tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21387201072837464842024-03-13T04:11:21.286-04:00black tag diariesblack tag diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11699621576183404434noreply@blogger.comBlogger904125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138720107283746484.post-80127954372098756452014-06-11T22:48:00.002-04:002014-06-11T22:48:36.399-04:00the bluegrass bungalow {the before house tour}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: proxima-nova; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">We bought a new (old) house two whole months ago... we've already made quite a few updates, but we still have plenty</span><em style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: proxima-nova; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> (and I mean, PLENTY) </em><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: proxima-nova; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">more to do. But I figured it was at least time for a blog tour:) </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: proxima-nova; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">To see the full tour, head over to our new site <a href="http://blacktagdiaries.com/blacktagdiaries/2014/6/8/the-bluegrass-bungalow-before-home-tour">here</a> and read the complete post...</span>black tag diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11699621576183404434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138720107283746484.post-80638817788009492372014-06-08T17:12:00.002-04:002014-06-08T17:12:26.795-04:00new spaces.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We're shaking things up a bit with a new blog site!<div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://blacktagdiaries.com/">blacktagdiaries.com</a></span></div>
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The look is a bit fancier... but the content's still the same... <i>honest, real, and imperfect. </i> Hope to see you there:)</div>
black tag diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11699621576183404434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138720107283746484.post-47644323882058066782014-03-26T08:00:00.000-04:002014-03-26T08:00:01.275-04:00lately.Thank you for all of your kind comments about my last post and my desire to share bits and pieces of our adoption story here on the blog. Our time in Uganda will forever hold a special place in my heart <i>(for so many reasons)</i>, and I hope to be able to capture some of that here.<br />
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In the meantime... this is what we've been up to lately...<br />
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...hanging out with Aunt Nenna...</div>
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...swapping clothes...</div>
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...making fashion statements...</div>
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...taking sister selfies...</div>
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...brushing our teeth (aka eating toothpaste)...</div>
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...catching up over sushi...</div>
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...wearing our eggs instead of eating them...</div>
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...writing some very belated thank yous...</div>
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...taking Sunday strolls...</div>
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...then taking Sunday naps...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aUaJjAKH5Go/UzJGQXCtjCI/AAAAAAAAPRg/zChxiXt8VOM/s1600/IMG_9329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aUaJjAKH5Go/UzJGQXCtjCI/AAAAAAAAPRg/zChxiXt8VOM/s1600/IMG_9329.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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...living out of boxes <i>(more on this soon!)...</i></div>
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...trying new gelato flavors...</div>
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<i>What about you? What have you been up to lately?</i>black tag diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11699621576183404434noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138720107283746484.post-82508741350782306392014-03-19T00:00:00.000-04:002014-03-19T00:13:39.833-04:00love at first sight {uganda, part 1}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In an effort to share some of our adoption story here, I've decided to write a handful of posts dedicated to our time in Uganda and our first few weeks with Zara. These are stories that have been etched so deeply into my heart and I look forward to the day that I can recount them with Zara. There is no possible way to fully capture the whirlwind of emotion and the depth of love that we experienced during our time in Uganda, but I'm going to give it the ol' college try...<br />
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<i> Wednesday October 30, 2013</i><br />
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I will never forget my first car ride to Aggies Baby Home. I could hear my heart pounding. I nervously tapped my foot in the backseat of the van. Lance and our driver, Patrick, were talking about something in the front seat, but for the life of me, I couldn't tell you about what. We were going to meet our <i>daughter </i>today. <i>Our sweet baby girl. </i><br />
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It was really happening.<i> Finally.</i><br />
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The car ride took about 45 minutes, but felt more like hours. I remember pulling into the orphanage... Lance reached back to squeeze my ankle in the backseat. We were immediately greeted by one of the orphanage caregivers and 2 children. Lance was showing Patrick how to work the video on his phone, when all of a sudden,<i> there she was</i>.<br />
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I immediately forgot about the video instructions and reached for Lance's hand as I took her in. There was our sweet baby girl. She hugged the wall as she wobbled down the hallway. She had that same serious, wise expression in her eyes that was so familiar from all of her photos. She was dressed in a little black, white, and orange jumper that was faded and too big for her tiny frame. She was so much smaller than I expected her to be... a baby... <i>my baby.</i><br />
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The caregiver scooped her up and handed her to me... she didn't flinch. As my eyes welled up with tears, she simply studied me... she kept that serious expression and just took me in. One of the caregivers wanted to give us a tour of the house, but I couldn't move. I wanted to freeze time. I wanted to memorize everything about this moment.<br />
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We had brought a little binkie stuffed animal to give her... we actually brought two. We were told to have something we could give her in those first moments that we met her... but we were also told to have something we could leave with her when we left... something she could cling to when we would go back to the states before bringing her home. <i>That was no longer an option. </i> The moment we laid eyes on her, we knew that we could not leave Uganda without her.<br />
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We eventually took our tour of the orphanage... but I was in my own world... memorizing every feature of my daughter's face, taking in her smell, feeling her soft tiny curls on my cheek, holding her small hands in mine. Lance took her hand and gently placed it on his beard... she didn't pull away... she studied it... studied him with her little fingers. I held her practically the entire time we were there. I couldn't bear to put her down.<br />
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I remember watching her in awe as she sat on the floor and drank an entire cup of milk in one sitting, never once letting the cup leave her lips. She cried when it was gone... then stopped when I picked her up. <i> It was as if she knew already. </i> As if she knew how much I loved her... how much my heart ached for her... how much my arms longed to hold her.<br />
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That car ride back to the hotel was so different than the car ride there... instead of tapping my foot, I was rubbing her back... instead of hearing my own heart pounding, I only heard the soft, steady breathing of my baby girl... instead of anxiousness, I felt peace. <i>True peace. </i> The kind of peace that comes from that beautiful moment when you get a glimpse into <i>His plan</i>...<br />
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<i>...and you finally see that it was absolutely perfect all along.</i>black tag diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11699621576183404434noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138720107283746484.post-87226208101282791772014-03-17T08:00:00.000-04:002014-03-17T08:00:00.696-04:00weekend festivities...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We kicked the weekend off with a little visit to the doctor to finish up Zara's immunizations... </div>
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<i>(this picture was pre-shots... obviously)</i></div>
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...then Friday night included a little stroll down to our favorite pub & eatery...</div>
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...where we celebrated a dear friend's birthday... </div>
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...which eventually turned into this... </div>
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<i>(see that 117 score?? yeah... that's me... I'm awesome)</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PflIZAb8O2Q/UyZRKctliYI/AAAAAAAAPN4/58__YIgwk1Y/s1600/IMG_9167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PflIZAb8O2Q/UyZRKctliYI/AAAAAAAAPN4/58__YIgwk1Y/s1600/IMG_9167.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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...Saturday's weather was absolutely glorious... loads and loads of sunshine...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mmv6Icq2atA/UyZRIy4u_OI/AAAAAAAAPNk/YV5LHMxVmuc/s1600/IMG_9169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mmv6Icq2atA/UyZRIy4u_OI/AAAAAAAAPNk/YV5LHMxVmuc/s1600/IMG_9169.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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...Zara and I soaked up the sun and scarfed down some french fries... <i>It was pretty much perfect</i>...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fGzYkpJQGEc/UyZRM9dt_aI/AAAAAAAAPOI/qDl2X-83ZHA/s1600/IMG_9181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fGzYkpJQGEc/UyZRM9dt_aI/AAAAAAAAPOI/qDl2X-83ZHA/s1600/IMG_9181.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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...Lately little bug loves to help mama "do dishes??"...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iRpQHXnR4SI/UyZRMSTggaI/AAAAAAAAPOE/ISAwsNqzodc/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iRpQHXnR4SI/UyZRMSTggaI/AAAAAAAAPOE/ISAwsNqzodc/s1600/Image.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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...Sunday was a very special day for us... we dedicated Zara to the Lord. She is such a gift from God and we are forever grateful... </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o1ggcJ-9_TI/UyZRKSPqrRI/AAAAAAAAPN0/3fBrD-PFUro/s1600/IMG_9198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o1ggcJ-9_TI/UyZRKSPqrRI/AAAAAAAAPN0/3fBrD-PFUro/s1600/IMG_9198.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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...Our weekend was pretty dang awesome... how about yours??</div>
black tag diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11699621576183404434noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138720107283746484.post-26745748403544487532014-03-14T08:00:00.000-04:002014-03-14T08:00:02.881-04:0020 questions.Because it's pretty apparent that I'm having a tough time breaking back into the blogosphere, I figured a little re-introduction is in order. You know, kind of like, <i>"Hi, I'm Julia... I like to blog sometimes..." </i>yeah... something like that... <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-or8At36TWEE/UyJw2_pCDRI/AAAAAAAAPM0/I8HAidspcm4/s1600/IMG_8469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-or8At36TWEE/UyJw2_pCDRI/AAAAAAAAPM0/I8HAidspcm4/s1600/IMG_8469.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Or how about just a quick game of 20 questions? You down?<br />
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1) What is your full name?</div>
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<i>Julia Leslie Black</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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2) Where were you born?</div>
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<i>the metropolis of Manhattan, Kansas</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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3) Do you like your handwriting?</div>
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<i>most days</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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4) Do you have kids?</div>
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<i>yes... #sweetzaragirl</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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5) What is your favorite cereal?</div>
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<i>Cocoa Krispies, no doubt</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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6) Would you ever bungee jump?</div>
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<i>oh hellllll no.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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7) What shoes are your wearing right now?</div>
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<i>slippers... those count as shoes, right?</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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8) Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?</div>
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<i>Zara and I just Facetimed my parents:)</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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9) Favorite sports to watch?</div>
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<i>football... or volleyball</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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10) Do you dye your hair?</div>
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<i>guilty as charged</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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11) What is your favorite ice cream?</div>
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<i>ice cream-schmice cream... i'm a gelato girl now</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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12) Scary movies or happy endings?</div>
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<i>happy endings</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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13) What book are you reading right now?</div>
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<i>I'm reading a magazine... does that count?</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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14) Summer or winter?</div>
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<i>SUMMER!</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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15) What are you listening to right now?</div>
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<i>the intro to Pretty Little Liars (I'm almost caught up!)</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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16) Beach house or mountain home?</div>
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<i>beach house, please.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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17) When was the last time you cried?</div>
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<i>uhhhh... yesterday... during some stupid commercial. </i></div>
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<br /></div>
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18) How many states/countries have you lived in?</div>
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<i>four</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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19) Morning person or night owl?</div>
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<i>night owl... definitely NOT a morning person</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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20) What are you supposed to be doing right now? </div>
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(that you are obviously ignoring by playing 20 questions:)</div>
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<i>sleeping...</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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There you have it... feel free to play along. Let me know if you do, I'd love to read your answers:) Happy Friday!!</div>
black tag diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11699621576183404434noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138720107283746484.post-82771360577517286182014-03-10T08:00:00.000-04:002014-03-10T08:00:05.485-04:00weekend festivities...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wF-7Re2AAI8/Ux0eZhS4smI/AAAAAAAAPLg/nSIEZXbHbGg/s1600/IMG_8967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wF-7Re2AAI8/Ux0eZhS4smI/AAAAAAAAPLg/nSIEZXbHbGg/s1600/IMG_8967.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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...every weekend should start with one of these... </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JWR0RG5fuu0/Ux0eZWacfBI/AAAAAAAAPLc/1iUkTLPyvfc/s1600/IMG_8972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JWR0RG5fuu0/Ux0eZWacfBI/AAAAAAAAPLc/1iUkTLPyvfc/s1600/IMG_8972.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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...we tested out our big girl potty <i>(with all of our clothes on)</i>...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m0PGt9yyFPo/Ux0ecpQeryI/AAAAAAAAPLs/BOjXaK5lQWM/s1600/IMG_9014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m0PGt9yyFPo/Ux0ecpQeryI/AAAAAAAAPLs/BOjXaK5lQWM/s1600/IMG_9014.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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...braved the crowds for our first trolly hop...</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SA1krBGiLtk/Ux0ecwX3zMI/AAAAAAAAPLw/mxvToPI7fPs/s1600/IMG_9023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SA1krBGiLtk/Ux0ecwX3zMI/AAAAAAAAPLw/mxvToPI7fPs/s1600/IMG_9023.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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...Zara said goodbye to her friend Asher...</div>
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BKlBgSkNCeU/Ux0eeYFl1ZI/AAAAAAAAPL8/3rzOlzaEwEc/s1600/IMG_8981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BKlBgSkNCeU/Ux0eeYFl1ZI/AAAAAAAAPL8/3rzOlzaEwEc/s1600/IMG_8981.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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...we said some sad goodbyes to friends of our own...</div>
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<i>(this sweet family is flying out and moving to France today)</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Duwt5MIGsTE/Ux0ehNS-_JI/AAAAAAAAPME/W7f9df-lywE/s1600/IMG_9050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Duwt5MIGsTE/Ux0ehNS-_JI/AAAAAAAAPME/W7f9df-lywE/s1600/IMG_9050.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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...we hit up our first Flea Off Market for the season... </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sft4s_v8PQY/Ux0eh3zOKnI/AAAAAAAAPMM/piKJPqScP-w/s1600/IMG_9068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sft4s_v8PQY/Ux0eh3zOKnI/AAAAAAAAPMM/piKJPqScP-w/s1600/IMG_9068.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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...we said a few more sad goodbyes... </div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4qZKTDOCXLY/Ux0elVY_hBI/AAAAAAAAPMg/2arbHHwpXxA/s1600/IMG_9080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4qZKTDOCXLY/Ux0elVY_hBI/AAAAAAAAPMg/2arbHHwpXxA/s1600/IMG_9080.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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...Zara had her first pony ride at the Kid Fair on Sunday... </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BIkoxljM91w/Ux0elcDaH5I/AAAAAAAAPMc/DEZAZGLxCi0/s1600/IMG_9076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BIkoxljM91w/Ux0elcDaH5I/AAAAAAAAPMc/DEZAZGLxCi0/s1600/IMG_9076.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...we closed out the weekend with some long-awaited Chipotle...</div>
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<i>A full, full weekend... new adventures... good food... great company... sad farewells... and warmer weather... What were you up to this weekend?</i></div>
<br />black tag diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11699621576183404434noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138720107283746484.post-63692680124200435412014-03-03T08:00:00.000-05:002014-03-04T21:58:08.441-05:00i want to remember...<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GHErHU_UkLo/UxOrSv3_i5I/AAAAAAAAPLM/HGJo7angt4M/s1600/IMG_8653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GHErHU_UkLo/UxOrSv3_i5I/AAAAAAAAPLM/HGJo7angt4M/s1600/IMG_8653.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
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...how you stomp your little feet when you're dancing.</div>
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</div>
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...how you wave your hand in the air when you say, <em>"No, no Little Cat! No, no!"</em></div>
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</div>
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...how you fall asleep with your little behind in the air.</div>
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...how you will blow kisses to anybody and everybody.</div>
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</div>
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...how you always request to sing <em>"itty-bitty spiduh"</em> or<em> "tinkle, tinkle"</em> when I'm changing your diaper.</div>
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</div>
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...how you love wearing your sunglasses everywhere we go.</div>
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</div>
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...how you refuse to take a nap in your crib on the weekends.</div>
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</div>
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...how you will snuggle and nap in <em>"mama's bed"</em> at the drop of a hat.</div>
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...how you love bathtime and selfies.</div>
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</div>
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...how you end all of our prayers with, <em>"I wuv you Jesus... aaaaaaamen."</em></div>
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</div>
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...how you lean over and give me the sweetest kisses in the mornings.</div>
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<em>-Zara, age 2 </em></div>
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<em>(February 2014)</em></div>
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</div>
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</div>
black tag diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11699621576183404434noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138720107283746484.post-42197519826983902262014-02-25T08:00:00.000-05:002014-02-25T08:00:01.052-05:00i eat gelato like it's my job.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you follow me on Instagram <i>{<a href="http://instagram.com/julialblack">@julialblack</a>}</i> then you are well aware of my new obsession... <i>er, I mean, hobby. </i> </div>
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<br /></div>
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About a month ago I picked up my first container of <a href="https://talentigelato.com/">Talenti gelato</a> at the grocery store... <i>and well...</i> let's just say I've made it my mission to try as many flavors as humanly possible. I've tried five so far... it would have been six, but Lance polished off the Tahitian Vanilla Bean before I could even find my spoon. It's hard to pick a favorite so far, but if I absolutely had to, it would be between the Caramel Cookie Crunch and the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup. Talento has like a zillion flavors though, so I must press onward...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F22c8djRLO0/Uwv8ENByqHI/AAAAAAAAPKs/9TtOmpIIgdA/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F22c8djRLO0/Uwv8ENByqHI/AAAAAAAAPKs/9TtOmpIIgdA/s1600/Image.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0i---0DJed8/UwwNDMHpB1I/AAAAAAAAPK8/ze0dK7R-V0w/s1600/Image+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0i---0DJed8/UwwNDMHpB1I/AAAAAAAAPK8/ze0dK7R-V0w/s1600/Image+4.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Yes, I do realize that I choose to write about gelato on my second post back... <i>but for real y'all... this stuff is legit. </i> Have you tried it? Favorite flavors? I'm dying to try the Coffee Chocolate Chip and the Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip...black tag diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11699621576183404434noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138720107283746484.post-70310201276054043042014-02-24T08:00:00.000-05:002014-02-24T08:00:00.808-05:00Oh yeah... I have a blog.<br />
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<i>Why hello there. </i></div>
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<br /></div>
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It's been a while... months actually. But you see, recently life has shifted a bit... things look a little different around here. Instead of blogging I've been...</div>
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...traveling to distant lands...</div>
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...picking up toys...</div>
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Time isn't as abundant as it used to be... sleep no longer comes freely... and it's impossible to pull out the laptop without tiny hands begging to jab at the keyboard. </div>
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<i>But I wouldn't trade it for the world.</i> </div>
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While yes, life looks entirely differently around here, I still hope to carve out a little smidgen of time to visit this space every so often. Blogging has always been a joy for me... a way to capture special moments and memories... an idea book of creative thoughts... a place for raw, challenging vulnerability... and a capsule of real-life stories. </div>
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<i>And man, oh man, do I have stories.</i> Stories that I desperately hope to start sharing in the coming weeks. And yes... most of them invlove a ridiculously adorable little girl named Zara:)</div>
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<i>Stay tuned...</i></div>
black tag diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11699621576183404434noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138720107283746484.post-61461089782956056562014-01-14T14:00:00.000-05:002014-01-14T14:23:30.151-05:00happy. happy. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happiest of birthdays to our little princess. You have forever changed our lives and will forever hold our hearts. So incredibly thankful to be celebrating <i>WITH</i> you this year.<br />
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Love,<br />
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Mommy & Daddyblack tag diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11699621576183404434noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138720107283746484.post-16651554536413620692013-10-28T21:00:00.002-04:002013-10-28T21:00:54.599-04:00dear baby girl {letters from the heart}<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Dear Baby Girl,</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I can hardly believe it’s all finally happening. It’s crazy to think about how you can wait, and yearn, and pray for something for so long, and then in the blink of an eye, the day is finally here. We thought surely the hope of meeting you this fall was slipping through our fingers, as the days continued to go by with no word from our attorney or agency. But then... just like that... with one simple phone call this past Tuesday everything changed.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Our adoption agency called to ask how fast we could be ready... could we make it in time for a November 1st court date? Could we be in Uganda by the 29th of October? Could we make it all happen? <i>YES. YES. and YES. </i>And just like that, we were on the phone purchasing plane tickets... scheduling travel... making hotel reservations... buying diapers... digging out passports... filling out visa paperwork... and BAM... 5 short days later we’re on a plane.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">And now, here we are... pacing the terminals in the Dubai airport just waiting to board our last plane of the trip. We are both a bundle of anxious energy... excitement and nerves... sooooo ready to see your sweet face. I have been dreaming of this moment for so long... seconds don't go by where I'm not thinking about you. I dreamed about you on the plane. I can’t wait to take in your smell... kiss your sweet cheeks... learn your little quirks... listen to your cry... embrace your giggling laugh... see your beautiful smile... <i>just hold you in my arms. </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Oh, sweet girl... we’re coming... so close. All our love and kisses.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">mama</span></div>
black tag diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11699621576183404434noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138720107283746484.post-50660571429294498952013-10-04T08:00:00.000-04:002013-10-04T08:00:00.745-04:00dear baby girl {letters from the heart}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dear Baby Girl,<br />
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The past few weeks have been full of updates and changes. Your daddy and I found out out that you are now living in a small baby home with about 10 other children. This is a big change from your previous surroundings, but from the updates we've received it sounds like you are slowly adjusting to your new environment. <br />
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Knowing that you would soon be moving to a new facility has been so, so hard on your mama. I desperately want you to be home. But receiving a small update from the orphanage director helped me breathe a little easier...<br />
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<i>"Gift is 8kg, and generally her health is good. She is a nice girl who wants to be loved all the time. She wants to always be around people. She enjoys all the food we give her and also she likes playing with the toys so much. She is used to the surroundings now, because the first two days she was not used to the people around her and cried some. We are happy that she is now smiling."</i><br />
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<i>Oh, sweet girl!!!</i> So many amazing things in that one short little update! For starters... you're a tiny little tot (about 18 lbs)! But you look incredibly healthy with cheeks that I can't wait to get my hands on:) It warms my heart that you seem to be forming attachments and bonds, even amidst all the transition. This is a big deal. <i>Man, how I long to see that little smile for myself soon.</i><br />
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We also got a new picture this week... our third one in total. I smile every time I look at it <i>(which is like a hundred times a day).</i>.. you are on a little tricycle... in what looks to be some kind of frilly red and green Christmas dress. You have the deepest, most beautiful eyes... wise eyes. I love them. Your cheeks are ridiculously kissable and your mama can't wait to kiss every square inch of them.<br />
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<i>Soon, baby girl... soon.</i><br />
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Love,<br />
<br />
mamablack tag diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11699621576183404434noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138720107283746484.post-15170210131713379592013-10-02T23:00:00.000-04:002013-10-02T23:42:59.899-04:00thankful thursday {link up}<div style="margin: 0px;">
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<i>{Link up your own Thankful Thursday post below...}</i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">This Thursday I am thankful for...</span></i><br />
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1) Anonymous love. Last week we received an anonymous contribution towards our adoption. The inscription on the inside was so simple, yet so encouraging... <i>"Loving is expensive. For your adoptive friends." </i><br />
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2) Urgent Care Centers. I was having symptoms of a UTI yesterday and I knew I needed to get some antibiotics to make sure it didn't turn into anything more serious <i>(i.e. a kidney infection... worst pain I've ever experienced)</i>. Since I didn't get home from work until 8:00pm yesterday, I was super thankful to find an urgent care center that was open. Regardless of my 2+ hour wait, I'm extremely thankful for the nurses and doctors that likely worked a much longer day than me, and I'm grateful to have a prescription waiting for me.<br />
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3) Unicorn mail. I mean... freakin' seriously. Who wouldn't be thankful for unicorn mail? I have this friend, who, for whatever reason, refuses to have a cell phone. I'm always giving her a hard time about not being able to text her and blah, blah, blah... but then I received my very own paper text message with a UNICORN on it. <i>A unicorn.</i> Done. No cell phone needed... from here on out I only want unicorn mail... <i>period, the end.</i><br />
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<i>What are you thankful for this week? Grab the Thankful Thursday button from the right sidebar and link up your own post below. Be sure to visit the other Thankful Thursday participants and share the love!!</i></div>
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<i>I may be linking up with any of these fellow Thankful ladies:</i></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.firstdayofmylife.org/">First Day of My Life</a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://theresjustonemommy.com/">There's Just One Mommy</a></i></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.carinalee.com/">Lovely Little Whimsy</a></i></div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->black tag diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11699621576183404434noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138720107283746484.post-37945708309373226652013-10-01T08:00:00.000-04:002013-10-01T08:00:01.074-04:00embracing october {monthly goals}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: left;">It's freakin' October people. </span><i style="text-align: left;">October.</i><span style="text-align: left;"> Fall is finally here... and this makes me very, very happy. Here are my monthly goals for October...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-size: large;">learn // to say no.</span></b></div>
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I've never been very good at this. I have some kind of weird social-phobia where I fear if I say "no" to something I will miss out on all kinds of super exciting things and all of my friends will have inside jokes without me. I'm finally learning that that's okay and I need to say "no" more often.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">list // my blessings.</span></b><br />
I can be really quick to complain or focus on what I don't have or what I think I <i>"need"</i>... but this month I want to make a special effort to focus on all that I've already been given. I have been blessed with so, so much... and I want to be listing those:)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">limit // our spending.</span></b></div>
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This has been an on-going goal for a while now. <i>Because it's a good goal.</i> We are learning how to eat out less... pay down debt... save for adoption... and plan for the future. I have a feeling this won't be the last time we'll be working on this goal:)</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">love // the process</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>.</i></span></b></div>
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While I desperately want to be on the other side of the world holding my baby girl, I am trying to remember to love the process. I want to cherish every email update and every new photo. I want to remember how I felt when Lance and I looked at her first picture together... how I felt when we found out what she weighed... how I will feel when we meet her for the first time... and how I will feel when we finally bring her home. I want to remember it all.<br />
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<i>What about you? What are you focusing on this month?</i></div>
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<i>In case you're interested... or super bored at work... here are my previous monthly goals: <a href="http://blacktagdiaries.blogspot.com/2013/01/january-goals.html">January</a>, <a href="http://blacktagdiaries.blogspot.com/2013/02/embracing-february-monthly-goals.html">February</a>, <a href="http://blacktagdiaries.blogspot.com/2013/03/embracing-march-monthly-goals.html">March</a>, <a href="http://blacktagdiaries.blogspot.com/2013/04/embracing-april-monthly-goals.html">April</a>, <a href="http://blacktagdiaries.blogspot.com/2013/05/embracing-may-monthly-goals.html">May</a>, <a href="http://blacktagdiaries.blogspot.com/2013/06/embracing-june-monthly-goals.html">June</a>, <a href="http://blacktagdiaries.blogspot.com/2013/07/embracing-july-monthly-goals.html">July</a>, <a href="http://blacktagdiaries.blogspot.com/2013/08/embracing-august-monthly-goals.html">August</a>, and <a href="http://blacktagdiaries.blogspot.com/2013/09/embracing-september-monthly-goals.html">September</a>.</i></div>
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black tag diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11699621576183404434noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138720107283746484.post-2960345347419558952013-09-30T08:00:00.000-04:002013-09-30T08:00:00.711-04:00sisterly love.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vG-NX712dug/Ukjl71NddyI/AAAAAAAAPA8/5mxRRZByvnc/s1600/IMG_5035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vG-NX712dug/Ukjl71NddyI/AAAAAAAAPA8/5mxRRZByvnc/s400/IMG_5035.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>This girl.</i><br />
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My sister. Aka... confidant... fashion consultant... super hero... <i>my best friend. </i><br />
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It's her birthday today... I remember the day she was born... I was in kindergarden and got to leave school because "my baby sister" was finally here. I remember going to the hospital and sitting in a big vinyl chair and getting to hold my little sister for the first time. Who knew that twenty-seven years ago I'd meet my best friend:)<br />
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<i>Happy birthday Jenna-benna!! I love you!!</i>black tag diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11699621576183404434noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138720107283746484.post-27726554159617061072013-09-25T23:00:00.000-04:002013-10-02T22:42:11.791-04:00thankful thursday {link up}<div style="margin: 0px;">
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">This Thursday I am thankful for...</span></i><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-khLGj5jN9sM/UkOVRSXqP7I/AAAAAAAAPAk/5RrhB3R_lTM/s1600/Image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-khLGj5jN9sM/UkOVRSXqP7I/AAAAAAAAPAk/5RrhB3R_lTM/s320/Image+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
1) Awesome weather. The weather this week has pretty much been amazing. It has been in the 70's almost every day... clear, gorgeous and sunny. You can smell fall just around the corner. Windows are down, AC is off. It's pretty much perfect.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pAIhBU7x4ik/UkOVROc-TWI/AAAAAAAAPAg/Aofp1hDQZBg/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pAIhBU7x4ik/UkOVROc-TWI/AAAAAAAAPAg/Aofp1hDQZBg/s320/Image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
2) Quality time with the girls. Between working late and traveling, I haven't seen the chickens much lately. But this weekend I made sure to spend a little QT with them. They are so funny... incredibly entertaining actually. They have been keeping our fridge fully stocked with eggs too... and for that, I'm super grateful.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K-YI_BAwQdo/UkOVQdJMCJI/AAAAAAAAPAc/6eqKoc2YNuM/s1600/Image+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K-YI_BAwQdo/UkOVQdJMCJI/AAAAAAAAPAc/6eqKoc2YNuM/s320/Image+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
3) Nursery inspiration. I probably daydream about what this room will look like far more than I should. But I think it's going to be beautiful. Still have A LOT of work to do... but that's okay. It will all come together. I'm dreaming of a fun little fabric banner in navy and pinks:)<br />
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<i>What are you thankful for this week? Grab the Thankful Thursday button from the right sidebar and link up your own post below. Be sure to visit the other Thankful Thursday participants and share the love!!</i></div>
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<i>I may be linking up with any of these fellow Thankful ladies:</i></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.firstdayofmylife.org/">First Day of My Life</a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://theresjustonemommy.com/">There's Just One Mommy</a></i></div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->black tag diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11699621576183404434noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138720107283746484.post-77130871133982137292013-09-24T08:00:00.000-04:002013-09-25T21:34:16.796-04:00top 10 :: favorite office supplies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ApCuHZFDPos/UkEIL086O_I/AAAAAAAAPAA/9HT_tv2QNz4/s1600/0supplies+supply+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ApCuHZFDPos/UkEIL086O_I/AAAAAAAAPAA/9HT_tv2QNz4/s400/0supplies+supply+wall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.brooklynlimestone.com/2011/04/favorite-nook-vintage-junky.html">{source}</a></div>
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I'm kind of obsessed with office supplies. I still dork out over the school supply aisle at Target. It's a bit of a problem actually. New ink pens and spiral notebooks make me happier than they should. I don't think I'm the only one either... any other office supply junkies out there? We should start a support group... <i>for real.</i></div>
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Regardless... here are my top ten favorite office supplies right now...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qvtTE6CwTwA/UkEIL7xjmFI/AAAAAAAAPAE/k3JGoOov0p4/s1600/0supplies+washi+tape+binder+clips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qvtTE6CwTwA/UkEIL7xjmFI/AAAAAAAAPAE/k3JGoOov0p4/s400/0supplies+washi+tape+binder+clips.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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1) binder clips wrapped in washi tape <a href="http://artsyville.blogspot.com/2011/12/last-minute-washi-clips.html">{source}</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Au_wSbHhcO0/UkEGD5GlPtI/AAAAAAAAO_A/K-f93HRWOC8/s1600/0supplies+business+cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Au_wSbHhcO0/UkEGD5GlPtI/AAAAAAAAO_A/K-f93HRWOC8/s400/0supplies+business+cards.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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2) cheeky business cards <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/104671233/honey-bloom-calling-cards">{source}</a></div>
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3) thumb tacs covered in glitter <a href="http://www.simplifyingfabulous.com/blog/2013/09/17/tuesdays-trends-colorful-office-supplies/">{source}</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tv7d0uLDPUY/UkEILgQCm2I/AAAAAAAAO_8/20F4yDFHl1M/s1600/0supplies+progressive+calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tv7d0uLDPUY/UkEILgQCm2I/AAAAAAAAO_8/20F4yDFHl1M/s400/0supplies+progressive+calendar.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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4) a progressive DIY calendar <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2010/12/diy-project-vintage-postcard-calendar-journal.html">{source}</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZ51FBs4Nvc/UkEGDz_Qk3I/AAAAAAAAO-8/UAHWX_M4UDQ/s1600/0supplies+chalk+pencils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZ51FBs4Nvc/UkEGDz_Qk3I/AAAAAAAAO-8/UAHWX_M4UDQ/s400/0supplies+chalk+pencils.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
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5) chalk pencils <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/108386097/french-white-chalk-pencil-for-writing-on">{source}</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fkMCRtrMFbg/UkEGEDOiGcI/AAAAAAAAO_I/qVMuWfTMmCM/s1600/0supplies+gold+sicsors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fkMCRtrMFbg/UkEGEDOiGcI/AAAAAAAAO_I/qVMuWfTMmCM/s400/0supplies+gold+sicsors.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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6) gold scissors <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/118993615127576460/">{source}</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bQ9t35FLDk4/UkEGETl29qI/AAAAAAAAO_s/A6-sAb2IG64/s1600/0supplies+mail+bin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bQ9t35FLDk4/UkEGETl29qI/AAAAAAAAO_s/A6-sAb2IG64/s400/0supplies+mail+bin.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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7) a clever mail bin <a href="http://www.imgspark.com/">{source}</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OPnBSa1pxEc/UkEGFE-GfGI/AAAAAAAAO_k/mWSGzBvYURg/s1600/0supplies+state+address+label.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OPnBSa1pxEc/UkEGFE-GfGI/AAAAAAAAO_k/mWSGzBvYURg/s400/0supplies+state+address+label.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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8) state-shaped return address stamps <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/118993615125689104/">{source}</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-218xLb6aJ68/UkEGEpvWKEI/AAAAAAAAO_Q/l2nSv7JXrB8/s1600/0supplies+photo+boxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-218xLb6aJ68/UkEGEpvWKEI/AAAAAAAAO_Q/l2nSv7JXrB8/s400/0supplies+photo+boxes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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9) pretty photo/document boxes <a href="http://www.seejanework.com/productcart/pc/See-Jane-Work-Basic-Letter-Box-ALL-NEW-104p4875.htm">{source}</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N5abZXsyg1A/UkEGEwc2SeI/AAAAAAAAO_c/xHEVx3RNKuI/s1600/0supplies+sharpie+and+washi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N5abZXsyg1A/UkEGEwc2SeI/AAAAAAAAO_c/xHEVx3RNKuI/s400/0supplies+sharpie+and+washi.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
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10) neon sharpies and washi tape <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/118993615127576401/">{source}</a></div>
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There you have it. Office supplies that are sure to make your heart go pitter-patter. <i>What about you? Do you have any can't-live-without office supplies? Do you get all mushy in the school supply aisle? Tell the truth...</i><br />
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<i>Linking up this week with Angie at <a href="http://www.manylittleblessings.com/">Many Little Blessings</a>.</i>black tag diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11699621576183404434noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138720107283746484.post-90918696839548470042013-09-23T08:00:00.000-04:002013-09-23T08:00:01.102-04:00dear baby girl {letters from the heart}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ul1rXuHD_0/Uj-fRDMryRI/AAAAAAAAO-o/Ds5r-tPFhRM/s1600/pen-and-paper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ul1rXuHD_0/Uj-fRDMryRI/AAAAAAAAO-o/Ds5r-tPFhRM/s400/pen-and-paper.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Dear Baby Girl,<br />
<br />
We're getting closer! Rumor is we could be making our first trip to Uganda as early as October!!! <i> That's so close! </i> We are still waiting to receive our confirmed court date, but we are desperately praying that the October timeframe is true. The waiting is definitely getting harder and harder. We are <i>so</i> ready to see your sweet face.<br />
<br />
Your tiny little self has undergone quite a few transitions over the past several months. You've changed caregivers 3 times now... Knowing this absolutely kills me. It's not that I don't believe you are being cared for well... From what I can tell, you are very loved by everyone that meets you. It's just that <i>I </i>desperately want to be on a plane with you on my lap bringing you home. <i>I want to be your caregiver.</i> Me. Your mama.<br />
<br />
Then I'm reminded that you've already had the best Caregiver imaginable. The One that never leaves you. The One that never leaves me. And <i>that</i> is a good reminder baby girl. <br />
<br />
<i>Your daddy and I will be there soon... promise.</i><br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
mamablack tag diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11699621576183404434noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138720107283746484.post-15935693039405358242013-09-18T23:00:00.000-04:002013-09-25T21:35:01.701-04:00thankful thursday {link up}<div style="margin: 0px;">
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<i>{Link up your own Thankful Thursday post below...}</i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">This Thursday I am thankful for...</span></i><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4v5Z8anHgD4/Ujpr2dn5RKI/AAAAAAAAO-Q/HYP4O9UR2Hw/s1600/IMG_6089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4v5Z8anHgD4/Ujpr2dn5RKI/AAAAAAAAO-Q/HYP4O9UR2Hw/s320/IMG_6089.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
1) Beach day. There's just something about the sand between your toes and the sound of the ocean waves that does my soul good. This past Sunday I was able to visit Virginia Beach for the first time and it was amazing. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HINxkw4MwkY/Ujpr0x6qLKI/AAAAAAAAO-I/7GAquTvNcZs/s1600/IMG_6079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HINxkw4MwkY/Ujpr0x6qLKI/AAAAAAAAO-I/7GAquTvNcZs/s320/IMG_6079.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
2) Pink denim. I love colored denim... <i>and hotel selfies...</i> obviously. I'm pretty pumped about my new pink jeans... I'm not, however, pumped about the fact that I now have pink underwear too. Guess I should pay more attention to that whole <i>"wash before wearing"</i> tag... <i>whoopsies. </i><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZewR7Y3cN4/Ujpr4HA7UuI/AAAAAAAAO-Y/q9yGDB-H1qI/s1600/IMG_4000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZewR7Y3cN4/Ujpr4HA7UuI/AAAAAAAAO-Y/q9yGDB-H1qI/s320/IMG_4000.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
3) Home sweet home. After 5 days of travel, I'm beyond excited to be home. I'm thankful to be sleeping in my own bed and back to some kind of routine. And I'm super thankful to be back home with my hubby:)<br />
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<i>What are you thankful for this week? Grab the Thankful Thursday button from the right sidebar and link up your own post below. Be sure to visit the other Thankful Thursday participants and share the love!!</i></div>
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<i>I may be linking up with any of these fellow Thankful ladies:</i></div>
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<i><a href="http://fontenblog.blogspot.com/">The Fontenot Four</a></i></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.firstdayofmylife.org/">First Day of My Life</a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://theresjustonemommy.com/">There's Just One Mommy</a></i></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.carinalee.com/">Lovely Little Whimsy</a></i></div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->black tag diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11699621576183404434noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138720107283746484.post-13368093295760065162013-09-17T08:00:00.000-04:002013-09-17T08:00:11.274-04:00top ten :: things i've learned through the adoption process<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Khoaog_3CMw/UjfKWxsBOQI/AAAAAAAAO94/mFNtHcMGOAM/s1600/IMG_4426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Khoaog_3CMw/UjfKWxsBOQI/AAAAAAAAO94/mFNtHcMGOAM/s400/IMG_4426.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Top ten things we're learning from the adoption process...<br />
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<b>1) Paperwork ain't for sissies.</b> For real. No one can fully prepare you for the ridiculous amount of paperwork that is involved for the adoption process. It's insane. When I think "paperwork" I think, you know... just sit down and write out your full name and address a handful of times... <i>But nooooo... </i>it's more like get 7 notarized copies of this... and 7 notarized copies of that... and a local background check... a state background check... a federal background check... get your birth certificates... get your marriage license... answer a billion personal questions... get a reference letter... then another one... <i>seriously... this is some serious paperwork.</i><br />
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<b>2) Fingerprinting should be a sport. </b> There is an art to getting your fingerprints taken. No, really... it's not as easy as it sounds. If fingerprinting were a sport, Lance would be on the varsity team and I'm pretty sure I would have been cut altogether. Basically, for every one time that Lance got his fingerprints done, I had to do mine twice.<br />
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<b>3) Memorize your adoption agency's address. </b> This will be extremely helpful when you're rushing to the UPS store (again) to mail another pile of paperwork off and you forgot the little sticky note with your agency's mailing address. Don't worry, by the 4th time, you'll probably have it memorized anyways.<br />
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<b>4) Make friends at the post office.</b> <i>...or the UPS store, or FedEx, or whatever.</i> Learn their names... they will become some of your best friends during this process. We have received some very kind discounts because of this. Typically after we've notarized the 30th document or had our fingerprints done the 3rd time, they start to feel sorry for us:) But more than that... they care. They are excited about our adoption... they want to meet our baby girl... the one they've helped bring home in a small way.<br />
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<b>5) Don't get attached to timelines. </b> This has been hard. I desperately want to know exactly when our baby girl will be home. I want to believe our agency when they tell us our first trip will be soon. I want to believe the Ugandan court system almost has our court date ready. <i>But the truth is, I don't know.</i> And the waiting is already hard enough. We have learned to hold these dates and timelines with a very loose grip.<br />
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<b>6) <i>Do</i> get attached to your baby. </b> While we've been trying our best to not get too attached to timelines, we have done quite the opposite with our baby girl. We were pretty much done for the moment we saw her little face back in June. Her sweet picture instantly captured our hearts. We tried our best to guard ourselves early on... but it became practically impossible as time went on. <i>And I think that's okay. </i> She's our girl... and we love her. We're attached. Done for.<br />
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<b>7) Listen.</b> There were several times during this process that Lance and I had to step back and re-evaluate. We were/are constantly seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit... listening to God's quiet promptings. Plans changed... we went from Haiti to Uganda... from multiple children to one... all decisions that at one point we felt very confident about, but God had different plans... and I'm so glad we listened.<br />
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<b>8) Let others be a part of it all.</b> We have been so amazed at the outpouring of love and support that we have received over the past several months. We have received letters and encouragement from friends and family both near and far... some that we talk to everyday and others that we haven't spoken to in years... and some that we've never even met before. It's been an incredibly humbling experience. We have been brought to tears on more than one occasion and are in awe at how our little girl has already managed to capture the hearts of so many.<br />
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<b>9) Pray together. </b> I would be lying if I said this process hasn't been hard. Our emotions have been all over the place and we've been frustrated more than once. This has been a physically, emotionally and spiritually draining process. <i>But man, am I so thankful for Lance. </i> I cannot think of anyone I would rather make this journey with. Throughout this adoption process we have been constantly reminded of our great need for Jesus, which I'm sure will only magnify as we step into parenthood.<br />
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<b>10) Persevere. </b>We continue to push ahead. Hopefully we're done with fingerprinting and notarizing... but I expect we are really just at the beginning of a whole other journey. <i>And we can't wait.</i>black tag diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11699621576183404434noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138720107283746484.post-8123123236390589822013-09-16T08:00:00.000-04:002013-09-16T08:00:02.433-04:00weekend festivities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This weekend was a blur. <i>But a good blur. </i> It was filled with new friends... new cities... new drinks... new books... and new co-workers... I spent most of my weekend <i>(and will spend most of my week)</i> in Virginia for work... but I was able to sneak off to Virginia Beach on Sunday... which made working all day Saturday almost worth it:) <i> Overall... a great weekend...</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6dVc-yUePgs/UjZixLE5r4I/AAAAAAAAO9I/Uy8QCDhCSRg/s1600/IMG_6070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6dVc-yUePgs/UjZixLE5r4I/AAAAAAAAO9I/Uy8QCDhCSRg/s400/IMG_6070.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>...beers with the girls on Thursday night...</i></div>
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<i>...planes, trains, and automobiles all day Friday...</i> </div>
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<i>...unpacked and settled in Friday night...</i> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CATf1lT_I-g/UjZi2Ua4pLI/AAAAAAAAO9g/2tFMjPv94gs/s1600/IMG_6088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CATf1lT_I-g/UjZi2Ua4pLI/AAAAAAAAO9g/2tFMjPv94gs/s400/IMG_6088.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i> ...spent Sunday seaside at Virginia Beach (so, so fabulous)...</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_2IPKCxPZM0/UjZi3CuJdDI/AAAAAAAAO9o/XJEl22hXyF4/s1600/IMG_6092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_2IPKCxPZM0/UjZi3CuJdDI/AAAAAAAAO9o/XJEl22hXyF4/s400/IMG_6092.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>...closed out a perfect beach day with a Waterman's orange crush...</i></div>
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Really, I couldn't have asked for better. I may have spent all day Saturday working and counting inventory... but I'll work a thousand Saturdays if they are all followed up with Sunday beach days:)</div>
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<i>What about you? What did you do this weekend?</i></div>
black tag diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11699621576183404434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138720107283746484.post-62276081792677576762013-09-11T23:00:00.000-04:002013-09-18T22:29:09.806-04:00thankful thursday {link up}<div style="margin: 0px;">
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<i>{Link up your own Thankful Thursday post below...}</i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">This Thursday I am thankful for...</span></i><br />
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1) Tomatoes. The tomatoes have been coming in steadily the past few weeks. We have a counter full of them right now. There's just something about homegrown tomatoes. I've been loving them in my salads... by themselves... with mozzarella... and with bacon. <i> Mmmm. </i> We've been eating bacon and tomato sandwiches like it's our job around here.<br />
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2) Work trip. I'm heading to Chesapeake, VA for a work trip the next several days. I'll be honest, my initial response wasn't gratitude. I didn't want to be gone from my husband on the weekend, and there's so much I want to work on in the nursery... But you know what? I'm <i>thankful </i>I get to travel this week. I get to visit a city that I've never been to... maybe even make a pit stop at Virginia Beach... I'll get to meet some new co-workers... and I secretly love hotel stays. Besides, I'm starting to realize that my quiet alone time is very, very limited in the coming days:)<br />
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3) A bowl full of love. Over the past couple of months, we have received so much love, support, and encouragement from so many friends and family in regards to our adoption. Seriously. So much. I've been saving all of the cards and notes and letters... I've been tucking them away in a bowl in baby girl's room. That bowl is practically overflowing. I can't even tell you how happy this makes me. I love that one day, our daughter will be able to see this giant pile of cards and letters and <i>she will know</i>. She will know how incredibly loved and adored she is... <i>always.</i><br />
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<i>What are you thankful for this week? Grab the Thankful Thursday button from the right sidebar and link up your own post below. Be sure to visit the other Thankful Thursday participants and share the love!!</i></div>
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<i>I may be linking up with any of these fellow Thankful ladies:</i></div>
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<i><a href="http://fontenblog.blogspot.com/">The Fontenot Four</a></i></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.firstdayofmylife.org/">First Day of My Life</a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://theresjustonemommy.com/">There's Just One Mommy</a></i></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.carinalee.com/">Lovely Little Whimsy</a></i></div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->black tag diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11699621576183404434noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138720107283746484.post-37723798868179489872013-09-11T08:00:00.000-04:002013-09-11T21:47:58.131-04:00he & she {adoption edition}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c1o6vnmWbKs/Ui_MONAa2jI/AAAAAAAAO84/88an2Le-_bU/s1600/black-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c1o6vnmWbKs/Ui_MONAa2jI/AAAAAAAAO84/88an2Le-_bU/s400/black-16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
he is putting together the crib and dresser for baby girl's room.<br />
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she is picking out paint colors and fabric swatches for baby girl's room.<br />
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they are anxious to actually have <i>baby girl</i> in baby girl's room:)<br />
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he is preparing to be out-numbered in his own house.<br />
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she is buying shoes in 2 different sizes now:)<br />
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he is updating and managing the coffee fundraising.<br />
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she is creating and posting jewelry for the Etsy fundraising.<br />
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they continue to be amazed by the generous love and support that has come in from family and friends.<br />
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he knows the notarizing guy by name.<br />
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she knows the fingerprinting girl by name.<br />
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they are no stranger to documentation and paperwork.<br />
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he is following up with our agency regarding our court date.<br />
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she is following up with our loan applications regarding loans and grants.<br />
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they are desperately awaiting their travel dates.<br />
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he shows his daughter's picture to everyone he meets.<br />
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she can't wait to kiss her baby girl's cheeks.<br />
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<i>they are ready.</i>black tag diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11699621576183404434noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138720107283746484.post-54601566326523857982013-09-09T08:00:00.000-04:002013-09-09T08:00:00.953-04:00book problems<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CDRdCipcVwY/Ui0hx35R4SI/AAAAAAAAO78/z9o80P70mO0/s1600/IMG_6031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CDRdCipcVwY/Ui0hx35R4SI/AAAAAAAAO78/z9o80P70mO0/s400/IMG_6031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>I have a problem.</i><br />
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You see... I love to read. <i> Like, really... I do. </i> But for whatever reason I can't seem to commit to my books. If one is too serious, I go out in search of a funny one... if one is too light-hearted, I start looking for something deeper. It's a problem really. <br />
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I'm in a book-love-affair. It's gotten a bit out of hand actually. Here's what I'm currently reading...<br />
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<b><i>-Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (by Mindy Kaling)</i></b> </div>
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I'm probably the most committed to Mindy right now. She stays in my car and I read a chapter or two pretty much everyday during lunch. She seriously cracks me up. I honestly think we are friends right now. I talk about her to my husband... me: <i>"Lance, did I tell you what Mindy says about 'hooking up'?!? ...it's hilarious."</i> Lance: <i>"You don't know her, by the way." </i></div>
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<b><i>-Kisses from Katie (by Katie Davis)</i></b></div>
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This is a great book about a young girl living in Uganda, learning to love and care for the widows and the orphans. This chic is like 23 years old and her life both convicts and inspires me in so many ways. This book sits on my bedside table and on the nights that I manage to crawl under the covers before midnight I will read a chapter or two.</div>
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<b><i>-A Voice in the Wind (by Francine Rivers)</i></b></div>
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Okay... I have tried to start this book three different times now... and every single time I seem to get stuck around the end of chapter 2. This is the first book in a trilogy series called "Mark of the Lion" and I have heard so many wonderful recommendations on this series. This is also the same author that wrote my all-time favorite book, "Redeeming Love" so, there's really no reason why I shouldn't be able to push through on this book... just can't seem to make it happen.</div>
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<b><i>-The Great Gatsby (by F. Scott Fitzgerald)</i></b></div>
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I attempted this classic shortly after the recent Leonardo Dicaprio movie came out. It's been on my classic book list for quite some time now... and it actually seems to be a pretty easy read. I kept this book in my car and was reading it periodically on my lunch break... that is, until I lost it somewhere in the depths of my car. I just now found it so I could write this blog post.</div>
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And if that wasn't enough... I'm also listening to an audio book called <i>The Next Best Thing (by Jennifer Weiner)</i>. Yep. I have problems.</div>
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Because just in case I didn't have enough reading to do.... here are the books I'm currently hoarding by my nightstand... </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ja-qJOw7KRU/Ui0hytWvKFI/AAAAAAAAO8A/J9ffpo1nXfc/s1600/IMG_6034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ja-qJOw7KRU/Ui0hytWvKFI/AAAAAAAAO8A/J9ffpo1nXfc/s400/IMG_6034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Dying to start these...</div>
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<b><i>-The Little Prince (by Antoine de Saint-Exupery)</i></b></div>
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<b><i>-The Sweetest Hallelujah (by Elaine Hussey)</i></b></div>
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<b><i>-The Atonement Child (by Francine Rivers)</i></b></div>
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<b><i>-A Dream So Big (by Steve Peifer)</i></b></div>
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<i>Sooooo.... yeah. </i> I'd say I have commitment issues. What about you? Are you a committed reader? Have you read any of the above books? Any recommendations? Because I'm sure I'll be adding another handful of novels to the bedside table soon:) <i> Problems, I tell ya... problems. </i>black tag diarieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11699621576183404434noreply@blogger.com6