div>Schulz Sightingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05274095500456525098noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074442889385333027.post-34459264561448618162011-03-22T14:09:00.002-05:002011-03-23T02:41:09.462-05:00SAFARI<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wVfC53FeN3M/TYjg1mdQTII/AAAAAAAABRQ/Mq6oKO8e9yQ/s1600/IMG_3832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wVfC53FeN3M/TYjg1mdQTII/AAAAAAAABRQ/Mq6oKO8e9yQ/s400/IMG_3832.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We headed out this morning about 6:30 to the Nairobi National Park. I had no idea what to expect. We had a driver with a van whose roof comes off and it was just the 4 of us for the day. We had such a fun time together spotting animals and watching in awe. This lion was the second we saw, close to the end of the day. He was sleeping, so our driver decided to wake him up... He drove the van right up to him, and up he popped! I was actually a little frightened as the lion seemed to crouch as we got closer. He was about 8 feet from the van. He was absolutely beautiful.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Yx_jWUATySA/TYjiFt9qL4I/AAAAAAAABRU/Ml1u28jeyfI/s1600/IMG_3839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Yx_jWUATySA/TYjiFt9qL4I/AAAAAAAABRU/Ml1u28jeyfI/s400/IMG_3839.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, hello there, king of the jungle</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-F3Ph4-_lR2I/TYjjLS6YV-I/AAAAAAAABRY/tgm6mvKDD0w/s1600/IMG_3845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-F3Ph4-_lR2I/TYjjLS6YV-I/AAAAAAAABRY/tgm6mvKDD0w/s400/IMG_3845.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wwbsRGS1HRc/TYjkQ88uaWI/AAAAAAAABRc/lpdS-djAe6I/s1600/IMG_3860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wwbsRGS1HRc/TYjkQ88uaWI/AAAAAAAABRc/lpdS-djAe6I/s400/IMG_3860.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>There were giraffes everywhere, you could see them from so far off eating from a tree. They seem so much larger than in the zoo.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ywgPY7JlswU/TYjldve06kI/AAAAAAAABRg/dVcjQsjZ9tc/s1600/IMG_3729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ywgPY7JlswU/TYjldve06kI/AAAAAAAABRg/dVcjQsjZ9tc/s400/IMG_3729.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Caroline had a blast spotting all the animals.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--4nNsFUf1bU/TYjmQEfbSlI/AAAAAAAABRk/qD-OWAGoax8/s1600/IMG_3719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--4nNsFUf1bU/TYjmQEfbSlI/AAAAAAAABRk/qD-OWAGoax8/s400/IMG_3719.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Water buffalo playing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7U9GvvM4t5M/TYjnrNRqkOI/AAAAAAAABRo/ol6uj1G-UjI/s1600/IMG_3796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7U9GvvM4t5M/TYjnrNRqkOI/AAAAAAAABRo/ol6uj1G-UjI/s400/IMG_3796.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Am I black with white stripes or white with black stripes?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5zs-tbWSPBo/TYjo2F8AxrI/AAAAAAAABRs/L6W849Ol3PE/s1600/IMG_3752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5zs-tbWSPBo/TYjo2F8AxrI/AAAAAAAABRs/L6W849Ol3PE/s400/IMG_3752.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This pretty fellow supprised us, right next to the van!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oP_vBR9p8P0/TYjqVsDKWuI/AAAAAAAABRw/Xwz_Ko4NBCo/s1600/IMG_3703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oP_vBR9p8P0/TYjqVsDKWuI/AAAAAAAABRw/Xwz_Ko4NBCo/s400/IMG_3703.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6vXucAoKQ7E/TYjrjR-HtqI/AAAAAAAABR0/biovqvkv_Q8/s1600/IMG_3749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6vXucAoKQ7E/TYjrjR-HtqI/AAAAAAAABR0/biovqvkv_Q8/s400/IMG_3749.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We drive through the park two hours out, and then stoppd at a little "station" where we were told to get out to go see the <u>crocs and hippos</u>. On foot. For a mile...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">hmmm...I was not so sure about this, but the guy with the gun assured us it would be great fun. I stayed close to him. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vf3CiNyimUA/TYjuVSCCyEI/AAAAAAAABR8/GCYSKFDgixM/s1600/IMG_3766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vf3CiNyimUA/TYjuVSCCyEI/AAAAAAAABR8/GCYSKFDgixM/s400/IMG_3766.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div></div>Alas, the hippos were sleeping underwater, and only a huge croc we could see the eyes of, but look at this beauty we stumbled onto. There were monkeys everywhere too and beautiful birds.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tdumzTUokt4/TYjtPWJDKfI/AAAAAAAABR4/HQbjLW_bOJs/s1600/IMG_3764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tdumzTUokt4/TYjtPWJDKfI/AAAAAAAABR4/HQbjLW_bOJs/s400/IMG_3764.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We stopped at a market afterwards, where this lovely Masai tribesman worked as the "security guard". I didn't know that the Masai tribe still was in existence (or maybe I really never knew of their existence), and are still nomads. He guards with a very sharp sword, and the spear Caroline is holding. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZRHYyczMbbY/TYjfl81aiII/AAAAAAAABRM/eb1qCe26TEo/s1600/IMG_3877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZRHYyczMbbY/TYjfl81aiII/AAAAAAAABRM/eb1qCe26TEo/s400/IMG_3877.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
We rested this afternoon, and swam in the pool, during regular pool hours, but still during the businessmen's cocktail time. I don't have my suit here, but, Caroline made a 60 year old lady friend who played lots of games with her in the pool, lap races and wore her out. <br />
Tonight, she lost the tooth she has been talking about for 3 months, so that was nice. Apparently, "Ms. Natalie (Green) says in Africa, when children lose their teeth, a 'tooth rat' comes and leaves money" She is very excited about the tooth rat coming tonight. I much prefer a fairy!<br />
Goodnight. Love~EmilySchulz Sightingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05274095500456525098noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074442889385333027.post-76603263449061270452011-03-21T13:15:00.001-05:002011-03-21T13:20:01.545-05:00You've come a long way, Baby!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VErJ2OfYKPU/TYeN7DuXYLI/AAAAAAAABQc/0SU8TNyAS4o/s1600/IMG_3666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VErJ2OfYKPU/TYeN7DuXYLI/AAAAAAAABQc/0SU8TNyAS4o/s400/IMG_3666.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Here we are in Nairobi. Different digs than the orphanage for sure.<br />
We had our medical appointment today, which I am happy to report went smooth, especially given that they told us they had nothing available all week. We showed up anyways and just asked to be added to the patient list. We arrived about 7:45 and were done by noon. It was fun to talk to many families attempting to immigrate to the US, great stories! I brought crayons, markers and paper. We had to wait a while for each stage, so I brought it out for all the kids and there were about 10 kids around a table happy for some sort of something to do! <br />
According to the Doctor, Drew is a "confident, strong boy", I think that is code for "well fed". There were no issues that alerted her.<br />
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</div>We came back to the hotel to nap and Drew cried for a good 3 hours straight :( <br />
Then we went to the "mall" down the street. We had to get formula, water and red wine. Cover our bases.<br />
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We came back to the hotel, swanky by our standards, where we had promised Caroline she could swim in the rooftop pool. Now was her big chance, all that pent up energy. We went up and it seemed to be "serious" Kenyan businessmen's cocktail hour around the pool area. I couldn't deny her, so in she dove. She put on quite the mermaid extravaganza (quietly) much to their eventual entertainment. Then Andy came up with delivered pizza. Who brought in the Texas Hilbillies?<br />
Everyone here in Nairobi has been wonderful. HUGE city, traffic like Houston. We are off to the Nairobi National Park tomorrow and hope to see some big animals. Our embassy appointments are Wednesday and Thursday, hope to pick up Visa Friday and head back to Texas Friday night. We sure miss everyone, especially our two little ones, Lucy and Preston!!! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5HJ3DtRqDc/TYeU7eSNiYI/AAAAAAAABQk/vTaDvhj-hdk/s1600/IMG_3672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5HJ3DtRqDc/TYeU7eSNiYI/AAAAAAAABQk/vTaDvhj-hdk/s320/IMG_3672.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ksy_2vJjVVg/TYeU8cLSO1I/AAAAAAAABQ0/yk1ZbjyuGJs/s1600/IMG_3677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ksy_2vJjVVg/TYeU8cLSO1I/AAAAAAAABQ0/yk1ZbjyuGJs/s320/IMG_3677.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Schulz Sightingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05274095500456525098noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074442889385333027.post-24405737407812475582011-03-19T02:56:00.003-05:002011-03-19T10:55:50.373-05:00Paper Chase Slide Show<div><iframe style="border: medium none ; background-color:FFFFFf;" src="http://www.kristinjphotography.com/Slideshows/Day5_6_withDrew/iframe.html" title="Showit Web Slideshow" frameborder="0" height="390" width="560" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><br />
Monday and Tuesday involved LOTS of hurrying up to wait. We went back to the court to the 7 foot judge who was very kind and wants us to email him the picture of him :) There were many issues with the court ruling, and we had to have it redone about 4 times. We had to go to the notary's office, twice, and went to the MGEPROF office to write letters to request the travel letter. Tuesday we went bright and early to the immigration office, where we were turned away by the officer b/c he said our act of adoption handwriting looked like we changed the name. So, we had to find our POA, Peter, to get the original act of adoption, go back to the sector and have it re-stamped and fly back Mission Impossible style to immigration before it closed at 11. We made it in time and then I waited in the car with Drew for the next hour and a half so Andy could turn in the papers :)<br />
Tuesday we were all set to pick up the travel letter and be able to keep him with us from then on. He had a cute little onesie on with his name on it and he went for a haircut! We went to the MTN center where they had a "salon". His hair was nice and fluffy, but splotchy!! Lots of time laying on his back turning his head side to side in the orphanage... Now it's gone but will grow in even. Steven, our driver, from Africa New Life, says he doesn't like it :) <br />
All that to say that we were set to be done with the orphanage and have him leave with us forever, when we got a call that the minister would not be coming back and we would have to leave him there... A VERY sad night laying him back down in his old crib that they had to shuffle a baby out of. Everyone was crying and it was dark and raining. He started screaming when I had to leave him. <br />
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On the bright side, the next day, we got the travel form and he was able to say goodbye to the nuns who had cared for him since he was found at one month old and brought to them. I will forever be indebited to them and their faithful service and sacrifice. <br />
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Steven, our driver, has been wonderful. I don't know what we would do without him. He picks us up every morning and drives all over the hills of Kigali laughing hesitantly at our jokes and cutting up, the patience of Job, that man. We've learned a lot about Rwandan culture and asked him way too many questions about his personal life :) He has been a great friend to Caroline too. <br />
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Friday, we got our I600 (the golden ticket out of Rwanda) at the US Embassy , which was a suprisingly easy process after much build up and stress. We leave tomorrow for Nairobi. I will be sad to leave! The FOOD, friendly people, beauty and sweet families we have been with. <br />
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I am sitting here watching Caroline play soccar with the day-guard, Butro, at the Mears house. She has done amazingly well after a couple rough days, I am really proud of her. She has learned how to bargain at the market, interact and make friends with people who don't speak her language, eagerly eat foreign foods, show compassion at a deep level, be patient with LONG waits and survive jetlag well.<br />
I think this will prove to be a pivotal experience for her.<br />
That's all for now, I'll say "hello" from Nairobi tomorrow.<br />
love~emilySchulz Sightingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05274095500456525098noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074442889385333027.post-74872441562534036342011-03-17T02:34:00.001-05:002011-03-17T12:52:53.675-05:00A new day!Thank you for your prayers and emails today, they are so encouraging. After a couple frustrating and intense days, we were able to obtain the fully signed travel letter and took everything to the nuns. They took our papers and told us we could take the children away. They were thrilled to see them go to families, their countenance totally changed toward us after a couple days. It was a sweet day. <br />
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We did get a full tour of the orphanage. In the baby room there are 16 babies, the cribs are very short with matresses much shorter, which leaves a gap of about 8 inches. Caroline and I were able to go around to each crib, lay hands on the baby and pray over him/her. We prayed for protection, healing, and blessing. Also, that he would prepare them and all of you families who are adopting. Most of the babies will be adopted this year!! We saw the older toddler room/dormitory with about 30 tiny cribs. It is pretty chaotic! There is an outdoor washing area with about 15 big basins with water, and clotheslines. There are hundreds of cloth diapers to scrub. There are young women the nuns have taken in who work at the orphanage. They are the poorest of the poor and have nowhere else to go. They have no education and no family. The nuns love them and care for them. There is also a mentally handicapped wing for adults. That was hard, but love knowing that they, too, are cared for.<br />
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We got Drew home and sat with him outside, played with him on the floor and bed. He is eating really well, avacado and banana, a Schulz already. I can't believe how he has lit up, smiling, and clapping, kicking, rolling over, even sitting up a little on his own. MAJOR strides! Last week, he was so floppy, he barely moved the lower half of his body. Head very wobbly and no rolling over or sitting up. He was really zoned out, we were wondering what was going on up there... He is no so engaging and smiley. We scrubbed him down in the bath, got him ready for bed, and put him down in the pack in play for bed. He konked out immediately!! I was shocked. He may not stay that way overnight, but it is good for now. The Choys are here, Drew and Alyah are having their first play date :) We are babysitting for the Mear's kids and they are out. <br />
Tomorrow, we get to rest a little, back to immigration, and we may even be able to go to the genocide memorial (not with Caroline). Maybe a "girls market day" that Caroline has been clammoring for. <br />
The mood is much lighter and more fun. I've tried the sling, and Holly, I need some help! <br />
We were able to chat with Lucy and Preston, they were at the Dallas Zoo with Nana and Grampa, and Aunt Marian, and cousin Austin. They sounded great! Having a fun spring break. <br />
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We were SO sad to see Kristin go home last night, we will really miss her companionship. We had such a great time together and she provided much comedic relief! Her pictures have been such a blessing to us, and I know for so many of you it helps to have tangible proof of where YOU will be in a few months. She has such a ministry through adoption photography, and such a pure heart. Kristin has one more slide show to post, but you will have to put up with my photos from here on out. That is it for now, so nice to have Drew sleeping with us!! Orphan no more.<br />
love~EmilySchulz Sightingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05274095500456525098noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074442889385333027.post-67626295817191078202011-03-14T16:03:00.001-05:002011-03-14T16:15:01.728-05:00Sunday in Africa<object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="370" id="showit_swf" data="http://www.kristinjphotography.com/Slideshows/DayFour_withDrew/showit.swf"><param name="movie" value="http://www.kristinjphotography.com/Slideshows/DayFour_withDrew/showit.swf" /><param name="flashvars" value="showit_embed=http://www.kristinjphotography.com/Slideshows/DayFour_withDrew/|560|370|1|0|0" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="salign" value="LT" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="loop" value="false" /><param name="quality" value="best" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFf" /></object><br />
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Back to Africa New Life for church. We went to the "English" service, which was joyful. However, Steven, our driver assured us that there was much more dancing at the 11oclock service. We were brought up to the front of the service to introduce us and asked Andy to "share a word". which he did. Between the judge gig and the preacher gig, he may want to move here for the opportunity :)<br />
We LOVED that Pastor Charles gave the congregation a charge to adopt and went on for 5 minutes about the beauty of adoption, encouraging them to do so locally. <br />
We took Drew home to nap and gave him his first bath which was hilarious! <br />
After dropping Drew off, we went to Zen "Oriental" restaurant. Highly Recommend!! All the kids ran around by the water fountain, we sat under the thatched roof tents and had cocktails and great food. We are really roughing it here in Africa.<br />
love~EmilySchulz Sightingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05274095500456525098noreply@blogger.com10