tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67982378533282487882024-03-13T05:06:42.137-07:00Mini Hoopla.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765838046108600202noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798237853328248788.post-83963455950052673382013-10-30T08:30:00.000-07:002013-10-30T08:30:00.905-07:00Wow. Time Flies.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wow, time is flying. I cannot believe that one year ago today I held my sweet little boy for the first time. I remember walking in to a room filled with nannies and toddlers and Dave spotting him lying on the floor playing with toys. When you watch the video now Dave and I look so awkward. We are passing him back and forth to each other because we were so excited and didn't want the other person to be left out. I remember wanting to just look at him because all I kept thinking is "He's real!" It was one of the greatest moments of my life thus far and a moment I will cherish forever. <br />
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Fraz, you have far exceeded any hopes, dreams and prayers that we've had for you. You are a very special little boy and I am grateful everyday that God has allowed me to be your mom. I pray that you grow up to love God and devote your life to bringing Him glory. I love you.</div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765838046108600202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798237853328248788.post-91173904915641398642013-09-03T17:49:00.000-07:002013-09-03T20:40:16.833-07:00The Schmid Family.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Meet the Schmid Family. They are incredible people and they happen to be some of our good friends. They are in the process of adopting a baby from the Congo (YES!) and they are being featured on the Give 1 - Save 1 Blog this week. Please go check it out to learn more about their family, their insane creativity and help them bring home that baby!<br />
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<a href="http://give1save1africa.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-schmid-family.html" target="_blank">Seriously, click here now</a>. You won't regret it.<br />
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765838046108600202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798237853328248788.post-35483981009648327592013-08-24T12:57:00.000-07:002013-08-24T12:57:17.840-07:00Photos.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My summer schedule with work is so busy that I haven't touched my camera. This past week was my first week back to "real life". We had lots of restful days and lots of fun family adventures. I decided to take my camera along so I wouldn't forget this wonderful stage of life.<br />
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Here are some of my favorites (get ready...there's lots of photos):<br />
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765838046108600202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798237853328248788.post-45852013045463158912013-08-22T17:52:00.001-07:002013-08-22T17:52:23.882-07:00One year ago.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
One year ago today, my world was changed. I was on my way to a meeting for work when "the call" I'd been waiting for finally came. It was our agency calling to tell me about our little boy. A few minutes after I hung up the phone with her this photo was in my email inbox. Best day ever! I remember being shocked at how much I loved him instantly in that moment. I couldn't wait to have him in my arms. <br />
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And now I'm the luckiest mom in the world. I get to hang out with this stud every day. I'm so thankful that God made us a family. <br />
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Celebrating today and praising God for his blessings.<br />
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765838046108600202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798237853328248788.post-60279998101101610172013-05-04T18:44:00.001-07:002013-05-08T14:58:07.643-07:00What we Know 3.0<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Fraz,<br />
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You are getting so old! Stop growing. Seriously...you are no longer a baby but a little boy. I wish I could freeze time. You are learning new things everyday and surprising me with what you know all the time. I'm so thankful for you in my life. <br />
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You officially started walking on April 25 (more than 10 steps).<br />
You love to cheers your drink. At first you didn't take a drink after you would cheers, but now your getting the hang of it.<br />
Your noises are starting to sound more like words now. You try to repeat almost every word we say.<br />
You get bright eyed and shout "Home!" anytime we walk in the door.<br />
You love to go outside, especially to the park.<br />
You tried sushi and a hot dog from the stand in the park and like them both.<br />
You love to watch airplanes and birds flying in the sky.<br />
You shout "No, no, no!" to any dog or squirrel you see thanks to your friends Tye and Kali who taught you that when they were babysitting.<br />
You learned how to drink from a straw.<br />
You transitioned from formula to milk with no hesitation, fuss or question!<br />
You LOVE to read books these days. Your favorites are written by Dr. Seuss and Sandra Boynton<br />
We took our first visit to the library. It didn't go over well because you like to be loud and crawl around everywhere. We'll try again soon.<br />
You learned how to fold your hands to pray. <br />
You are absolutely obsessed with the beach and sand. You don't even pay attention to me when you are there because you're so preoccupied by eating the sand and people watching.<br />
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I love you and I'm so proud of you.</div>
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Love,</div>
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Mom</div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765838046108600202noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798237853328248788.post-63809676754890360822013-04-09T17:51:00.001-07:002013-04-09T17:51:13.844-07:00Spring Break.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Every year since I was a freshman in high school we have gone on vacation to Destin, Florida over spring break. Before Destin we never vacationed at the same place. We did a lot of camping growing up and it was my parents goal to show us the entire US before we graduated from high school. We got pretty close to accomplishing the goal but after discovering Destin, we were hooked. I have so many memories there with my family and friends and I was so excited to bring Mayes to start his memories there as well. We had a great trip, beautiful weather and great company. Here is our Spring Break in photos.<div>
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First time touching the sand.</div>
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Obviously he loves it. </div>
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He even thinks it taste good. He just kept eating it...weird. </div>
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Fraz loved the pool. He kept sticking his face in the water. </div>
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Pimpin ain't easy.</div>
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Easter Morning</div>
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Nama and Fraz</div>
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The gang. </div>
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Easter egg hunt.</div>
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Papa's helping Adler. </div>
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Nama's helping Fraz.</div>
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Playing chase in the commons area.</div>
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Tired from chasing Papa!</div>
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Mayes' first bike ride and it was a success.</div>
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The wonderful parents, grandparents and vacation planners. </div>
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Thanks for a wonderful trip!</div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765838046108600202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798237853328248788.post-28892494382923687742013-03-31T17:42:00.000-07:002013-03-31T17:42:57.734-07:00Happy Easter.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> He is risen. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">He is risen indeed.</span></div>
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Happy Easter.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span>Hope your day was filled with joy, hope and celebration.</div>
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Love, </div>
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The VanWinkle's</div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765838046108600202noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798237853328248788.post-15529323756165406002013-03-27T20:17:00.003-07:002013-03-28T09:11:28.487-07:00what we know 2.0<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Fraz,<br />
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You've been home for just about three months and it's crazy to think about how much you've changed in that time. We've loved watching you grow and develop and seeing your personality come out. We are so proud of you. Although your changing everyday, here's what we know about you at this moment.<br />
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<li>You do a speedy crawl when we yell "Go, go, go..."</li>
<li>You dance on command.</li>
<li>You know how to blow your nose.</li>
<li>You love to talk and try to say lots of words. Some of the words you know are Mama, Dada, ball, more, all done, bye, papa, night night, bottle, nose, mouth and many more. You try to say new words every day!</li>
<li>You think its really cool that you know how to wave and say, "bye, bye." I think it's time for me to teach you a little about Nsync.</li>
<li>You are getting more opinionated about the food you like.</li>
<li>You put your hand up to your mouth to tell me when you're hungry.</li>
<li>You lick your fingers like there's chocolate on them.</li>
<li>Your favorite foods are blueberries and grapes (Pad Thai might be on the list soon).</li>
<li>You are finally getting more teeth. Your top two teeth are popping through now.</li>
<li>You laugh for no reason when you're all by yourself.</li>
<li>You have become very fond of your blanky.</li>
<li>You can stand all by yourself.</li>
<li>You're cruising furniture like it's your job.</li>
<li>You don't like sleeping with a night light.</li>
<li>You like to throw food on the floor when you're eating.</li>
<li>You are obsessed with spoons of any kind.</li>
<li>You fake cough after you hear others cough and you usually cover your mouth (I will take credit for that).</li>
<li>You have a joyful heart.</li>
<li>You know that the University of Michigan is the team we cheer for the in the VanWinkle household.</li>
<li>You shout "Yay!" whenever you are excited about anything (a minimum of 10 days).</li>
<li>You have quite the arm on you and love to play catch.</li>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765838046108600202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798237853328248788.post-43974593315602483692013-03-20T13:25:00.003-07:002013-03-20T13:25:43.920-07:00Dedicated.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Dedication seems like a never ending process as a parent. You have this child that you love so much and you control so much of their every day life that sometimes you feel in control of their entire life. <br />
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You forget that,</div>
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God is the one that offers them grace.</div>
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God is the one that allows them to be in your family for however long he desires.</div>
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God already knows who they will become.</div>
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God already knows what He will say to them as they stand before his throne. </div>
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And I often forget that without God, my child is nothing.</div>
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There have been countless times that I've prayed for these truths to be on my mind throughout each moment in my day. There have been countless times that I've prayed for my heart to fully give my son to the Lord. I pray that this desire never dies and that these prayers continue for the rest of my life. <br />
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In the beginning of March we publicly dedicated Fraz to the Lord in front of family, friends and our church community. It was a great day of celebrating his life and our future hopes for him as a Christ follower.<br />
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The Missio Dei crew.</div>
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Yep, he's crying, I'm laughing. Awkward and memorable all at the same time.</div>
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We had time to share with the friends and family that came to support us our hope and prayers for Mayes' and the man he will become.</div>
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Everyone in our group wrote on a rock their hope and prayer for Mayes.</div>
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Our family.</div>
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Surprise visit from Aunt Janni and Uncle Kevie. So glad they could be there.</div>
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The Grandmas (Nama and Grammy)</div>
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The after party: jumping on the bed.</div>
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The girls.</div>
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I hope I daily dedicate Fraz to the Lord and count each moment that I have with him as a gift from God. </div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765838046108600202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798237853328248788.post-10093072102785390232013-02-27T19:12:00.002-08:002013-02-27T19:44:28.557-08:00visitors.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This past month has been pretty crazy with all the visitor's we've had! Mayes has done amazing with the revolving door of our home. Here are some pictures of all the people he's hung out with the last few weeks. Be warned, here are a LOT of photos. I couldn't decide, sorry!<br />
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Mayes and Cousin Kru</div>
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Cousin Adler teaching Mayes how to cause trouble.</div>
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Our sweet friend and neighbor.</div>
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A shared birthday celebration with Papa Schupra.</div>
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His first time eating banana cake (a Schupra favorite).</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T1-W3zYb-PM/US61yN1lYjI/AAAAAAAAEEQ/hYVz9pHLwE4/s1600/IMG_1819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T1-W3zYb-PM/US61yN1lYjI/AAAAAAAAEEQ/hYVz9pHLwE4/s640/IMG_1819.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Meeting Uncle Phil and Aunt Becca.</div>
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Happy Birthday Papa Winks! </div>
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We really weren't torturing them...I promise.</div>
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Meeting silly Uncle Andrew. </div>
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Aunt Julie and Ben came for a visit! We had so much fun. </div>
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Sorry Ben that you have to wear that sweatshirt. </div>
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Tanster and Mayser. </div>
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Lavey, Tenny and Fraz.</div>
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Teeny, B to the L and Fraz.</div>
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The Apt. (minus LJ, plus two minis) </div>
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Tennyson, Mayes' new friend.</div>
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Buddies.</div>
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We said give kisses and this is what happened. Bo, about to eat Fraz and Fraz blowing a kiss. </div>
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Bo. (I had to post this picture because he's so cute)</div>
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Gearing up for bath time!</div>
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We've been waiting for a long time to be able to take this photo. So thankful for these boys!</div>
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Yep...they were riding the horse. </div>
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(Read more about our time with the Parton's <a href="http://rachelparton.blogspot.com/2013/02/bonz-fraz.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</div>
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We're so thankful for all the people that sacrificed a lot to come and meet Fraz and hang out with us. We couldn't imagine life without each of you. </div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765838046108600202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798237853328248788.post-85673737000794665342013-02-22T09:37:00.002-08:002013-02-22T09:38:37.752-08:00cool.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There are a lot of really cool things happening these days in the world of orphan care and specifically adoption. I can't wait to see how God uses all these movies, documentaries, articles on inspiring families and more to further his Kingdom. Here is something I found a few days ago that broke my heart and inspired me to continue to fight for these children. I hope it does the same for you. <br />
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Click to watch the trailer: <a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2013/02/18/a-new-documentary-on-orphan-care-the-drop-box/">A New Documentary on Orphan Care: The Drop Box</a><br />
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765838046108600202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798237853328248788.post-62222001151096080372013-02-05T09:57:00.001-08:002013-02-05T10:24:46.293-08:00He's one.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This past Friday, February 1st, Fraz turned one! Can you believe it? <i> I </i>have a one year old. Super weird and crazy. I have to say, Thursday night I might have cried a little bit (cut me some slack it's my first kid)!<br />
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I didn't want to do anything over the top for his birthday but I wanted him to know the day was special. Fraz's Aunt Brooke and cousins were in town which was really fun. The more kids, the more excitement there is about little things. Here's how we celebrated the day: <br />
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It was a great celebration of Fraz's life. We are beyond thankful that God has blessed us with him. <br />
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765838046108600202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798237853328248788.post-21644076791440645382013-02-04T13:55:00.001-08:002013-02-04T13:55:30.154-08:00typical.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here's a sneak peek of a typical day in the VanWinkle household.<br />
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<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxv_cHTizj-3jFZQpUf-0Ap5S_NdjnIQ8TTnOLqDkAy61saNZPcOG9h4aGZvjR99yCQGUAkL3xbeq8S-1wk9w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765838046108600202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798237853328248788.post-15504837918591631592013-01-29T07:12:00.001-08:002013-01-29T07:12:18.675-08:00breaking news.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My life may officially be back. <br />
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765838046108600202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798237853328248788.post-69375681445654179252013-01-24T21:00:00.001-08:002013-01-25T04:13:22.044-08:00faces.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>As a mom do you get automatic bragging rights? It seems like you should. Well, please excuse me (and this post) if you don't, I'm new to this thing. Here it goes...</i><br />
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Mayes has hilarious facial expressions and a lot of them. People who meet him consistently tell me this. Obviously, since I'm his mom, I totally agree with them. Look at this kid! Crazy, crazy.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cpk-z01grLY/UQIPOi7XDpI/AAAAAAAAD_E/HlQNFDxmCkc/s1600/Faces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cpk-z01grLY/UQIPOi7XDpI/AAAAAAAAD_E/HlQNFDxmCkc/s640/Faces.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Something else note worthy: we've been together as a family of three for one month, as of today. I'm so thankful for this family God gave me. <br />
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Okay, I'm done.<br />
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765838046108600202noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798237853328248788.post-2603208904346218052013-01-23T19:08:00.001-08:002013-01-23T19:09:44.808-08:00adoption.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Have you heard about these Families yet? If not be ready to be inspired...<br />
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The Sterling Family - click <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/01/23/missouri-family-takes-in-orphaned-siblings-from-peru-after-learning-email-was/" target="_blank">HERE</a> for their story.<br />
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"I Like Adoption" video<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/rztYMMhMT2Y?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765838046108600202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798237853328248788.post-59890989360777918382013-01-21T18:50:00.001-08:002013-01-21T19:35:38.347-08:00firsts.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Mayes has been home for just over three weeks now and we have so many "firsts" to share with you. Although we've been in the house for most of those three weeks, when we have gone out it's been fun to watch him explore and experience new things. <br />
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The first time he saw his room.</div>
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The first time in his crib at home. You didn't think it was that exciting, did you?</div>
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His first piece of mail.</div>
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His first Michigan game on new years day.</div>
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His very first family walk.</div>
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First time eating cake. Thanks Kindra!</div>
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First time for chocolate! It went over well if you were wondering.</div>
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The first time to the zoo. Unfortunately, he wasn't interested in the animals at all!</div>
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His first time to the park.</div>
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He liked the slide better than the swing. Please note that in the swing picture he did have shoes on and they just fell off. We aren't bad parents :)</div>
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Many more firsts to come!<br />
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765838046108600202noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798237853328248788.post-47002853818725978932013-01-14T19:45:00.000-08:002013-12-16T21:03:34.728-08:00What we know.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Dear Fraz,<br />
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It has been so fun getting to know you these past three weeks and it is a joy to be your Mom. I can't believe how lucky I am to call you my son and to have you in my life as long as God allows. We've learned so much about you the past few weeks and boy do we like you. Here's what we know:<br />
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<li>You love people and being the center of attention. You really ham it up for the crowd which is hilarious. </li>
<li>You like the slide more than the swing at the park.</li>
<li>Your favorite food: brownie batter. Oh, I mean a tie between bananas and carrots.</li>
<li>You like to wake up a lot at night. </li>
<li>You usually smile when we lip kiss.</li>
<li>You are pretty much obsessed with clapping and waving.</li>
<li>Wednesday, January 9th at 8:22am was the first time that you deliberately disobeyed me.</li>
<li>You are pretty vain and love to look at yourself in the mirror. Actually, not much else excites you more than that. Sometimes you even kiss yourself, well it's sort of more a make out if you know what I mean.</li>
<li>You love kids and laugh all the time when they're around. </li>
<li>You're pretty tough and you usually don't cry when you bump your head or fall.</li>
<li>One of your favorite things to do is try to dive head first off the bed or the couch. You have no fear kid.</li>
<li>You refuse to wear your bib and tear it off if we try to put it on.</li>
<li>You like to taste all your toys.</li>
<li>You want to eat everything that Dad and I eat.</li>
<li>You get wide eyed and shake your arms up and down when you get excited.</li>
<li>You laugh a lot when I dance and sing to you.</li>
<li>Your favorite part about Facetime is before the other person answers and you can see yourself. </li>
<li>You like when we let you hang out only in your diaper.</li>
<li>You dive all around in the bath tub and would play in there for hours if we let you.</li>
<li>You think you're really funny.</li>
<li>You call your bottle "Mama." (We're working on this)</li>
<li>You bring us incredible joy and we are beyond blessed by your life. </li>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765838046108600202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798237853328248788.post-4803801194376588002013-01-08T20:32:00.001-08:002013-01-08T20:32:59.151-08:00Together for Christmas.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When Dave and I first started looking at plane tickets to go pick up Fraol the two cheapest options were to leave on Sat. Dec. 22nd or Monday Dec. 24th. Either way we were going to leave Ethiopia to come back to the states on the 28th. We opted to leave on Saturday so we could spend Christmas Day with Mayes. It was his first Christmas and it was so special to be able to spend it all together. <br />
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We picked him up on Christmas eve from the Thomas Center. We were greeted by a few nannies and a little girl dressed in traditional clothing who handed us a bouquet of flowers. A few minutes later a nanny came down the stairs holding our sweet little boy. I was so happy to see him again. She handed him to me and it was the best feeling to know he would be with us forever. We spent about 30 minutes at the Thomas Center seeing his room (it had changed since we were there last time), asking the nanny questions and spending some time getting reacquainted with him. The nanny that cared for him told us that he was her favorite. Who knows, she may tell that to everyone but it made us happy that again he had bonded with someone and he was well loved for the last few months. We found out that she started working at the Thomas Center 2 days after Fraz moved in. It's fun that he was the first child she bonded with and I know he will have a special place in her heart. <br />
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On the way back to the guest house he fell asleep in my arms. When we got out of the car he woke up and was as happy as can be. We showed him around the room, played with a few toys, put him in the carrier to see if he liked it, laughed a lot, cuddled and decorated for Christmas. I packed Christmas lights and those gel snowflakes to stick on the window. He didn't help me with the lights but he loved helping with the gel snowflakes. We also tested what he knew like waving, giving high fives, clapping, kissing, etc. He knew how to wave and clap both of which he LOVES to do. He quickly learned how to high five, kiss and throw his football! We gave him a bath that night and put him in his Christmas PJ's which is a Schupra Family tradition.<br />
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Christmas morning came early at 5:00am. Fun, Fun! He woke up happy so that was a plus. We read the Christmas story, opened a few presents and enjoyed each other. It was the perfect way to spend Christmas day.<br />
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On our way back to the guest house.</div>
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Decorating for Christmas.</div>
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The outcome and our view from our room.</div>
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The Christmas lights making our room a little more festive.</div>
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Excited about his Christmas PJ's!</div>
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A Christmas present from Nama and Papa.</div>
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A Christmas present from Grammy and Papa. </div>
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His first time hearing "The Night Before Christmas" (read by Dad).</div>
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Reading the Christmas story in his Storybook Bible.</div>
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I staged this picture to make it look like he was reading the Christmas story, ha!</div>
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It was a wonderful Christmas. I hope yours was just as great!</div>
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Oh, I posted about Fraz's room <a href="http://strawshipposandminis.blogspot.com/2013/01/mayes-room.html" target="_blank">here</a> if you're interested!</div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765838046108600202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798237853328248788.post-31940660167815207552013-01-03T06:20:00.000-08:002013-01-03T06:20:40.921-08:00We're home.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We made it. After 30 hours of traveling, we finally made it home to Chicago. The trip went pretty well except for the last three hours which included lots of throw up, tears by me and him, advice given by "experienced parents" and lots of weird looks by other passengers. It was a good moment when we exited the plane. <br />
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Our family was there to greet us with lot of excitement, love and signs. Unfortunately, Fraz wasn't as excited and decided to sleep through the whole celebration. Oh well! We have lot of pictures to tell him all about it. <br />
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All ready to go home!</div>
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This was taken at the Addis airport right before a huge blow out went down.</div>
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Taking a snooze during our layover in Amsterdam.</div>
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We arrived! </div>
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Our family waiting for us.</div>
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Adler can't wait to meet his new cousin.</div>
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There we are.</div>
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So happy to be home.</div>
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Sisters/Aunts.</div>
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All ready to go outside in the cold.</div>
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The VanWinkle Family.</div>
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The Schupra Family.</div>
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I cannot even begin to tell you how happy we are to be home, all together, at last. </div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765838046108600202noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798237853328248788.post-79583235788495740862012-12-28T00:49:00.000-08:002012-12-28T01:03:48.498-08:00Bath time.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We've had a great week together in here in Ethiopia. We've made a lot of incredible memories and are continuing to learn new things about each other every day. It's been fun to see the things he likes and what he thinks is funny. One thing we found out is that he loves his bath time! We've got a little ham on our hands as you can see! Literally I point the camera at him and this is what
I get:</div>
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We leave tonight to come home. Your prayers would be appreciated as we travel for 28 hours with this little guy who has been sick with the flu the last couple of days. Thanks for your support and prayers as always. I will post more about our first memories together after we get home and settled.<br />
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(<a href="http://www.rachelparton.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rachel</a>, this post was for you.)<br />
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765838046108600202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798237853328248788.post-33781326689746912712012-12-24T11:15:00.001-08:002012-12-24T11:18:48.586-08:00Merry Christmas.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We wish you a very merry Christmas all the way from Ethiopia!</div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765838046108600202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798237853328248788.post-81067775648867271222012-12-17T05:51:00.003-08:002012-12-17T05:51:52.402-08:00I'm coming home.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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One week from today we will pick up our mini forever.<br />
One week from tomorrow we will celebrate his first Christmas with him.<br />
One week from Saturday we will show him his new home in Chicago.<br />
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Words cannot describe how shocked, excited and thankful we are! </div>
Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765838046108600202noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798237853328248788.post-40198640795173072902012-12-11T07:56:00.002-08:002012-12-11T07:58:42.328-08:00submitted.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I woke up to a little email today saying the case for "Van Minkle" has been submitted. YES! And, you read that right, our name is still wrong...<br />
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But who cares...I'm so happy we're on to the next step.<br />
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765838046108600202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798237853328248788.post-39493692159566186672012-12-06T07:43:00.000-08:002013-01-21T19:40:01.472-08:00video.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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While I'm barely surviving this brutal wait before bringing Fraz home, I spend most of my days looking at pictures and watching videos of him. Okay that's a little exaggerated but...I thought this video might brighten your day.</div>
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<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-picasa-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tkojCDBUjYQ/UP4Jgh5v0II/AAAAAAAAD9Q/_P40xXvvFiw/s1600/large.m4v"><param name="movie" value="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fredirector.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3D61b713fa14734a14%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1361417860%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3D3E91E06D47DE1563692E82352B1278625D48629E.C8071816F3193C9EA2E1B252E4D2D30A3D5EB3CD%26key%3Dlh1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fredirector.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3D61b713fa14734a14%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1361417860%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3D3E91E06D47DE1563692E82352B1278625D48629E.C8071816F3193C9EA2E1B252E4D2D30A3D5EB3CD%26key%3Dlh1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14765838046108600202noreply@blogger.com6